Crafting beauty into everyday life can be easy to achieve for anyone!

With a little creativity and the right tools at your disposal, you can turn even the simplest things - like mugs or plates - into beautiful works of art. 

This tutorial will introduce you to the endless possibilities that ceramic paint and Adhesive Mesh Stencils from A Makers’ Studio can provide. 

STEP 1: PAINT THINNING

Make your glazes by mixing two parts - ceramic paint and one part - warm water.

Use Hot & Spicy ceramic paint if you want a beautiful tangerine background. 

STEP 2: DIRTY POUR

Looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind design?

Try doing your very own dirty pour project by pouring your paint over a mug or plate that you might be working on.

Move your ceramic or glass piece as you pour for better coverage.

Remember to wear gloves when working with thinned ceramic paint.

STEP 3: PAINT MANIPULATION

To create even more of a unique design, using a straw, blow through it to help spread the paint over areas you may want to have more color on.

You can also add more detail through recreating a reticulation pattern by applying paint using the tip of a fork.

You are now done with your first pass!

Dry your mug or plate for 1 to 1.5 hours before doing a second pass.

STEP 4: MIX YOUR COLORS

You can do a second pass by choosing complementary colors and applying them in additional layers.

When working with a plate, for instance, you can pour You're the Water to My Ocean to cover the middle part.

Then, mix the same color with some Green with Envy to create a different shade for the edges of your plate.

You can add some Tally Ho for some highlights, if you wish.

STEP 5: ADD MORE DETAIL

STEP 6: STENCIL APPLICATION

Choose the stencil that you want to use and stick it onto your mug or plate.

Use a brush to apply Black ceramic paint over your stencil.

Slowly peel your stencil off to avoid smears.

SOME REMINDERS:

• You can also make your glazes thinner or thicker (and use different consistencies for each layer of paint you apply) to help achieve various effects.

• If you want to bake your mug or plate right after your first pass, feel free to do so. 

• You should bake for 35 minutes at 325-350 degrees.

• This same process can be used for glass items too.

Have you ever wanted incredible plate ware without that incredible price tag? 

At A Makers' Studio, we're going to show you just how easy it is to craft your very own DIY ceramic dishes. 

And the best part??

With our custom formulated Ceramic Paints, your DIY plate designs are food safe and washable! 

DIY CERAMIC FLORAL PLATE INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Start by dipping your Artist brush into the gilding size and then using your finger to flick the size onto the plate.

Step 2: Once done, go back with your brush and carefully lift up any thick drops, maintaining the original shape of the splatter.

Step 3: Once the size has come to tack (it will appear translucent) you can apply the Silver Leaf.

Holding the spine with one hand, pull back the tissue with the other hand and lay the leaf down covering the area with size.

Step 4: After burnishing (pressing and rubbing down firmly) lift leaf packet up and continue the process until the entire plate is covered.

Step 5: Using a stiff brush, remove the excess leaf.

Step 6: Next, cut out sections of your Season stencil and place along the edge of the plate.

Step 7: Begin smoothing out any bubbles that are within the design, pushing them to the edges of the stencil.

Step 8: Next, place a dab of Black Ceramic Paint onto your Artist Brush and apply it to the stencil.

Step 9: Now carefully remove the stencil and immediately wash it with lukewarm water.

Step 10: Continue the process around the edge of the plate and onto another side.

Step 11: Once done, place in a cool oven and heat it to 325 degrees for 35 minutes. Turn oven off and allow it to cool inside the oven.

Step 12: Once cooled, place a dab of Tally Ho, Hot and Spicy, and Angel Wings on a piece of scrap cardboard and begin mixing together with your Artist Brush.

Step 13: Dip your brush into some water and then begin to paint in some of the flowers, just like paint by numbers.

If it is still too thick, you can dip your brush in the water again and mix it into the paint.

Step 14: Once you have added the coral color to desired flowers, go back and add a dab of Angel Wings to the mixture to create a lighter version.

Step 15: Begin applying it to the edges of each petal you have already painted with the coral color.

Step 16: Wash your brush off with water, then continue the process using the Smoke Got In My Eyes Ceramic Paint and any other combinations you like.

Step 17: Once done, place in a cool oven and heat it to 325 degrees for 35 minutes. Turn oven off and allow it to cool inside the oven.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO CRAFT YOUR VERY OWN FLORAL PLATE DESIGN! 

Here are the A Makers' Studio products used for this tutorial...

Ceramic Paint – Angel Wings

https://www.shopamakers.com/products/ceramic-paint-angel-wings

Ceramic Paint – Black

https://www.shopamakers.com/collections/ceramic-paint/products/ceramic-paint-black

Ceramic Paint – Smoke Gets In My Eyes

https://www.shopamakers.com/collections/ceramic-paint/products/ceramic-paint-smoke-gets-in-my-eyes

Ceramic Paint – Hot And Spicy

https://www.shopamakers.com/collections/ceramic-paint/products/ceramic-paint-hot-spicy

Ceramic Paint – Tally Ho

https://www.shopamakers.com/collections/ceramic-paint/products/ceramic-paint-template

Mesh Stencil – Season

https://www.shopamakers.com/products/mesh-stencil-season-12x18

Silver Leaf

https://www.shopamakers.com/products/imitation-silver-leaf-6-x-6

Gilding Size

https://www.shopamakers.com/products/gilding-size-2-oz?_pos=1&_sid=7d17260f8&_ss=r

Artist Brush

https://www.shopamakers.com/products/artist-brush

Chip Brush

https://www.shopamakers.com/products/chip-brush-2-0

There is a beautiful Japanese art form called Kintsugi in which the breaks in an object are seen as its history. There is something so meaningful in being broken but seeing it as a gift. These coasters are on-trend and so chic. They make the perfect gift or statement in your own home!

When we feel broken, all we have to do is cry out to our Lord and He will heal us and put us back together again. Psalm 30:2

Products used in this project:

- Gold Leaf

- Gilding Size

- Artist Brush

Step 1: Lay your tile on a hard surface and cover with a cloth. While wearing safety glasses use a hammer to strike the tile hard enough to break it. Remove the cloth and use it to carefully dust off any loose pieces.

Step 2: Using the Artist Brush apply Gilding Size to the broken edges.

Step 3: Once the size has come to tack, apply the Gold Leaf to the entire area covered with size. Be sure to burnish with tissue from the booklet.

Step 4: Use a strong glue such as Gorilla Glue to put the pieces of the tile back together. Allow to dry and then apply the cork backing to the bottom. 

RUB-ON TRANSFERS OFFER A SIMPLE YET GORGEOUS WAY OF BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO AN OLDER PIECE OF FURNITURE.

IN THIS TUTORIAL, AMY HOWARD DISCUSSES INK AND FULL-COLOR TRANSFERS, AND DEMONSTRATES HOW TO APPLY THEM TO FURNITURE.

RESCUE AND RESTORE

AMY IS A BIG CHAMPION OF RESCUING AND RESTORING OLDER FURNITURE SO THAT IT DOESN’T GO TO WASTE. THE RENAISSANCE OF CHALK-BASED PAINT HAS REALLY HELPED DIYERS RESCUE AND RENEW “LOST” PIECES.

IF YOU WANT TO UP YOUR GAME BY INTRODUCING MORE CREATIVITY AND SPECIALTY FINISHES, A MAKERS’ STUDIO’S NEW INK TRANSFERS AND FULL-COLOR TRANSFERS ARE IDEAL FOR TRANSFORMING AN OLD PIECE INTO SOMETHING COMPLETELY NEW.

NOT JUST FOR FURNITURE

RUB ON TRANSFERS CAN ALSO BE USED FOR OTHER PIECES.

FOR INSTANCE, AMY SHOWS US A BREAD BOARD THAT IS REVITALIZED FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE HELP OF A HANDSOME INK TRANSFER.

LIKEWISE, MASON JARS CAN GET A COVER OF A MAKERS’ STUDIO RESCUE RESTORE PAINT, FOLLOWED BY A FULL-COLOR TRANSFER OF BUTTERFLIES AND FLOWERS TO GIVE THEM A COMPLETELY NEW LOOK.

YOU CAN ALSO TRANSFER THEM ONTO A GLASS TABLE TOP. OR, IF YOU WANT FLEXIBILITY, TRANSFER THEM ONTO A PIECE OF A GLASS CUT TO FIT THE TOP OF YOUR TABLE, WHICH CAN BE PLACED THERE OR REMOVED AS YOU SEE FIT.

COMPOSITION IS KEY

USING A NIGHTSTAND RECENTLY PAINTED WITH TWO COATS OF RESCUE RESTORE PAINT, AMY DEMONSTRATES IN THE VIDEO TUTORIAL HOW TO APPLY A COMBINATION OF AN INK TRANSFER AND FULL-COLOR TRANSFER.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT THE COMPOSITION OF THE IMAGES.

IF YOU JUST APPLY AN IMAGE OF A LOVELY FLOWER, IT WILL APPEAR TO BE “FLOATING” IN A WAY THAT ISN’T PLEASING TO THE EYE.

USING IT IN COMBINATION WITH INK TRANSFERS OF CLASSIC SCRIPT HANDWRITING FROM AN OLD LETTER IN THE BACKGROUND HELPS VISUALLY ANCHOR PRETTY IMAGES LIKE FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES.

AMY SUGGESTS THAT IT’S USUALLY BEST TO PUT LARGER FLOWERS AT THE BOTTOM RIGHT-HAND CORNER OF THE PIECE, AND ADVISES AGAINST PUTTING LARGE IMAGES RIGHT IN THE CENTER.

RUB ON THE TRANSFER

REMEMBER THAT YOU SHOULD NOT WAX THE FURNITURE FIRST OR USE ANY KIND OF SEALANT PRIOR TO APPLYING A TRANSFER.

SIMPLY MAKE SURE THE SURFACE IS CLEAN, DRY, AND DUST-FREE.

REMOVE THE WHITE BACKING FROM THE FULL-COLOR TRANSFER THAT YOU HAVE PICKED, AND LIGHTLY PRESS IT ON TO THE SPOT YOU HAVE CHOSEN. HAVE SOME PAINTER’S TAPE ON HAND TO PUT ON THE EDGES OF THE TRANSFER TO HOLD IT IN PLACE WHILE BURNISHING.

THEN, SELECT THE INK TRANSFER YOU WOULD LIKE TO USE, AND APPLY IT, LIFTING A SMALL PART OF THE COLOR TRANSFER SO THAT THE INK ONE IS BEHIND IT.

USE A PIECE OF WOOD AS A BURNISHING TOOL AND RUB IT FIRMLY AND QUICKLY BACK AND FORTH OVER THE INK TRANSFER.

THIS CAN TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES. PEEL IT SLOWLY BACK TO SEE THAT IT’S TRANSFERRING ONTO THE FURNITURE. NEXT, BURNISH THE COLOR TRANSFER IN THE SAME WAY.

ONCE YOU ARE FINISHED RUBBING, BOTH IMAGES WILL HAVE TRANSFERRED BEAUTIFULLY ONTO THE FURNITURE. 

AND THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!

NOW CONSIDER HOW YOU WANT TO FILL THE REST OF THE SPACE WITH OTHER INK AND COLOR TRANSFERS.

Make your own textured wall art that would usually cost thousands using A Makers' Studio products! Decorate bit of vintage glam when you use this carefully curated DIY bundle to craft your own beautiful wall decor. Learn how to create a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork featuring a meaningful quote with this video tutorial!

Like A Makers' Studio on Facebook: https://facebook.com/amakersstudio
Follow A Makers' Studio on Instagram: https://instagram.com/amakersstudio

SUBSCRIBE TO A MAKERS' STUDIO
Subscribe to the A Makers' Studio channel: https://www.youtube.com/amakersstudio
Like A Makers' Studio on Facebook: https://facebook.com/amakersstudio
Follow A Makers' Studio on Instagram: https://instagram.com/amakersstudio

PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO
DIY Plaster Art with Pigment Bundle
Venetian Plaster
Essex Pigment Powder
Greenbriar Gray Pigment Powder
Carlyle Gray Pigment Powder
10x10 Wooden Frame

As a seasoned business owner, I have experienced just about every kind of victory, misstep, and hard-earned growth there could be on an entrepreneurial journey. These past years have been exactly what I dreamed they would be, and yet absolutely nothing like I expected all at the same time! I can’t help but look down the roads I’ve traveled and see very distinctive markers that have made all the difference in both my personal life and professional career. 

The desire to share these golden truths with you is burning in my heart, in the hope that you, too, will experience the blossoming of your own dreams. Sometimes, all someone needs to start pursuing their dreams is someone to tell them that they can. And I’m here, as your guide and biggest cheerleader, to tell you that you can. You absolutely can. 

After all, you are a maker.

ACKNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTAND YOUR TALENTS

How do you begin to honestly assess and understand your talents? First, I suggest taking a free, short personality test called the DISC. As the DISC personality test instructions say, answer each statement honestly and spontaneously. Sometimes choosing the statements can be tough, but make the best decision you can. When you’re done, you’ll find your DISC type. This is not for my benefit, as I receive no compensation. It’s for you: this test will help you see your strengths and characteristics laid out before your eyes. 

Whether you’re a blogger, local shop owner, or have just begun to test the idea of making a living doing what you love, the first thing you must do is acknowledge your talents, and then understand them. Your greatest chances of being a successful maker lie within your wealth of self-knowledge and quiet confidence.  

TAP INTO THE MAKER MOVEMENT

In recent years, something quite phenomenal has taken place. It’s lovingly referred to by some as the “Maker Movement”: creative men and women are moving in studios and storefronts, armed with their craft and a laptop. And dovetailing this, our culture has warmed to the idea that owning a unique, high-quality item handmade with love is far more fulfilling than buying a cheap item made and shipped from who knows where (for a price we’d rather not know). 

As a maker, remember that your passion worth sharing. And awaiting market is ready and eager to have you!

Every one of us is capable of “making” something, of course, but a true maker carries an unshakable conviction to share their creative notions and compositions with the world. For us makers, it is an honor to make something beautiful that both fills a personal creative need and serves a vital purpose in society. The first step in serving your purpose as a creative business owner is understanding oneself. 

Dear maker, you are an entrepreneur. Your unique talents are waiting to be developed. So get out there, and get started!

XOXO, Amy Howard

As a full grown adult, nothing can feel quite as vulnerable as acknowledging your dreams. Nothing can fulfill you more, and, ironically, nothing can scare you more.  

For most of us, our dreams have been tucked away for a very long time. 

For some of us, we might even say our dreams are long-forgotten. 

But just because something has been covered up doesn't mean it deserves to be hidden — we simply haven’t found a way to bring it to the light yet!

It’s a disheartening fact that 70% of Americans hate their jobs. That statistic shows what settling looks like. When you outgrow dreaming, you outgrow valuing that part of you that is invaluable: your individuality. 

Anytime we suppress a part of ourselves, we become miserable. 

What’s more, anytime you feel as though you have to hide a part of yourself from someone, you begin to lose trust in that person. 

Dear Maker, one of the best pieces of advice I can give you on this journey is to trust yourself enough to acknowledge who you are as a creative individual, and don’t hide it.

HOW DOES YOUR DREAM FIT INTO YOUR LIFE NOW?

Dreaming as an adult means dreaming on a practical level, as much as it does on a visionary level. As children, our dreams consisted of big picture successes piggy-backed on the most prodigious adventures our mind could conjure. The sky was the limit, and the details of how to get there—pshhhhh! What details?!

As an adult, however, when you dream of your future, your plans automatically consist of the big questions: 

“HOW WILL I EVER GET THERE?”

“HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?” 

“WHAT IF I FAIL?”

Start-up expenses, budget planning, market share, continuing education, and training all have to be considered when you think about one day achieving your dream. But for now, you are still dreaming… and you allow the thoughts of how you’ll get there distract you from actually trying. 

Acknowledging your dream is one thing, but valuing it so that you don’t find yourself burying it again is an entirely different level in your entrepreneurial growth. 

Think of it this way: When you realize your dream is not only a part of who you are, but who you have always been, you’ll be convinced that this part of your individuality is not just inescapable, it’s more than likely one of the key factors that make you, YOU!

But how do you get there, and what do you need to work on so that you can commit to realizing that dream you’ve held inside?

HOW TO RECONNECT WITH YOUR DREAM (AND YOURSELF)

Close your eyes and ask yourself these questions: 

1) What fulfilled you more than anything when you were a child?

2) What are your fondest, most fulfilled memories as an adolescent?

3) What are you doing when you are happiest as an adult? 

4) What work has fulfilled you more than any other?

You see, dear Maker, you are still that same person. You have always held the same arena of passions and talents. Over the years, they have just grown up and taken on new forms as you’ve matured. 

THIS STAGE OF YOUR JOURNEY IS ABOUT GOING BACK TO YOUR FIRST LOVE. 

You were born with everything you need to be fulfilled as an adult because you were made to be the person you have always been. Nothing fulfills us like working in our passions: unhidden, uncompromised, and ever-evolving. 

Arguably the most frustrating thing about starting a craft project is trying to find all the right supplies you’ll need to complete it. That’s why we’ve put together Maker Monday bundles like this Watercolor Wash Bundle, which includes a stencil, Gel Art Ink samples, and other tools. With this kit, you’ll be able to create a gorgeous framed quote on a watercolor background. Your watercolor artwork can add a touch of color and inspiration to a spot in your home, or make a sweet gift for someone else.

But we don’t just give you the tools and tell you to figure it out! Amy Howard walks you through each bundle every week on Maker Monday, and this week is no different. So make sure to check out the bundle and follow along with Amy in this video so you can make some beautiful watercolor decor and gifts:

MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED

You’ll need the materials included in the Watercolor Wash Bundle, which includes:

• Believe In Your Dreams Stencil
• If the Creek Don't Rise Gel Art Ink Sample
• Hey Y'all Gel Art Ink Sample
• Bless His Heart Gel Art Ink Sample
• Metallic Gold ChalkArt Sample
• Spreader
• Artist’s Brush

You’ll also need sheets of watercolor paper and new or rescued frames for this project, along with a dish or plate to hold your inks.

CREATING YOUR FRAMED WATERCOLOR ARTWORK

1. First, add a few tablespoons of water to a dish or plate. 
2. Take your artist’s brush and dab a small amount of Bless His Heart Gel Art Ink into the water. Mix well. Use a ratio of 75% water and 25% ink to get the pretty pink watercolor wash you see in Amy’s video. 
3. Once you’ve mixed Bless His Heart with water, test out the watercolor wash on a scrap piece of paper to make sure you’re happy with the color.
4. When you’re testing out the watercolor wash, you can also practice your brushstrokes. Hold the brush at an angle so the bristles are nearly horizontal. When you paint using angled, sweeping strokes, you’ll get that beautiful layered watercolor effect.
5. Next, cut out the part of the stencil you’re going to use. 
6. Lay out the stencil on your sheet of watercolor paper (don’t remove the backing yet) to see how much of the sheet you’ll paint. The background should be a little bigger than the stencil, but leave enough room for a border.
7. Set the stencil aside so you can begin painting your sheet with a watercolor wash. Remember to hold the brush horizontally and use long, continuous strokes.
8. Spread the paint down the sheet with your brush to create a thin, layered look. It’s not going to look perfect, and that’s the effect you’re going for!
9. Once your sheet is dry, remove the adhesive back to your stencil and apply it to the center of your sheet.
10. Load up your spreader with a small amount of Metallic Gold ChalkArt.
11. Apply it on top of your stencil. Use a little pressure to press the Metallic Gold through the stencil.
12. Pull the stencil from your watercolor sheet and let it fully dry. 
13. Finally, you can place your watercolor sheet inside a new or rescued frame. It’s now ready to hang in your home or be gifted to someone else!

WATERCOLOR WONDERS

Whether you want to create a beautiful frame, decorate a tea towel, or even stationery, Amy shares a handful of great ways to use these Gel Art Ink samples. Be sure to check out this week’s Maker Monday video — and don’t forget the Watercolor Wash Kit. It has everything you need to get that beautiful watercolor wash… permanently!

For more tips on using your Maker Monday kits, Like and Follow A Makers’ Studio on Facebook. Tune in on Mondays at 10 am Central every week for great tutorials like these!

At times, thinking too far ahead can feel like a waste of time. After all, we’ve seen that our lives have taken so many unexpected turns over the years (for better and for worse), so it can feel like sticking to a strict plan for the future seems impossible.

But, dear Maker, I’m here to say that long-term planning for your creative business isn’t actually about controlling your future, but rather being prepared for the days ahead. Much like planting and harvesting, the preparation you sow now provides for your future. The end result is never about controlling the outcome, but rather taking pride and satisfaction in every seed you plant, grow, and harvest. But like any good farmer knows, you have to plan your plantings so you can reap the best harvest.

KNOW WHERE YOU ARE SO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING

In Navigating Change, Gary Gore shares a valuable lesson with his readers:

“In navigating through the forest, it is fundamental to know our location before we set out in any direction. If we do not know our location, we should stay in the same general area until we know where we are. To venture out only leads to confusion, and it makes any action plan we may have developed worthless or needlessly risky, compounding the problem. Our location is who and where we are.”

The premise of your long-term plan is to flesh out the path that takes your dream from the starting point to the finish line. In your creative business, this is your tactical and operational plan, interlaced with interim goals to create a landing block.

When you start with a vision for your future, you can begin to nail down the tangible achievements your dreams are meant to be made of. First, spell out your goals and objectives within your big dream. Next, assess what roadblocks are already in place and which ones you project to come.

Most entrepreneurs find that education or training is often their number one roadblock, right before funding. What are your solutions or alternatives to these hurdles? There will always be one or the other, dear Maker. If you can’t overcome it, can you jump over it? By assessing your market, assets, opportunities, and competition you can devise a plan of action through or around these.

A PLAN WITHOUT ACTION ISN’T A PLAN

Once your plan is in place, it’s ready to be met with action. As you continue to flesh out your plan, an operation will develop. As you monitor your progress and extinguish weak links, your policies will develop. Unsinkable businesses implement defense strategies they have devised in the face of the sneaky but expected roadblocks and written them into company policies.

Devise and implement a long-term business plan that focuses on three things: Prioritization, delegation, and execution. Without first knowing the end to the plan, you can’t begin. What looks good on paper may be too unrealistic once real life takes hold. That is where the beauty of these last few steps really begins to shine. Life is lived by first and foremost prioritizing the tasks laid out in front of you. Take on what only you can do first. After that, assess where you need to bring on help. No journey was ever meant to be conquered alone. Even Olympic gold medalists attribute much of their success to their coaches.

In A Maker’s Guide, I gave an example of what my long-term planning looks like. I prefer to break my goals down into 4 segments:

• Short-term (3 weeks to 3 months)
• Medium-term (3 months to 1 year)
• Long-term (1-5years)
• Lifelong (No limitations).

The common thread throughout all of my planning is that it begins with a goal. The goal is then held together by my plan to overcome costs and roadblocks, and ends with a very specific completion date. These threads keep my feet moving towards the finish line no matter the terrain.

What you do every day makes all the difference for the big picture. Chipping away and being consistent with your mission ensures your long-term success. When dreamers begin to do, they become world-changers. The seeds you sow today will bear great fruit — and therefore purpose — in your future. You can do this!

Until next time.

XOXO,

Amy

It’s summertime, which means it’s time to brighten up your home with florals! We all love the fresh variety, but with this fun and easy craft project, you can enjoy a bouquet on the table all the time. If you’re having a birthday party or summer party, your guests will love doing this DIY project together.

Learn how to make the most of A Makers’ Studio’s newest DIY craft bundle by following along with Amy Howard in this week’s Maker Monday video.

MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED

To make your own beautiful floral frame, you’ll need the Watercolor Floral Frame Bundle, which includes:

• 2 oz Blessed Rescue Restore Paint
• Season Stencil
• Believe Stencil
• Spreader
• Sponge Brush
• Artist Brush
• Hey Y’all Gel Art Ink (sample)
• Hold your Horses Gel Art Ink (sample)
• Over Yonder Gel Art Ink (sample)
• Lord Have Mercy Gel Art Ink (sample)

You’ll also need bowls or containers to hold your paint, a cup to clean your artist brush in water, and a picture frame to decorate. (Pro tip: Amy found hers at Target for only a few dollars!) You can easily rescue and restore inexpensive frames from Goodwill, garage sales, or home goods stores.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR FLORAL FRAME

1. Remove the glass and backing from your rescued picture frame.
2. Shake up your Rescue Restore Paint and pour a small amount into a bowl or container.
3. Load up your sponge brush and paint your frame using long, clean strokes. Whether your frame is raw or has an old finish, the Rescue Restore Paint will work on it! It also has no strong smell or VOCs. Be sure to protect your clothing with an apron!
4. Let your first coat of Rescue Restore Paint dry for about 15 minutes. Then, apply a second coat of paint and let that dry.

5. Place portions of the Season Stencil on your frame. Amy suggests letting the flowers fall off the edge of the frame for a pretty visual effect. Once you’ve positioned the flowers where you like, remove the stencil’s adhesive backing and stick them to your frame. 

6. Load up your spreader with Hold Your Horses Gel Art Ink and apply it on top of the stencil, using pressure to make sure it goes through.

7. Let the Hold Your Horses ink dry. 

8. Once it’s dry after about 15 minutes, add a quote to the frame’s glass. Apply the Believe Stencil to the center of the glass.

9. Load up your spreader with Hold Your Horses and apply it on top of the stencil, pushing through to the glass.

10. Now, it’s time to paint the flowers! In another bowl or container, mix a small amount of tap water with Hey Y’all using your artist brush.

11. Load up your artist brush with paint, dab it gently on a dry surface like a paper plate or spare cardboard, then fill in some of the flowers on your frame.  

12. Once you’re finished with Hey Y’all, swish your artist brush in a cup of clean tap water to rinse.

13. Repeat steps 9 and 10 with Over Yonder and Lord Have Mercy. To get a pretty green color, mix a bit of Hey Y’all and Over Yonder together before painting.

14. Relax, have fun, and enjoy painting your frame!

Once it’s completely dry, your floral frame is ready to be hung on the wall or placed on a countertop to brighten up your space. Isn’t it the cutest?

DON’T MISS A MAKERS’ STUDIO NEXT DIY PROJECT

Did you love making this fun frame? Amy does this every week, live at 10am on Mondays. All you have to do to see next week’s project (and all our previous ones) is to Like and Follow our Facebook page so you don’t miss out. Join next week’s live video for more tips and techniques to help you make the most out of your exclusive Maker Monday kits!

You love your home, but there are a lot of empty walls in it. You’d love to dress them up, but buying art and empty frames can be pretty expensive, and they feel so impersonal. Does this sound familiar?

Why not rescue a frame from garage sales or Goodwill and make it your own with our latest Inspirational Frame Bundle? With some paint and stencils, you’ll create your very own customized photo frame that will look beautiful on your walls. They also make great gifts for Father’s Day, birthdays, and holidays!

To see how Amy Howard transforms a couple of rescued frames and follow along with your kit, be sure to watch this week’s Maker Monday video:

MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED

To make your own family photo frame, you’ll need the Inspirational Frame Bundle, which includes:

• Little Black Dress 2oz Rescue Restore Paint
• Metallic Gold ChalkArt™ sample
• Metallic Copper ChalkArt™ sample
• Peace And Joy ChalkArt™ sample
• Spreader
• Sponge Brush
• Be Still & Know stencil

You’ll also need a container to hold your paint and a photo frame with backing and a wide mat. If you find a great frame with broken or missing glass, that will work too!

CREATING YOUR PHOTO FRAME

1. Take apart your rescued frame and separate the frame, mat, and glass.

2. Pour a small amount of Little Black Dress into a container. Paint your mat in long, clean strokes with your sponge brush. Allow it to dry for about 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Cut your stencils apart but do not remove the adhesive backing yet. Lay the stencils down where you want to place them on the mat.

4. Next, blend small amounts of the Metallic Gold ChalkArt™ with the Metallic Copper ChalkArt™ to create a beautiful rose gold color.

5. Remove the adhesive backing to your stencils and place them back down on your mat.

6. Then, load your spreader with your new rose gold mixture and apply it to some of the stencils. Be sure to use a little pressure so that the rose gold pushes through the stencil to the mat.

7. Use the same technique and a clean spreader to apply Peace and Joy ChalkArt™ to your other stencils.   

8. Remove your stencils to wash them and let everything dry. To clean up any paint spots, simply take a clean rag, dip it in water, and wipe it off your mat.

9. Find a family picture and reassemble your frame!

Et voila! Your beautiful keepsake frame is ready to hang and enjoy.

DID YOU LOVE THIS KEEPSAKE FRAME TUTORIAL?

On this week’s live video, Amy shares even more tips and tricks for using the amazing products in this bundle, so make sure to follow along. And don’t forget to watch Maker Monday each week — all you need to do is “Like” and follow our Facebook page. Each Monday at 10am, you’ll get more advice from Amy on how to make the most of your Maker Monday bundles.