To be honest with you, this little project came about completely by mistake. But what a happy mistake it’s turned out to be! You see, I actually bought this Flamingo material for my mirror make-over project. You can check out the complete makeover here (I think you’ll love what I’ve done with it!)
Anyway, I spotted this material online at Always Knitting and Sewing and LOVED the colours! And when popping into The Range I found the below stencil which was just perfect to tie the theme together. Unfortunately I can’t find it online, so check out the craft section in your local store.
Here’s what I used:
Small piece of the Flamingo material which you can find here
Pink acrylic paint – I used this one
Pearl Aqua paint – this one matched the material PERFECTLY
Two large wooden tags from Hobbycraft
Flamingo stencil (from The Range) – I can’t see it online but Amazon do this one
Triangle make up sponges
Mod Podge
A brush for the Mod Podge
Hot glue
One little diamond gem
Some pink ribbon left overs
Pair of scissors to cut your material
Creating your Flamingo tags
Because I made this on a Facebook Live, I don’t have any progress photos. However, you can catch the video here for the full process! AND, I’m making up for it with plenty of photos at the end of the post!
First, I gave one of the tags a very thin coat of white acrylic paint first to ensure a bright background. However, I decided it really didn’t need it as I could hardly tell the difference anyway, so I left the other one as it was.
Next I attached the stencil into position on the tag with a small bit of sellotape. It just helps to keep the stencil in the right place.
When it comes to stencilling, I find that light layers of paint work the best! You can build it up to the desired effect. I use one of these triangle make up sponges which work PERFECTLY! Load a small amount of acrylic paint onto your sponge and dab off most of your paint onto some kitchen paper. You only want a light bit of paint to remain on your sponge to avoid any bleeding.
Now, carefully dab the paint onto the stencil. I find dabbing it from above at a straight angle helps to prevent any bleeding. Don’t slide the sponge! The paint may seep underneath the edges and you won’t get that sharp finish you want. Go over the whole design and build up the light layers until you’ve got the desired finish.
here’s a little tip when using a stencil
If you’re using a stencil on a painted background, make the first coat of paint on the stencil the colour of your background. Leave it to dry fully before going over it with the paint colour you want your stencil to be in. Basically, if any bleeding was to happen, the paint is going to bleed in the colour of your background and therefore you won’t notice it. The paint you are then using for your stencil goes on top, leaving a perfect crisp finish. I explain it in detail in the FB video mention above.
Back to the flamingo tags ..
While the first tag was drying, I took the second tag and traced this on the material. Cut the material to size, which leaves you with the right shape for the material to fit perfectly onto your tag.
Grab your Mod Podge and add a generous layer straight onto your tag. Place the material over the top and press into place. Because it’s fabric you shouldn’t have too many problems with pushing out any creases in the material to make it completely smooth. That is pretty much that tag done!
I went back to the other tag and added one small sparkly gem for the eye.
I then used this paint to add a small border around the edges with another little sponge. Use the same technique of loading some paint and removing the excess onto a kitchen paper towel. The paint matched the colour of the material perfectly (which was completely coincidental!).
Using the silhouette cameo to add a phrase
I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut the “Be a Flamingo in a flock of Pigeons” phrase. I love the saying as a reminder to be your unique self! Of course you don’t have to do this as it looks amazing without the vinyl too! I have attached the phrase as a downloadable file so you can use it if you’ve got a Silhouette machine. Or if you want to use it to create your own unique creation. You can find it here.
I simply attached it over the top of the Flamingo stencil to finish it off.
Hot glue the “Flamingo” tag at an angle on top of the one with the Flamingo material.
Last but not least, add a small bow at the top of the project to tie the colour scheme together. And that’s it!
At the moment it’s placed on top of our shoe cabinet on the landing. But when I’ve repainted Sam’s door I think it would look great hanging on her door.
Would you Pin this for me so others can find it too?
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