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Creating display frames


This blog post will cover some of the techniques you can use to paint and assemble the ladder and shiplap frame that display your interchangeable square inserts.


A separate blog post for painting the inserts is here.



Throughout the seasons you can find DIY Art kits here or ask to have a workshop converted to a kit. If you have your own supplies from a craft store, feel free to follow along below!


THE LADDER




Creating this leaning ladder is deceptively simple and it such an effective display stand!

The ladder comes in 4 pieces:

  • 1 x 18 " ladder cut out

  • 3 x backers with finger holes

(inserts are separate and not covered in this post)



You should paint the ladder, but the backers are optional. In this example I have painted them, for continuity, but they won't be seen behind the inserts, so it's not essential.


  • You can paint the ladders with acrylic or chalk paints in any color you choose. Remember that if you want to interchange the inserts seasonally, so you may want to stick with neutral colors, so as not to detract from the art you'll be displaying.

  • Good neutral colors are brown, white, black and grey.

  • If you want a splash of color, then the rainbow is yours to pick from!



To create a rustic wood-like finish, I have chosen acrylic paint in burnt umber.

  • Dry-brush the paint onto the wood with a sponge brush.

  • Do not use water! It may cause your display to swell and affect the fit of your inserts.

  • Rub off excess paint with a cloth or paper towel, especially on the inside edges.




One layer of paint dries with a grainy effect. If you want a more solid finish, add additional layers of paint, drying between each coat.



Once the ladder is dry, use a fast acting glue, like Aleene's Turbo Tacky Glue, craft glue, super glue or wood glue to stick the backing pieces onto the back of the ladder. See the clip below for technique. Use a tiny amount of glue! Less is more.



 


THE SHIPLAP FRAME:



When you tell people you made this gorgeous interchangeable frame yourself, they'll be so impressed! Follow below for the instructions.




The shiplap frame comes in 8 pieces:

  • 1 x shiplap cutout

  • 2 long + 2 short fame pieces

  • 3 x backing pieces with finger holes

(inserts are separate and will be covered in this post)



  • Dry brush a sparing amount of acrylic paint onto the 4 framing pieces.

  • Avoid using too much paint or water, especially on the inside edges, as it may cause the wood to swell, thereby affecting the fit of your square inserts.

  • I used burnt umber acrylic, but you can use any other acrylics or chalk paints. Neutral colors for all-seasons are white, black, brown and grey, but you can use any colors you'd like.

  • For a deeper finish, apply more than one coat of paint.




The shiplap cutout can be painted with chalk paints, acrylics or spray paint. I used a white chalked spray paint and applied 2 thin layers.




When the pieces are dry, apply a thin line of glue onto the framing pieces and attach them to the front of the shiplap. They will nest perfectly into each other at the edges of the cutout.

My preferred glue is Aleene's Turbo Tacky glue, because it dries fast and clear.

See the clip below for technique.





Allow to set for a couple of minutes before flipping over.




Apply a thin line of glue to the back edges of the cutout.



Glue the backing pieces onto the back of the frame.

See the clip below for technique.




Allow the fame to dry and get your inserts ready!


Ladders and shiplap frames are best leaned up against a wall or hard surface, but if you choose to hang them on a wall, you can use contact strips.

To prevent the inserts from falling out, you can either use masking tape or velcro rounds. This shouldn't be necessary, if the ladder/ frame are angled.


You will have so much fun with these displays!


To see techniques on painting the square inserts see here.




Thanks for joining me! I can't wait to see what you do with your displays! Please share them with me directly at claire@threeand.me or on social media with tag @threeandme.


Warmly,

Claire

xoxo





#threeandme #fall #ladders #shiplap #halloween #leaningladder #framed #laundry #squares #3d #paint #create #framed #diy








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Reviews

Created. Enjoyed. Reviewed ...

Had the most fun tonight with an amazing instructor and many wonderful friends! Three & Me out did themselves with beautiful presentation and amazing craft that I am excited to display in my home! I look forward to another opportunity to craft with Three & Me in the future!

Camas, WA

What an amazing experience! Claire is an incredible instructor and makes these projects so fun and truly easy for those like me who are not artsy! She is extremely organized and everything is so well thought out and ready in advance. I can hardly wait to take more classes in the future. I would highly recommend Three & Me!

Angela H.

Camas, WA

I just went to my first Three & Me workshop. It was a wonderful experience. Claire is a warm hostess and an excellent instructor. Making everyone feel engaged and successful. The materials are top notch and every detail is well thought out. It’s a great escape for a personal creative moment or a fun way to connect with friends and family while expressing your inner artist.

Camas, WA

Such a fun string art class tonight! Claire is a wonderful instructor and everything was so beautiful; the display, the art, the examples, the supplies, the snacks! So fun!

Camas, WA

This is truly a fun night out! Claire's instruction is helpful, humorous and fun! I love how she allowed us options to be creative and put our own twist on our projects. There is a lot of attention to detail with the set-up, supplies and refreshments which did not go unnoticed.  I can't wait for the next project!

What a fun evening! Claire has thought of every detail and guides you step by step through the whole process! She is such an encourager and makes you feel like you have just made a masterpiece! I highly recommend her classes! I can't wait to take another one!

Camas, WA

I had such a fun evening! Three & Me had everything presented beautifully and organized in a way that made it easy to follow along for those of us that aren't necessarily crafters by nature! Thank you for a fun night!

Courtney H.

Camas, WA

Thank you Claire Houlding for an incredible night! It was so much fun creating with Three & Me!

Hollen F.

Camas, WA

You all did such a great job! Claire Houlding what a fun thing you are starting in our community! Love it. So fun to be there tonight!

Jennifer B.

Camas, WA

I craft a lot at home, but doing crafts in a class with friends is so much better. THREE & ME makes it so easy to do the things I am interested in, without having to find the supplies and figure out how to do it on my own. I've just booked my next ladies night with Claire! I can't wait. 

Vancouver, WA

Tonight, a bunch of lucky ladies got to craft along side one of the very best. Claire's heart, is hands done one of the very best and those of us who were there got to create something amazing that we will proudly display in our homes. Many laughs and much fun was had by all. I highly recommend one of Three & Me classes to anyone in the area! Spread kindness around like confetti!!

​

Lana E.

Camas, WA

Art is not my strength. I don't have a creative bone in my body. So I came to a workshop because my friend made me... and I made something I now love. I was expecting to sit and watch, but landed up getting fully involved! My husband and kids don't believe that I made it myself. I'm coming again and I'm bringing my sister... she's even worse at crafts than me.

Alyson S.

Washougal, WA

We had such a fun girls night out making Christmas signs. Claire did a wonderful job explaining what to do and they turned out great! We are all looking forward to more events!! Thank you!

Kristine A.

Camas, WA

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