Christmas MDF wall plaque using Chloe stamps

Hi, it's Jenny, and this is my first crafty project for the Hochanda blog.

It started with a visit to the studio, where they run the live shows from, but they also keep all the crafty "samples".  These are basically the lovely crafty things you see on the telly...and I got to wander around and pick what I wanted to use!  It was really tricky, to be honest, where do you start.  I opted for some of the stamps Chloe has brought to us, and I went for Christmas designs.  I like making Christmas decorations, I think they make a lovely gift idea.

Firstly I dug out some of my MDF, and prepped a few pieces at the same time.  First with black acrylic paint, which I allowed to dry:

I applied the paint with a sponge, as it's really quick and you only need a little paint for a good coverage.

I then went over the top with white acrylic paint - or you can use gesso.  Again, I used a sponge.

I then used lovely ink from Cosmic Shimmer.  I applied this with a sponge.  Pick up the ink with the sponge directly from tub, and then dab off the excess on a heat resistant craft mat.  The ink is really rich, so you do not need too much.  I just shaded the edge of the heart with the ink.  The colour I used was Turquoise pool, follow the link here if you would like to have a go: Cosmic Shimmer Colour Clouds Blending Ink

I was aiming for a shabby chic look, which is why I wanted a subtle wash rather than an intense colour.

Now I used a stunning heart stamp from Chloe.  I say this is a Christmas Decoration - but to be honest it doesn't necessarily have to be, it depends how you paint and decorate it.  For this, and more of Chloe's stamps, follow this link: Chloe stamps

I stamped using a versamark pad, and then used the WOW snowy glitter, which is effectively white mixed with sparkle.  Top tip, if you stamp the image wrong and cover it with embossing powder (this is basically what I did!), wipe off the embossing powder, and then cover the versamark with talc or an anti-static bag.  If you don't cover the ink, when you stamp again and cover with embossing powder, it will stick pick up the first, incorrect, image.

Next I used a pink glitter pen, and just gently applied colour over the top of the embossed image.  I allowed the strokes to feather out, and  I followed the stamped image.

I added a little around the edges of my MDF as well, however I then decided to sand the white paint back a little, so sanded quite a lot of the pink off.

Something I have loved adding to many of my projects, is little roses which I learnt from a Folk It kit, they are so easy but look very effective:

I also added little dots, really random, but what a difference they make.  I also added little leaves, which again are so easy and pretty.

As this is a MDF piece, I'm allowed to go a little bit fancy, and posh, and use an embellishment I would normally only save for best.  These are lovely, diamante bling.  I glued ribbon in place, and then added my finishing touches.  Plus a little glitter....of course.  I hope you like it.

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