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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:

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

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

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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

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

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

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

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  8. 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.

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

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  10. 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

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  11. 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.

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

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

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  14. Hi Alison,

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

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  15. 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

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  16. 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!

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

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  18. 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

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

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

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  21. 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

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

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

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

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  25. 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.

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  26. 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 ;)

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  27. 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

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  28. 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

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  29. 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

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

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  31. 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.

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  32. 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

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  33. 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

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

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