Monday, May 20, 2013

Befores, Afters and WWYD with Gold Leaf Frames?



Last week was another of those weeks where I felt like I was painting everything that did not move.

I had a new can of Krylon Looking Glass paint, and had been saving up projects on which I could use it for months.

Several vintage footed glass candle holders were among my stash of items. 



Each had different metal finishes and two were dated gold and brown tinted glass. 


I don't usually prefer tinted glass...unless it's for making faux mercury glass!  It really shows up the treatment very well.



I painted all the bases in faux chalk paint, using a Plaster of Paris recipe. 

Well, really, I don't use much of a recipe. I put some Plaster of Paris in a container and add warm water to make a thin paste or thick paint consistency, then add about an equal amount of flat latex paint. I don't measure, unless I'm baking!


I almost didn't paint the green base on this one, but in the end, the paint won. I like to sit and watch Netflix and paint things. If something is still on, I keep painting. So the green went away, except for tiny little bits of it peeking out.

The clear glass is not nearly as interesting as the tinted, in my opinion. I will probably spray some gray or bronze inside to give this piece a bit more depth.


I almost didn't paint this one...it had a faux rusty finish - it wasn't bad, but it didn't go well with anything I had. Faux rust and real rust fight with each other. My rusty things are AUTHENTIC! 

All the while I was painting this little piece, I was thinking of Rosemary at Villa Barnes, and her cool crowns and wonderful finishes!

These pieces may end up on Etsy, or I may stash them until Christmas, when I bring out other Mercury glass pieces. I love the look of it at Christmas!

Now, what would YOU do?


I found these lovely gilded French frames for a steal. 
They're not plastic, but the real deal.


One has a small chip...but I have gold leaf.


As cute as the needlepoint pieces are, they are going far away from these frames forever.

Question: Would you leave these gilded frames gold, or paint them white, with bits of gold peeking through? I promise I won't let Netflix decide this one!

Word for the Day:
Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Linking With

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Thrifty Treasures
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Sunday, May 19, 2013

Make Your Own Faux-Faux Antique Mirrors


Mirrors make great wall decor - especially groups of small ones in odd sizes and shapes. 


I also love to find a great little mirror with some of the silver flaking off in interesting ways. (I haven't ALWAYS liked this look, but I like it now.)


Mirrors also make interesting "filler" in wall collages and family portrait halls of fame.


Most of the small mirrors I find are in fairly plain frames. On the other hand, there are some truly beautiful photo frames that may be found in thrift shops for pennies! 

Often, I don't have photos to fit them. They are mostly designed to be used as tabletop frames instead of hanging ones, but a hanger can easily be added.


Recently, I found a batch of great small photo frames at a thrift store. I wanted to re-purpose them to use in wall collages. 







For the first Faux, I painted them with faux chalk paint (Plaster of Paris recipe.)

Next, I fauxed a splotchy antique mirror look by painting the glass on both sides with the Krylon Looking Glass paint.


I backed them with dark cardboard to show off the texture.
I think a similar look can be achieved by painting the back of the glass with gray spray paint. (I'll try that next!)


These mirrors are not for seeing yourself, but strictly for decorative purposes. (Sort of like the ceramic plates that say "not for food use.) :)


If you like a to decorate with mirrors, and you prefer a vintage look, try this! It's a really simple way to get a vintage look in a very short time.

Word for the Day:
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Linking With

Sunday

Thrifty Treasures
Sunday Show-off Link Party
Monday

Masterpiece Monday
Make it Pretty Monday
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Tuesday

Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
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The Scoop
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Wednesday

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Thursday

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