Katsum Constructs

Monogram Frame

2011-09-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

Monogram Frame

Today is another simple and green construction. I had this collage frame that was really pretty once upon a time. It was a brushed silver but that no longer looked right with my design so I re-constructed it. here are the supplies you will need to do the same with your old frames.

The obvious, a frame
A wood letter
Two or three colors of paint

Now I can will help you construct some thing personalized from a used mainstream item.

First remove the glass and clean the frame.
Now paint the frame, the backing, and the wood letter in the chosen colors.
Center and glue the letter to the backing and reassemble.

This is super easy. I made one for my nursery and I have received many compliments on it. This is actually this frames 3rd life. I used it with photos when I first received it. Then I used it as a centerpiece tray on my dining table and now it is on the wall again, only without glass. I hope you find this easy project as easy and useful as I did. Here are a few trial and error tips that I found useful.

I used a high gloss spray paint on the frame. It was left over from another project, however, I think the high gloss really added to the design. The spray can made the paint job much smoother on the curvy frame.
I used a brush on the backing. The surface is flat and smooth so that could be very hard to get even with spray paint.
Center the letter and glue it before you assemble the frame. It is easier to measure the flat surface.
If you don't have extra frames remember thrift stores / goodwill are a great resouce for them.

This is a great nursery or wedding gift that won't break the bank. Everyone loves a personalized touch. Craft stores usually sell many sizes of wood letters so you can find smaller or larger letters and fit any frame. You can decoupage scrapbook paper or use wall paper on the letter or the backing to add more to the design as well. Good Luck!

Frame it!

2011-09-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

Frame it

Today construction is more of a deconstruction. These frames all held a picture, print, or mirror before I got a hold of them. I wanted to find a creative way to spruce up my Walls that I might not find at every Kirkland's in the lower 48. I did some searching and found I liked the impact of the lines empty frames provide. This is a really easy and inexpensive way to show off your creative side. We need to get a few supplies together.

Frames of all shapes and sizes
paint in your chosen colors
picture hanging kit

Now that we have that we can begin the construction.

Take each frame and separate it from the picture and backing. Some might have an attached back but usually you can easily cut it off with scissors.
Clean any gunk off the frames if you are using old frames.
Lay your frames in a pattern on the floor in the same pattern you will be using on the wall so you can decide which frames to paint specific color.
Now that you know the direction you will be hanging the frames on the wall you need to make sure all the frames have a hanger on the back for that direction.
Paint the frames and allow them to dry overnight.
Hang your frames!

These frames can really make a impact if you get your colors right. They also will not hurt your wallet if you choose the greener path of re purposing old frames. And if you decide on changing up you colors in the future all you have to do is repaint. I got my frames at local thrift stores all for about $15 and I paid around $5 for paint and foam brushes and $3 for the picture hanging supplies. You can stack these together like I did for a focal point or you can place the separately over a large area. Good Luck!

Katsum Constructs: Functional Decor

2011-09-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Katsum Constructs: Functional Decor: Functional Decor Today's construction has it all! It is decorative, useful, green, and inexpensive! This is a trivet and a nice decoratio...

Functional Decor

2011-09-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Functional Decor

Today's construction has it all! It is decorative, useful, green, and inexpensive! This is a trivet and a nice decoration in your kitchen or dining area. I kept seeing these on craft shows and they sell kits for them but I didn't really want to spend $30 or more on a kit. I finally sat down and found a creative way to DIY. This should take about an hour depending on your size. Now let's get our supplies together.

real wood corks
picture frame
adhesive (I used Gorilla Glue)
paint(optional)
cardboard (optional)

Now the list today is short and your specific supplies can vary. I used 20 corks and 1 5x7 frame. You may need more or less depending on what size frame you use. Now that we have what we need let's be constructive.

If you don't like the color of the frame you will need to paint it first. My frame was a old ceramic one that was white and blue checked so I sprayed it with some leftover brown spray paint. I let it dry while I moved on to steps 2 and 3.
If your frame has a deep inset from the border you may want to cut a piece of cardboard to glue in so it will be a even surface.
You need to cut the corks in half down the length so you end up with two semi cylinders. This is a bit tricky so make sure to watch your fingers. The corks can roll so take your time. I used a serrated kitchen knife but if you have a easier method please share in the comments below.
Lay out the corks in a pattern before you begin to glue them. You will want to make sure how they best fill the space. Mine worked out in straight but there are endless possibilities on the patterns you could make.
Once you have the pattern decided lift the corks up one at a time apply a liberal amount of glue and then press back into place.

I would let this dry at least one day before using under a hot dish. I left the stand on the back of my frame and when I am not using it on the table I set it in my china hutch next to some wine glasses or on the kitchen counter next to a wine bottle. This is really great if you have corks from special occasions of your own to use. If you know a newly wed who had wine at their wedding or rehearsal you can collect the corks and make them one as a keepsake. I have been using mine about 3 years an it is still going strong.

Here are a few trial and error tips:

Don't use hot glue, it will melt when you put a hot dish on the trivet.
if you don't have corks usually you can order them online if you want a variety or you can get them in some cooking or kitchen stores but they are usually plain.

The total cost of this will depend on what you have that you can repurpose but even buying all the supplies it should be under $15.

Decorative Spheres

2011-09-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

Decorative Spheres

Today's construction is decorative spheres. I actually made these with items I already had but they are common items that are very easy to find. I have been wanting some spheres for a while but they always seem cheaply made or really expensive and most are the wrong color or a boring generic color. I decided that constructing my own could lead to self achievement or a heavy trash bag. I ended up with the successful outcome and some high quality, durable decor. Now I'd like to share my success with you. First we need to get a few supplies.

Styrofoam spheres of any size - find this at Walmart or any craft store
glass pebbles in desired color - also found at walmart and craft stores
thin set - find at any home improvement store in the tile supplies
grout - also a tile supply

Now that the supplies are gathered we can run down the construction.

Mix the thin set and start applying in small areas to the sphere with a plastic spoon. This is an adhesive used to lay tile and you only have to mix it with water. Once that is mixed according to the directions on the packaging just start covering the sphere with it. DO NOT cover the entire sphere. I usually cover half to start with.
Start applying the stones in your desired pattern. Once you have them on the first half you either need to let them dry or set it in a bowl. If they do not dry or well supported when you flip it over to work on the other half the glass will fall off.
Repeat steps one and two on the second half of the sphere. Let set up for one day at least.
Mix the grout according to the package directions with water. Fill in the space between the glass stones with the mixed grout. This is easiest and fastest using your hands but you can use a spoon to do it. Once this is done try to wipe away as much excess grout as you can with a slightly damp paper towel. It will probably leave a milky film but that can be rinsed away after the grout has had time to dry for at least one day.

Here are a few trial and error tips:

use only stones with a flat back
add water to thin set and grout if it begins to dry out
Make sure you clean any spilled thin set and grout from work surfaces before they set.
Always look at discount stores for craft supplies. I found spheres and glass pebbles at Dollar Tree.

The total cost of this varies but I made my set of three for about $20. I plan on making them as house warming gifts in the future.