A wood chuck would chuck all the wood if a wood chuck only could... One of the best gifts my Gram ever gave me was a box of these vintage wood embellishments that she had had moldering in the basement of her 1900's era two flat in Chicago. When we moved her out she said I could throw them out or have them. I didn't need them and this was before I did anything with furniture so I have to admit, I almost threw them out! Thank goodness instead I stuck them in a corner of my laundry room and forgot about them.. ! When I finally came across them again it was like finding a buried treasure...
I'd love to say they are fantastic memory of my Gram, but since she's still kicking and crocheting at 98, I am lucky enough to still have her around.
I'd love to say they are fantastic memory of my Gram, but since she's still kicking and crocheting at 98, I am lucky enough to still have her around.I have been working on how to duplicate them with mold maker because I don't want to use them...but I do love using store bought ones. I think they can really make a pice feel even more upscale for next to nothing.
You can find some at Micheal's, Home Depot, Menard's and a great on-line site called Van Dykes Restorer's.
They have some nice big ones and fantastic corbels' as well.
I think they just add a little something extra.
While it's best to apply them to bare wood for adhesion, it's as easy as roughing up the(glossy) surface you are going to apply them to with the roughest sandpaper you can find...
Apply wood glue ( love Gorilla Glue) on the applique and a bit where you are going to glue it to and let it sit a few minutes to stiffen.The moisture will evaporate and the glue will be a little tackier this way. I also use a teeny bit of hot glue on the edges to act like a helping hand.
Apply wood glue ( love Gorilla Glue) on the applique and a bit where you are going to glue it to and let it sit a few minutes to stiffen.The moisture will evaporate and the glue will be a little tackier this way. I also use a teeny bit of hot glue on the edges to act like a helping hand. Quickly press very firmly and when the hot glue sets, use high tack painter's tape to tape it on if you can't clamp it ( clamping is the best- be careful not to shift the piece.). Wipe off any excess.
Some people like to use finishing nails. I've never had any luck with this on furniture and I've either cracked embellishments or the nails are too long.
Once the piece has set, you are ready to prime and paint. It will be like a whole new piece!
Once the piece has set, you are ready to prime and paint. It will be like a whole new piece! :) Jen
Oh, wow! What fun buried treasure.
ReplyDeleteAll of your pieces look amazing. I can't pick a favorite.
Oh, the ones from your grandma are real TREASURES. Beautiful. And 98 still kicking ,god bless her! mishelle
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you were to get those wood pieces. Love them and what you've done with them. Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteSo creative and pretty!
ReplyDeleteWOW!
-sandy toe
Oooh Jen, I LOVE what you've done with those. I've used them also but you've given me new ideas, chick! Very adorable, honey.
ReplyDeleteSmooches,
Connie
Don't you love finding forgotten treatures? I love how you've used them.
ReplyDeleteThose look so pretty! Great job.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
Those vintage embellishments are wonderful! I use embellishments too. My husband does use finishing nails for me. I am sure I would split the wood, be he seems to be able to do it.
ReplyDeleteI love wood embellishments! Very inspiring photos.
ReplyDeleteKarla
How neat! I agree, they add so much to the furniture - very pretty! :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you didn't throw those out! What a treasure. Your projects look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThose look so nice--I love those wood trim pieces on furniture and I know some people put them on the front of their fireplace. Pretty!
ReplyDelete~ Sarah
My mom works at Van Dyke's. I worked there after school when I was in high school. I used to pack up those pretty little things to be shipped out :o)
ReplyDeleteI agree, they do add a little something to pieces.
Nice treasure. I wood like it too. If you can copy them, I bet they'd sell good. Too old to still be copyrighted probably.
ReplyDeleteThe Texas Woman
Hi Jen :)
ReplyDeleteThose embellishments are beautiful! I'm so glad you didn't throw them out. Wonderful job on the furniture :)
Oh and your lady visit story.... cracked me up! LOL
rue
I love embellishments! You are so lucky to inherit so many...especially vintage...and free! Embellishments are pretty but can often be a bit pricey. I have just started working with them and love how they update a piece. Lurking around your blogs...I love your work. I am a paintaholic and your stuff is right up my alley!
ReplyDeleteWhat treasures!!! And I love your finished pieces!!
ReplyDeleteMy eyes are poppin' out! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLoved this post!
ReplyDeleteI love them too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift--those are so intricate an add a lot. I have an award for you Jen on my blog!
ReplyDeleteOh My Goodness!!! You are one lucky, lucky girl. That stuff costs a fortune now, if it's real wood. I can only afford the resin products. Way to go!! : )
ReplyDeleteThose wood embellishments add so much character. Ooooh, you are so lucky to have those pieces from your grandmother!
ReplyDeleteThose embellishments from your grandma are beautiful! I've always wanted to add an embellishment to a piece of furniture but haven't had the "right" piece to use one. They do add so much character! Thanks for the tutorial! I'll definitely bookmark that for future reference.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember the buffet that I started refinishing in, oh, the summer? I e-mailed you to "consult" and help me troubleshoot a paint issue I was having. I FINALLY finished it! I posted pictures on my blog if you'd like to check them out. :) Thanks again for your help!!! You were so sweet to respond so quickly!
They all turned out fabulous! I knew they WOOD! HA HA HA HA HA!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, great minds think alike, don't they!?! LOL! ;)