Does anyone else ever wish we still dressed up for things? I remember my grandmother talking about wearing a hat and gloves to go shopping. Shopping. Ahhh, the romance (she says while gratefully clad in a t-shirt and jeans!).
These are casual times, so I decided to put my costume jewelry to work for Valentines.
Supplies:
picture frame, minus the glass (mine has a 5 x 7 opening)
cardboard insert (the one that comes with the frame is fine if it fills the opening; or cut out your own)
fabric or scrapbook paper
pins, earrings, rings, bling!
scissors
clips
tape
pushpin
scrap paper or cutout of a heart
Instructions:
- Dig up those kindergarten memories and cut out a paper heart. Check to see that the size works well with the opening of your frame (ie. not too big, not too small).
- Arrange jewelry on your paper heart until you get a combination you like.
- Cover cardboard insert with fabric or scrapbook paper. Secure with tape (or glue—tape was just faster and when finished, the frame holds it in place.)
- Clip paper with heart-shaped opening onto fabric/paper-covered cardboard.
- Transfer pins, earrings, etc. from your practice heart to the heart shape on your cardboard.
- Remove clips and paper pattern. Place cardboard insert back into frame and bend in tabs to help keep it in place. Voila!
Tips:
- The more textured the fabric, the more forgiving it will be if you need to make new holes and hide old ones.
- If your cardboard is pretty stubborn or your earring posts are bendy, a starter hole with the push pin will help.
- I had more control of the shape by placing the larger pieces first. Smaller items can help fill in gaps or clarify the outline.
- Secure earrings with backs if enough of the post is sticking through the other side. (Most of mine just stayed in place on their own– as long as I didn’t turn the whole project upside down.)
- I used a ring when the supply of earrings grew slim. It required a healthy slit with a utility knife. (Not easy to hide if you decide to move it, so choose wisely!).
