Primitive Craft Of The Day: Adorable Little Shoo-Fly Screen

So I have seen here- and- there, people with these litttle mini shoo-fly  screens. They are too cute!!! Great for a shelf or cubby!!

-So I started out with a strainer. First, carefully, using a dull butterknife, (always work AWAY from yourself- your body, face, or other hand) I loosened the metal "track" beside the 2 hooks on the strainer. Just a bit.
-Then I forced them up and pried them out with the butterknife.
-Then, for the handle, the handle is in the track about 1/2 way around the diameter, so I loosened the metal track by sliding the dull knife in, and then sliding it along, prying slightly as I went. Once I removed 1 side of the metal handle, I could just pull out the other side.
-Using plyers and a tea towel, protect the track with the towel and press it closed with the pliers.(so not to have big marks.)

Now it is best to spray with metal primer. However, this is a little one is for me, not to sell, so I didn't prime.
-Using a stiff small brush (with tough bristles) using a SMALL amount of paint, stipple the color on. Some people use spray paint, but I find I was getting to many "squares" or"filled in mesh holes".
-If you are getting "squares" (filled in mesh holes) with this method, , use less paint, stipple and disperse until they dissapear, or use a stiffer brush. This is how I do it, but I am no expert. This is what I prefer.

Here it is done! I topped it off with a little antique handle! Once you make one of these little cuties, you will want them in every nook and cranny!I am thinking of making a mini-mini one. If I do, I 'll update this post and post it below.

Here it is in relation to a regular large one I made, using the same method. Their knobs match!!

I like this method, because I feel I have full control over the paint look. This is also a great way if you want to make the paint look blotchy with several tones for an aged appearance.

oh yes.. and to install the handle, turn the screen down side up to make the hole with a knife, at first, like a dodo, i pressed down on the screen right side up and bent it in. I had to bend it back... :J

*Blessings*