Father's Day fun frames

Hands-on time: Less than two hours.
Total time: Add drying time for the paints and clay.
Skill: Easy.
Project cost: Less than $25 for the supplies.

Materials and Tools

• Three flat-faced unpainted wooden picture frames, assorted sizes
• Sanding block and tack cloth
• Makin's Clay no-bake clay, white
• A rolling pin or clay roller and dull knife and clay tools
• Golf ball or other object to make impression in the clay
• Fusion Textured Shimmer Paint for plastic by Krylon (No. 2521 Graphite)
• Fusion Mystic Prism Effect Paint for plastic by Krylon (No. 2530 Rainbow)
• Clear silicone glue
• A drawing of dad made by your child and two photos with dad

Although Fusion paints by Krylon were developed to make plastic items look new again, they can be applied to other surfaces, like wood, metal and ceramic.

Create unique picture-frame gifts for Father's Day by combining Fusion Textured Shimmer and Mystic Prism Effect paints. Transform plain wooden (or plastic) frames into eye-catching upscale decorative pieces to honour dad. The frames are embellished with clay accents made with golf dimple impressions to personalize the frame. The completed frames are wonderful for displaying your child's art as well as pictures taken with their father. For added impact, group several frames in assorted sizes and styles.

To prepare the wooden picture frames, take the frames apart, sand the entire surface and then use a tack cloth to wipe off the dust. Clean the glass pane inserts and set them aside.

In a well-ventilated area, apply two coats of Fusion Textured Shimmer Paint onto the frames, letting it dry between each coat (it dries in 15 minutes or less).

Once the Fusion Textured Shimmer Paint is completely dry, apply four to six coats of Fusion Mystic Prism Effect Paint. Again, let it dry between each coat. This paint sprays on clear, but will produce a unique colour-shift effect over the dark charcoal Textured Shimmer finish. The Mystic Prism paint also acts as a high-gloss varnish top coat. Wait six hours before gluing on the clay embellishments.

With clean hands, knead clay until it is soft and smooth. Flatten the clay with a rolling pin onto a clean surface (a plastic placemat works well).

Cut clay into strips in the size needed using a dull knife. Have your child make a golf ball dimple impression by pressing the ball over the clay strips. Mould clay into other shapes to correspond with dad's hobbies (e.g., mini golf balls) and add texture with clay tools. Set aside to dry for 10 to 12 hours.

Paint the clay accents as desired or leave them natural. Apply clear silicone adhesive to the back of the clay pieces, and then gently press into place around the frame border. Let cure for six hours.

Put the clean glass panes back into the frames, and add your child's drawing or photographs of them with their father.

Tips

• The Fusion Mystic Prism Effect Paint works best when applied over such dark colours as grey, black or navy.
• No preparation, sanding or priming is needed when applying Fusion paint to plastic items; it super bonds to plastic items. For unpainted wooden items, sanding is needed only to create a smooth surface.
• You can use rubber stamps of dad's hobbies to make impressions into the clay.

Variations

• These sleek granite-style frames are also just the thing for graduation pictures.
• Fusion paints can be used on pencil containers, wooden office boxes and cardholders for the home or office.