Aren't these great? One Saturday morning, $15 (if you have to buy everything) in supplies, and a little creativity is all you need! Come on, let's make you some too!
I stole this idea from
EightCrazy and modified it for my skill level and budget. I in no way claim to be a master crafter and so I will word this tutorial to those like me who would like to be crafty, but sadly are just taking baby steps. For you master crafters, this project will be a breeze. Ready, set, baby steps:
Items you will need:Foam Core Board 20"x 30"
Box cutter (aka utility knife)
Something to raise the foam core or cut it on
Scrapbook Paper (the thicker papers work best trust me on this one)
Something to cover your work space
Modge Podge (I had gloss, but would recommend matte if you are buying it)
Sponge Brushes (about 1-2 inches wide)
Acrylic Craft Paint (little bottles at the craft store)
Hair Dryer
Scissors/paper cutter
1. Start by measuring and cutting your foam core into six 10" x 10" squares. I made my husband do this. (I am still scarred from a grade school pop bottle bird feeder experience with a box cutter. Who gives a kid a box cutter to cut a 2-liter with anyway?) He put the four corners on my son's little books to raise it off the carpet and used the level to guide the edge.
2. Then I painted the edges brown. I did two thick coats letting them dry thoroughly after the first coat so I could see where they might need special attention on the second coat.
3. Then I tried cutting the paper to match the size, but found it easier to just match up two sides of the paper to the edge of the foam and modge podge it on. Using the sponge brush I coated the face of the foam with modge podge, placed the paper on top lining up two edges and pressed down firmly everywhere to make sure that it stuck. Let this dry for about 5 minutes.
4. Then place your foam on something (I used an old board) to trim the paper. (I got brave and did it myself this time) The trick is to go kind of quick and not press too hard with the cutter.
5. Some of my edges were not perfectly straight so I sanded them a little. That took a little paint off the edges, so I ran along the corner with the side of my paint brush that was still wet with the brown. This gave it an inked look that I liked, so I did it to all the edges.
5. Using the sponge brush, I put a thin layer of modge podge on the paper and covered it completely. I also put a layer of modge podge on the sides over the paint. As it dries the paper may begin to wrinkle or bubble a bit, check the edges closely (especially if you didn't use the thick paper). That's where your handy dandy hair dryer comes in! Once your piece is no longer sticky, use your hair dryer to warm the bubbles and wrinkles with heat and smooth them down with your fingers at the same time. I used the low setting, so it would not get as hot.
6. Voila! By using the foam core instead of canvas they weigh next to nothing, so I just stuck them up with the 3/4 inch glue dots. That way they do not damage the walls and you can move them around.
Yay for a successful project!!
