Decoupage originated in East Siberia in the 12th century and has since spread across the globe, evolving into various styles and techniques. The word "decoupage" comes from the French word "decouper," which means "to cut out." It gained popularity during the Renaissance, when it was used to decorate furniture, household items, and even walls.
Mint by Michelle paper offers a wide range of beautiful designs, from vintage patterns to modern motifs. When using Mint by Michelle paper for decoupage, it's important to choose a design that complements the furniture piece you're working on. Whether you're revamping an old dresser or adding a touch of elegance to a plain table, Mint by Michelle paper can breathe new life into your furniture.
Fusion Decoupage Gel is a high-quality adhesive specifically formulated for decoupage projects. It provides a strong bond between the paper and the surface, ensuring longevity and durability. The gel is easy to apply, dries clear, and creates a smooth finish that enhances the beauty of the Mint by Michelle paper design.
One of the unique aspects of decoupage is the ability to blend the paper design seamlessly with the surrounding surface using paint. After applying the Mint by Michelle paper and Fusion Decoupage Gel, you can use acrylic or chalk paint to create a cohesive look. By carefully selecting colors that complement the paper design, you can achieve a harmonious and professional finish.
Decoupage isn't limited to furniture alone. With Mint by Michelle paper and Fusion Decoupage Gel, you can create a wide range of home decor items, such as decorative trays, picture frames, vases, and more. Let your creativity soar as you transform ordinary objects into personalized works of art.
As mentioned earlier, decoupage has a rich history that spans centuries. It gained popularity in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, with aristocrats and royalty using it to adorn their homes with intricate designs. In the 19th century, decoupage became a popular pastime for women, who would create beautiful objects using scraps of paper and varnish.
Today, decoupage continues to captivate artists and crafters alike. It allows for self-expression, creativity, and the opportunity to breathe new life into old or plain objects. With Mint by Michelle paper and Fusion Decoupage Gel, you can embark on your own decoupage journey and create stunning pieces that reflect your personal style.
So why not give decoupage a try? Explore the world of Mint by Michelle paper, experiment with Fusion Decoupage Gel, and let your imagination run wild. Transform your furniture, create unique home decor items, and become a part of the rich history of this timeless craft.
]]>Here is a list of what I used.( some items are discontinued,they will be noted with a *)
The paint is a mix of Coral colors I had around the workshop. The Coral from Fusion Mineral Paint would work too. Coral Fusion Mineral Paint
I added the wording with the Typesetting Stamp
The flowers are the Wander transfer
There are bits of handwriting from the Kindest Regards stamp. This stamp is a must have for your stash!
I used the trim area with diamond shapes from the Prim and Trim transfer *
I used Iron Orchid Designs Black, and China Blue Inks for the stamping and to put smudges of color on the drawers and here and there. TIP: When using the IOD inks let them dry a full 24 hours before brushing on top coat. I use a heat gun or blow dryer to make sure it's dry and set. Spray water based sealers like MinWax PolyCrylic work great to seal first and then let you brush or roll on a liquid sealer without smearing the ink.
I used an IOD brayer with a very light coat of IOD Mixing White ink and rolled it around to make highlighted areas.
The knobs were highlighted with Plaid Liquid Gold Leaf paint* but you can use Fusion Mineral Paint metallic paint in any of the gold shades, rose gold would be beautiful
I sealed it with a coat of Fusion Mineral Tough Coat in Matte finish. Lightly coated and let dry two to three times.
No two works are going to look the same so embrace what you like and change others. If you have any questions just email us at bluebirdmercantile@gmail.com
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You can create amazing wall art using multiple techniques layered in your piece - with the right instructions. But sometimes - a picture is worth a thousand words, truly.
No time to read this now? Pin it for later!
So I broke out two of the more complicated techniques I used to create a bright colored, floral word art piece for my gallery wall - and put them into a short video. You can watch that here, or scroll on by and catch the complete supply list and step-by-step instructions below.
To create your own piece you’ll need:
Hawaiian Hibiscus Milk Paint by Fusion Paint
Heat gun
Plastic tool (PRO TIP: the plastic applicator from Painterly Floral Transfer)
Titebond Quick + Thick Glue
Even though the video tutorial walks you through two of the techniques used in making this mixed media wall art piece, let’s walk through your initial steps.
Grab the paintbrush and the Hawaiian Hibiscus Milk Paint and prepare the paint according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready - give the wood blank a complete coverage with the paint and then let it dry completely.
I picked some pieces from the transfer that would frame my art piece, creating a space for the words I’ll add later from IOD Mould castings.
This is where you open the door to your own creativity and choose the florals that call to you from the IOD Transfer. Take a look at my finished piece to see how I developed my composition by creating a floral frame with the transfer pieces I used.
One tip for applying a transfer to any project surface, you don’t need to rub-on the transfer using a lot of pressure. Try to “catch a bubble” on the transfer and lift off the backing a bit to peek. Replace the backing and rub-on any bits remaining on the backing.
Now let’s continue with the techniques in the video.
Before you put any Air Dry Clay into your mould, take a paintbrush and brush in some cornstarch. This will help the casting release more easily from the mold. My favorite technique is to pop the mould into the freezer for 3-5 minutes. The castings pop out easily when they come out of the freezer.
Now take a bit of clay from the package, then immediately put the open package of clay into a ziplock bag. It dries fast! And taking this extra step will preserve the rest of the clay - an economic tip!
Push the clay into the letter as you begin to spell out your words. This is not a difficult step in the process - it just takes time. And you need to take your time. There are so many tiny details in the mold and they’re delicate. Perform each step carefully and methodically.
Once the clay has completely filled the letter, take a flat tool (I’m using the rub-on transfer plastic applicator from the Painterly Floral transfer) and scrape off the excess clay. A flat back on the casting will help it adhere when you apply the glue.
You’ll see the back of the silicone moulds have a micro rim around the edge of each impression. This helps get the excess clay off by using it as a guide. (min1:05 to see this illustrated in the video)
You can use a metal tool, like a putty knife, but be careful it doesn’t cut into the soft silicone mould. You can also run your finger around the micro rim to scrape off excess clay.
Turn your mould upside down and begin to gently roll back the edge of the mould to start the release of your casting. I started with the letter M in the Victoria Mould and it’s leggy, delicate, and has wonderful details. Using the tip of the plastic tool to assist the removal, I gradually release the letter. (2:36)
Repeat steps 3 and 4 to spell out the words you’ve chosen for your wall art. Don’t forget to brush in cornstarch before you fill each impression with clay. I like to get all the letters completed before I begin gluing them to the project surface with the Titebond glue.
[Remember to keep the IOD Air Dry Clay safely zipped up in the ziplock baggie!]
Carefully lay out the letters on your project surface to get the words where you want them. I like to take one letter casting at a time and apply the Titebond glue to the back with my fingertip before placing it back down and gently pressing.
Use a wet wipe or paper towel to remove any excess glue. Continue this process until your words are glued completely. Then let this dry 24 hours, minimum. I rubbed on some of the metallic paste to the letters to give them that pop the piece needed.
At the end of the video, you’ll see what looks like a new craft project, but it’s a demonstration of using a stencil to add the Posh Chalk Metallic Paste. This technique and product will add depth and dimension to your mixed media piece.
I use a lacy floral stencil from the Tim Holtz Collection. In the video, I’m adding this to a wood tag that I’ve painted and used a bit of the Painterly Floral Transfer on. But check out the finished picture of my mixed media wall art piece - and you’ll see the embossing in the top right corner.
Here’s how I did it:
I lay the stencil across the project surface to apply the paste across the back of the stencil. The paste will fill in the stencil opening, but it’s important to apply carefully and wipe back or scrape the excess paste off.
Once you’ve covered the stencil, carefully lift it from the surface. Any excess paste can be removed with a paper towel. (7:13) I use some excess on my fingertip to rub along the corner edges of the piece, giving it more of a finished look.
Hint: The paste dries very hard, so it won’t smudge or come off when you’re done.
Alone, the metallic paste stenciled on the wall art looks great. But the next step will give you the interesting depth and texture that makes the piece stand out.
Grab a crafting heat gun and hold it back from the surface about 10” to a foot to apply the heat to the paste. Be careful not to get the heat on the transfer pieces, and make sure it’s not too close to the surface or the paste will bubble.
As the heat is directed to the paste, you’ll begin to see it puff up. (8:01) The metallic paste adds a hammered metal look to the surface - literally putting the mixed media into your project!
And you have now created a beautiful piece of wall art that will stand out in your gallery wall, fill in the perfect spot in your kitchen, or pop off a bathroom wall!
Go ahead and give this project a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to master these techniques, and once you’ve got them down - the creative sky’s the limit! Don’t forget to send me pictures of your completed projects.
]]>Nope - not even close! It’s a simple, oh-so-easy craft project with hardly any supplies. Really!
Ok here’s the whole story. I like to cut up my Iron Orchid Designs Decor Transfers into pieces. That way, I can mix and match to my heart's content as I’m creating. In fact - it’s almost like painting a picture, but so much easier.
I put together a simple project combining my IOD Transfer scraps to create a gorgeous little piece of wall art (and a bonus project, too.)
No time to read right now? Pin this post for later.
Follow along with the video tutorial below, or scroll on down to the step-by-step instructions. And - bonus! - there are two projects in the tutorial, so make sure to keep watching to the end (min 10:07) for another super easy craft project idea.
🌸 Cut up pieces of any IOD Transfer
🌸 IOD Japonica Transfer (this is what I used)
🌸 Floating Frame
🌸. Card stock (a sheet larger than the Floating Frame)
🌸 Good pair of scissors
🌸 Bonus Project: any hard sided handbag
Guess what - that’s all I used in this project. If you’re new to IOD Transfers, you should know I can usually get FOUR projects from one transfer. (Unless I’m applying the transfer to a large piece of furniture.) One transfer set can generate a lot of individual pieces.
It’s easy to dismantle a floating frame - just remove the clips from all sides. Place the glass, and the frame backing in a separate location to keep them safe. You won’t need them again until the end of this project.
I use the paper that comes inside the frame as a template to get the perfect size from the card stock. Just lay it on the large sheet of card stock to cut it out. If you’re making multiple pieces of wall art, cut out all the card stock you’ll need for each one in this step. (Min 1:06)
Here’s where you let your creativity out to play. Don’t doubt yourself. Grab the transfer pieces you’ve chosen, or use the exact pieces I used from the IOD Japonica Transfer. It's the makers' choice!
As you’re designing the layout, think about the rule of thirds for compositions. (1:28) Imagine your card stock in thirds and balance the layout using this visual guide. It’s also important to consider the scale of each piece so they balance out the overall design.
The IOD Decor Transfers come with a small plastic applicator you’ll use to rub them onto the project surface. Simply take the white backing paper off the transfer sheet and place it in the spot you’ve chosen on the project surface.
Take the applicator stick and begin to firmly rub the top sheet so that the transfer, underneath, adheres to the project surface. (2:29) Pull up an edge of the plastic sheet to see if there are pieces of the transfer that need more rubbing.
Once all the transfer is on the project surface, use the plastic backing sheet to burnish it into place. Simply turn the backing sheet over and rub it across the entire surface of the transfer. (2:54) My card stock had a texture similar to canvas, and the burnishing gave the transfer that same gorgeous texture.
Continue by repeating the actions in Step 4, as you add more transfer pieces to create your composition. You really can’t go wrong with this step, and depending on what transfer scraps you’re using - follow the rule of thirds. (3:18)
When you’re cutting a transfer apart, take your time and make sure you cut where a design naturally terminates. I got a little carried away when I cut a piece of the Japonica transfer and left a stem that I should have included in my scrap. (5:49)
Hint: leaving the white backing on the transfer when you’re cutting will prevent your scissors from sticking to the transfer backing. (6:29)
I place some of my transfer pieces moving off the edge of the project surface. Another pro-tip is to use the white backing paper that came with the transfer to keep the edge of a piece you place off an edge from sticking to your work surface. (7:43)
Once you’re satisfied with the design and composition of your project - and you don’t want to add any further transfer pieces - it’s time to assemble the frame. Take the glass, frame backing, and clips you dismantled in step one and reassemble them with the art piece in the frame. (9:03)
And that’s all there is to it! You can, however, use some IOD Stamps on your piece to create a multi-media effect. And you can also continue to add pieces of transfer to the outside of the frame, on the glass. This will give your wall art a layered look.
Just for fun, and because I still had more beautiful scraps of the Japonica Transfer, I made a hard-sided purse decorated with the rub-on transfer. (10:07)
All the same steps are required as in the wall art: rubbing on the transfer and burnishing the pieces with the backing sheet. I covered both sides of the purse with a variety of transfer pieces - and I think it turned out fabulously!
This is a great project that is simple enough to be adapted for a fun kids’ art project. I want to see what you create - so please send me pictures.
]]>The popularity of our Iron Orchid Designs Decor products has been amazing. They fly off the shelves and have people wanting more. Sometimes in the excitement of it all we forget you might not have used these wonderful items before. There are tons of useful videos on the Iron Orchid Designs website. We will link some of them here.
]]>The popularity of our Iron Orchid Designs Decor products has been amazing. They fly off the shelves and have people wanting more. Sometimes in the excitement of it all we forget you might not have used these wonderful items before. There are tons of useful videos on the Iron Orchid Designs website. We will link some of them here.
These are just some of the basics with #IOD Stamps, Transfers, and Moulds.
For anyone who hasn’t used the IOD Décor Stamps, they are essentially what they sound like. A stamp. Similar to a stamp that you might’ve used as a child- but magical. The IOD Décor Stamps have the power to transform an item that you found on the side of the road to an item that you will have to convince your husband you didn’t spend your entire monthly budget on. Yeah, that good.
But wait- there’s more.
The IOD décor stamps aren’t just for furniture and home décor, you can use them to transform your food art as well! The stamps are made from a food safe material (do not use the same sets for food and paint ;)). But be warned- they are not for high heat applications. Do NOT put in dishwasher, they will melt at extreme heats. And then you will be extremely heated too.
Before removing from backing, condition your stamps with very fine sandpaper, scuff the surface in two directions. This helps the mediums stay put, and not bead (which some types, like ceramics glazes, tend to do).
Remove stamps from backing when ready to use. This takes some force, but don’t worry, the stamps are strong.
Freestyle stamping. This is what we call it when you use our Thin Mount Gridded flexible sheet of plastic. Simply position the stamp on the sheet and proceed. This is great for irregular surfaces such as walls or furniture (surprisingly, many furniture surfaces that appear flat have dips- this method will conform nicely).
No mount. This is when you would use the stamp without mounting to anything, because you want it to really conform to a curved surface, or even stretch. For example, I stamped the front of my cowboy boots, and was able to stretch the stamp and conform it cleanly to the surface even though the boot is very curved. When using the bare stamp make sure that your fingers don’t stick to it, this could cause the stamp to lift from the surface and create a smudge. Nobody likes an unintentional smudge.
Whichever mounting method you use, the stamp backs must be perfectly clean, as well as the mount, in order for the stamp to cling firmly to the mount.
Paint: Paint works wonderfully with the Décor Stamps. When using paint we recommend creating a small puddle to roll a small dense foam roller in. Make sure you get an even load and roll onto the design side of the mounted (or if using unmounted, proceed accordingly) stamp. This part takes a little practice to get the feel of the load so that it’s enough to give you the impression you want without being sloppy. Also keep in mind variables such as the surface you are stamping, the medium you are using, as well as the look you are trying to achieve. Practice makes perfect!
Ink: Our Décor ink, and most other inks, work fabulously with the Décor Stamps as well. Ink gives finer detail and tends to be a little more translucent than paint, keep this in mind in consideration to your project. We find that we like using paint and ink equally, and they lend themselves well to different projects and surfaces. We recommend using the blank stamp pads to apply the ink (one for each color), then pat the surface of the stamp with it.
Fabric: When stamping fabric the load of medium should be generous in order to penetrate the fibers, and the look will be different with different levels of fabric texture. Décor ink, Chalk paint and other fabric suitable mediums work well. It is our opinion that the ideal fabric for permanent washables is 100 percent cotton. However, blends and some other natural fibers can sometimes work as well. Do a small test to be sure. Allow your newly stamped fabric to dry/cure for a minimum of 24 hours, then heat set with an iron on high heat before washing.
Furniture: Both painted and stained furniture can be stamped. In fact, this is one of the most common uses of our Décor Stamps. You can use ink or paint, but I tend to use paint more for furniture.
Walls: Walls are a fabulous surface opportunity for Décor Stamps. Create all over patterns that are a level up from wallpaper, and completely custom, or use the décor stamps to create an old world border. We love using paint for wall applications!
First thing when you get your stamps remove the top plastic sheet to expose the stamp. Then take a piece of sandpaper and lightly sand the entire surface. This roughs it up a bit to get the manufacturing finish off and lets the medium get on the stamp. We find that the easiest way to care for and clean stamps is to keep wet wipes nearby, and avoid letting the medium dry all the way on the stamp surface. Then, when you have time, wash them with mild soap and warm water. For some mediums you may find that you need a stamp cleaner. Use one that is safe for clear stamps. After thoroughly cleaned, place them back on the clear backing for storage
IOD Décor Transfers are a little delicate, need a little extra care, but are so worth it. With a little instruction, they are easy to use and add instant style to your projects.
Keep your transfer with its backing sheet until you are ready to apply. Keep free of dust or debris, which will interfere with adhesion. Do not allow the adhesive side of transfer to touch anything prior to application. When handling the transfer, avoid letting the adhesive side touch itself (don’t do in a windy environment). Do not store transfer in extreme temperatures or humid conditions, which can affect adhesion.
Start with a clean, dry, matte surface. If painted, make sure it’s well cured, and if you have sanded the paint make certain there is no residual dust. All of these things will interfere with adhesion.
Carefully remove the transfer from its white backing. Slowly and carefully lower the transfer onto your intended surface, making sure that it does not touch until the placement is correct. Use small pieces of low tack tape to hold it in place.
Using the provided tool, or one of your choice, start at one end of the transfer and rub firmly to adhere the image to the surface. Do this until the entire image is transferred. You are welcome for the free arm workout as well. If any parts aren’t transferred when you lift, simply lay it back down and rub more on that portion. After it is transferred, with a clean dry hand, smooth down any bits that aren’t flatly adhered.
We recommend sealing with a water based (or not harsh solvent based) sealer (waxes created for chalk type paints also work well if they don’t contain harsh solvents).
IOD Décor Moulds can be used with many different mediums. We will cover the two most common here. Every medium has its own characteristics, challenges, and virtues.
Air dry clay, or paper clay: IOD air dry clay is an air dry medium, and one of our favorites. Like most paper pulp based air dry clays, some shrinking, warping, and cracking is inherent. We like these qualities for a distressed, authentically vintage look. Our favorite way to apply moulded pieces is to remove them from the mould while still moist, and adhere to the surface with the appropriate glue so it conforms well. For vertical surfaces, use a piece of low tack tape to hold it in place so it doesn’t slide.
Casting resins: There are some great pour-able resins available. These have completely different qualities than the paper clay. There is no shrinking or warping, and the castings are more consistent. Depending on the project, these qualities can be helpful. If you need to conform them to a curved surface, this can be done if removed from the mould before it’s completely hardened.
On releases: We find that most of the time a release is not necessary and the casting will come out without the use of a release, however, if you are having trouble with the material sticking (more common with clays than resins), a light dusting of simple cornstarch or arrowroot is a great choice.
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"Do you remember using craft stamps and watercolors as a kid? Well, get ready to tap into your inner child and learn new ways to make art with stamps, inks and the IOD Sisters (that’s us!).
While you can make your own wall art, like we do here, there are so, so, SO many ways to use these stamp and ink techniques. You can incorporate them into all kinds of DIY home decor and craft projects.
Now, get ready to have some fun and give yourself permission to play as you take this next step in your creative journey!
Watch the video below. If you prefer to read, keep scrolling down (but, you might still want to go back later and watch the video as these techniques are easiest to understand when seen in action).
No time now? Click here to pin this post for later. "
]]>You will need a few things to make your shirt:
Iron Orchid Designs Queen Bee Stamp
Iron Orchid Designs Typesetting Stamp
Iron Orchid Designs Thin Mount sheet
A t-shirt. I liked bright yellow for the bee theme, you can use whatever color you like.
Paint in a creamy color. I used Fusion Mineral paint, you can use craft paint with fabric medium if you'd like.
Before you start wash and dry your shirt. After you are done you will need to iron your shirt once it's thoroughly dry to set the ink. I used a cloth between the iron and the stamped area. It's fast and fun! Thanks for stopping by.
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