Faux Metal Frames

Materials:

Delta Ceramcoat Gleams metallic silver & pewter acrylic
Delta Ceramcoat all-purpose sealer
Delta Ceramcoat black antiquing gel
Walnut Hollow wood frame
white or ivory picture mat
hammer
silver escutcheon pins*
pushpins
embossing tool
paper towels
1-1/2" flat brushes
palette or plate for paint
sanding block
small silver-colored charm
SOBO glue

*or very short, small nails

1. Brush a coat of the sealer onto the entire frame. Let dry and sand smooth.

2. Use the larger end of the embossing tool to draw swirl designs onto the front of the mat (figure A). Re-trace all the lines for a deeper impression. Use the smaller end of the embossing tool to create the random dots on the frame.

3. Paint the mat and frame with a coat of silver Gleams, allowing it to thoroughly dry between coats (figure B). A blow dryer will speed this step.

4. Squeeze the black antiquing gel onto the plate. Use the flat brush to apply a generous, even coat on the sides and front of the frame (figure C). Crumple up a paper towel and use it to swirl and push the gel into the indentions. Wipe off excess gel with more paper towels, being careful not to remove too much (figure D). Continue with the mat using the same technique. Set pieces aside to dry.

5. Position the mat in place on the frame. Apply a thin line of glue to the back of the mat and press into place on the frame.

6. Use a pushpin to create the holes for the small nails (figure E). Make a small hole in each corner, press the nail in the hole, and hammer it into place (figure F). Equally divide the remaining space on the sides, making holes about 1/4 inch or so apart, and hammer in nails. Continue with remaining sides of mat.

7. Attach the charm to the mat with the SOBO glue (figure G).