By the Sea with Katy

I love a bit of upcycling, don't you? Today I've taken something intended for winter and turned it into something distinctly summery! My little photo display started out as one of a set of four Xmas decorative cubes reading 'NOEL'. I am not sure how this idea morphed - it just came to me in a random moment!

Using a binder clip to hold your picture is great because it's really easy to slip a photo into it and you can change the photo as often as you like. This idea would be fab for displaying your favourite ATC too. My photo is from my wedding - I was lucky enough to be married on the beach - so romantic.

I used my latest obsession - DecoArt products - to create my block. The Retro Beach set I used here is one of my favourites from Rubber Dance. So, want to know how I made it? Read on!

1) My photo block started out as a set of Xmas blocks that said 'NOEL'. To begin with I peeled off the label, lightly sanded the block and applied a layer of white gesso.

2) Apply a thin layer of Pumice Stone Distress Paint using the sponge dabber. When dry loosely add further areas of paint in Frayed Burlap. Don't cover the cube evenly - the patchy look adds to the end result.

3) Working on each side in turn, apply DecoArt Crackle Paste through a stencil (Finnabair for Prima). Allow the paste to dry well before going onto the next step.

4) Use your fingers to apply a thin coat of DecoArt Antiquing Cream over each side. Wipe back the excess - this highlights the cracks perfectly! The cream is not permanent so a matte varnish is recommended at this stage. On a binder clip, paint a layer of DecoArt Crackle Paste and as before, treat with the Antiquing Cream. Glue into place on top of the cube.

5) Add a scrap of mesh ribbon to the front of the cube. Stamp and colour two shells (Retro Beach) and add with silicone glue. Die cut a starfish, colour and over-stamp with the dots stamp from the For the Birds set. Add this with more silicone glue. Finish with the stamped word and pop a picture between the prongs of the binder clip.

Hope you enjoyed today's tutorial - if you like seaside things do make sure you check out this month's challenge too.

Katy xxx

Here are the fabby Rubber Dance stamps I used:

New Retro Beach

For the Birds