Wednesday, May 5, 2010

I actually used my Italian Antique "Goodies"!!!


Remember my post a few weeks ago where I shared photos of the
"Treasures"
that I found at the
Sicilian Antique market?

OK I'll be "honest", this project started out as a Teacher's Appreciation gift and then it transformed into my NEW FAVORITE Project. How could I ever give such yumminess away. I mean take a look at my Sicilian Treasures actually being utilized. AND this isn't even a "Dust Collector"!! I found the PERFECT use for it!! I am using it to hold my hand painted papers from Florence and Vinci (yes as in Leonardo di Vinci or his birthplace). NOW IF I COULD JUST STOP HOARDING THAT PAPER!!
My entire project was inspired by this Vintage Image which was a "FREEBIE"
I created the rose from some more of that old pillow case that just seems to multiply!! I dyed it by mixing coffee & pink food coloring.
How cool is that old watch face?
I painted the chipboard, distressed it, applied glue and glitter only to discover that I HATED the glitter that I had used, SOOOO while I was painting another frame, I re-applied paint directly over my glitter and PERFECTO!
This is the back side of the box. The key is another of my Sicilian Treasures and the ticket is from the base theater here in Sicily.
The little scroll on the upper left hand side is a one Lire bill from 1944. I've lived in Sicily long enough to actually remember and "miss" the Lire.
The box was just a plain wooden box (a RAK from Stephanie Muzzulin) that I covered using patterned paper. After covering all sides, I sanded the edges, sponged some brown ink. While lightly painting the inside, I blotted my brush around the edges to soften the brown.
CHALLENGES I USED:
Vintage Image Crafts: 1st Challenge ever & Free images
Crafts & Me Challenge #3: Sparkle (got lots of that on my frame)
The Crazy Challenge: Bling Bling (Well I am rather fond of my Italian bling bling watch face & the sparkle on my frame)
Whoopsi Daisy Challenge: As you like it (I like Vintage & Distressing)
The Shabby Tea Room: Get Your Bling On (Blinged out that frame)
Creative Card Crew: April Showers bring May FLOWERS (I made my own)

18 comments:

Handmade Creations by Stephanie said...

OH MY WORD This is Gorgeous can I ask for the box back now!!!(just kidding) seriously this is amazing!!!

Stef H said...

omgoodness! this is absolutely gorgeous! holy moly! wow! girlfriend, i think you have found your niche with this vintage stuff! it's definitely the way to go for you! wow!

NinaB said...

This is amazing. I love how it turned out and that paper is beautiful. Next time we're in Italy (we're only 3 hours to the border and another hour to Venice), I will definitely look for treasures like this.

Pat (mspfd) said...

Fantabulous! Everything is perfection. Especial love the flower!

Erin Smetak said...

Oh my gosh, Justine, this is amazing! And I love that you found a use for it too! lol! That's always MY dilemna!

I love that you decorated the back too! Fabulous job!!!! Oh, and that rose is awesome!!!!!

I'm super jealous that you have that specialty paper, and all that Sicilian treasure!!!! SHARE!!!!

Your vintage creations are so magnificent, they make my stuff look like my kids did it!
Simply gorgeous work, sweet friend!

raindropecho said...

Justine, this is a beauty! Love the vintage look and that flower is sooo sweet!
- Ann

Debbie said...

Oohhhhhh ... Justine, this is fabulous! I {heart} the vintage image you used on your design and the box is simply wonderful! Thanks for joining us this week in the Tea Room :)

Nicole said...

Pretty project! Love the blingy frame! :) Thanks for playing along with us at The Shabby Tea Room! :)

Scott said...

You are our "hero!"

Cami said...

Wow 'o Wow, Justine! This is just fab! Like how you covered that wooden bag and distressed it and used your antique papers! How lucky you live in Italy and get to go "treasure hunting" to find these wonderful things! I don't blame you for hoarding them! Your box/bag is absolutely stunning! Hugs, Cami

Audrey Pettit said...

How precious! I can see why you don't want to give this away. thanks for playing along with us at the Tea Room.

Shell Shearer Swinscoe said...

Stunning!! love those papers

Thank you for joining us at 'The Crazy Challenge' this week

hugs shell xx

Lynn Mercurio said...

WOW - totally wonderful and I agree with another poster that you have really found your niche! Jaw dropping gorgeousness.

pinky said...

Stunning work love what you have done with your brilliant find. Thanks for sharing at WhoopsiDaisy this month.
Pinky

Mina said...

your not the only one Justine I miss the Lira too when I was on holiday I felt like a millionaire lol...oh wow those papers are so stunning girl, Im glad you used them things like this should be shown to their best and these are so to their best in this stunning project
Mina xxx

My Creative Outlet by Janna said...

Love, love, love your work! So fun! The handmade flower is FANTASTIC! Thanks for sharing at CCC!

Janna :)

Helen F. said...

I would have a really tough time using the 'treasures' found in Catania too. But, this beautiful. Love your flower~you can sell them as embellishments :o)

Wendy - Anntaurus said...

Wow beautiful work. Thanks for joining the May WhoopsiDaisy Challenge.