Romantic Arbours by Jennie

Hello and welcome to another project using one of the Calico Craft Parts new kits. This is actually the boat kit but instead of thinking of Harbours my mind went down the Arbours route instead! The slatted sides just reminded me of an Old English Church Porch and so the idea of a sepia "wedding photo" was born.

I decided to paint the inside of the "boat" with chalk paint and started with the slatted sides. For the outside I wanted a vintage sepia look so used these gorgeous papers. I cut enough paper vertically for the five pieces and then cut them into strips. This way the pattern on the paper runs up the side of the arbour.

 A little light sanding around the edges exposed the white inner core of the paper.

 You can see how well the pattern runs up the sides despite being individual slats.

There is no need to glue the slats other than lightly onto the base as it is the top arch which holds everything together. I had intended to put a seat into the arbour but decided against it in terms of the photograph I wanted to use (It was easy enough to cover the slats up!)

Before sticking everything together I had used the base and arch as a template to cut my paper for the inside. I have used the sander again to whiten the edges of the front arch.

A few flowers and leaves .......

..... and a horseshoe.

Now I wondered which way up to put the horseshoe ....... if facing upwards it brings good luck and if facing downwards it showers good luck on those below ...... apparently !!

Finally I added a little fence in the front to fill in the space and hold in the muslin. I really love the "raw" colour of the MDF which suited this project perfectly.

I think this would make a lovely wedding present or wedding anniversary present particularly if made with the colours of the bride and bridesmaids. It was certainly great fun ..... next time I might make a boat !!

As always thank you for joining me today and happy crafting!

Jennie x

Live The Dream

Calico Craft Parts Used:

MDF Boat & Oars Kit (Medium)

Wood Fence Panel Shape 4