Every year I struggle with getting something for my parents for Christmas. The same old story really.. nothing they need and they get a little upset about us buying them something. They prefer to leave Christmas for the kids.
Every year however I struggle with this idea because my parents do so much for us that I feel I want to give them something just to say "Thank you". This year however I was a little more prepared and decided that I would give them some recent photos of the kids. I wanted to make them a little bit special though.
While cleaning my scrap room I found a 12 x 12 canvas and my brain started ticking over with ideas. I had some paint left over from the kids school Christmas parcels, so I played around with some Helmar Crackle Medium again on the base of the canvas. I really love using Helmar Crackle Medium. It is so easy to use and the effect is amazing.
I then got to work layering felt, patterned paper, paper lace, and ribbon. With a little help from plenty of yummy Helmar goodies, like Helmar 450 Quick Dry for the ribbons, my every favourite Helmar Scrap Dots (btw.. am a little guilty here of having a little basket next to me now with over 6 tubes of Helmar Liquid Scrap Dotsin it at all times so I have it on hand all the time..lol) to create dimension for all my embellishments, and my Helmar Tape runner for all the paper strips.
Did you know that Helmar V2 Vellum Adhesive works a treat on paper lace and felt. My felt border wasn't adhesive and too fiddly for my liking for glues.. so I just lightly sprayed it and allowed it to dry till sticky. Then adhered it to the canvas. That simple!
Here's a close up of some of the embellishments.
Must say I am very happy with the end result and I know that my parents will love this little homemade gift better than a bought gift.
Best of all it was made with a little help from my friends...
All my Helmar goodies!
Hope that your having an amazing Christmas. Best wishes to everyone and hope that you all have a wonderful time with family and friends.
Happy Holidays!
Michelle Wallace
Helmar Australian Design Team Member
