Frog Shadow box

This year I wanted to do a few crafts but am so late getting them started I don't know if I will finish by Halloween.  I did manage to complete this frog shadow box.

 

This began with a cheesy frog skeleton purchased 90% off at some post Halloween sale.  It was stored in my Halloween craft tote and must have lived hard in the past year as its left front foot broke off.  Of course, it required repainting. I spray primed it, then coated it in black.  On top, I dry brushed beige and white.  I then applied an antiquing glaze, wiped it off, and dry brushed more white. If you are not familiar with a dry brush technique, it is when you wipe most of the top coat paint off of the brush so the dark base color stays in the cracks.

 

 

I then constructed a box (not very brilliantly) out of leftover trim from my kitchen remodel. 

 

I cut these pieces with a miter saw and then glued them together.  I covered backing with gauze bandages dug from the depths of the craft tote and glued it to the back of the shadow box.  I hot glued my frog inside and painted the outer edges black.

 I constructed a frame from more old kitchen remodel trim and painted it black.  His Lordship drilled some small holes that he put brads into to hold the frame together.  Next, I nailed the frame to the shadow box, put a hanger on the back and voila - frog shadow box.

 

I have to laugh because his Lordship thought I was crazy for keeping all that old trim.  But now he can look at this beautiful keepsake every Halloween.  I am sure he is counting his blessings right about now.  I think I just heard him muttering them as he walked away.