Vintage Thingie Thursday: Wall Art Using Vintage Doilies and Vintage Buttons

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday

If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a really good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week. Lastly, if you link in, LINK back to my blog, so everyone can see all of the vintage goodies on display that day. If you don't link back here, they won't know who to visit......thanks so much. Lastly, try to make an effort to visit the other participants. I know myself, I get so behind and busy, but this year, I am going to do my best to visit each week. 

I have posted this week about some of the projects I have been working on for my daughter.  While putting together some wall art for her, I looked and looked for feminine things that was not too overpowering on the walls. I came across this photo on Pinterest. The original link is here.

I decided that surely, I could figure out how to do this myself. I knew I had doilies in all of my collections....the only question was, where??? I looked and looked and as luck would have it, I could not find a single one of the crochet doilies I KNOW I have. I had to visit a couple of thrift stores and a favorite antique store. I know I would be able to locate what I needed and thank goodness, I was able to find them quickly.

Here is a glimpse of my version of the original design I found on Pinterest. If I do say so myself, I simply adore this and absolutely love how it turned out. My daughter loves it too and it is perfect for her new decor in her bedroom.

So if you have a stack, drawer full, closet full of these, get them out and use them. Add them to wall art, pillows, frames, lamp shades....just get them out and use them.

Here is how I did this project.

I found a large piece of wood in our shed. I wanted this to be a large piece to fit over a king size bed. My board measured roughly 4 ft. by 3 ft. and it fits wonderfully over her king size bed.

I very lightly sanded the edges of the board. I then added a couple of coats of the same chalk paint I used when I painted the headboard. I used the darker of the gray paints to paint the board. I let it dry overnight.

I washed the doilies, and pressed the wrinkles out of them and pressed them as flat as they would go.

After laying plastic down on my work surface, the fun part began. I started by laying out the design of the doilies on the board. Once I had the design I liked, I adhered the doilies to the board. I used my Loctite Spray Adhesive for doing that.

I started at one corner, spraying the board and pressing the doilies, one by one down onto the board. This took a little bit of time, but go slow, it works very well. I ran the edges off of the board and did not put any adhesive on the edges. Once the front dried and set up after about 48 hours, I flipped the whole thing over and using a hot glue gun, glued the edges of all the doilies to the back of the board.

I am going to be honest here. I tried, and tried to make flowers like in the original photo off of Pinterest. Mine looked horrible, like big old globs of fabric. I was really frustrated with myself, but gave up after several attempts.  So I had to resort to the fabric flowers I have made before. I just made smaller ones and then used some small doilies to shape and stitch so they looked like flowers. The flowers and buttons were attached using hot glue. They stuck very well with no problems to the doilies.

I added vintage buttons for the centers of the flowers and as embellishments around the flower designs. This really turned out better than I could have hoped for. It is super feminine and looks amazing.

I think this is a super way to get what you love out of storage and use them in everyday things where you can enjoy them.

Here is one last look, in this picture, it gives you a better idea on the scale of this wall art. It is big, but that is what makes a statement when you walk into the room. (you can click any of the photos for a more close up look at this project)

I hope you have a great Vintage Thingie Thursday!! I hope you enjoyed this short tutorial on how I made this for my daughter. It was easy, and fun and the final product is just fantastic!! What do you think? Do you love doilies as much as I do?? Don't be afraid to use them, just enjoy them!

Recycled Wall Art Tutorial

Yesterday, I showed you my tired, outdated mirror that I have had for years and the new updated look. Now, I'd like to show you what a little bit of odds and ends from around the house and home improvement store turned this into a easy fun project...as promised....this is how I did it.

I started with this mirror. It is well made, strong wood and I am sure when it was purchased new, cost a pretty penny. But since I don't buy new...this cost originally about 12 years ago around $15.00 at an estate sale. Believe me, I have loved it and got my $15.00 out of it.

First thing I did was remove the metal and wood roosters. Using a flat head screwdriver, they just preyed right off. Then, I lightly sanded the piece with a medium grit sandpaper.

I covered the mirror with paper and gave it a light coat of primer, then 3 coats of black paint. I just concentrated on the edges of the mirror as the inside would be covered up later. I let the paint dry and set for a couple of days.

Now, I am sure right away you  know at first glance what I used for the mirror after seeing this pile of scrap pieces of paper. A trip to the local home improvement store to search for color paint chips was loads of fun. Now, don't get me wrong, I actually did pick up a couple that I am considering the colors for painting one of my rooms......but the rest were just screaming to come  home with us....and yes, they were free.

I trimmed the paint name off the chips and cut them to size. I used my rotary cutter and ruler for more accurate cuts.

Now it was time to adhere the paint chips to the mirror. I know many tutorials I read online always tell you how it is done, and never ever tell you what went wrong with the project. I try to avoid that, because for me...something always goes wrong.....most of the time!!

I decided to try and just Mod Podge the paint chips to the mirror. After all, I'd be using it anyway, so I thought that would work......not so much. For me, the paint chips were too heavy to adhere to the wood with just Mod Podge. Please, if you do this project, save yourself the headache and use spray adhesive for this step. Just spray the spray adhesive onto the wood, and place the paint chips in place and press to adhere. Let dry well.

Next, using Matt Finish Mod Podge, apply 3-4 coats to the mirror covering the paint chips well. Let dry in between coats really well.

It looks pretty good like this, but it just sorta lacked a little depth and texture. I used a antiquing glaze I had on hand that was left over from some other projects I have done in the past.

Using a soft cloth, I rubbed the antiquing glaze over the paint chips covering well. If it was too dark in some areas, just wipe off and work with it until it has the look you like.

And here is the new updated mirror. This project cost absolutely nothing. All the paint, glaze, Mod Podge and adhesive was what I had on hand. The paint chips were complements of the home improvement store. This is an easy project that could be done with so many re-purpose  projects. I can see this technique used on frames, shelves, table tops.......or maybe......

 Photo from web

A wall mural.......

 Photo from web

Or wall art using these paint chips as backgrounds for the changing seasons......Love this one.....

 Photo from web

 Or how about a backdrop for a bedroom......that is amazing.......And all created using paint chips.

It really is an easy and pain free project. And for me, those are the best kind.....and it is always an added bonus to say you did it yourself!!!

REMINDER: My Giveaway ends on Thursday....click HERE to enter if you have not already!

Finished For Friday: A Rustic Mirror

I am excited to have a Finished for Friday post this week and able to link to Lit and Laundry for this one. If you care to take a look at what projects bloggers have finished this week, stop by and check out the finished projects. Get inspired!!


A couple months ago, my dear sweet friend sent me a magazine clipping in the mail. She thought of me when she saw this mirror and felt sure I could make one. The amazing thing is that it takes ordinary items you can pick up at the local home improvement store to make this.

Here is the photo from the clipping she sent me.....loved it instantly. I'll explain the process.....if you have a rustic corner in your world, this is great and a fairly simple project. The level of skill involved according to the clipping was beginner.....hum....I sorta question that actually, because I am not a beginner and well.....it went off with a hitch here and there!

The wood for this mirror is none other than landscape cedar edging you find at your local home improvement store. My mirror base was 24X24 so I needed three of these landscape edging.

The directions did not call for any sanding, but I sanded the rough spots on the wood.

I used my palm sander to smooth the edges and sides. I liked the look, sorta like a freshly split log edging once sanded.

Next, take a flat head screwdriver and I used a pair of pliers and separate the edging cedar from the plastic backing. This was a little harder than I anticipated, it takes a little force. Be careful of the long brads that are in the edging...once this is removed from the planks, it is almost like a weapon....and I am not joking!

Here is the mirror backing and the cedar all sanded and ready to be put together.

I went to a local glass shop and had a plain mirror cut. My mirror was about 2 inches smaller than the plywood backing. If I was to make this again, I think leaving a 3 inch rim on the ply wood would work better. Lay out on a flat surface and using liquid nails, adhere to the wood.

One by one I used the liquid nails and attached the cedar planks.......only one small problem.....this is the part I questioned the beginner aspect of this task.......evidently, I did not really know how to use the liquid nails. I put it on the wood edging, put it in place and held it down...only problem was........

This is what I ended up with......what the heck was wrong with the liquid nails??? I thought that stuff was mega strong! I had to round up cans of food, anything heavy I could find to weight the edges down....they wanted to pop back up.......what the heck??? Well, my smart friend who does a lot of handy work explained I did not use the liquid nails correctly. Apparently, you have to do exactly what I had done but I missed a step. Once you adhere this to the plywood, you need to raise the edges back up and allow air to get between the plywood, cedar and goop....that activates the strong hold products in the liquid nails. That is why it took 3 days for mine to set up, when only a couple of hours should have done it....beginner project.....you tell me!

Once everything was set, I myself used a satin polyurethane sealer and put two coats on the wood. The directions did not call for that step, but I liked the finished look on the wood. Lastly, purchase a picture hanging kit at your local home improvement store for hanging. Let me say this, I really thought this finished mirror would weight a ton, but that is not the case. It is really light weight compared to what I thought it would be. I am looking forward to putting this at our cabin in the mountains....I'll show you once it is in its new home.

This really was a perfect project for me, and a learning experience too. I am so thankful and blessed to have friends who see something and think of me, take the time to send it to me, and know it is something I would love. True friendship is such a gift that should not be taken lightly. Thanks so much Sandra....I wish you were going with me to hang this in the cabin! There will never be a time I see this that I will not think of you and your gift of friendship. ~good stuff!

Finished For Friday: Don't Throw Away Your Wrinkled Silk Flowers

This is a great tip if you have wrinkled, messed up from storing silk flowers and you really just want to toss them, and go buy new, fresh ones. Save your money folks....this is a great tip that will save you lots! I used these flowers almost three years ago, and they have been stored ever since. I took them out of the sack and started to just throw them away.

These were mashed, smashed and I thought there was little hope for them. But...I stopped myself. Why? Because I remember these were a little pricey when I purchased them, and two, they really were perfect for a project I am working on, and three, I was short of time. The Time factor will get me everytime.



The Fix: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Hold your flowers upside down over the boiling water and let the steam do its trick. Be careful, not to get the flowers wet from the boiling water. Note: Be careful, as the steam gets really hot quick. You should hold the flowers over the steam for about 1 minute or longer if they are really bad.



Once the steam has released the petals, shape if needed and lay on a flat surface to dry. I am amazed, really. I was going to throw these away and start all over. I am so glad I could not being myself to do that. I will say this..I tossed the flowers into the clothes dryer first to see if that would do the trick. Don't waste your time....did not work one bit!


Wall-a! all my flowers I saved to reuse, which I was sure were going to the landfill, now are refreshed and drying on my kitchen table. I saved lots of money, and time with this little trick. Not only is it economical, but environmentally smart too, reuse, re-purpose and keep as much "stuff" out of the landfills as possible.

I am happy to say, that of my long list of to-do things this week, this is one I can check off the list as finished. I am linking up to Lit and Laundries, Finished for Friday. Stop by for a visit and see what projects smart and talented bloggers have finished for this week....trust me, you will be inspired.

Say Goodbye To Expensive Department Store Moisturizer and a Surprise!

Earlier this year when I sent out my Pay It Forward gifts, I included a little jar of lotion that I made. With the holiday season upon us, and I know lots of folks are strapped for extra cash, I decided to share this recipe for the most wonderful moisturizer you will ever use...and you can tell those expensive cosmetic counters at the department store goodbye...

These make great shower favors (which I use at every shower I give, just change the theme on the container), stocking stuffers, co-workers gifts, or just extra gifts to have on hand during the holiday season....something small...but says a lot!

Now, this is easy as can be.....and ANYONE whom I have ever given this gift to, simply raves about this lotion....they think I am a genius, super girl, the whole kit and caboodle....it has been fun riding that wave of genius for so long, but now I want you to have a turn too.....ready? Let's begin.....

All you need are three ingredients: From DOLLAR GENERAL.....Shhhhhhh, yes, I did just say Dollar General. You will need one large baby lotion, I used the Shea and coco butter today, the pink is great if you are doing a girl baby shower, the lotion will be pink. Next, a large jar of Petroleum Jelly, and finally, a jar of the vitamin E skin cream.....simple...three things that is all...now, lets get started.

See, here is the Shea and cocoa butter label......but the pink baby lotion will work too.

First, empty the jar of vitamin E cream in a large mixing bowl, get all the goods out of the jar. Now, I save these jars, they are plastic, and the labels peel right off with no effort, and they can be washed and to store the final lotion product back in the container....Recycle made easy!

Next, add the Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline).....sorry, I'll try to keep it simple.

Make sure you get all the good stuff.....I have had no luck at recycling these containers...so I toss them.

Lastly, pour in the lotion....all of it.....

I was not joking....ALL of it. I slice the side open, and using a spatula, get the rest out of the container...can't recycle this except inside the recycle bin.

Now, get your hand mixer out and begin to whip all of this together.......

whip, whip, whip..........don't stop....I said, whip, whip, whip.......

When all is mixed really well...it will be light and fluffy....almost like icing.....see, how pretty is this?

Next: fill your containers. I used recycled baby food jars. I had to really work at taking all the glue and labels off the jars, but these jars are a good size for a small gift, so totally makes a little effort on your part worth it.

Fill to the top......just like so.......

once again...don't waste a single drop.......

I used Mod-Podge to add some scrapbook paper on the spray painted lids, and embellished with vintage lace, buttons and rhinestones....


What do you think?????


Now, top off with some vintage rick-rack or ribbon...and there you go. See what a little creative work will turn an ordinary baby food jar into something really cute....

If you are making a big batch, then just do the same process with however many of each ingredient you think you might need. One of each will fill about 6-7 baby food jars. I have made big batches of this using about 9 of each.....works just the same.....

Once you have tried this, you will be sold....this is all I use. I use it as a face cream, hand and foot cream and all over body cream.....it is wonderful. I will tell you this, all my co-workers ask me for it without fail....I always get "When are you going to make me some more lotion?...Christmas is coming!"

They think I am a Rock Star......LOL

Here is a photo from a baby shower, used the same jars, had a little round sticker with shower theme printed and stuck on top of lid, and presented inside a organza bag.

Same lotion for a wedding shower, used containers from the container store, glued rhinestone on top for some pizazz and printed a tag and attached that to a little bag. I used the pink lotion here as this was a pink themed shower.

GIVEAWAY TIME

Now, if you leave a comment on this post....I am giving away a $10.00 gift certificate to Dollar General...that will buy you 3 of each container, and all you have to do is follow this recipe.....maybe this will jump start you on your gift giving this holiday season! If you do not have a Dollar General in your area, just tell me, I will send the products to your home using the gift card to purchase them.....Winner announced Saturday evening....

Tip: If you do not have access to baby food jars, (like I did not) place an ad on Craigslist under the "wanted" section...your email will be flooded with wonderful folks wanting to give these to you for free.....how economical is that????

And if you want to keep this recipe your secret....go right ahead.....you can be a Rock Star with your friends too!!!!