Upcycled Vintage Tray: French Kitchen Art Tutorial

What to do with a vintage metal tray? Make it your own style!

 In this case, I used an antiquing method to add a little French flair in the kitchen.

This heavy old tray came from a thrift shop. It had charm, but I disliked the decor decal.

With the idea of turning it into a French antique tray, I cleaned and sanded it. Then printed out some graphics to decoupage onto it.

For raised scroll work, I swirled on some white glue all around the decoupaged prints.

Then painted the glue and the rest of the tray with white acrylic paint. I lightly painted over the graphics to blend with the glue work.

After the paint dried, applied a clear coat in polycrylic. 

Then rubbed on wood stain. 

Where the stain didn't take over the glue, I painted on dark brown acrylic paint to finish the antique process. 

 Finally, a light clear coat of polycrylic over the entire surface.

The final results.

The sides and back of the tray remained original... a rusty patina.

It's "artsy-craftsy" wall decor, but the technique can be applied to numerous subjects. Maybe on furniture, mirror/picture frames, boxes, trunks, reclaimed wood, cans, scrap metal, cardboard... so many options! 

Upcycled Clock Suitcase

February Project Challenge

"Clock Face"

I've joined the 2016 monthly DIY blogger project challenge and it's so much fun! Each month we have a different project to create based on a named material theme. This month it's "clock face".

After a trip to a thrift shop, I found a cheap working clock. 

AND... I found this vintage metal "suitcase" or maybe a "typewriter case". 

I thought it would be interesting to add them together. 

So using a 3.5" hole saw bit, I cut through the lid to fit the back of the clock through it. It was a little too small. A jigsaw worked fine.

Then I super glued the clock in place and painted the entire suitcase inside and outside, along with the clock frame. 

After the paint thoroughly dried, I used a coat of dark wax to seal the chalk paint. 

I lined the inside of the suitcase with spray adhesive and burlap. Then glued on burlap ribbon around the sides. 

Of course the back of the clock showing through the suitcase lid was really ugly. To cover it up and have access to changing the time and battery, I made a mini clock face lid. 

I cut a cardboard circle (from a chocolate box, because it was heavy duty, yet thin) and printed out a mini clock face from Pinterest. Cut and glued the print onto the cardboard; then glued a piece of the burlap ribbon as a hinge. And glued burlap over the "hinge". 

To attach the hinge, I glued it to the side of the clock's rim and covered it with a decorative rope. 

A simple lift of the mini clock gives access to change the time or battery.

To finish off the front of the suitcase, I wrote a quote "The best time for new beginnings, is now". 

Because I was lucky to have the key to the case, I tied it on the handle with more of the burlap ribbon. 

I carried it into another room to show my son and said, "I've got time on my hands..." 

Yah... he thought that was funny. We both came up with some more for a good time.  (cheap thrills!)

I don't know if this would be considered art or decor... but it certainly is a good conversation piece. 

It does offer some storage space. And it can be hung by its handle.

It's unique and I like that. 

Now that you've seen my creation... you MUST go see the rest of the great ideas from our group!

#projectchallenge2016

An InLinkz Link-up

If you missed last month, you can see it here!

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French Country Kitchen Plate

I picked up this clear plate at a thrift shop just to decoupage a print onto it. Glass is fun to decoupage because it's super easy to do.

The key to a good decoupage is to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or decoupage solution.

What's great about using glass is, it's easy to see where the print can be centered. You get a visual before placing the brushed plate onto the print.

But you need to be quick about it. Applying a thin coat of the solution means it will dry fast.

Once the print is affixed to the plate. Rub out any creases. Then apply a coat of the solution over the paper on the back of the plate. It will need more rubbing to remove bubbles, etc.

Once it's dried, trim off excess paper around the edge of the plate with a razor blade or exacto knife.

This clear glass decoupage project can work with any print you want. Including photos...

I liked this print for the kitchen.

You can use magazine pages, newspapers, gift wrap, tissue paper... any print or pattern to create your art piece.

This method of decoupage on glass is great for preserving something you really like. Maybe do this with a special announcement card? A favorite recipe? Wedding photo? Favorite place you've visited? Maybe make this as a gift to preserve something for the recipient. So many options!

It can be a permanent photo frame.
The best part is that it's so easy.
And quick!

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Peacock Stool - "Come On, Let Your Colors Burst"!

I am so excited I get to participate in the The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest this month with

"Come On, Let Your Colors Burst!" Everyone is spitting on their creations! Well, kinda... it's a term that is fondly used this month because...

this month’s Fab Furniture Flippin' Contest is sponsored by Unicorn SPiT! A company that produces a colorful, non-toxic, (super safe) water-based gel stain that actually smells like jasmine. Can you believe it?!?! 

Let's take a look at what I got all colorful about. 

A thrift shop stool that I was doing all shabby chic but put it away. When I needed something to get colorful... this was the perfect victim. 

So it got a pretty Robin's egg blue color.  ;) 

And some leg tattooing... just kidding, the spit spots (splatter) isn't the design. Just part of it. You'll see in a minute. 

I taped off the seat to paint a plain white canvas. (Tape Tip Time: electrical tape does wonders on curved surfaces and doesn't peel your paint off.) 

Then my vision went onto the "canvas". With the tape still in place, I tried to create my inspiration from a peacock feather. Bursting with colors, I thought it suits the theme. Oh, and I love peacock feathers. 

Then removed the tape and applied a gorgeous royal blue around the rim of the seat. 

Finally feathered up the legs mixed with the spit spots. ;) 

And here we are. 

Me, hoping that you like my colorful creation.

So what do you think? 

I love the colors. (And I'm as proud as a peacock about it!)

Our two guest hosts for this month are

Stacey @ Anastasia Vintage

Evelin @ Evey's Creations

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