Friday, July 26, 2013

Shadow Boxing, Traveling, and Painting

 
Many years ago, I remember making shadow bunnies on the wall with my brothers when we were bored.  The boys always made their shadow bunnies fight ... I preferred to make my fluffy creatures hop and jump. 
 
I have always loved beautiful shadow boxes filled with cherished memorabilia.  I found this shadow box at a local home store for a reasonable price and the best part is that it was already painted white.  I dug into my rather large box of vintage hankies and lace to start the layering. 
 
Next came the drawer of old jewelry and buttons.  I also raided my scrapbook area for snippets of cards and flowers.   I secured everything with pearl head pins and pretty corsage pins.
 
 
 

                                   Mini "Shadow"


This small vintage frame was the perfect size for a mini-shadow "box."  It is hard to tell from the photo, but the glass is bowed - leaving about 1/2" to 3/4" to fill with  - something.....

I decided that about the only thing that I could squeeze into that space was some of my scrapbooking embellishments.  I used paper from the Graphic 45  French Country line - my current favorite. 

 

Upcycled American Tourister Suitcase

I found this awesome old American Tourister suitcase in Lakeland at the Vintage Warehouse - a building filled full of vintage, shabby, fabulous finds.  I did not like the way the up-cycler had done the handle but I LOVED the Paris Flea Market painted letters, so I just had to put my vintage-lacy spin on the handle.  It sold in my booth in less than a week. 

 

Oh, how I love Annie Sloan Paint!

 
I found this little night stand at a local estate sale.  It looks to be from the late 40s and weighed a ton.  I am pretty sure that it is walnut.  Now, dear husband's eye starts to twitch when I talk about painting walnut, oak, cherry, etc.... but I proceed to tell him that he does not follow trends and that painted furniture is ALL the rage and then he sighs and gives me the eye roll.
 
  I love the way that Annie Sloan paint goes on just about any piece with virtually no prep and the wax is just as great as the paint.  I have made my own chalk paint, but honestly - Annie Sloan paint just can't be beat!  I kinda' sound like an advertisement.... no, I am not a rep for her paint - but I probably would make a decent one!