Posts Tagged ‘Using’
How To Create The Look Of Aged Furniture Using Paint
Aged and antique furniture give you many options for creating a unique decor. They look wonderful when mixed with newer pieces in traditional, country and eclectic styles and they can provide an unexpected dash of style when used to accent a contemporary space. Luckily, you don’t have to purchase expensive antiques to get the look of aged furniture; less expensive used furniture that you may already own can be treated to look aged. Or pick up some pieces at a garage sale and make them your own.
Using Paint to Age Furniture
Set up a work table in a well-ventilated area and gather your supplies; you’ll need oil-based primer, 2 cans of latex paint in contrasting colors, paintbrushes, rags, sandpaper and paste wax.
If the piece of furniture is not already clean, wipe away dust and residue and lightly sand the surface; wipe again with a tack cloth and apply the primer. This step will ensure that the paint adheres properly. After the primer is completely dry, apply the first coat of the lighter colored paint working in the same direction as the wood grain. Let it dry 24 hour and they apply a thin layer of paste wax on the areas where a distressed finish is desired. Your goal is to apply the paste to areas that would naturally wear, such as arm rests, the seat of a chair or the edges of a table. The wax application allows prepares these areas for distressing.
Once the wax is dry, apply your top coat of paint and allow it to dry overnight, but the next step should be completed within 24 hours. Lightly sand the waxed areas in the direction of the wood grain; try to create an irregular, natural looking pattern in the way that you allow the color of the bottom layer to show through in these distressed areas. When the piece is distressed to your liking, wipe any residue and seal the entire piece with sealer or varnish.
Creating Aged Effects with Stain
If you like the shabby-chic look of aged white furniture, a coat of brown stain on the surface will give it an aged appearance. You can distress the edges of the painted furniture first with sand paper and they apply your stain with a rag, wiping away the excess as you work. If your furniture is not already white, follow the instructions above for preparing, sanding and priming, and then paint it with your chosen shade of white.
Antique Crackling
An antique crackle glaze is an easy way to create an antique look with two contrasting colors of paint. Apply your base coat, let dry overnight and apply the glaze smoothly and evenly in one direction. The thicker the application of crackling glaze, the larger your cracks will be. Allow one hour for the paint to dry; the finish should then be in the opposite direction of the glaze application. Add a rich patina to any piece of furniture by using crackling glaze and metallic paint over a white or colored base coat.
Angela Glancy, is a popular contributing writer for American Artisan Art, and she is a trailblazer in new design approaches for large metal wall art and abstract metal wall art.
Article from articlesbase.com
Did you ever think about the meaning behind the pow wow drums used in native ceremonies? I did, but never realized that they played such a big role in the Indigenous culture until I had the chance to attend one of these events, and started talking to the American Indian singers about the important role the pow wow drum has in the ceremony. Native drum groups realize the significance of this type of drum in their culture, but most people I talk to have only a vague idea of the reason behind why the native drum music is used and what it is used for. Because it is believed to be the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the tool necessary to call on the Spirits, the pow wow drum is, understandably, the life of the Native American ceremony.
If you ever have the chance to be present at one of these spiritual events, you will certainly be fascinated to see how this American Indian drum is played during the ceremony. Made from a large base and covered with cow, deer or buffalo hide, the pow wow drum is played by eight or more men that strike the drum with drum beaters as they sing songs, often sung in the Native American language. These singers are responsible for knowing the songs necessary for the ceremony and for the songs asked of them by the singing leader.
You can also come across the powwow drum and singers at dances, ceremonies and other events where a pow wow is needed. The Native Americans consider these events and the native drums to be sacred. Since the drum was first given to the people by a woman, they are believed to carry her spirit and are highly respected for this reason. The people’s rich cultural beliefs make the Spirit world a very important part of these ceremonies and a time when they connect with their creator.
Today, you will not only find Native American pow wow drums being played in native drumming circles but will also see that they are very popular in rustic home decorating and western interior design. Many home designers, looking to add balance and peace in their southwestern style home decorating, find that the powerful presence of the pow wow drum does just that. Because of their popularity in country and southwestern home decorating, it is easy to find powwow drums online and in stores that sell Native American drums and other rustic home decorating items.
Whether using your pow wow drum in native drum groups or adding it along with your rustic home decor, it is important to treat it with great honor and the respect that it deserves. There is really no wrong way of expression when using your pow wow drum as long as it is done properly and out of respect to the important role it has among the Native people. You can open the door to the spirit world in your Native American drum circles or produce joy and balance in your western home decor through the powerful presence created by pow wow drums.
Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use Pow wow drums for drumming groups and southwestern home decor. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com
When it comes to decor in your home, what kind of shopper are you?
I am a bargain shopper and I love my treasure-trove of great buys which I’ve gathered through the years. Whenever I find a good deal on one of my favorite items, I snap it up and store it.
I have collected plates for all the great dinner parties I am going to throw someday. When I have time I am going to fill the many photo albums that are waiting to display my family pictures. And don’t even remind me of all the beautiful fabric that I have bought and stored around the house. I know that someday I will be snowed in for a month and I will sew and sew until I have used it all up. (Never mind that I live in the South and we rarely even get snowed in for two days!) Am I the only one that does this?
Fringe Benefits
Tassels are on my list of favorite things to collect. I love using them in many decor styles. They can be made from thread, shells, beads, ribbon or feathers. Small ones can be purchased for less than a dollar or you can spend hundreds on elaborate curtain tiebacks. They can give areas of your home a touch of interest with little effort on your part.
Let’s walk through the house and explore interesting places where you can use tassels:
* Enhancing the corners of a duvet cover or comforter
* Looped around the button on a couch or chair arm
* Hooked on a lamp finial
* Creating napkin rings
* Tying back your window treatments
* Hanging from a door knob
* Accenting a drawer pull
* Tied to a bed post
* Dangling from a fan pull
* Sewn to the pinch pleats of your drapes
* Wrapped around the neck of a vase or ginger jar
* Attached to cushions
Even More Tassel Ideas
Large tassels that are made for drapery tiebacks look great hanging from the back of some dining room chairs. Place the cord loop over each post on the chair and let the tassel hang down in the back. If your chairs are fabric you can tack them on with needle and thread.
Small tassels can be attached to a ribbon and used as a bookmark. Place an open book with a tassel on an end table for a decorative accent.
In your guest bathroom use cording and tassels to embellish the towels. A tiny one makes your favorite perfume bottle look even prettier.
It’s always fun decorating with touches that are easy and interesting. Tassels fit the bill perfectly for your home decor. You’ll always find great free ideas for home decor at my site below.
Melisa Verch is the author of a Special Report entitled “Tip Top Tips – An Inspiring Collection To Make 30 Changes In 30 Days.
For a limited time, enjoy a complimentary copy at www.DecorateMyHome.net. You will be quite pleased with this unique resource for updating your home.
Here you’ll find great ideas for your home decor.