Creating a Verdigris Patina with Wax

Dry Brushing has always been my go to technique for layering paints to achieve patinas but when working with highly detailed ornate moldings, paint often falls short on highlighting the details.  Waxes on the other hand can be pushed into the crevices, with easy wax on wax off techniques.

For this project I wanted to create a verdigris finish on a mirror frame.   I started with a silver wood picture frame molding and painted it with Pure & Original's Classico Slate Gray.  Slate Gray is an off black, a softer black than Classico Black.  

 

To create the verdigris wax, I mixed a 1/4 teaspoon of CeCe Caldwell's Sante Fe Turquoise paint in with a tablespoon of Miss Mustard Seed's White Wax.    For a larger quantity, mix a 1/4 cup of white wax with 1 teaspoon paint. You can play around with ratios depending on how much you need for your project, but start with a small amount of paint and add until you get the right color intensity.  Keep in mind too much paint will liquify the wax.

Using a wax brush  liberally work the wax into the crevices.  

 Then gently wipe off  the wax from the relief or raised areas of the molding to expose more black surface. Just look how the tinted wax brings out all the details that may have gone unnoticed.

Once dry you can buff for a shine.

  The verdigris wax looks amazing on bronze and copper colored paints as well.  

A Kitchen Make Over in Alexandria, Virginia

We were called in to help this Alexandria client complete the final steps needed in her kitchen renovation.  She had a clear vision of what she wanted the finished space to look like as well as how it functioned.  Our job was to provide the skill and labor necessary to make the old kitchen cabinets look like new and seam beautifully with the new Carrara marble counters.  She knew she wanted a gray so we looked at all the shades of gray in the Pure & Original Classico paint palette but ultimately settled on Miss Mustard Seed's color "Schloss" Milk Paint .... it harmonized perfectly with the stainless steel and the gray shadings in the marble.

Before ...

  

After ...

A Kitchen Facelift at Belmont Bay

When my client came to me with her hopes of having a kitchen that reflected her style I knew right away how we would take on the project.  The existing cabinets were in very good condition with concealed hinges, a big plus.  We chose an off white chalk based paint to brighten the space.  The raised panel details on the doors were an invitation to create interest and depth with light distressing along the edges.  The nickel knobs were exchanged for a glass trefoil shaped knob with copper accents to pick up the flecks of copper in the Galaxy granite counter tops.    And to give a nod to my client's love of all things French we stenciled the overhead vent housing.  Oh, and that tres urban farmhouse chic sheep head? .... a purchase from VanEch Studio's store in Occoquan, from our Park Hill Collection.

Befores

The Afters

 

Photography:  Nicolas Otth

Repurposing 101

Have you ever picked up an old broken chair that you were drawn to for its charming wood back, but hello, another chair is the last thing you need.  I do, admittedly, have a fondness for these charmers, but a) have little room in my house for them, and b) have the time or funds to repair them.  So out with the saw, some paint and sealer, these vintage wood chair backs are creating a party in my garden.  Products used:  CeCe Caldwell Chalk & Mineral Paint and Endurance finish.

 

 

Bullion Fringe Comeback

Bullion fringe, pronounced "bool yuhn" has always been a go to embellishment for many designers, and today we are seeing a resurgence in its use.  Bullion has it's origins in France, and was used to describe the thick cords covered in gold and silver that adorned uniforms.  In decorating, these cotton and silk threaded fringes are most often used on the skirts of upholstered furniture to provide a couture look.  Growing up I recall the bullion fringed stool at my mother's vanity, how fascinated I was with all the twisted cords.   Many years later when she passed away, I salvaged the fringe for use in a new upholstered piece.  These fringes can run as little as $5/yard all the way up to $80/yard depending on it's complexity and what it is made out of.    Like many trims, bullion can transform the ordinary upholstered piece into something unique and luxurious.  At the bottom of this post, check out the fascinating video on how this awesome fringe is made. 

The fringe I removed from my mother's vanity stool

For casual looks try a jute fringe, a favorite go to with burlap and natural linen.

 In this monochromatic room, the fringe adds texture and interest

 Tablecloths hemmed in the silky cords look amazing too.

 This bullion has an added tassle for the wow and feminine factor

 Ottomans are a perfect piece to embellish with bullion

Elegance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psDnYOnQXdM

Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint Workshop and New European Colors

Miss Mustard Seed has unveiled the new European milk paint colors which will be available at VanEch Studio in January. Haven't tried milk paint? Join us Sunday January 11th 9-12 to learn the basics of this wonderful paint. Call 571-398-2180 for more information or register at www.etsy.com/shop/vanechstudio

It's Time to Plant Paper Whites

Every year around this time I begin my indoor container gardening of Paper Whites.  Not only do I use these blooms in my own home, but I use them in my design work throughout the winter months and always have a few extra containers on hand for beautiful hostess gifts.   Paper Whites, also known as Narcissus, were named after the Greek mythological figure Narcissus, who was a hunter renowed for his beauty.  And beautify is just what you get when these white star like floral blooms grace your tables and mantles.

While you can pick up generic boxes of Paper White bulbs in the store already planted in containers, doing it yourself, in your own selected container, is easy. The fragrant flowers bloom within about 3 weeks of planting, for almost instant gratification. You can buy the bulbs in bulk at your local garden center.  See the how-to guide below for creating your own beautiful arrangements:

How to Force Paper Whites Indoors:

•  Choose a container that complements your holiday and living space decor.   A container that is about 4" deep and has no drainage holes works best.  If you want your blooms to be in a deeper container, such as a big silver bowl,  fill the container with peat moss to roughly 4" below the container's surface and follow the directions below with 2" of stone on top.
•  Spread an inch or two of stones, marbles or gravel along the bottom of the container.
• Position the bulbs, pointed end up, on top of the stone layer.  Get in as many as you can as they look so much better in a large group and the tight fit will keep them upright.

• Add more stone to fill in the areas around the bulbs.
•  Add water so that the level reaches the base of the bulb.  Allowing the bottom of the bulb to sit in water will help stimulate growth.  Too much water however will rot the bulb.
• The bulbs don't need light at this point but do prefer to be kept on the cool side at around 65 degrees.
• Check the bulbs daily to see if they need water.
• When you see stems developing move the container to a well lit window.  The sunnier the better but don't let them get too warm as they will grow leggy.  Once the plant flowers, they will last longer if moved out of direct sunlight to a cool spot with indirect light.
  
  
  
  
  You can add some moss for more greenery
  
  

Vintage containers such as this deep planter make for an elegant arrangement

Keep flopped over stems upright with a decorative ribbon

Happy Holidays!