Gather up all those tools that you have around the house with handles that are used for doing grunge jobs and turn them into "whistle while you work" tools. Do this with broom handles, hammer handles, plumber's helper handles, hearth broom handles, sponge mop handles, etc. It's easy, fun and it can make a difference!
Materials:
tools with handles
sandpaper - both coarse and fine
acrylic paint
rubber bands
small foam stamps and stamp ink, paint pens, metallic pens, stickers, etc.
marine varnish
Steps:
- Gather the items you will be decorating and where possible, separate the handle from the working end.
- Using first coarse sandpaper then very fine sandpaper, sand the handle smooth (figure A). This will be necessary whether or not the item is new or used. An electric sander is most helpful.
- Divide the handle into sections using rubber bands to separate the sections (figure B). Tape may be used in lieu of the rubber bands.
- Paint the different sections in a variety of colors. Once dry, decorate using small foam stamps, paint pens, stickers, (figure C) etc. If using foam stamps it helps to emboss the design (figure D). If using stickers you may find that they do not want to stick. In this case each sticker will need to be glued to hold.
- When all the decorating is completed (figure E), coat the entire handle with marine varnish.
Carol claims that having a "happy handle" does make a difference. Because her new decorated broom is so pretty, she leaves it out instead of hiding it in a closet. As a result she finds that she actually sweeps the kitchen floor more frequently than she used to. And she enjoys it more!
Tip: The same techniques and materials used for decorating the canes featured some seasons ago can also be used for the tool handles. They can be wrapped with tissue paper or gift wrapping paper or designs can be wood burned into the handles and then colored with markers. In all cases marine varnish or several coats of acrylic coating should be applied.
Resources Flexi Stamps sponge stamps - Crafty Productions
Available at Jo-Ann Etc.
Crafty Productions Inc.
San Marcos, CA
Phone: 760-736-8130
Toll-free Phone: 800-925-6838
paint pens - Zig
EK Success Ltd.
Website:
www.eksuccess.com
leafing pens--Krylon
Available at local craft and hobby stores.
Krylon Products Group
Website:
www.krylon.com
Also in this Episode
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