Sunday, February 3, 2013

FRENCH TOILE FRAME -

Welcome to the Inspiration Cafe today!  Danni here from Silo Hill Farm sharing yet another Valentine project.  Really, I cannot help myself....I love Valentine's Day and my house is full of it!  Probably because it's about the only time pinks and reds sneak into my decor!  I have said before that my style is kind of all over the place, but I seem to find something I like in every style and see no reason to settle on just one...or two...or more.  Todays project is a frame with a French Toile theme.
 Now for me, a little bit of French Toile print goes a long way because it's so very busy, so I'm just using a little bit.
I don't buy very much pretty paper from the craft stores, in fact, I almost never do.  I have another awesome source for paper and I'm sharing my secret with you today.  Are you ready to hear it?.......
I pick up old wall paper sample books from the wall paper stores.  Really...they throw them away and most of them will be happy to give them to you.  I have 3 huge sample books and between them, I have an infinite supply of all kinds of paper, textured, solids, prints, paintable, etc.  It's an amazing source and I use them in most of my projects that call for pretty paper, like this one here today.  The design in the heart is a piece of French Toile wall paper sample.  The paper surrounding it is from a sample of coordinating wall paper.  Wall paper sample books usually have matching papers side-by-side.  
Here are the supplies I used to make this cute little frame.....
 The little MDF heart frame set me back a whole $1.39 at Hobby Lobby when they had 30% off of all Valentine's crafts and decor. I like it because it's a stand up frame.  It comes with a little peg that fits in the back that allows it to stand.
Using just a small amount, I painted the wooden edges that would be exposed. 
I cut a little template from the heart and selected a piece of that beautiful toile paper that I liked to cover it with.  I chose the little hot air balloon because I've never been in one, but I want to!  (Wouldn't that be the most romantic Valentine's Day....a picnic, a bottle of wine...the French countryside?)
I used Mod Podge like a glue to attach the paper to both the frame and the heart template.  (A bonus to using wall paper...it's a little thicker than regular paper and doesn't bubble up when using the Mod Podge!)  I put the heart piece on the back of the frame which has little clips just like a photo frame to hold it in.  Almost done!
My favorite part of any project is the embellishment and since this was a French themed frame, I opted for opulence.  I used some thick brocade ribbon, pearl bead trim, some tiny silk ribbon and a silk bow.  All attached with some Alene's Tacky Glue... my favorite go-to adhesive.  (hello Alene's I plug you enough...send me some!)  
I thought maybe I was done, but being a Valentine's project and all, I just couldn't resist throwing in a couple of hearts that I made using this teeny tiny heart punch.
 And then I stopped....because less is more, even with French opulence!   

 C'est très beau n'est-ce pas?  (Oh yes...crafting with French Toile wall paper makes you speak French!!)  Since I had everything to make this, the only cost was the frame at $1.39.  Yay!


Linking up:
 
Tuesday To Do Party
TheRusticPig A Diamond in the Stuff


Dragonfly Designs

28 comments:

  1. So pretty. The little heart is the perfect touch!! What a smart idea to use the wallpaper sample books! I love that!!
    Karen

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  2. I need to get my child out of the tub to say something back to you. Love toile! Love the embelishments! Super a++ Love the free paper tip too!

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  3. Oh my! You speak French, too? This is absolutely gorgeous, Danni! Love the idea of using wallpaper books, but they're not that easy to find around here. Years ago we had lots of wallpaper stores. Can't find any around me now. Just at Home Depot and Lowes. I had to order "samples" online when I thought about using wallpaper. Changed my mind. I'll stick with paint for now.

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  4. I'm the opposite of you and can't get enough toile. This turned out so pretty Danni and using the old wallpaper books is a great idea! Pinning.

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  5. Ooh, la la! I love it, Danni! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  6. Beautiful!!! You are so very crafty. Love toile and can never have too much of it in my home.

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  7. Such a wonderful tip, Danni! :) The frame is beautiful. Megan

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  8. Wow, very clever of you, Danni! Now why didn't I think of that?! Of course, there is only one wallpaper shop in my town, but it's worth the try... PS: Love your card!

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  9. I saw this featured at Mellywood's place and came to take a look, and it's great and the cost is def. right up my alley! :)

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  10. It's absolutely gorgeous! A job well-done :)

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  11. Another adorable Valentine's Day project. The French toile is the perfect touch.

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  12. Insanely sweet, Danni! Adding the heart was a tiny touch-o-genius!

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  13. This is so sweet Danni! Love all the details, and that french toile is just fabulous. Great tip too!!

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  14. Oui Danni - c'est tres BELLE - c'est magnifique aussi - tres bien ( comme d'habitude !!! )
    Vous est incroyable!
    XXX a vous,
    Suzan

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  15. You let the secret out! Well, it really wasn't a secret around here - you have to put your name on a list for old wallpaper books. The toile is so pretty and the hot air balloon is romantic.

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  16. Hey Danni Bannani~ This is so cute! I love toile, but like you, no red for me. Brown toile is my fav. I haven't done one thing for Valentine's Day yet.
    Maybe tomorrow...headed to HomeGoods again. ;)
    Have a great day!

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  17. I love all your Valentine projects, Danni! All that cuteness for $1.39!!! Thanks for the secret...I had no idea! Très bon travail! :o)

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  18. Great project! Like others have mentioned, those sample books can be difficult to find. A good excuse to make friends at the paint and wall coverings stores!

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  19. Danni, love this! I totally love the color and its wonderful in toile. Great job!!!

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  20. That is so beautiful Danni, I love the French toile I also love me some red and pnk. Gorgeous!

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  21. Danni, I love your valentine project. How brilliant to think of using old wallpaper books! I,m calling around today.

    We found you at A Diamond in the Stuff party and have joined your lovely blog. We would love it if you visited us and joined us back!

    Have a beautiful day!

    Linda and Jeannie at The French Hens nest

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  22. Great idea to use wallpaper samples. You valentine turned out great. Your blog post struck a chord with me, as my style is all over the place, too. Eclectic is what I call it--to avoid having to say it's weird. Over the years, though, I think I've gotten fairly good and mixing and matching materials, periods, styles, textures and colors. Not sure everyone would agree, though. Ha!

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  23. Love this! Then I'm a toile fan, especially when it's in green or red.

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  24. This is gorgeous Danni - seriously where do you get your ideas from? Cos I need to borrow some! xxx

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  25. I heart toile! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your great frame!!! Hope you'll stop by often!!
    Smiles!!
    Jami
    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

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  26. This heart is so cute and I love toile!
    I am your newest follower. Have a great week.
    Bev

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