Catching Waves Frame (Helmar/2Crafty)

Well it's been a CRAZY busy and really HOT summer but I've managed to squeeze in a bit of crafting this week. Here is an altered frame I made for Helmar's Decoupage Craft Paste feature week. I also used a bunch of goodies from the Robin's Nest - a preferred partner of Helmar's (Fleur cardstock and shells) and . I couldn't resist also adding some very awesome 2Crafty chipboard to polish things off (catching waves title and a piece of the swirly bird branch).

I started with a plain $1 wooden frame and adhered the beautiful Robin's Nest Fleur collection paper to the frame using a foam brush to apply the decoupage glue, sanded the edges and applied some brown chalk ink to the edges. Let me just say that this was my first time using the decoupage paste and it went on soooo much smoother than anything else I've ever used!

 I then gathered the paper for the photo mat, shells and some Robin's Nest dew drops. For the photo mat I also used the decoupage glue to adhere the paper to the cardboard backing that came with the frame. Please note that this frame is a birthday gift and I decided I will add the dew drops after my friend chooses a picture (just so that the "water splash" drops are in the right spots). The frame is meant for a 4x6 picture but I think it would be nice to put a 3x5 to see an inch around of the beautiful darker paper.

Here is a close-up of the pretty coordinating papers and the gorgeous 2Crafty chipboard. On the chipboard I primed it with gesso, chalk inked it with several brown inks and then glimmer misted here and there for a bit of gold highlights.

Here is a close-up of the beautiful shells. I just added a bit of dollar store twine netting and left it natural but it could be misted if desired (on a grungy project). You can see the same inks and mists were used on the swirl branch chipboard too (love this chipboard design!). I glued the chipboard and shells with my favorite magic potion - Helmar's 450 quick dry. This stuff really is sticky heaven - strong holding, dries clear and acid-free. To preserve this finished frame, I sprayed with Helmar Crystal Kote Matte Spray. Oh and I plan on adding the dew drops using Helmar's gemstone glue of course so the clear beads don't look cloudy - it is simply the best for gems!

I kinda have to admit I want to keep this one for myself but I know my friend will appreciate it for her upcoming birthday - she really loves the beach! Don't we all though?

BLOG EDIT: I just realized that this projects revealed a few hours before TCR palette #125 release coordinates sooo perfectly for this week's challenge -- all by chance, too funny!

LITTLE UPDATE:
Sorry that I've been missing for several weeks in the forums and galleries and blogs but I've have had 6 or 7 kids to take care of each day for most of the summer, guests stay with us, summer vacation mishaps (including sick kid among so many other things) and now I am really behind on EVERYTHING! Hopefully life will slow down in September to catch up with all my online friends.