The Craft In Me

A blog devoted to all my crafty endeavors.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Iron Foam




So I've taken a long blogger break, which was very much needed. But I'm back now to bring you a post that I'm excited to share.



I had an inspiration the other day while wondering through Kirkland's. This picture with a simple iron design in the center. So I whipped out my phone and took a quick photo.










The iron in the photo probably wasn't real but what we're going for here is the "look" of iron.




I've had the idea for a while to cut fun foam into an iron look and this design fueled my fire.




Now, usually this fun foam comes in thin sheets but I found this thicker sheet at Michael's. It' about 1/4" thick. But I imagine if all you had was thinner sheets, you could cut two or more sheets and glue them together.











I needed a template before slicing into the foam so I made one using cardboard.





So I sketched out a freehand template on cardboard, not bad huh?


But as soon as I started to cut the cardboard with an exacto knife, it was so tough and it was taking forever. Plus, knowing that I had to cut through this cardboard and then cut the foam too, I just took my chances with cutting the foam freehand without the cardboard template.





Using pencil, I drew the design on the foam and then used an exacto blade to make the cuts.





The pencil shows up well on the foam even though the foam is black.










I was so happy it was turning out great.


Now for those jagged edges.









The scissors I used did not help much with trimming.






So, bing!, I had an idea to use sand paper to smooth the edges. It did the job well.







This was turning out to be sort of a sculpting project but my background in clay and pottery really enjoyed this step.










This next step wasn't necessary but it gave it a finished look.



I spray painted it using Rust-Oleum black metallic spray paint.







Lastly I placed scrapbook paper behind it. I'm still not sure if I will hang as it is or place it in a frame like my inspiration photo.





Also, I can't wait to try other designs. It would look great carved with an initial too.











Linking to...


BWS tips button

Keeping It Simple Making

Todays Creative Blog



ShutterLoveTuesdays


Beyond The Picket Fence Whimsy Couture



NightOwlCrafting



HookingupwithHoH A Little Knick Knack



Chic on a Shoestring Decorating





UndertheTableandDreaming The DIY Show Off

17 comments:

  1. That looks great. You are one talented lady!
    lovely work!

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  2. Hello I found you on Sugar bee ! I love your blog :) I am a new follower and I also shared your button on my blog :) I dont have allot of followers yet but I hope it help s a little .
    Please come and check out my blog if you have the
    time.
    Thanks Rebecca
    http://thesparrowsend.blogspot.com/

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  3. Fun! Isn't it great to see something and make it for yourself? Thanks for sharing!

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  4. That came out really pretty. I love using stuff I have to make a 'designer' or popular item without paying those high prices. Visiting from Sugar Bee's Take a Look Tuesday.
    ~Kimberlee
    {Accuquilt Giveaway} 

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  5. this is awesome! will definitely be trying this.

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  6. Wonderful job... It looks just like iron! Love faux metal ideas =)

    -caroline @ c.w.frosting

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  7. OMGosh, this is ingenious! I ♥ anything iron even if it is faux iron Ÿ If you make a template of your piece I would love to have it. Such a clever project Ü

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  8. What an awesome and affordable idea! It turned out so good!

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  9. This is one fabulous idea! Definitely have to try it for our room...maybe white....or black...;D

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  10. Love this! I will definitely try the initial idea, what good gifts that would make. Kudos on your cleverness!

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  11. What a great project - it looks so realistic!!! So glad I followed you here from the Answer is Chocolate Link Party! I'm also linking up if you'd like to drop by!
    Hugs, antonella :-)
    http://quilling.blogspot.com/2011/06/filigree-friday-free-graduation.html

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  12. I loved your iron foam so much I featured it on this week's Ten Buck Tuesday! Email me at youngnester(at)gmail(dot)com to get the code for the "I've been featured at Young Nester" button! Have a great week!

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  13. What a great project. it looks just like iron!

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  14. That's awesome! You had me fooled. I think spray painting it was a great idea! Gave it the perfect feel. Love it!

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  15. Jalinda - Your art work looks fantastic. So creative and clever! Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase Party. I am a little behind commenting - but I have featured this last week. Hope you are having a wonderful week ~ Stephanie Lynn

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  16. Very nice job! fancy and frugal....love it!
    Lina :)

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Thank you so much for your comments! :)