Thursday, October 30, 2014

Applique Painting and Hydrangea Drying...Fall Crafts!

 
Weeks ago I purchased this large, amazing applique from the Purple Pear.  I knew I was going to put it on one of the paneled pocket doors I had sitting in the garage.  I also knew that I would have a lot of fun highlighting all of the wonderful detail with my little paintbrush! 
 
 
 I loved how the applique turned out but I felt like the door itself needed something else.  Well, after living with it in our family room for several weeks now, I have decided that adding anything else would only detract from the beautiful applique.  So, here it is!  It is done!  Finito!
 
 
The Purple Pear has a great selection of quality appliques in beautiful, historic designs.  This one is so large, ornate and heavy!  However, it was incredibly easy to apply!  I used an epoxy glue that I happened to have on hand and it worked perfectly!  I wanted the applique itself to take center stage on my door, and boy does it ever!  The door was painted in Pure White and glazed with a 1:3 mix of French Linen and Artisan Enhancements Scumble product.  The urn was painted in Old Ochre and then I used a variety of colors for the flowers including Old Violet, a mix of Burgundy and Old white and a mix of Olive and Old White.  I highlighted the details on the urn and flowers with Gold Gilding Wax, also purchased at The Purple Pear.
 
 
In addition to painting, I have been having fun with dried flowers on these chilly Fall days!  Drying hydrangeas can be tricky, but I have learned that the key to success is cutting them right at the perfect time!  I cut my own hydrangeas too early this year and they shriveled right up.  A couple of weeks ago, my mother in law and I ran out into her garden and cut all of her hydrangeas.  I brought them home, re-cut the stems and put them into vases of water on my dining table. 
 
 
They have dried beautifully and in the most amazing shades of pink, green, purple and blue!  So, it seems that the trick is to cut them at the right time...later in the Fall, when they are already showing signs of drying on the plant itself.
 
 
Last week I put together a few dried hydrangea arrangements and took them to my booth at Camas Antiques.  These are my favorite Fall decorations this year!
 
I am now looking forward to pulling out the Christmas decorations!  Too soon?  Nah!
 
 
The Holiday Open House at Camas Antiques is coming up in just 2 weeks!  For more details, visit the Event Page on Facebook!
 
Thank you for your sweet visit!
 
Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda
 
 
 
Sharing With:
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours
 Friday's Unfolded at Nancherrow
 Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
What's it Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants