Aging Recipe Used On Coffee-Tote

I thought I'd expand on my post yesterday and show you the finish I used on my coffee crate-style tote.  The tote started out natural with no finish.  I wanted an aged gray appearance.  It was really an experiment gone right.

First I started with McCloskey's Aging Glaze in Asphaltum which I mixed with water.  I didn't want to blacken it, just make it more gray.

This is what the tote looked like before I started.

I used a sponge brush to apply the glaze.  At first it looked like it was going to turn out brown.

As it dried it turned more gray.

But not gray enough.

So then I dry-brushed some white latex paint over it.  I used a very dry brush and worked while the wood was still a little damp.

Next, I applied the design from Graphics Fairy and the Silhouette Store, using contact paper in my Silhouette Cameo.  I tried using the printer method, but this wood was too rough.

The lettering wasn't perfect and was a bit too dark, so I lightly sanded it to get the faded, aged look I was going for.  Finally I added some damask printed grosgrain ribbon from Hobby Lobby for a handle.

The words say "Coffee and Syrups."  I'm planning to buy a couple bottles of syrup flavorings like caramel and vanilla...or maybe hazelnut...chocolate would be good too.  Decisions, decisions.  Stop by for a coffee break sometime, ok?




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