Saturday, August 6, 2011

Before and After: Gessify it!





Have you ever visited Villabarnes?

It's Rosemary's blog on which she shares
many do-it-yourself projects.
She is a genius and a whiz with the paintbrush.

Rosemary inspired me
with one of her many posts
on which she gives new life to
 old pieces by using Gesso.

Gesso!



I went to the art store and bought just what
she told me to buy... a bottle of white,
and a bottle of black.
After I got the color layers applied,
I added Minwax's dark finishing paste wax
to seal them and give them an older look.

So my first project
was to take an old .50 cent shiny brass
cachepot that I got at a garage sale
that looked a lot like this.




Now it looks like this.

Then I decided to "gessify"
an old mirror I had from
The Bombay Company, remember them?
It was at the shop for over two years
and never sold. Maybe now it will?







I will keep practicing. Not anywhere near Rosemary's fine art form, but I'm working on it!

Now maybe someone will buy it!


Now that looks much better, right?






Whew!
That was fun.
Now it's time for a snack.

Won't you join me?


(Please go visit Rosemary at Villabarnes.
She will undoubtedly inspire you too.)













34 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

How fun. They both look wonderful. I havn't tried that technique, but I need to. Both of your projects look fabulous. Hugs, Marty

laxsupermom said...

That's incredible! I love the texture and depth the pieces have now! I need to try this. Thanks for sharing.

Miss Kitty said...

Thanks so much for posting those pictures of your "gesso-ed" items. They do look SO much better and more up-to-date. I think the mirror will sell now with the new finish.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Alison...

Oooh...your cache pot turned out beautifully, my friend! I love that old, frenchy gray finish...it's perfect! Love your mirror frame as well! I have been hearing about gesso and would love to give it a try on a few things at my place. Thanks so much for sharing the idea. What a lovely table top, Alison! Your new frenchy gray planter filled with those glorious hydrangeas is gorgeous! Love your beautiful french table cloth as well!

Have a wonderful weekend, sweet lady!
Chari @Happy To Design

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Great fun! I like the gesso-ed look!...never heard of it.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Look at you jumping on the craft wagon. They both look great. Watch out you will be doing it to everything.

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Thanks for the link back Alison. So glad you enjoyed my gesso tutorial. I think you did a wonderful job.

Sarah said...

Yes, they both look terrific. It's amazing what clever ideas there are floating around. So many talented individuals! I look forward to visiting Villabarnes.

Ricki Treleaven said...

HUGE improvement. I love the planter, wow! I have been following Rosemary's blog for a short time, and I am loving her projects!

afternoon tea said...

Hmmmmmm. I really need to keep a close eye on Rosemary's blog also! What a difference in those two items. Thanks for sharing the info.
AT

Anonymous said...

Thanks for showing this technique. I have some old brass accessories in the attic. Normally I paint them, but I like this gesso look. Oh, I also like those jar things in the background of your pictures. I have one too, but haven't decided where to put it in my house yet.

Pamela Gordon said...

Alison, I think you did great job on your brass projects. That is amazing stuff and I really like the results! Pamela

Kathy said...

I love her site too, you are such an inspiration yourself my dear! Such pretty pictures you take also!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Hi Alison,

What fabulous transformations! I've never heard of that stuff before. The mirror and the metal pot look beautiful!! Great job, Martina

Ivy and Elephants said...

Wow...you are a great student of Rosemary. You did an amazing job. I can't wait to start gesso-ing up some stuff in the cooler months.

Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Wow! The mirror looks fabulous! I hope it sells, or I wish that I loved closer to purchase it myself!

I never heard of this paiting technique, I think I may try it! Thank you for the tips!

Divine Theatre said...

Gah! I wish I had seen this BEFORE I painted my French cane chairs!

Babs said...

Wow! That looks great, Alison. I love the color. That technique looks so interesting and fun.I'll bet you sell the mirror before the week is out. Love the brass cachepot too.
Hugs,
Babs

The French Tangerine said...

Love it Allison! This is just what that shiny brass needed! I love the mirror! Can't wait to try it!
Jan

Richard Cottrell said...

I sure wish I had some water melon, right this minute. Great projects. Richard at My Old Historic House.

Our Hopeful Home said...

Hey friend, they both look so much better now I know that mirror will sell! I told Rosemary the other day that I almost bought Gesso at Hobby Lobby but I restrained myself ~ maybe it's time! :)

xoxo
Kathy

Bevelry said...

Wow that is fantastic! Both look great but what a transformation w/ the brass. I would have never guessed you could do that.

BeautifulDees said...

Lovely lovely...a snack would be great, have a wonderful weekend.
Love ya,Debbie

Amy Chalmers said...

Wow. that looks like a lead or a zinc finish! Very cool~I might have to try that!!

Debi said...

Think I'll visit Villabarnes on your advice. That turned out really pretty. I love that look. Love the texture. Oh yes, the Bombey Company. I might have to pull those old pieces out for a new gesso look.

Anonymous said...

Hi Alison! Oh, look what you've done - I love it! I would like to try this. I have a few of those olden looking brassy things! :)
thanks for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Blue Creek Home said...

Hi Alison,
Isn't Rosemary the sweetest most talented girl ever??? I love her and her beautiful transformations.

You did a great job on your gessified makeovers.
Rhonda

lvroftiques said...

They both turned out great Alison! That Rosemary has got me looking at everything with a different eye *winks*.....I actually think I have that same (Or very similar) cache pot....better get to gesso-ing! Lol! Vanna

Karen said...

Oh wow...I LOVE that finish! I would love to try that on some pieces I have. Thanks for sharing your projects. They inspired me!
xo~
Karen

Michele Smith said...

I think they turned out awesome! I might have to try that technique on something. Thank you!

Upscale Downhome said...

Love the look--reminds me of zinc. I will definitely try it out and check out her blog. Where did you get the glasses and the carafe that are in the baskets? I love that look.

michele said...

shut up. that is an incredible transformation! wow! i haven't used gesso but i certainly have painted my fair share of objects white or grey!

and i had an antique mirror like the one you just painted! i painted it white because it was way too austere looking then sold it at a flea market yrs ago.

you go girl with yer paintbrush and waxes...next stop? world domination.

michele

Ivy and Elephants said...

Fantastic! I commend you for being brave enough to try it. Rosemary is AMAZING! I guess I have to pull out my 25 cent basket and give it a try!
Hugs,
Patti

Debbie--http://refreshrestyle.com/ said...

Love Rosemary, love your gesso project! Now to get me some!