We have a Table Top show coming up in a couple of weeks in Atlanta at the AmericasMart. One of the tables in our showroom is a "Bridal Shower" themed buffet table. We thought it would be fun to include images from a Bowling Bachelorette Party to give the table even more personality and spunk. We'll be stacking plates in buffet style and displaying cookies and soda. The decoration on the table also includes these photos and a number of wrapped gifts.
Yesterday, I worked on creating the frames. Our colors are based on Lady Charlotte's Lily. We're using apple greens, turquoise, rose pink, magenta, a little yellow and perhaps a bit of blue. Here's how I made the frames we'll be using.
First, find a cheap white frame. It's okay if it has markings on it. We're covering it all up. These were cheap and we found them at HomeGoods. Ariel, (part of our customer service team, and one of the voices you hear when you call in an order or if you have questions,) does a lovely job at displaying said frame.
Choose a base color that matches your dinnerware. Our dinnerware often has tons of different colors in them. If you'll be displaying more than one image mix up the colors. In our case we used pink and turquoise on different frames.
The finished frame. Make sure you do this outside otherwise you may asphyxiate yourself. It was windy yesterday while I did this. I was sitting on the grass in a dress trying not to get pink spray paint all over my purple dress and legs. But, because of the wind - it dried SUPER fast (5 minutes tops).
At Michael's Art Supply store you can buy Rub 'n Buff - Silver Leaf Wax Metallic Finish. (You can also buy it at Amazon.com) It's basically a paint that has silver leaf in it. It says that you can apply it with your finger, a cloth, or a brush - depending on the look you'd like. If you want to really paint something with silver leaf, you can add paint thinner. But in our case, I just wanted to give the frames an antiqued look that allowed the color to show through. I used a dry (really cheap) brush and dabbed and dusted the front of the frames. After it dried, I rubbed it down with a tissue. Apparently the more you rub it, the shinier it gets. They also have this in gold - if you're using warmer colors or have a dinner pattern that has gold in it to match. I think a frame like this could be a cool addition to a Duke of Gloucester table using dark greens or reds with a gold leaf buff to it.
The finished product is a dusty silver looking frame that tones down the bold turquoise and pink colors, but still adds color to the table in a fun and fresh way.
I said before, you can really use any color underneath. Other times to use this might be for a grandparents'/parents' 60th anniversary dinner - so that you have an image of the couple on each table. For seating arrangements at a wedding (small frames with each person's name), or just to give away as a gift. They're fairly cheap and quick to make and adds another accessory to the dinner table while also adding color and life. Too much color? Turn your photos into Black and Whites so that the frame isn't too overpowering.
And, if you don't want to look like the tin man when you're done - wear gloves. The silver does wash off relatively easy with water and soap, but the spray paint does not.
Come see us at AmericasMart in Atlanta July 15th to the 18th.