Creating a Piece of Beauty

Hi friends, I love finding new treasures, don’t you?   Spotting something and falling in love instantly.  This is what happened the moment I saw these two very old chalk ware cameo plaques with gilding.

I snatched these up immediately.  My original plan was to hang them in our master bathroom.   After looking at these for days and how couldn’t I, look at  them!  I realized hanging them there would be pretty but I wanted to seem them often throughout the day.

So, what did I decide?  I have had this farmhouse sign for quite a long time and decided to use it as a base to make what I had in mind.

I had my handyman husband use a piece of trim he had in his stash and make a frame.

After he framed the board I placed it on saw horses and we figured out where the plaques would hang.  This was important to get done before I began the next step.

Next, I grabbed a tub of joint compound and putty knives. I spread la thin layer on and let it dry overnight.  My husband was a bit skeptical about what I was trying to accomplish.  I wasn’t concerned, I knew what my plan of action was going to be.

I apologize for not having pictures, I was so excited to begin I forgot to take pictures,  I know, dumb especially for a blogger but it happened. 

I used a light grit sanding sponge to just knock down the points of the plaster.  Ahhhh plaster, can you see my vision now?  This is also the reason the screws needed to get placed in first.

Once sanded I painted the plaster with two coats Jolie in Antique White allowing each coiat dry for an hour.

One coat of Artisan Enhancements clear topcoat sealer done for no yellowing.  A thin coat is all that is needed to protect the paint.

I took close ups to show the plaster affect I achieved.

The plaques were hung and it is in our kitchen eating area for me to enjoy as I move around the kitchen and great room. I enjoy the rustic cow head with the elegant plaques.  It makes for a collected feel.

You may notice the very top of a piece beneath this in the photo, I will be sharing what I’m making for this spot very soon.

Until next time, stay well!