I think the 'keep calm' meme has been way overdone but that didn't stop me from grabbing this adorable little sign while perusing the shelves of my local dollar store. First of all, the colour was lovely and secondly - I drink tea.
Perfect.
Perfect.
But that was the problem. It was too perfect. I like my stuff with a little history on it - some beaten edges and worn paint - and it took all of ten minutes to create that kind of a feeling on this sweet little sign.
Using a sanding block I went over all the edges and then the text - varying the pressure so some areas would become more worn than others.
Using two colours of acrylic {Spun Gold and Burnt Umber} I rubbed the paint along the sanded edges with my finger - mixing the colours as I saw fit - until I had the finish I wanted. I also rubbed some paint over the entire surface but I kept this pretty light - just letting the paint rest in the grooves created by the sanding.
So easy!
And seriously - ten minutes.
It just has so much more character now with only a minimal amount of effort.
Looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteMy tip...Ralph Lauren antique glaze. Three shades. Tea stained. Smoke stained. And I can't remember the third. Sorry. This is my second Monday of the week.
Ew...I hear ya. My day began with a body! I work at a church so it happens every once in a while but it still startles me - walk in with my bags and coffee like any other day and BAM - dead man in the foyer! So weird!
DeleteI've never worked with glaze before but I'll bet it does an amazing job!
Seriously just made my day a lot better!
DeleteGoogled it. Tea, smoke, tobacco and, apparently they've added a new one - sun fade.
Tells you how long it's been since I've used it. You would love it. A lot of freedom to do different things before it dries on you.
Sorry about the dead man - to you and his family.
I'd love to try it some time - I'm always up for a project!
DeleteAnd thanks - he was a very old man from our congregation - a full & beautiful life!
I was just at the dollar store and did not see that. Was it recent?
ReplyDeleteI grabbed it a few weeks ago - they had other (less adorable) signs too
DeleteThank you for what you share with us your advice. I really enjoyed this article. I will try to do it.
ReplyDelete