Friday, July 27, 2012

"Christmas in July"-Old World Christmas







Howdy gals! Linsey here from The Farmhouse Porch. My project for "Christmas in July" is sort of a hodge podge mix of  crafting/art/home decor. You guys know that aging things and giving them patina is my thing. Buying all new is so sterile, buying only old stuff can look stale. But when you mix the two it looks great. The problem with buying old stuff is that sometimes the real deal is really, really expensive. Take religious antiques for example. If you were to try to purchase this antique 24 inch oil painting of St. Jerome here, expect to pay...


Oil painting of St. Jerome
$2,500.00


whoa.




The reason I bring up religious antiques is because I love the look of an old world, European church at Christmas. I happened upon a little saint picture at the dollar store and bought it in the hopes that I could age it to get that "religious artifact" feel. I also set up some simple displays around the picture on my entry table to get the entire look going.


Supplies 
dollar store candles

 Liquin or other glazing medium, this is what I use to thin my oil paint. I like oil paints rather than acrylic because they just look more "aged" in color and patina to me. Raw umber works well for aging, but adding layers of different browns gives the best patina.
Here is the little 10x12" picture I found at the dollar store.

Before
The colors are too bright and flat.

Here is the picture after one application of glaze plus paint. I am holding it up to the light of the window so that you can see it better. I started by applying it with a balled up paper towel.

Here it is after applying more and more glaze/paint, try to use a few different brushes (like the one with bristles in a fan shape). This will add more layers of brushstrokes. It sounds like lots of work but honestly this all took about 10 minutes. 

Here it is after. Another cool thing about liquin is that it makes the oil paint dry VERY fast.

I had purchased this old little beat up frame at an antique shop for about $4 a month ago. At first I was trying to hang it on my mirrors in the background and then I had a lightbulb moment...it's perfect for the little "painting"!!!

To add to the old European church look, I filled a galvanized bucket with dirt.Well actually, I filled it with sand first- from the backyard. Then I smelled something that made me gag. Need I continue the story folks? You guessed it...yellow sand from my pup (I can't believe I'm telling you this. I told myself it was my little secret)! So I chucked the sand, washed profusely, and filled the bucket with CLEAN dirt (is that an oxymoron?).




In the end I think it turned out very pretty though...







This is sort of an understated Christmas look. I love the glitz and glam and glitter of Christmas, but a rustic, natural look can be a striking way to celebrate the "holy days" as well.


-Linsey 


Please visit these other beautiful blogs for Christmas inspiration...
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18 comments:

Ron said...

So interesting, Linsey! The inexpensive picture looks like a masterpiece after your creative touch. Great work. Love the vignette. xo, Ron

Babs said...

Linsey, Awesome project and vignette. No one would ever guess that the picture was a dollar store purchase. Love the addition of candles and mirrors.
Babs

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

You have certainly pulled it off well with aging that "cheap" print and making into something very special.

What a neat way of doing so - who knew? I certainly did not!

Well done, Linsey!

Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} said...

Hi Linsey! I am so impresessed with your clever idea. And I love Liquin...wish I could get that pricey stuff at the Dollar Store! Your vignette is beautiful!
Ho, Ho, Ho!
(Join www.TheBlogSisters.com!)

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

Linsey, great vignette! Heavenly!

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Awesome, Linsey! I did this to a poster for the boys bathroom when they were little.
Peepee sand....aaacckkk! That would be my luck- poor girl!
Your vignette is beautiful.
xx, Tina

Patty said...

Linsey, I really love what you've done with a cheapo picture. It looks awesome ! Can you tell me though, do you wipe any of this off as you're doing it ? Do you let it dry completely in between the three coats ? Is the same color used each time ? Where do you get the liquin ? I saw some religious cards the other day at a thrift shop and I KNOW I should have gotten them. I didn't and I'm kicking myself in the tail because I really would have used them somewhere. This would have been a good idea. I'm going back to find them ! If you have time to give me more details, I am at soriano471@sbcglobal.net. Thank you !

patty

Unknown said...

Remarkable how the print looks so aged now. Love the vignette.

miss flibbertigibbet said...

Well your painting talent really shows here! What a great job aging that pic!

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

You could have fooled me! It looks like a real antique now. Very pretty vignette.

Unknown said...

Love what you did with the dollar store picture. I will have to keep this in mind.
I specially love the galvanized bucket with the candles, I am so inspired. I am having a beach party on the 11th and I believe I will be using your creation, so thanks.
Have a great weekend.
Michele

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

You are so talented! The picture looks so much better, and I love the vignette with the candles and sheet music.

This is a great series for slackers like me to get inspired and creative before December 24th :)

Pamela said...

Linsey love this picture! I would have never have thought to do do that. Thank you for inviting me to participate! Hope you re starting to feel better!

Jeanne said...

Love, love, love what you did with the St. Joseph and Jesus picture. I'm always looking for ideas to inject the real meaning of Christmas in my decorating. Thanks, hope to see more!

Unknown said...

I'm so glad I hit your link on Coastal Charm because I almost forgot about Christmas in July!! Can't wait for the inspiration to drive me toward Christmas merchandising at our gift shop :)

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

It looks beautiful! I've never seen a picture like that at our dollar store!

The Farmers Daughter said...

That "painting" is amazing--I've never seen the technique before--Love the candles in the bucket, too. Great ideas!

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

such a great project! turned out great! I absolutely love everything about European (Italian) Churches!

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