Today, I thought I'd take a break from the usual mix of posts to focus on ideas that come straight from a selection of my favorite books. I'm guilty of ignoring my super collection of books at times, since I've found myself following the zillion trails of inspiration online with blogs. I'm excited to kick back with a cup of coffee and a pile of books. Starting with this book: Remake Restyle Reuse.
Remake Restyle Reuse is what I'd call a modern craft book — we're not talking Popsicle sticks or plush pompoms here. Paris-based author Sonia Lucano shares a number of crafty ideas, from stenciling linens to etching glass, and all of the projects effuse a French bohemian style that I love. The book shares the how-to steps, design templates, and fantastic photos to get you started on 40 projects. A few little tips from the book:
make your own stencils: (It sounds simple!) Lay acetate over the design, letters, or numbers you want to use and trace them. You can enlarge a design you want on a photocopier first, if it's not the size you want. Cut out the inside of each shape with a craft knife and remove the piece. Use masking tape to secure stencil on your surface. You'll want to use a stencil brush + paint to stencil: use a light tapping motion to fill in stencil.
frame wallpaper + wrapping paper: Create a grouping of small frames for instant wall decoration. Choose a wallpaper or gift wrap with a large repeat pattern. Cut pieces of the paper to fit inside the various frames. Glue the paper to cardboard backing of the frame using spray adhesive. Hang the frames on the wall in a vertical or horizontal line, or create a loose grouping with a couple inches of space between each frame.
make wordy flowerpots: Paint sections of galvanized metal flowerpots with acrylic paint (this is the base color on which you'll be stamping letters.) You can use masking tape to create the sections of the pots that you want to be painted. Let dry. Dip letter stamps in a little black acrylic paint (wipe off any excess paint.) Press the stamps to the pots to form words. Let dry thoroughly, then you'll want to spray with a clear matte acrylic spray varnish. I love the idea of stamping the French word for flowers, fleurs, on spring pots.
p.s. I've used the book to etch fun words (like "vino" and "celebrate") on some IKEA wineglasses — worked really well and etching glass is actually super simple. I'd love to try some of the stencil + embroidery ideas, too.
