Creating something from nothing
I was coming back from a decorative painting job out in the Hamptons and I came across this wonderful old antique shop named Lloyds in Eastport, New York. I had passed this store many times before and finally – I had a little bit of time to go in and take a look. The store is a lot larger than it appears from the outside – and there are two large floors full of antiques. Just what I needed – a ton of stuff to choose from! Anyway, I fell in love with a couple of things that I just had to pick them up (I only had about 20 minutes to peruse because I had another appointment to go to).
I picked up these two boards that were very ornamental, They may have been parts of other pieces of furniture…but they were so beautiful I just had to pick them up. $90 in total for the two – not too bad.
I had a plan for each one…so maybe I am finally getting a little smarter with my purchases! I knew my husband was going to groan about bringing more stuff into the house, but he thought they were really lovely pieces. The next day – which is amazing for me because I usually let things linger in my studio for months…even years before I tackle them! – I got some paint supplies out and started painting,
First. I gave the base of the board a bit of lightening with French linen from Annie Sloan Chalk Paints. Then I dry brushed and highlighted a lot of the raised ornamentation in Annie Sloan Old White.
Adding some Paris Gray and Duck Egg Blue
Then I took a little bit of Paris Gray and some Duck Egg Blue Chalk Paint and highlighted some of the raised areas that were more floral (the leaves and the fleur de lis parts). It needed a little extra “oomph” so I used some Verdi Gris colors from Faux Effects – their mid tone and lightest blue green colors. This added a little more life to the piece.
Adding some Verdi Gris
To finish it off, I took some dark brown faux crème color (from Faux Effects – or you could use a dark brown acrylic paint) and added some age and darkness in the recessed parts of the piece – and a bit on some of the leaves as well.
I am not sure where it will go exactly – perhaps in my Master Bedroom or bath…but here it is temporarily in my kitchen.
I love doing these ornamental fragments – they can be placed in narrow areas of your home…above doorways, which is what I will be doing with that other board (so stay tuned!). These lovely architectural elements seem to be plentiful in antique shops because they have been parted from their original sources. They add some history and heritage to your home.
What have you painted lately?Have you picked up any architectural fragments like these?Let me know!
