I've had several people ask, so I thought I'd share the way I bling.
First, gather the necessary supplies: shuttles, Mod Podge, paint brush (I use the sponge style), fabric or decorative paper, spray on acrylic sealer, glitter top coat nail polish, "gemstones".
1. Paint a layer of Mod Podge on to the shuttle, not too thin, not too thick.
2. Press a piece of fabric or decorative paper on to the shuttle. Let dry for at least one hour.
3. Trim excess fabric/paper with scissors or craft knife.
4. Add your "gemstones".
5. If you want glitter, paint on a layer of glitter nail polish.
6. Apply five layers of Mod Podge, allowing an hour drying time between each layer.
7. Spray on two coats of acrylic sealer, allowing 15-30 minutes between coats.
8. Let dry 24 hours before use, otherwise the shuttle will feel sticky or tacky.
A few hints:
1. I wipe off the excess Mod Podge on the sides of the shuttle with the side of the sponge brush after applying each coat. I think it's necessary for a little Mod Podge to be on the sides, but it's not necessary to have a build-up.
2. I use a craft knife to trim as needed after each layer except the final one. If there are any rough edges when the shuttle is finished, I smooth them with an emery board.
3. When decoupaging Clover shuttles or Sew Mate shuttles with points, I only decoupage the top of the shuttle. I do not have the dexterity to make the bottom look as nice as the top, and I would rather leave it undecorated than have it look messy. I have decorated the top and bottom successfully, but I've been very unhappy with most of my results. However, I find it very easy to do both sides of the Sew Mates without points.
4. If you don't use Tatsy shuttles because of those raised letters that catch the thread, decoupage could be the answer for you!
Please don't think that my way is the only way! This is what makes me happy.
I own some of LaCossette's decoupaged shuttles, and they are fabulous! The have a totally different look and feel from mine. Hers are much more refined!
I have several shuttles from swaps and that have been sent as gifts. They are all beautiful, and they are all different. If given the opportunity, I would love to sit down with others who bling shuttles and see how everyone else does it.
Please post pictures of your blinged shuttles! I would love to see what you do, and if anyone is interested in a swap, let me know!
You definitely have this down to a science, Diane. I do pretty much the same as you, only I trim first. When I use fabric I trace the shuttle outline and trim it just inside the line. That way there's a bit of shuttle color framing the fabric. Your shuttles are wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteI do it a little differently, but it comes out pretty much the same. :) I got a pretty blue and white shuttle and some thread in a pretty bag today! Whoa, I'm a bit slow off the mark and haven't sent mine off. It's hard to get to the Post Office except on weekends!
ReplyDeleteI should try. I must try!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lesson.
(Please, be tolerant for my English. I just learn it, but I want to communicate with you...)
Ola! Diane
ReplyDeleteamiga, seu carinho e sua amizade eu prezo muito.
bjs no coração
c/carinho
Teresa
Do you use a brayer to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles in the paper once it is applied to the shuttle? Or is it better to use your fingers for the smoothing?
ReplyDeleteReally having a difficult time keeping up with you! This is an amazingly detailed tutorial, and has lots of neat information. I haven't bought nail polish for so long, I didn't realize they were making it with glitter I DO remember 'frosted'!! (LOL)
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed how many tatters are now decorating their shuttles! It's making tatting more fun than ever!
And this is in addition to all your other tatting and other needlewrok projects, and things going on with your family. I think you and Gina and Jane have been blessed with an abundance of energy! And Jane is my age, so I can't use age as my excuse for not being able to 'keep up'!
Thanks for the tutorial. I've done a couple but not many but want to do more - if I can find the time! Yours are all so gorgeous! If I ever get any more done I'll drop you a line for a trade.
ReplyDelete