Paper a la Mode: July 2008

Some new Jewelry for my "Ugly" Buffet

This little depression era buffet is one of my favorite pieces. When I found her and her little brother "China Cabinet" at the Goodwill 8 years ago they were ugly brown, sad, chipped and 50% off. Even so, I could tell they were sturdy and they reminded me of my Grandma. When my hubby and brother in law went to pick them up for me I think they were a little repulsed. When they moved them in for me they asked "are you sure you want these?" "Yes I want them. They are going to be super cute with a coat of paint." I replied.

Since they have been with me they have been white, red and black. They have been moved, bumped, sanded, chipped and pretty much abused. They are not fancy but they are strong. I love them.

I was at Hob Lob (again, I know, I know) yesterday and I found these great chunky ceramic knobs in a bunch of fabulous colors and shapes and I thought my beloved buffet would look so cute, maybe even a little fresh, dressed in these. So I bought three sets of different shapes in black and cream. They look great with the toile shades.

Aren't they sweet?

Doesn't she look proud?

Maybe now I'll finally paint the dinning room. I am still not sure if I want red or tan. What do you all think?

Antiquing Mirrors Altering Clearance Finds

I found these scrolly mirror thingys at Hob Lob in the 80% of section. They where not the right color but for six bucks I figured I would use my trusty black spray paint to fix that problem. After I sprayed them and hung them in my room something still wasn't right. The mirrors where way to shinny and where disrupting some sort of Fung Shway. (see how much I know about Feng Shui, I can't even spell it) Bottom line it looked bad. My hubby who pretty much says nothing (smart man) about what I do to the house, even asked "whats up with those mirrors?"
I knew then something had to be done.

I started researching ways to antique or age new mirrors. Surprisingly there was very little free info online about easy ways to do it. I did find a couple of expensive kits. But I wasn't willing to pay $60 dollars and the kits where huge! Tons of steps and chemicals. Not my thing at all. So I decided to use some things I had on hand and see if I could come up with a easy cheap solution. I also wanted to share it with you because frankly I think this is a way better idea than the $60 kits (sorry kit makers) for small decorative items.

This is not an entirely new idea, I've seen glass Christmas ornaments altered with alcohol inks that are gorgeous. I figured the technique would work well on a mirror, after all it's just glass with a reflective backing.

Up There^^^^ is a picture of the things you will need.

1. Tim Holtz Alcohol inks These come in a pack of 4 coordinating colors for about 8.00 Hobby Lobby carries them and they do go on 50% off quite often. I used Black, Mushroom and a Silver metal Mixative. This is fun stuff! Tim Holtz has a cool blog if you want to see the wonderful things he does with his inks.

2. Tim Holtz Blending Solution (plain alcohol works too with a somewhat different effect)

3. Paper towels

4. Old Toothbrush

5. Some felt for application (I had the Tim Holtz stamp felt holder thing so I used that but anything disposable with work for this) Cotton balls work as well.

6. Something to protect the surface you will be working on. This can get a little messy.

Randomly drip your alcohol inks on the mirrors surface. Think random. Don't be scared this can be wiped right off if you don't like it.

This is where you get artistic!
Pounce with paper towel to move ink around and remove some of it from your surface. I like to put a little of the blending solution on my paper towel. Keep adding ink until desired effect is achieved.

Now add some ink to your felt or cotton and pounce kind of like sponge panting. This is where the "faux oxidization" is added. Again just keep adding until it looks right to you.