BackSplash Bugs!

Backsplash Designs, Miscellaneous Topic, Recipes and Crafts 4 Responses »

Aug 102012

Backsplash Bugs! I’m sure you are noticing more and more bugs around. Here at 1005 Design we are too! Not just any old bug that you see every year; these are the back splash bugs! What type of bug is this you ask? Well, this is the recreation of one of my favorites, the Dragonfly! I chose the dragonfly because of the symbolism that many cultures have incorporated with it.

A dragonfly is mature, powerful, and poise. This is true due to it being able to fly at 45 miles per hour. But in order to make this dragonfly fly, I needed wings! I needed to make sure that these wings were able to withstand the outdoor elements and still show the grace and beauty of this whimsical creature. The stainless brush backsplash was the perfect design for my weekend project! This incredible creature looks amazing perched on just about anything! Here is how I brought my project to life!

First, I used a staircase spindle for the body. I used two different colors of craft paint to create the base color, green and purple. I used a sanding block to expose areas on the body to create a deeper look. After this I used a brown glaze and covered the wood completely then wiping it off. I did not allow this to dry. By doing this it blends the colors together evenly. I repeated the sanding and gazing process three times and allowed to dry overnight.

The next morning I used a flat black spray paint to add highlights and shadowing of the body. To create a more realistic iridescent look, I applied a bronze spray paint by just slightly dusting the body to give it a shimmer. Allow to dry completely.

I removed the ends of the spindle with a miter saw and sprayed the ends with paint. I used decorative glass rocks for the eyes and a few to accent the tail.

The wings are made of the stainless steel brush backsplash. I created a stencil with cardboard and traced this onto the back splash before I cut the pieces. Make sure you wear gloves and eye protection when cutting metal!

I used a jigsaw to cut the wings. Be sure to clamp the piece of metal down first so that it doesn’t move when cutting. I sandwiched the panel in between two pieces of cardboard and clamped it down. This makes the cut more smoothly by keeping the panel from bouncing around. After the wings were cut, I brushed the edges lightly with sand paper to smooth the cut. Don’t forget to remove the protective film.

(Tip: If a piece of your panel is bent or jagged, use a rubber mallet on a flat surface to level it out.)

I attached the wings to the under part of the body. I used screws to attach the two together. This was the best option and I recommend doing this slowly so that the wood doesn’t split or splinter.

Here is the Dragonfly! Now where to put it! I placed it by the flower pit! I call it the flower pit because it was a fire pit at one time, now it’s full of flowers! I like it better as a flower pit. This allows you to visualize the scale of this creature! I also placed it here by the fish pond. I am not sure which one I like the best. What do you recommend?

Finished Dragonfly by the pond.

References

http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html

Christmas Ornaments using Backsplash Panels

Miscellaneous Topic, Recipes and Crafts No Responses »

Dec 142011

Christmas Ornaments

With Christmas just around the corner, I decided to make the most of leftover materials from a previous project that used kitchen backsplash panels. I cut the panel into various sizes and trimmed with ribbon to craft a unique ornament that reflects the Christmas lights.

Supplies:
- Backsplash panel
- Ribbon
- Glue
- Tape

1. Begin by cutting the panel into ornament sized shapes by scoring with utility knife several times. I used approximately 2″ x 2″ and 2″ x 3″ that corresponded to the design of the panel.

Ready for decorating
2. Attach ribbon to edges on one side and then flip ornament over to attach ribbon to back. Carpet tape cut into small pieces adhered well to the metal panels. It takes a little patience to remove the small strips of paper.

Adding tape for ribbon

Adding ribbon

Finishing edges with ribbon

3. Finish by adding a ribbon loop for hanging the ornament. Crazy Glue is great for the ribbon. Use whatever embellishments you have on hand to create your own unique Christmas ornaments.

Finished Christmas ornaments

That’s it. An easy addition to your Christmas decorating.

Craft a Custom French Memo Board using Backsplash – a Great Gift

Recipes and Crafts 2 Responses »

Jul 202011

French Memo Board using Backsplash

A Graduate going to college this fall or young adult moving into an apartment? Redecorating a teen room? Or just need a place to keep your own notes close at hand in home or office? This stylish French Memo Board project with backsplash is designed to display photos, notes and other keepsakes. While easy and inexpensive to make, it can be custom crafted to fit any decor. I crafted this French Memo Board in bright colors to give an office area an extra splash of color. The possibilities are endless to create perfect gift for that special girl or guy (or yourself!) And yes, guys too. Sports teams, favorite colors, or hobbies can all be themes to personalize French Memo Boards.The items needed are:

Backsplash panel
Utility knife
Frame (reuse? my frame is 16″ x 20″)
Paint and brush (optional)
Ribbon – 5/8″ wide, length varies on size of frame (I needed 3 yards)
Buttons (optional)
Glue (Crazy Glue worked great)

The hardest step of this project may be deciding the lucky recipient and then choosing a great backsplash, ribbon color and embellishments that reflect their taste. I chose the Art Nouveau pattern, purple ribbon and combed through old buttons to find some interesting shapes and colors that will coordinate. A black frame with copper backsplash would be an ideal masculine choice. As I work on projects, I keep in mind what I already have available – reuse, recycle! I did not have an exsiting frame in the size I wanted but search through your storage for a frame you can repurpose.

Supplies for French Memo Board

After choosing white buttons, I decided to paint the frame white to coordinate. I used enamel paint on hand from painting woodwork in our house a few years ago. Inexpensive sponge brushes work great. After a few hours, I painted a second coat to get good coverage. For small projects, here’s a hint to keep from cleaning out your brush – wrap in plastic wrap and put it in the freezer. It prevents the paint from drying in your brush. I’ve heard this works overnight or even days but have only done this for a few hours. Just allow a few minutes to thaw before starting your second coat.

Painting frame

While the paint was drying, I began to measure the backsplash. If your backsplash has a pattern, you will want to center the pattern within the frame. The size should be slightly less than the frame. I found this out later when assembling. With the addition of the ribbon, it was a tight squeeze to get the backsplash into the frame.

Center and measure panel

The backsplash panel has a protective coating so you can mark directly on it with a permanent marker.

Centering design

Centering frame on panel

Score the panel several times with a utility knife. Bend the panel several times against a straight edge to finish the break.

Lay out the ribbon first to determine the best alignment for a patterned panel. I chose the horizontal layout as it “framed” the pattern on the backsplash panel.

Diagonal ribbon pattern Horizontal ribbon patternAfter laying out the ribbon, I decided I preferred a thinner ribbon. The ribbon shown here is 7/8" wide and I used 5/8" ribbon for my French Memo Board.Remove the protective coating from the Backsplash Panel. Cut the ribbon allowing about 1" to attach to the back of the panel. Affix one end with Crazy Glue and hold for a few seconds. Attach the second end with Crazy Glue holding snugly so the ribbon will be tight.Gluing ribbon to backsplash panelAttach buttons or embellishments of your choice with Crazy Glue, again holding each for a few seconds. I found some flower shaped buttons to add variety. You could also decorate the frame with additional buttons or ribbon.Adding buttons for the final touch

Assemble the backsplash to the frame using the existing backing from the frame.
This will hold the French Memo Board backsplash securely.

Completed frame and backsplash

Try creating your own unique French Memo Board using our backsplash for gifts or yourself.

French Memo Board using Backsplash