Metal Embellishments

You can purchase ready-made elements from a scrapbooking shop but sometimes you may want something special and specific that cannot be bought. In this case, why not alter a metal embellishment to suit your purposes? Here I will explain a few different ways to change plain hardware decorative elements to help you to find that elusive finishing touch.

Antique Brads

There are many different techniques you can use to alter metal embellishments. What if you have a vintage layout that you would like to enhance and would like to have some aged looking brads to really finish the look off? And the best thing is, you may only need to raid your manicure set for a lovely finish! One of the simplest techniques only takes a permanent ink pad and some fine sandpaper (I used a nail file!) and you can wind up with a lovely antique finish.

You Will Need:

• Some metal brads
  
  
• A permanent inkpad such as Stazon - I used black but you can choose any other coloured ink you like
  
  
• Fine sandpaper or an old nail file
  
  
• Crystal Effects or clear nailpolish
  
  
• A roll of toilet paper can act as a stand for your brads while they are drying, but a foam or styrofoam block or a piece of florist's oasis can also be used
  

Here's What to Do:

• Step 1: Choose a shiny brad such as the one I used here - in this case they are gold but you could choose something else such as silver or brass or copper
  

  

• Step 2: Open the ink pad and upend the brad. Tap the surface of the brad on the ink pad until it is covered sufficiently. Set aside to dry for about 15 minutes
  

  

• Step 3: When the ink is thoroughly dry, sand the surface lightly with your sandpaper or nailfile, until you get the look you want
  

  

• Step 4: Seal the surface if you like with a thin layer of Crystal Effects or clear nailpolish and push it into your stand to allow it to dry, if possible leaving it undisturbed for at least 2 hours (it is better if you can allow it to dry overnight) to attain a 'cured', durable finish
  
• Step 5: Use your finished brads to enhance your project!
  

You will be able to tell the difference when you compare the altered brad with an unaltered one!

Detail Your Brads with Rubons

Have you seen brads with finely detailed pictures on them? Do you have some rubons you would like to transfer to your brads? All you need to do is treat your brad like it is a paper surface.

You Will Need:

• Brads of your choice - here I have used brads with painted surfaces (By the way, do you like my drying stand? It really is a roll of loo paper! Lol! Just push the pins of the dry, unaltered brads into the side of the roll and start painting or glueing or whatever you want to do - I did add the rub-ons by grasping the brad in one hand while applying pressure to the rub-on to adhere it with the other hand as it was too soft a base having the brad standing in the loo paper roll)>
  

  

• Rubons of your choice
  
• A clean wooden paddle pop or ice cream stick
  
• You may want to add something like a little crystal gem or Kaiser jewel after you have added the rubon. Just make sure it has a flat, smooth backing
  
• Crystal Effects or clear nail polish to seal the surface and make it durable
  

Here's What to Do:

• Step 1: Make sure the surface of your brad is clean and dry. You may want to anchor it in some foam, styrofoam, oasis or in a toilet paper roll
  
• Step 2: Select the rubon you want and carefully place it on the brad, then use the wooden stick to adhere it to the metal
  

  

• Step 3: Add the gem(s) with a little Crystal Effects or nail polish, then cover the entire surface with the same medium to seal it well
  
• Step 4: Allow the decorated elements to dry for at least two hours or better, overnight
  
  
• Step 5: Attach your completed embellishments to your project and enjoy!
  

Glittered or Flocked Brads

Did you know you can customise brads to be any colour of glitter or flock you have in your stash? And it is so easy!

The original colour of your brad will probably show through the gitter or flock, so choose ones with this thought in mind. You can also paint your metal embellishments to match or contrast or coordinate with the colour of flock or glitter you are going to use.

You will need:

• Brads
  
• Glitter or flocking powder
  
• A strong glue such as Crystal Effects
  

Here's What to Do:

• Step 1: Coat the brads with a thin but thorough layer of adhesive
  
• Step 2: Dip the brad in the glitter or flock, and ensure it is thoroughly covered
  
• Step 3: You can leave the brad in the glitter or flock pot if you like - it won't hurt the glitter or flock. Or you can push the prongs of the brads in styrofoam, foam, or a roll of toilet paper to dry for a minimum of two hours or, better, overnight

Heat Embossed Brads

Heat embossing is an effective way to alter metal embellishments too.

• Step 1: Ink up the brads with Versamark (clear embossing ink) or stamp an image on them in Versamark
  
• Step 2: Sprinkle embossing powder on the inked brads
  
• Step 3: Use a pair of tweezers or something similar to hold the brad while you heat the embossing powder with a heat gun
  
• Step 4: Allow the embossed brad to cool properly before handling it
  

Now you have several ways to alter Metal Embellishments to adorn your paper craft projects in your own unique way!

Have you made some altered brads or similar metal embellishments? Why not share how they turned out with us?

Have A Favourite Altered Art Piece?

Do you have a piece of altered art you have created? We'd love you to share it!

Top of page