Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Thrifty Life Thursday #33 and Features from Last Week!


At first, I just grabbed these because of the round frames...



You know...to add a little interest to a gallery wall. 

I thought they were prints, but they might be originals. Samson and Angelica.



Any clues? 

While you're thinking, let me show you some features from last week:

This week, we welcomed several new thrifters who had some wonderful finds!
Diana from Adirondack Girl @ Heart found some things that made my pulse race a bit faster...



She had other cool goodies, too. Drop by to check them out!

Dianne from Deanie's Stash found stuff you will NOT beileve...at a 99 year old's farm sale. Grab a bib, and head over there...so much good stuff, I'll bet Diane has not touched the ground since the weekend.


I could be a tad envious...except she's such a nice person. 

Meg at My Vintage Life shares a love of vintage books among other things...


These are just downright luscious. I could eat them. Seriously.

This weekend, Cathy and I are going to estate sales and I'm trying to talk her into going to some sketchy parts of Dallas to check out thrift stores. We'll have to compare and contrast next week...this is new territory for me. 

Now then, let's see what goodies you've discovered recently!

THRIFTY LIFE THURSDAY #33

Gathering Guidelines:

This is a gathering for people who enjoy hunting for treasures 
that may have previous experience or lived a former life elsewhere. 

Please share items that are second-hand or are composed of second-hand materials.

Types of Posts to Share:
    • Home decor, furniture, collectibles, garden items and even wearables are welcome, as long as they have a second-hand element.
    • Please, no food items, new pieces from "real" stores, or crafts, unless made with upcycled, thrifty finds.
    • Hand-me-downs and curbside finds are welcome, as are items found in thrift stores, garage sales, antique shops, flea markets and other interesting places.
    • Treasures may be listed as you found them, or with your updates, tweaks, and re-purposes; befores and afters are both welcome.
    • Items need not be "vintage" but must be pre-owned or second hand.
    • Posts including Etsy and other shop links are welcome! For visitor enjoyment, please link to your blog post, not directly to your Etsy shop. 
    Etiquette:
      • Though it is not a requirement, it would be lovely if you would follow Revisionary Life  via Blogger, Bloglovin' or subscribe via email. Links are located in my sidebar to the right.
      • Please link your post (not your blog address) back to Revisionary Life.             
      • Please visit at least one other party friend.
      • I'd love for you to comment and introduce yourself if we've never met before. :) Otherwise, don't feel obligated to leave a comment. 
      Features:
      • Featured items must meet the criteria above. 
      • Only posts that link back may be featured.
      • I will try to leave a comment or email you and let you know if you were featured!

      Word for the Day:
      Hebrews 10:24-25
      24
       And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 
      25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, 
      but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see 
      the Day drawing near.








      Tuesday, August 26, 2014

      Experiment - How to Age a Mirror...


      The vignette below of antique mirrors layered with photos just about knocked my socks off! I'm not sure why, but the beveled glass mirror in the center caught my eye in particular. 

      All About Vignettes - GOING TO DO THIS ONE!

      I pinned this from All About Vignettes a while back.
      I tried to trace it back to the original pinner, and got lost
      at Little Blue Deer...so I don't know who originally pinned it.

      I have experimented with turning clear glass into antique-looking mirror. I was pleased with those results, but I wanted to try removing new mirror to replicate an old, weathered splotchy finish.

      Recently I found a mirror place mat for .99c at a thrift store. 


      It was a bit scratched, which wouldn't affect my purpose for it, so for .99c, I nabbed it.


      The first thing I did was fill a spray bottle with bleach. I laid the mirror face down on the porch and spritzed it, hoping to see silver being eaten away. It didn't happen. New-fangled mirror silvering is tougher than the vintage stuff - at least on this place mat.

      Since there was still bleach dripping from the mirror, I didn't want to bring it inside. I slid it in between the architectural pieces I have weathering on my front porch.



      The next morning, as I was getting ready to leave, I heard a noise, sort of like someone hammering across the street, or something a little metallic.

      I looked outside to see of the man who mows my lawn was here...and what did I see?



      The cutest little red bird, hovering and flying into the mirror trying to get to his twin (or maybe his competition.) Do any of you Audubon folks know what kind of bird this is? He's smaller than a Cardinal, and doesn't have the cute hat...



      He's been back time and time again. I almost feel guilty...for either faking him out, or removing his fun. I considered hanging a mirror out where my cross usually hangs, but the little guy has made a bit of a mess, if you know what I mean. 

      He's either admiring himself, or scared, or something, but he's made a birdy poo mess in an area near the mirror.

      I've also noticed a couple of cats hanging around, probably hoping for an easy catch. Maybe I'll save his life by removing the mirror!

      Encouraged, I got out my Citristrip. I remembered a tutorial by Rosemary at Villa Barnes from a while back...


      When I applied the stripper, I left it for about 15 minutes. I went back outside and it looked like it had barely started working around the edges. So I waited a bit more. 

      Then, I got antsy, and started scraping it. The finish came away easily, in spite of looking like it had not softened yet. 

      I scraped much of it away, but left some of it. The back looked sort of gold and still very opaque.
      So, I sprayed on the bleach and let it sit for a few minutes. I was hoping for a splotchy, aged look.

      I had no idea what to expect, since this was a first-time experiment. 


      The effect I got was a faded mirror-look, still reflective, but transparent. (It is still wet from rinsing.)

      I removed much more of the mirror than I had intended, but I think I'll still be able to use this some way. All in all, I consider this experiment a success, but with different results than anticipated. 

      And now, to find more mirrors to play around with... 

      Word for the Day:
      1 Corinthians 13:12
      For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

      Possibly Linking With:
      Sunday
      Sundays at Home
      Sunday’s Best
      Nifty Thrifty Sunday
      Monday
      Mod Mix Monday
      Make it Pretty Monday
      Tuesday
      Vintage Inspiration Party
      Vintage Inspiration Party
      Vintage Inspiration Party
      Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
      The Scoop
      Wednesday
      Wow Us Wednesday
      What’s it Wednesday
      Cottage Style Party
      Drop it or Swap it Party
      Thursday
      Under $100 Link Party
      Treasure Hunt Thursday
      Home and Garden Thursday
      Share Your Cup Thursday
      Friday
      Feathered Nest Friday
      Furniture Feature Friday
      Frugal Friday
      Junkin’ Joe
      Thrifty Things Friday
      Saturday
      Party Junk