Beads Braids And Bows

Festive Bunting

Gosh, it has been over a year since I last ventured onto my little patch of Blogland! I hope you will join me whilst we explore!

I am going to try and write up this tutorial for Festive Bunting - note I haven't used the C-word!! It comes together very easily - the drying between various coats takes the most time so allow at least 5 - 6 hours....

You will need:

A selection of scrapbook papers/wrapping paper...
6 x 5cm MDF hearts - pre-drilled is easiest.
Assortment of small wooden toppers - I have chosen Festive ones!
1m length of suede ribbon.
Ink pad.
Decoupage glue.

Pencil, scissors, brush or sponge applicator.
Hot glue gun.
Clear varnish.
Emery board.

Let the fun begin..

The first step is to apply a coat of decoupage glue to the hearts to seal them. I have used First Edition's Deco Mache but normal PVA mixed with a splash of water - runny yoghurt consistency will work just as well. The hearts will need approximately 10 minutes to dry. In the meantime...

Trace around your hearts - I have used paper from www.bobunny.com. I have only cut out six as I am only doing the one side of my hearts as it is for a fireplace and the backside won't be seen.

I love this paper! This is when it starts to get messy - a pack of baby wipes is always a good idea.

Apply a coat of glue to your mdf heart and to the back of your paper heart - put the paper onto the mdf aligning the edges as best as you can. Apply more glue onto the heart working from the centre to the edge to smooth out any bubbles and ensure good "stickability"! I use my fingers to check that my edges are well stuck and to remove the surplas glue from the edge. Now clean your hands and repeat again and again...until

Leave these to dry for 20 - 30 minutes before applying another coat of glue and leave to dry. I use a brush for my glue as with these papers the brush strokes really do not matter but if you prefer a smoother finish use a sponge applicator.

As I am using wooden toppers I have also applied a coat of glue to them - now you start to see why the wipes are so useful! Whilst all the drying is going on, make a cup of tea, eat shortbread, put a load of washing on the line, start dinner...blah blah...

Once your hearts are dry it is time to use a very specialised tool to pierce the paper through the holes in the heart...I use an old plastic children's knitting needle! I use my thumb to feel the hole and then gently poke it with the needle from the front side. Doing it from the front means that the surplus paper goes to the inside leaving a nice smooth finish.

Yep, you guessed it - another light coat of glue. You could probably skip one coat but I want these to last for a long time! And again allow to fully dry.

By now your washing is probably dry and you have eaten dinner! Rummage around in that drawer we all have for all those bits we know we will need one day and find an emery board. Go all around the edges of your heart. This will remove some of the glue you have spent hours on...

I use a docrafts ink pad for inking the edges. It is acid free and non-toxic!

The end is in sight - have you remembered to put the wine in the fridge?

Fire up the hot glue gun, decide what topper you want where and stick them on! If you don't have a hot glue gun you could use any strong adhesive - mind your fingers!

To use a well-worn phrase - once dry..time to apply the first coat of varnish/sealant...I like Rustoleum's Crystal Clear protective coat. This doesn't need a lot of time between coats but follow the instructions for your product. I apply three light coats and allow at least 24 hours for it to harden off.. If spraying try to do it outside as the fumes are fairly horrid.