Guest Blogger - McKay Designs - Interchangeable Chicken Wire Frame

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Today, I welcome Kristine Mckay as a guest blogger. She runs a website called KMckay Designs and is a local contributor in Utah on a morning show called Studio 5 on KSL. Her background is in the scrapbooking industry mostly working with HSN and QVC. This girl is talented and has lots of good crafty ideas on her site. (Not to mention that you can see some of her TV clips too!)

Here are a few projects you can find on her site.

Using Silhouettes in Your Decor

Decorating Using Numbers

Altered Jars With Decorative Toppers

(Hello! There were jars of spaghetti sauce.)

She also has free downloads you can use for your projects. Yeah for making our lives easier!

Click HERE for this number download.

As you can see, you definitely NEED to visit K Mckay Designs.

So, Welcome Kristine.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am CRAZY about holiday decor. From the big ones like Christmas to the smaller ones like St. Patrick's Day. So, I decided to come up with a cool piece of wall decor that was interchangeable for the holidays. I saw a similar frame at a boutique that had kind of a farm theme to it. I decided to adapt it and make it basic enough that it would work for every holiday and the inner frame could be switched out.

First you'll need an 8X10 wooden plaque that is available at any craft store. I purchased mine from Walmart for under $5. You will also need a large frame that will fit over it, up to 16X20 (you can purchase a new frame, or I just used an old frame I had found at a yard-sale). In addition you will need some chicken coop wire with a 1" opening or less, paint, Mod Podge, a staple gun, some wire cutters, glaze if desired (I use Ralph Laren smoke glaze. A great tip from the Shanty Sisters), and last but not least you will need an 8X10 image. I found some great copyright free vintage postcard images on line that I just adjusted and sized to what I needed.

First measure and cut a piece of the chicken wire to fit the back of the frame. Use the staple gun to attach the wire to the back of the frame. Pulling it as tight as possible.

Paint the wooden plaque the desired color and let dry. Use Mod Podge to attach the vintage image to the top. TIP: I like to use Kodak matte photo paper. I have found that it holds the color best. I've used other paper that has caused the ink to run. You will also want to print at the highest quality. When using Mod Podge, I have found that it works best to completely cover both the plaque and the back of the paper. Then You can use a brayer or I use my favorite tool by Basic Grey, the rub-on tool that has a rubber burnishing end that works great for smoothing decoupage projects. Once it is dry, apply another layer of Mod Podge over the top.

I attached strips of ribbon to the back of the 8X10 plaque as shown that can tied onto the chicken wire frame to hold it securely. This makes it completely interchangeable so you can create a different design for every holiday. I decided to make one for St. Patrick's Day and one for Easter. I plan to make one for every holiday. When it was complete, I used a layer of Ralph Laren glaze to give it an antique fishish.


I wish my photo skills were better because this is sooo much cuter in real life.

Kmckaydesigns.com

Thanks, Kristine for that cute tutorial. Chicken wire is underused. I love the look and this interchangeable frame is such a great idea! I know I will be seeing this idea take off like wild fire. Go check out Kmckaydesigns for some inspiring ideas, her video clips and downloads. You will be a happy crafter!!!

Don't forget Friday Categorically Crafting Show for "Beadboard." I can't wait to see all your projects!!!

Linking to WATF - Works for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket - Show and Tell, Thrifty Home -Pinching Pennies, ISVC-Celebrate the Holidays, Creations by Kara - Look What I Made , Life In the Pitts - Craft Therapy , Room To Inspire - Be Inspired