DIY Ex-Voto Sacred Heart

It's time for another Junk Revision Challenge. A monthly blog hop where we transform so called "junk" into something better. This month's challenge is "HEARTS / VALENTINES" ideas. I love a good creative challenge... and coming up with new ways to reuse things is something that I truly love… and when I found this item at the dollar store I couldn't wait to use in my crafting... the time to use it had arrived...


For this challenge I decided to figure out a way to make something that I love but can't afford to buy... a silver ex-voto Sacred Heart.

This is an example of one from Edith and Evelyn's Etsy shop. They are usually engraved silver and sometimes are studded with rhinestones. I just love what they represent.. the most beautiful heart... Jesus' heart and just how beautiful they are to look at. Since I don't have money in the budget to buy one... I tried to figure out how I could get the look by making one myself.

So this is what I began with... some disposable tin serving trays from the Dollar Tree. (When I found them I knew that they would come in handy for future projects.) I just love the embossed pattern and figured they would be perfect for making my ex-voto. The other materials... a white blouse that no longer fit me and had gotten some paint stains... some rhinestone chain found at a garage sale and some pretty cross embellishments that I had bought a while back at Hobby Lobby (which also sells the rhinestone chain by the yard).

1.  I started by cutting out a paper shape and tracing the outline onto the aluminum tray.
2.  Using a heavy duty pair of scissors cut out the shape. (be careful when cutting as the edges can be sharp and can prick you)
3.  I wanted it to have an antique silver look so I mixed some black paint with clear glaze and matte varnish. Using a brush I painted it on the entire piece. Using a rag to wipe the excess off, I continued these two steps until I was happy with the result. Then I left it to dry. 
4.  To make the heart a little firmer I adhered it with hot glue to a stiff thin piece of cardboard.  In hindsight I would probably do this step before adding the aging glaze.
5.  Cut out the shape once again. And you now have a sturdier heart on which to adhere the rhinestone chain.

The last step is to start at the bottom and go up one side adhering the rhinestone chain with hot glue a little bit at a time. The last part was to add the rhinestones to the flame. I used the same heavy duty pair of scissors to cut the rhinestone into the lengths I needed. Where the flames are pointed on top I cut only one or two rhinestones and added them last as it was not easy to get sharp angles with the one strand.

1.  You could put your finished piece in a shadow box... I happened to use a little wooden drawer that I picked up at a garage sale for $2. I used foam core as a backing and marked it to fit inside.
2.  Using an exacto knife I cut where I had marked and tested to see that it fit in the drawer.
3.  Make sure to cut the fabric you will use as a backing a little larger than the foamcore backing.
4.  Adhere  the excess edges to the the back of it with hot glue making sure to stretch it tight to get out all the wrinkles.
5. Pop it into place and you are ready to add the heart.

I liked the simple chenille style texture of the white fabric. Subtle enough with just a touch of texture and interest. I think it would look great with some velvet fabric behind it just as well.

I know it is not the real deal but until I can afford one... I am happy to look at it and be reminded of the heart that burns with love for me and awaits my love in return.

Now to find the perfect place to display it...

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's day! 

Blessings,

Lucy

Make sure to check out more Valentine's ideas by my fellow Junk Visionaries below...

An InLinkz Link-up

Partying at these locations...

MONDAYS
Something to Talk About @ Spain Hill Farm
Inspire Me Monday @ Sand  and Sisal
The Scoop @ Stone Gable
Project Inspire @ Cupcakes and Crinoline 
Before and After Linkup @ Thrifty Decor Chick

TUESDAYS
Moonlight and Mason Jars @ Cherished Bliss
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style
Talk of the Town @ My Repurposed Life
Dream Create Inspire @ Refresh Living
Swing into Spring @ DIY by Design
What's It Wednesdays @ Ivy And Elephants

WEDNESDAYS
Creative Spark @ Two Purple Couches
Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Home and Garden Thursday @ A Delightsome Life
Share Your Style @ The Vintage Nest
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours

THURSDAYS
Brag Worthy Thursday @ Bless'er House
Think and Make Thursdays @ Little Red Brick House
The Creative Circle @ Up to Date Interiors
Vintage Charm @ Charm Bracelet Diva
Shabbilicous Fridays @ The Shabby Art Boutique
Feathered Nest Fridays @ French Country Cottage
Simple and Sweet Fridays @ Rooted In Thyme
The Inspiration Gallery @ craftberry bush
Creativity Unleashed @ Practically Functional
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
the weekend retreat @ AKA Design
Inspiration Friday @ The Painted Drawer

FRIDAYS
A morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market
Upcycled Link Party @ Funky Junk Interiors
Inspiration Friday @ The Painted Drawer 
Best of the Weekend @ Sweet Pea

SATURDAYS
Saturday Sparks @ Pieced Pastimes
Share it One More Time @ One More Time Events
DIY Sunday Showcase @ The Interior Frugalista
Sundays at Home @ Love of Home

SUNDAYS
Silver Pennies Sundays @ Finding Silver Pennies
Inspired By You @ Reinvented
Inspiration Monday @ What Meegan Makes
Amaze Me Mondays @ Dwellings
Get Your DIY On @ Confessions of a Serial DIYer