Ready For Red

The middle of January approaches, 

Christmas decorations are stowed away, 

and I am tired of the snowmen.

I am ready for red 

and hearts and new vignettes to gaze upon as I laze around reading when I should be working.

 Looking about the house, I found a stack of plaques started, but never completed.  

I gave this one a second look.

It was already red.

It had a black stencil.

And, hey, doesn't that stencil sorta look like two hearts?

 Now to decide how to finish the plaque.

It had to be distressed!

First I will admit to total laziness.

I did not even clean off the work table.  I balanced the plaque on two jars of gesso.

I used paint pens.

I highlighted the black curlicues with white.

I highlighted the edges with gold.

Using a brown paint pen, I highlighted around the edges and around the curlicues.

I know it is hard to see the brown.

It is just to add depth.

Either use your imagination or keep reading.

There - you see the brown?

I decided the plaque needed some white distressing with a scrumble brush.

What is a scrumble brush?

All of you probably have one.

It is that brush which has been used for years and you hate to throw it out.

These worn, but loved, brushes are great for dry brushing a distressed finish.

With this technique, there is no need for sanding.

 Finished!

Or is it?

NO!

Needs some more aging to get that "I have been around forever" look.

I mixed a dark brown craft paint with some satin craft varnish to create an aging glaze.

Slapped it right on that plaque.

Notice I balanced it on a candle holder.

I must get my work table organized!

 

Didn't take long.

Dried fast.

Looks ancient!

Teeny, the doll, loves hanging out with the ready-for-red plaque.

I am not sure if the two will stay here or move up to the mantel.

The plaque looks great with some of my vintage dictionaries.

I have noticed that quite a few of you are ready for red and have been posting great vignettes.

Great way to lift winter spirits.  Or a place to lift a glass of winter spirits.

See y'all!

Carlene will be sharing Tuesday, January 14!

Be Inspired #173 at Common Ground