MMSC Altered Frame Tutorial

I am going to show you how to make an altered frame, I have recently discovered  how easy it is and once you see it for yourself, I am sure you are going to want to try it....Before you rush off to buy one, have a look around your home for frames you can paint, my frame is recycled and one of two that I have done!  I have seen so many in the shops and thought to myself  'I can do that'...and now I have and SO CAN YOU!

You will need:

* A painted frame - with a mostly flat surface - this is much better for stamping.

* The stamp sets of your choice - I have used three from Layers of Color **

Acrylic stamps work best for this, as you can actually see where you are placing the image.

* Stazon Ink Pad

* Tim Holtz Distressing Ink Pad ( I have used Walnut stain)

** A flourish is perfect for these frames, it also acts as a great 'filler' although you want to use a number of different images,. 

Lightly sand the painted frame and then choose where you will put your images. 

 Note that Stazon does just that - Stays On! 

Start with a flourish in the top and opposite corners and work from there, this is easiest and once that first flourish is on it just comes together.

I have used the Creative Flourishes  Set from Layers of Color and added it to each corner

The Backyard Birds and smaller flourishes have been added to the other corners in StazOn - don't worry if the image is NOT perfect, this actually works  better with the look we are wanting to achieve.

Using the Distressing Ink, I have used a music image that I have,  remember we are wanting to give a fuller eclectic look rather than crowded - there is a difference!

Now it is time for sponging....with a sponge or dauber and the Distressing Ink

Just start with it light and you can add from there - I have used a Blender Pen to define some areas too, should it be needed.  There is no right and wrong here, you just add until you achieve the look you are wanting.

I have then added a RubOn and then sponged over it,  if you use a sponge or a dauber and lightly go in circular movements you will get the right look - trying to avoid definite lines where the Distressing Ink starts and stops.

Also sponge around the edges of the frame, for me, this makes a big difference.  You can see on the photo below,  I have sponged around the inside edge where the photo goes - it brings the whole look together.

Here is the finished frame - what do you think.  I know it looks like a lot of work, but it is a lot quicker than you think, it is quicker than making a card and so effective! 

I do have to add here that Distressing Ink is not permanent like StazOn, so I have not sealed the frame, it will be fine and should not fade...but will run if sealed. 

I am looking forward to hearing what think and seeing your frame when you have tried - remember all those times you have determined to make a 'homemade' gift for birthdays and Christmas. You are one step closer to doing that once you have tried this AND I know from experience you will NOT want to stop at one!!

Please come back and show us your frames and feel free to ask me any questions.