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| Copyright © 2005 |
| Suzanne Clark Designs |
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Turn your old fixtures and curtain
rods into works of art!!
Supplies for lighting fixtures
- Old metal lighting fixtures or builder fixtures in need of style
- Ammonia based windex
- Polymer clay-I prefer the soft type for this project, Sculpey II, Premo, or Fimo Soft
- Molds –found in craft isle by the clay, or candy and cake making isles at your favorite craft store
- Cornstarch
- Razor blade
- E-6000 or Goop Adhesive glue
- Spackling paste
- Spray primer for metal
- Spray paint of choice- Suggestions include hammered metal finishes; stone-look spays crackle finishes, copper, gold and silver
- Acrylic paint of your choice if doing a faux finish
- Clear spray coating if desired
Supplies for curtain rods
- Old rods and finial or new bare wood rods and finials
- Soft polymer clay
- Molds
- Cornstarch
- E-6000 or household Goop adhesive glue
- Spackling paste
- Spray paint
- Acrylic paint of choice
- Wire, crystals, beads -anything to embellish
To begin, make sure your surface is clean and free of oil by cleaning with Windex. Next select desired mold from craft store. Roll clay into a ”snake,” and place into mold coated with a light dusting of cornstarch to prevent sticking. Lay pieces on fixture to create design. When desired design is completed, transfer pieces to cookie sheet or pan and cure in oven, following the manufactures instructions on package. You may need to strategically cut the pieces to fit pan, and puzzle them back together after baking. When baked and cooled, rearrange pieces back on your fixture and glue in place. When dry, basecoat with metal primer. Next decide on finish. If using spray paint follow directions on can. If doing a faux finish, experiment with different techniques such as sponging, marbling or “ragging on or off “using plastic bags. Coat with a protective finish if desired.
The same techniques can be used with curtain rods for very high- end, custom results. Colors and themes can be used to compliment décor for unique designs. Consider adding rhinestones and beads by pressing them into clay before baking, or after by using glue to adhere. Create unusual designs by building up clay to create shapes like the ladybug I demonstrated on the show. Paint techniques can also change the look dramatically. Let your imagination guide you to add a finishing touch to your room.
If unusual ideas like this appeal to you, I would love to assist you in turning your house into a home. I am now offering a new service, where I personally will come to your house and give you ideas and instruction on how to do projects yourself! Sometimes all people need is some assistance and some new ideas. I would like to provide you with encouragement, and teach you some new skills. If you always wanted to learn to faux finish, do polymer clay projects, or even learn simple sewing techniques to create window coverings, I can help discover how fun and easy it is! From color selection to floral arranging, I would like to show you how! I also have great ideas for parties and special events that I can assist you with, to truly make an occasion special and unique. Learn to do it yourself, and impress your family and friends with your beautiful home.