How to rescue a bad buy

Ages ago I bought some metal filigree corners for cards. Loved the silver but the gold looked just like cheap brass - sort of 'in your face' and not in the least bit suitable. So, they got stuck in a box of embellishments for what might have been the remainder of their time here - until I had a little thought about them last week.

I'd seen Bev Rochester's transformed metal embellishments for her cards, but couldn't find out just how she did it as I don't think she always explains her secrets. A good old dig around the internet and I found a way:

Here they are during the transformation.

And here's a before and after. Note how that Frantage stuff travels!

I used:

- the shiny brassy gilt filigree corners

- a VersaMark Watermark stamp pad

- a pot of Stampendous Frantage 'Shabby White' embossing enamel

- heat gun

- the longest tweezers I could find (6") and a non stick mat

I tipped about a third of the pot of Frantage into the lid of a box of cotton buds  and away we went. 

Take a filigree corner and press it into the stamp pad, on each side.

Dunk it thoroughly, both sides into the Frantage and tap off the excess.

Holding in the tweezers then heat first one side and then the other and watch the transformation happen.

Do NOT touch with your fingers, it'll be piping hot! After both enamelled sides have been 'melted', put it to one side on the non stick mat and carry on with the rest.

I only did eight ready to have on hand for a few Christmas cards, but there must be another 20+ waiting to be transformed. Yup, I truly did buy a shed load of those corners - which were set to go to waste.

Now? I totally LOVE them - and am ready to start playing round with some metal charms too. The tweezers now have enamelled points, so don't use your best ones by the way :)

Di
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