Faux Pewter Chocolate Molds

This makeover of mine was featured in the Spring 2012 issue of A Primitive Place Magazine!

Sometimes the package is better than the gift, as was the case with these discarded clear plastic treat containers shaped like chocolate bunnies. These looked so much like antique chocolate molds, I decided to hang on to them and go with the faux. Faux Pewter, that is.

Using inexpensive flat black spray paint, I covered the exterior of these clear plastic candy holders. When dry, I added two coats of Dark Patina by DecoArt Dazzling Metallics (available at Michael’s Arts and Crafts) and allowed drying time. To add a darker patina look, I brushed on some Old English Scratch Cover, wiped the excess with a rag, and sealed with a liberal coat of clear acrylic gloss sealer spray. This same process also works great on discarded plastic egg containers, resulting in a new and improved way to recycle plastics and make holiday decorations on the cheap.

redshedvintage.com© copyright 2014

Trash Talk Thursday: Papier Mâché Candy Cups

Love the look of vintage Halloween party décor? Here's a cheap & easy way to create your own vintage-inspired papier mâché party accessories, without paying the premium price of vintage...

Purchase some inexpensive plastic party favors ~ I found 8-packs of small jack-o-lantern candy cups @ an after-Halloween clearance last year for .50 cents a package!  
Rip some newspapers into small strips, and mix all purpose glue with water (4 parts glue x 1 part water) in a shallow bowl or pan. Drag the newspaper strips through the glue mixture, then slide between your thumb and index finger to remove the excess. Apply the wet newspaper strips randomly to cover the plastic cups, smoothing the paper down with your fingers as you go. When the cups are completely covered with newspaper strips, hang them to dry a few hours. Then paint with craft paints as desired, to create your own unique vintage-style candy cups! These also make cute window luminaries, just add a battery operated LED tealight candle.  © copyright 2013 redshedvintage.com

 

 

Pour A Tall Cup Of Flags

Keeping it simple, here's a quick & easy tutorial for adding some faux age to your patriotic fabric flags...

 

I found my made in USA flags at Target, each package contained 3 flags for $1.00 ~ I really appreciate the fact that they weren't made in China.

Using the cooled morning leftovers, I poured brewed coffee into a tall drink glass & added the flags to soak for about an hour (adjust soaking time, more or less according to your preference) and turned the flags over to age the flagpole sticks as well.  

To dry, I simply put some sand in a bucket outdoors & propped the flags up in the sand to dry in the sun.

 

 

 

Trash Talk Thursday: Faking Salt Glazing

Antique salt glazed pottery has been highly collectible for several years, with prices which reflect it’s scarceness and desirability. While you wait to find that diamond in the rough, create a fake!

This 1980’s kitchen crock was a yard sale find. You can use just about any jug or jar to create your own fake salt glazed vessel.

To add texture and dimension, I applied a light coating of Plasti-kote Fleck Stone texture spray paint over the entire crock surface, followed by a coat of Suede colored acrylic craft paint.

When completely dry, I dipped a cotton rag in oil-based walnut wood stain and rubbed it over the painted surface, using a clean rag to blot the excess and create an aged look. Using pictures of museum collections for inspiration, I used a piece of chalk to outline a bird design of my own on the painted/stained crock, then used cobalt blue puffy paint over the outline. To seal the deal, I added a coat of clear matte acrylic spray sealer. 
© Copyright 2013 www.redshedvintage.com