7.1K Views
SK's Black Rust and Zinc
by
SK on Elderberry
(IC: professional)
If this piece of furniture could talk, the tales it could tell!
Because of the size and details, it is obvious this piece started out in a royal home. Ancestors at one time whom were noblemen and strong women and had every comfort which life could afford them.
Because of the size and details, it is obvious this piece started out in a royal home. Ancestors at one time whom were noblemen and strong women and had every comfort which life could afford them.
Wars happened. Secrets. Deceit. Whispered stories of jewels hand stitched into hems of petticoats. Food wrapped in quilts. Furniture mysteriously disappearing before the siege. Only to appear in families possession later.
And through all these generations, this piece remains. A reminder of what family cherished. Once a gift given to a wife, by a beloved husband, to contain her wardrobe.
Later it became a lauder, to store food. And now 200+ years down through time, it now sits in my humble cottage. With all of it’s tales to tell, she remains silent.
This sweet little daydream was composed by Heidi Alcorn of Pine Lodge Labradoodles, Silverton, Oregon. http://pinelodgelabradoodles.com/
What is it about old pieces of furniture that draws us to them? Why do we feel a connection? That emotional pull at the heart?
I propose to you it is family. We all long to belong. To know about those before us. To know we have ancestors which bore their lot in life with dignity and beauty.
Two hundred plus years? Maybe not. But....
True confession… I've only been acquainted with this piece for a month or two. We met at a Goodwill store. This poor piece had suffered the humiliation of being a bedraggled piece which had been marked down, and marked down and marked down because she had gone unsold, unwanted far too long. I picked her up for $7. That is seven dollars. Yes, a ridiculous price for her!
Using antique damask and diamond tissue paper, I paper the door panels, using plain old watered down white glue. So much cheaper than decoupage paste. The paper is so fragile, I use care as I attempt to get the bubbles to dissipate.
As the paper dries, I start to sand back showing her underlying beauty and years of care and wear.
The top cornice is a beautiful eye catcher and is solid wood with a solid wood crown.
Using iron paint from Modern Masters Metal Effects Paint and putty, I create a damask 3-D focal point. When it is sanded and carved it will then rust.
The door and side panels are also decorated with putty carvings and iron paint. I start adding the rusted door knobs and keys.
From humble beginnings a crown jewel is revealed.
Enjoyed the project?
Published November 14th, 2014 1:03 AM
Comments
Join the conversation
7 of 64 comments
-
Cynthia Kalati on Jan 13, 2015Incredible talent!
-
-
Kathleen Herman on Jul 04, 2015This is a gorgeous piece! What kind of stencil did you use for the raised detail and what products did you use for the putty? I would love to try something from this piece. Thanks.
- See 3 previous
-
SK on Elderberry on Jul 06, 2015@Kathleen Herman Thank you Kathleen. The stencil is a damask from hobby lobby and the putty is Hard Rock which I mixed with Modern Masters metal effects paint. Lots of experimentation going on. But I love the results. Good luck and pictures please. sk
-
Kathleen Herman on Jul 07, 2015@SK on Elderberry Thanks very much!! It is a stunning piece and I could only wish to do a piece that turned out as lovely.
-
SK on Elderberry on Jul 07, 2015@Kathleen Herman You are so welcome. Good luck. sk
-
SK on Elderberry on Jul 09, 2015Just go for it...sk
-
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?