Faux Fabulous: Metals

For a while now it seems that everywhere you look people have a case of metal mania. It started innocuously enough with eyelets and brads. Next came tags, metal words, plaques, and wire. Before long you were seeing more layouts that had metal accents than those that didn't. Using metal embellishments isn't a new technique, and yet many people have decided to avoid this trend because they are concerned about the possible danger that metals pose to their layouts and photos. Even more dangerous might be the effect it has on your pocketbook, because many of those accents are expensive!

On several occasions I've chosen to use faux metal embellishments in place of real ones. I get the same look without all of the bulk and possible damage to my photos or memorabilia. Another bonus is that I can create up to ten times the number of accents from faux metal techniques for the same price as a few of the real version.

There are several ways to create faux, or imitation, metals:

Metallic Papers - The easiest is to purchase metallic papers and create embellishments using a die-cutting system. Most home die-cutting systems (such as Sizzix or QuicKutz) have dies to cut out everything from buttons and eyelets to tags and metal book plates.

Inks - If you like the look of aged metals or the patina of rust and oxidization without the possibility of harmful chemicals I suggest you try creating your own using inks. Realistic-looking metal accents can be created by applying layers of ink to glossy white paper and heat setting with an embossing gun.

Sprays - Krylon and other spray paint manufacturers now have acid-free products that you can spray onto thick paper. These sprays mimic everything from rust to sand, and are a fun way to mimic the appearance of metal.

Faux Wire - Wire is another commonly used metal accent that can easily be reproduced using more photo-friendly materials. To create "wire" words I dip shiny metallic DMC floss into a half-and-half mixture of white school glue and water. I create my word on wax paper and let it dry completely before using a thin bead of clear scrapbook glue to adhere it to my layout. Try winding your damp thread around a wax-paper-covered pencil to create spirals, or add beads for more interest.

Paint - A number of companies now sell acrylic-based paints with a low water content that won't warp paper. These paper paints work wonderfully when used to create faux metal accents. You can get the patina of vintage copper, or a shiny brass. You can get a stainless steel or antique bronze appearance as well simply by painting a premade item such as a die cut, or chipboard accent. Try painting an entire sheet of paper and then using your favorite flower-shaped punches to create faux metal flowers. Small circles punched from your painted paper can be covered with Diamond Glaze to create brads.

Some metal accents you might like to imitate are:

• Charms - Stamp image on shrink plastic and color with metallic pens/pencils before heating. Be sure to punch a hole in the top, before heating, if you plan to hang your charm.
  
  
• Tiles - Use archival-quality paper clay and cut out squares or circles. Let them air dry for 24 hours before painting with metal-colored acrylic paints.
  
  
• Letters - Use metallic papers and any alphabet die set to create custom metal titles. Ink the edges to create a more realistic look.
  
  
• Bottle Caps - Use a scanner and computer printer to get realistic-looking bottle caps. Apply ultra thick embossing enamel to the printed bottle cap for a thicker, shinier, and more realistic bottle cap.
  
  
• Staples - A good quality metallic pen can create very realistic-looking staples. If creating a row of staples be sure to use a ruler so that they are all the same length.
  
  
• Monogram Letter - Use ultra thick embossing enamel to cover a large chipboard letter or number. Apply metallic ink and use clear enamel for a shiny finish.

Don't be afraid to try something new! Mix inks and paints to get the perfect look without the bulk of real metal accents. Put that scanner to work creating photo images of accents, or try creating items from paper clay or other archival products and then altering them to take on a metal appearance. You better be careful however, otherwise you too can catch a case of metal mania!

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