Adding To The French Blues With SK

SK on Elderberry
by SK on Elderberry
A beautiful piece is added to SK's French Blues Painted Bedroom Set.
This baby was her last leg. Stored and unused for many years, it's faux birds-eye maple was warped and cracked. I start by taking the headboard apart and accessing the parts I hope to salvage.
The knobs are created using curtain finials and paint. You can purchase finials at any home store.
My attempt at trying to copy the porcelain knobs found on the previously finished desk and bedside table. You can see them here. http://sksartell.blogspot.com/2014/08/french-blues-with-sk.html


Hobby Lobby.
Many layers later I am finally getting a small resemblance to the original porcelain knob. I used several mixed colors of blue. crimson, aqua and white. I finished with four layers of polyurethane. Sanding between coats. Porcelain is difficult to replicate because of it's depth of color and luminescence.
The bed is rebuilt with fence posts, two by twelves and two by fours. I routed the top of each post. The legs are counter sunk screwed to the backboard. I added a two by four at the bottom for stability and a one by four laid flat on the top. I then used a jigsaw to cut my two by twelve into a curved top shape. I used four inch screws and countersinking them into the post I could then attach the routed curved piece to the top.


I used a decorative carved leaf patterned piece to cover the gaps left by the irregular warping of the old headboard.


The sanding takes time and effort. I do love to paint smooth wood. I can control paint effects better on smoother surfaces.
The base coat is a soft French blue. Three coats with sanding between.
The Graphics Fairy always has a place on fun surfaces. And this French Blue headboard is no exception.


http://thegraphicsfairy.com/
I used a small damask scroll stencil to add the 3-d designs.


I can always find exactly what I am looking for at http://thegraphicsfairy.com/


The bird in the leaf scroll frame is a continuing theme with The French Blues. You can see more of this set at:


http://sksartell.blogspot.com/2014/08/french-blues-with-sk.html
When the paint is dry and the graphics have cured I wash the entire piece with a white lime wash. I then use a clear paste wax and buff to a soft shine.


I will post pictures of the room when we have completed the entire set of French Blues.


Thanks for visiting. I am working on a three piece art set of painted fabric bench and two matching paintings. Be sure to come visit.


sk
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  • Amye Mae Amye Mae on Sep 04, 2014
    Love the detail with the raised graphics. I recently did a bed, and used similar pieces to your fence posts and finials. Beautiful!
    • SK on Elderberry SK on Elderberry on Sep 04, 2014
      @Amye Mae Thank you Amye. We would love see your project. I use finials for feet too. They can be used in so many places. I find old curtain rods at Goodwill and just take the finials off and save for a future project. Thanks for visiting sk
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Sep 04, 2014
    sk this might be among the best of a 100 or so i love can't wait to see it all xx
    • SK on Elderberry SK on Elderberry on Sep 04, 2014
      @Chris aka monkey Hey there. Thanks much Chris. 100 os? Wow thanks. Tough to live up too! I can always count on you to make me smile. sk
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