Double-sided tape holds simple answer to buckle's look
by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Jun. 11, 2005 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

I love receiving packages in the mail, especially when they come with neat art supplies. Recently, I was graced with a box of goodies from TreasureItCrafts.com. The site is run by two moms who stumbled upon a genius combination for embellishment crafts: double-sided tape, micro ribbon, gems and micro beads. The idea is to take any flat surface (leather cuffs, lampshades, scrapbooks, hat brims, boxes) and cover it with the tape, draw designs with the ribbon, glam up with gems and then sprinkle clear micro beads over all the exposed areas. The end result is multidimensional, eye-catching and in some cases, almost vintage looking. I recently purchased some heavy silver buckles and vamped them up.

Supplies, kits and books can be found at www.tresureitcrafts.com or at your local craft store.


Glamouricious Belt Buckles


Supplies:

1 blank belt buckle
Double-stick craft tape (red backing)
Assorted metallic threads, approximately 1/16 in size
Assorted flat-backed objects (sequins, gems, etc.)
Picture (optional)
1 package of clear micro beads
Tray to catch micro beads (I used a small bead tray with a spout at one end)
1 pair of cheap scissors
1 pair of regular scissors

Directions: Cover the top of the buckle with double-sided tape, but do not remove the red backing. Rub your fingers over the tape to remove any air bubbles. Arrange your design on the buckle and then set everything aside. Once you know how to decorate it, peel the red backing off. Use cheap scissors to trim off excess tape. Apply the objects, but keep in mind that once you set something on it, it will not come up. Add larger objects or pictures first, gems, and then add ribbon by holding the strand down with one finger and moving it in desired shapes and/or swirls with your other finger. Use good scissors to cut ribbon. Once you have completed the design, hold the buckle over the tray and pour the micro beads over the entire surface until all the exposed tape areas are covered. Tap the buckle on the side to remove any excess beads. Use your fingers to press everything in place. Let set for 24 hours before using.

Tips: Avoid touching the exposed tape, as it will make it less sticky. Save scraps of tape for future use. To clean tape build up from scissors, use an adhesive remover, such as Goo Gone.

* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: paper, wearable art