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DIY Mirrored Shells

Mirrored_Shells
Paint is amazing. A few coats on an ragged armoir and you have an heirloom, some fresh paint on the walls and you have a whole new room, and a little spray paint can turn even ordinary, everyday objects into something pretty and unique, like these mirrored shells. The same technique can be used with other colors, however, the mirrored finish gives these shells a fantastical quality that will be at home with both modern and traditional decors.

Things you’ll need:
Mirror Finish Spray Paint
Seashells
Newspaper

Things to do:
1. Cover the surface of your work area with several layers of newsprint and make sure the space is very well ventilated.
2. Thoroughly wash and dry the shells before using.
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3. Spread the shells out evenly on the paper. You’ll want to be able to get good coverage but not waste the paint with too much space between each shell.
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4. Spray two thin coats over the shells, giving the first about a minute to dry before applying the second.
5. Allow the paint to dry and then turn the shells over, giving two more coats of paint to the undersides of the shells. Once these coats are dry, look for any thin spots and apply a final coat of paint.
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6. Once the paint has cured overnight, pout the shells into the container of your choice.

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Origami Paper Pencils with Mod Podge

Origami_Paper_Pencils
DIY Pencils! Who would have thought? A little paper, a little Mod Podge and some lead and you can have just the pencil you (or your little artist) desires. Very thin paper such as origami paper is best for this project, scrapbook paper is generally too thick and won’t wrap smoothly.

Things you’ll need:
2 mm HB pencil leads
Origami Paper
Gloss Mod Podge or Matte Mod Podge
Foam brush
Scissors
Craft knife

Things to do:
1. Trim the paper to the length of the lead. You’ll need at least two sheets of origami paper per pencil.
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2. Paint the first inch of the paper with Mod Podge and immediately set the lead about 1/2 inch up. Fold the paper over and pull the paper down tight around the lead.
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3. Paint the folded flap and roll very tightly up toward the top of the paper, adding glue as you go.
4. Repeat this process with a second and if needed a third piece of paper, rolling as tightly as possible as you go. The thickness of the pencil depends on how much paper you use.
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5. Smooth down the final edge with a little extra Mod Podge and allow the pencil to dry completely. Sharpen with the craft knife.

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