This is a Metamorphosis Monday and Do It Yourself post.
I spent the better part of a week refinishing this sweet little shell box. My muse was either feeling slightly under the weather, or had taken the week off, 'cuz I just couldn't figure out how to get the finish I wanted... or maybe I just didn't know what I wanted.
So I went to Barrow and left my muse to ponder her options. Of course, this meant that I also abandoned the whole mess on the kitchen counter for Mr. Wonderful to grumble at until I came home.
Here's what I started with....
This was an antique store find discovered on the clearance table, and for a very paltry sum I snagged it and brought it home. It's not old really, but the finish was nicely aged, and totally the wrong color for my home.
I painted it with several layers of white paint and then headed to the airport for a couple days of work in the Alaskan Arctic. No, I'm not kidding....My muse greeted me when I arrived back home several days later, and presented me with this little handled cup/bowl which would become the inspiration piece for the shell box.
The little bowl/cup was painted a soft ivory and the raised leaves and vine pattern were highlighted with a bit of silver. I've used it a lot over the years with moss or excelsior and robin's eggs. This time I nested moss and silk violets inside, colorful, but not too crazy. Yes, the shell box would look nice painted to coordinate with this.
I rubbed silver paint into the crevices of the bamboo, then sanded off bits of the layers where I thought it would wear naturally, revealing a smidgen of the original bronzed finish here and there. After that, I applied bits of very fine silver glitter in a few places to add a hint of sparkle to match the inspiration bowl/cup.
A nest of excelsior and two wooden eggs painted a soft blue/green with brown speckles were included as a nod to the approaching Spring.
Okay, I've gotta confess that I was a bit concerned that I couldn't pull this off and that it was all going to turn out wrong. You know, that the right layers of paint and patina were not going to happen and it would look like a big mistake.
Really, I've done it before.
But this time everything is working for me, and so it would go to the dining room table for a centerpiece, along with the bowl/cup...and a little birdie dish.
... and this teensy cream and sugar set.
Both pieces are under 3" tall and are the prettiest soft turquoise color.
I just love the little parrot perched in the ring at the top of the little shell box.
Which remind me... did you guys notice that the PEEPS have arrived back in the stores this week? This is, of course, the most certain sign Spring is finally here.
Happy Monday Dear Ones ~
Eileen
This is a Metamorphosis Monday
post. Please visit Between Naps
on the Porch for more lovely
transformations.
Visit A Soft Place to Land
for more Do It Yourself
projects!
Oh so lovely!
Posted by: Lisa | Monday, March 01, 2010 at 06:21 AM
Not only are the Peeps in..... have you seen the color selection?! My word! :) Love your vignette.
~Liz
Posted by: Liz | Friday, February 26, 2010 at 03:56 AM
Ooooh...how PRETTY...luv all of it! Your blog is soooo great...I'm having a blast looking around!
Blessings,
Linda
Posted by: Linda@Coastal Charm | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 06:56 PM
What you've created here is just so beautiful I'm in awe!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 12:46 PM
I'll be honest, I thought your little find of the shell box was beautiful to begin with. But after seeing your transformation, I was astounded! WOW! What an unbelievable difference you made! What a wonderful eye you have for seeing the beauty that lies within, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kristal | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 02:40 AM
It turned out beautiful. I love the new look.
Posted by: Treasia | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 08:44 PM
Your creativity blows me away.....
Posted by: Tina | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 08:15 PM
Love that!
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing the great tip! :)
Posted by: Fawn | Monday, February 22, 2010 at 02:45 PM
What wonderful treasures...love what you did to the little shell box is adorable.
Have a beautiful week!
Posted by: Tami | Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 06:17 PM
Such pretty things - I love them all! The tiny bird/leaf plate is adorable. Please send my way when you tire of him!
I hope you'll come see my home on tour this week at AtticMag,
Allison
Posted by: Allison | Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 05:58 PM
Yay!!! It's so pretty! Turquoise is my new favorite color of all time anyway. :)
Mary
Posted by: M Jennings | Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 05:41 PM
You make everything look beautiful ~ love the little spot of Spring!
xo Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 04:19 PM