Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Old World Candlesticks

First of all, let me apologize in advance for the HORRIBLE pictures.  My (almost 3 year old) curious son got a hold of our digital camera to partake in some wildlife photography of some cheerful birds out on the front lawn.  Well he got a little overzealous and dropped it right on the lens.  Needless to say it took a $*!% and now I'm in need of a new one.  My husband (the handyman) did the best he could to try and fix it, not knowing a thing about camera lens repair.  So now in order to use it, I have to manually pull the lens out every time I turn it on.... and it sure doesn't want to focus in on anything.  Anyway, I'll work on getting a new one.... GRRRRRR!  But for now here's a little project I just finished up.

If you saw my Thrifty Finds post from a few days ago, you saw these little $4 beauties just waiting for some painting love.




If you've seen any of my previous glazing techniques, you know I'm all about layering.  It's pretty simple really... I started with a base coat of pure white.  Actually I sprayed some white primer on and left it as is.  I didn't have any white spray paint, and I'm too cheap (and lazy) to go and get some. 

Anyway, once the primer was dry, I applied some Valspar color glaze in Raw Umber using a brush and just working it into the crevices.  I let dry overnight. 

Next I used some plain black paint and took my sons water color paint brush and applied small amounts in the cracks and crevices working in sections.  Before each section dried, I took a dry brush and dabbed, dabbed, dabbed the paint around.  (Notice there are no pictures of this process!)..... (hmmmm, wonder why?)  Anyway, then I just wiped off a few areas to allow some of the white to show through.

Here you go.... Old World Candlesticks!




















I still need to spray some satin poly sealer on them to give a protective coat.  But that will have to wait til the weather cooperates and the wind stops blowing.  (That's another saga!) :)

Again, I'm sorry about the blurry pics.  If anyone has a suggestion on what brand/type of camera to purchase, I'd greatly appreciate it.  I'm not too savvy on the technical stuff.  Just as long as it works good and is toddler proof.  Okay that might be too much to ask for.  I'll just be more careful of putting it up and out of arms reach!

And as always, I was born to party.  Click here to link back to all the FANTASTIC parties I join each week.  

22 comments:

  1. You did a great job, they look fabulous. Sorry about your little camera mishap, but your pics look darn good in spite of that.

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  2. Love these! I also love that you are a "lazy" decorator like me. Too lazy to go and get paint-happens more often than not at my house!

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  3. Oooh Jennifer those are gorgeous! I love the rusted look on them. Thanks for linking up to the VIP party today =)

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  4. I am a new follower!!! I am LOVING your blog! I do gardens and interior design in my blog...pop over if you can!

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  5. Love them, what a great finish! Thanks for linking up to Beyond the Picket Fence.

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  6. Those look great! It looks like something that takes a lot of patience ...

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  7. Your candlesticks have a fantastic patina! I love the old world look of them!!

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  8. I never noticed the blurry pics - I was mesmerized by the candlesticks I guess. Looks wonderful.
    Found you via Designer Garden.

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  9. Those turned out fantastic! I love Old world and you nailed it. Sorry about your camera..I dropped my new one today, I think it is OK though. Thanks for joining my newbie party.

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  10. Love these candle sticks! Stopped by from the newbie party! I can't wait to dig around in your older posts!

    Jerri
    www.thrownandfired.blogspot.com

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  11. hiya again , great project the candlesticks look very aged and vintage looking x tfs
    xmaggiex

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  12. Beautiful "old world" candlesticks! Thanks for sharing ... *Becca* (your newest follower)


    www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com

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  13. Wow beautiful candlesticks....love the redo!! I found you at Debbiedoos....can't wait to check our the rest of your blog...thanks for sharing

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  14. This is too funny - I just did the complete opposite with my candlestick!!

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  15. Your candlesticks are awesome!! I love how you made the old world look!

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  16. they look great very vintage inspiring

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  17. They look great! I need to get to layering some paint...off to find an item!

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  18. Wonderful candlestick makeover!!! Happy to see your creative idea linked up last week at my K.I.S.S. blog bash. Looking forward to seeing what great project you share this week, remember the link is open until Tuesday @ midnight {CST}.

    Drop by The Tattered Tag

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  19. I love the makeover you did to these candlesticks.

    lisa

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