What We Accomplished Wednesday #23

Want to be a pin-up girl?  Join the party, and if you are featured, I'll pin your project to my Green Willow Pond Features Board!




I managed to finish a project this week!  It was a small project, but I did it!!  I am so excited to have some time to create again.  My craft room has been on hold for a long time, but I have spent some time in there too, getting it underway again.  It is a long way from camera ready though, so I'll just have to keep you waiting on that one.

I found this clunky wood candlestick, with a slick glossy finish at a local thrift store.  During a separate trip, I also found the metal piece on top .  It was shiny gold.  Of course, I forgot to take before pictures.  Sigh...maybe one day I'll get this pictures = interesting blogging thing down.

After painting it all out with gray primer it already looked better.

Then the layering process began.  First a coat of gesso brushed on...

...then dabbed back off.  I just keep brushing on and taking off until I like the results.  After layering several coats of gesso, it breathed a sigh of relief...at least I did!

I wanted images on it, so I decided to try using the Mod Podge transfer method.  After letting it sit overnight, I tried to gently rub off the excess paper.  It worked pretty well, but I was not happy with the edges of the paper.  I think I should have trimmed closer to the image.  After a little sanding it looked better.  Next I thought I would try to wax it.  It did not work well.  I used clear wax, but it gave the candlestick a yellowed appearance.  Drat...now what?

Back to google I went and found that mineral spirits will remove wax.  Using a fine steel wool pad, I gently rubbed it down with the mineral spirits, then wiped it all clean with a damp rag.  Once dry, I sprayed it with a clear satin finish.  Much better!

Edit:  I treated the metal piece the same as the base, then glued it on top with E6000 glue.

 

Pretty with a white candle too...or maybe a moss ball.

So that was my project, now on to yours.  The linkups where fabulous!  Here's the Top Ten picks for last week:

I love what Mindi, at My Love 2 Create, did with this oak desk.  I have an oak desk I would love to do this to!

This sweet box was papered and painted by Denise on a Whim.  I love the harlequin pattern.  Pop on over to check out the inside.

How awesome is this theater room.  I love the vintage feel that Jann gave it.  There's lots more to see, so go check it out!

Don't you just want to eat these?  They might not taste too good, but they are adorable.  Marti, from Sewlicious Home Decor, created these from twine and embellishments!

I've seen many pretty wainscot treatments, but Brittani, from Blue Loves Jay, shows how she and her hubby used plywood to create a wood wainscot that is both gorgeous and durable!

I love this bow tie onsie that Hannah, from Sew La Tea Dough, created.  I'm definitely making some of these for baby shower gifts!  I could see one with a fabric flower in place of the bow tie for little girls too.

Jennifer, from Thimbles, Bobbins, Paper and Ink, made this adorable "Le Poulet" quilt.  I love the fabrics she used.  

Check out this sweet pink desk done by Lisa, at Create Inspire Me.  I love the paper she decoupaged on the drawer fronts!

Doesn't this Fresh Cream Layer Cake, made by Aimee at Twigg Studios, look delicious?  It's so beautiful too!

I couldn't resist one more recipe this week.  This apple cake, from Ashley's Dandelion Wishes, makes my mouth water!

So what have you been up to?  Show us your stuff!  

Da Simple and Easy Rules

1. Only projects you have made/accomplished pretty please. Items for sale are okay, as long as they are in tutorial form, and linked to your blog post.  No links to shops or Etsy stores, please.  Link up to 3 posts

2. Please link back to the party (text or button) within your post. See my pretty new BUTTONS on my side bar. When you link back you will have a chance to be featured!

3. By linking up here, you are giving me permission to feature you here, on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Pinterest.  I'll only use 1-2 pictures from your post and link back to you. Then people will be flocking to your blog to read all about it!!  Spreadin' the love around baby!    

*Note - After your first link-up, as a courtesy, I will email you each week to let you know when the party is up and running. If at any time you wish to be taken off the list, just shoot me an email with unsubscribe in the subject line. I use your email for this purpose only and never share it with anyone else.

I've linked this to these awesome parties.  Go take a peek!

All Things Thursday Blog Hop at Posed Perfection
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Party Junk at Funky Junk Interiors
Take It On Tuesday at Romance on a Dime
Share it One More Time at One More Time Events