Decoupaged Ink Pad Holder

Morning, I have to admit that I am hopelessly addicted to Graphic 45. It started a few years ago and I have a lovely selection. But the biggest pitfall is that I am loathed to used it. Like a lot of crafters out there, I do like to look at it every now and again.

After assembling my MDF project, I decided to use a selection from the Le Cirque Collection, here a variety from the borders and tags. I did get a few of them so I don't think they will be missed too much.

Firstly I gave two coats of black Gesso, leaving the first coat to dry in between. Normally I would have given just the one coat, but because the unit will be in use most days I wanted it to be hard-wearing.

I popped out the tags and borders from the sheets and removed any pips remaining. Then using Tacky glue, which I had let down with a little water I applied my decoration. Wherever possible trying not to overlap, where pieces joined I used my nail to mark and trim. In some areas I decoupaged the figures to add a little more interest. I trimmed around the edges and finished with a sanding block.

I left this to dry overnight and then applied  a coat of Vintage Crackle Basecoat (Tonic) in one direction. When this was completely dry I applied another coat in the opposite direction. When this had dried, I applied a coat of Crackle Top Coat and again left overnight.

The effect was great, but to make it more obvious I used brown shoe polish and a soft cloth to rub it into the cracks.Hopefully you can see from the photos. I didn't seal the project as I think the crackle medium and polish were sufficient.

Thank you so much for popping by and looking at this project.

I do love reading your comments and try to answer everyone of them if possible. I am so happy that you are enjoying my blog and what I share on here.

I am thinking of  adding a little about life here and stuff like that, maybe once a week. What do you think?