Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Moody Blues...Stars and Stripes.


Hope you enjoy the post(s) today
A bit of pretty.....some vintage finds and (hopefully) a couple of ideas for you.
 
 
 This old hatbox was found at the opshop last week and although it's pretty rose print is great, l really DIDN'T love it's dull old paper brown colour... Since it cost next to nothing l figured l'd try an experimental paint job on it.The result worked out ok, so just in case you come across one too, here's what l did:-))



l used blue acrylic paint which was watered down (about 70% paint, 30% water). This was then brushed over the box in sections and rubbed back with a dry cloth, the process should be done quickly to stop the cardboard from getting too wet which can cause bubbling. Rubbing the paint back has given it colour, but still allows the pattern to shine through....it also distributes the paint evenly across the surface. The brown coming through gives the box more of a green look.

 
This well worn tablecloth has been so intricately embroidered by hand that l didn't want to put it on the table and spill something on it (and believe me l soo WOULD), but  also didn't want to hide it away in the cupboard.....it might hang on the wall for a while:-)) 
 
 
The book covers were also painted in the same blue as the hatbox (full strength paint)....The spine was rubbed back to allow the title to show through. 
 
 
 
A washy watercolour sketch.....same bottles, different flowers. 
 
 
Vintage crown clip on earrings from the market.
 
 
 

 

 
 LOVE this room..... too cute things.
 
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY.
 
 
To my American blog-gals..... l couldn't let your special day just cruise by without a bit of nod. Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday:-))
 



Ages ago l borrowed a book from the library on vintage tattoos....Many of the images in the book were from the war years and being that tattoos were largely the domain of men, lots of these images were of women. l painted a collection of my faves in watercolour. These "old school" tattoos were done in solid colours with bold black outlines and very little shading. They certainly weren't the
works of art we see today.... but to me have a lot of charm in their own way.
I was reading that in America in 2012.... for the first time in history, the number of tattooed women exceeded the number of tattooed men. 23% of women to 19% of men. (ta wiki).
 


Have also added some of my vintage plastic collection. Laminated bangles, lips brooch, spangled star necklace and anchor charm.
Shown with vintage American flag levis from the 80's.
 
 War time embroidery........Rachel Ashwell  via instagram.
 

 
My inspiration pic. drewmaurylifestyle. via pinterest.
 
 
 Wishing you all a wonderful week, the kids are all on holidays again so take it easy and stay safe:-)) and thanks so much for stopping by.
 
Til next time.
 
Bron. 
 
 

13 comments:

  1. Love the color blue and how you tinted the books and hat box. Your photography is always beautiful as your surroundings. Take care, Darlene

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    1. Thanks so much for your visit Darlene and kind words, hope the painting tips help somehow in the future:-))

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  2. Love your new finds and your painting is amazing dear!!!Have a nice week!
    xoxo

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    1. Thanks so much Michaela, hope you're having an awesome weekend:-))

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  3. Hey Bron, wow, the hat box looks great! and I live the idea of painting the book covers. Love the tattoo art also and mood board. Hope you are well, Tam x

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    1. Hi Tam, thanks for your lovely comment, glad you enjoyed the post. Hope it's not too chilly up there...l'm rugged up like an eskimo today:-))

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  4. How much inspiration, very welcoming environment! Thanks for visiting !!
    Hugs

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    1. l'm so happy you found your way here Vicky, thanks so much for your lovely comment.

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  5. Hi bron, lovely blog! I have a tablecloth similar to the one you have hung; youve inspired me to try hanging mine too!! not sure if i follow u on the normal list or not; will try both. Hope you can stop by my blog sometime..
    laura x

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    1. Thanks so much Laura, l loved visiting your blog, it's so lovely. I'm sure your tablecloth would look beautiful hanging in your home. Have a great weekend:-))

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  6. So wonderful pics ! I remember something about a embroidered so wonderful tablecloth : one friend of mine felt in love with a man, but didn't want to invite him in her place so she asked me to do ! So did I, and to please her put on my so old and nice table cloth and... it has been definitively spoiled with everything we ate !
    xoxo from PARIS

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    1. Joelle, so lovely of you to stop by...l loved your tablecloth story though l'm sorry it was spoiled at the time. Hopefully the guy was worth it and that he and your friend are still together:-)) Hope you have a lovely weekend...l'm sure the weather in Paris is amazing at the moment.

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