From Zero to Hero with a Splash of PVA

My sincerest apologies once again for taking my time between blogs. It has been a weird and hectic 2 weeks, I’ve had a belter of a cold and tonsillitis which really knocked me for six and then this past week- to make up for missing work- I’ve done a full 5 days at my placement with Jen.

Last weekend I did the Smithills School Food and Craft Fair (for the third time) on Saturday and then a new fair at Ruthin Castle with Funky Sunflower Events on Sunday. I met a new friend at Ruthin…Rebecca, she’s 4- almost 5 (at the end of May) and she is my new super cool friend with her hand crafted Little Beauties clips AND a badge too! =) So a big hello to Rebecca!! *waves*

So after that busy weekend it’s been a busy week in the world of hats with a TOP SECRET hat on the go that involves a touch of Royalty and a whole bunch of sweets, it’s all hush hush at the mo- but no panic, as soon as I can I will reveal all.

Now, to the matter in hand- what’s all this about a ‘splash of PVA’ I hear you say!? Well, this week I bought a couple of new props for my stand and also we have a few new exciting products under way (big clue below!) but anyway, apologies- I’m rambling, I bought these white ‘leatherette’ necklace busts and took them from Zero to Hero in a couple of simple steps with nought but a sewing pattern and some PVA.

I am very proud, so here you go…

Before…

…and After!

From geekness to chicness and nafness to craftness…one gorgeous brown paper pattern necklace bust. Simples! I used only a few materials which we all have lurking around at home to take my white leatherette to a Little Beauties dream.

So, if you fancy giving this Little Beauty a go, you will need:

• PVA & water.
• An old sewing pattern- make sure it’s not a treasured one! and…
• A paint brush.

Ta Daa…so simple.

All you have to do then is get ripping and sticking. I genuinely forgot how much fun Papier Maché is…and so easy too! Just…

1. Tear up the sewing pattern into small pieces, some larger than others will help you cover the item quicker.
2. Mix your PVA and Water solution together, a 50/50 mix is good although not essential.
3. Grab your paintbrush and give the areas you want to cover a wash over with the PVA solution and then get sticking…
4. Stick the pieces of paper pattern over the item and give them another coat of PVA and Water, brushing them over to hold them in place.
5. Cover the whole area with a thin layer and leave to dry.

Now at this point I decided that the overall effect was a little thin for my liking, so I decided to rinse and repeat so to speak and do it all over again but this is entirely your preference.

So now I have one done, I just have another and a polystyrene head to get cracking with, decoupage eat your heart out. I just love it.

Have you papier machéd anything lately, have I inspired you to get creative- I hope so?! You could use pretty tissue paper or even old newspaper…the sky is the limit! Leave me a comment or leave me a picture so I can see what you’ve been up to and don’t forget you can always get in touch over on Facebook. I love hearing from you Beauties, so go on- get in touch!

Charlotte x