Narcissus

This Narcissus was a Christmas gift (one of those indoor bulb kits which you plant and grow yourself) and was very special while it lasted; it's a shame the fragrance can't be shared online...

Tutorial - Vintage Cake Stand

I recently made this cake stand for a friend. Simple but effective!

It's always nice to create a special one-of-a-kind item. If you fancy making a similar one, it's as easy as this...

You will need:

• A plate (a dinner plate is the best size; choose one which isn't too heavy)
• A candlestick with a flat top (approximately 18cm/7 inches tall)
• Epoxy glue (two separate gels which you mix together immediately prior to use)
• White spirit
• A marker pen

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the plate and candlestick thoroughly.
2. Measure and mark the centre of the reverse of the plate with a small spot of ink.
3. Place the candle stick over this mark (i.e. where you will eventually glue it in place) and draw around it.
4. Lay the plate face down, mix and apply the Epoxy glue to the candlestick, then glue to the plate. (This glue sets incredible quickly so you won't have much time to reposition the candlestick if you make a mistake).
5. Leave to dry overnight.
6. Use white spirit to remove any traces of marker pen from the reverse of the plate.
7.  Place cake(s) on finished stand, admire briefly, then eat.

Tips:

• You can find a massive selection of vintage plates and candlesticks sold individually on eBay.
• Make sure the candlestick has a flat top. Some have rounded tops and therefore less surface area to stick to the plate.
• In preparation for gluing (to create a stronger bond), you can sand the top of the candle stick and the marked area on the plate. Sandpaper is sufficient, but I was fortunate enough to have a helper with a small electric sander! Remember to clean the sanded areas with white spirit prior to gluing.
  
• Wash/wipe clean by hand. Although the Epoxy glue is incredibly strong, I would not advise putting your finished cake stand in the dishwasher.

As always, I look forward to making one for myself!

Tutorial - Vintage Frame/Mirror

I recently found this beautiful old gilt frame. It had clearly seen better days but also had too much potential to scrap. With a bit of care and attention I managed to transform it into a lovely Christmas gift (see pictures below).  By the time I'd finished, I wanted it for myself...

 

The finished frame with mirror inserted (complete with reflection of dead patio plants):

 

 

If you fancy trying this for yourself, follow the steps below.

You will need:

• An old frame
• White matt emulsion paint
• Sandpaper
• Wood filler 
• Paintbrushes
• Rubber gloves and plenty of newspaper...

Instructions:

1. Fill any gaps or blemishes with wood filler.  My boyfriend told me about 'Brummer' - this clever stuff is a water soluble putty which you can apply with your fingers and if necessary, sand smooth when dry.  It comes in a variety of colours (I opted for white).
2. Sand the entire frame thoroughly, paying close attention to any detailed areas.  Be warned; paint will not take to very smooth surfaces!
3. Wash the frame down with warm, soapy water and leave it to dry.
4. When it is completely dry, apply a thin layer of matt emulsion paint (any colour you fancy but I think plain white works best).  Carefully work the paint into the areas of detail by stippling with a lightly loaded brush.
5. Apply further coats as necessary; my frame needed three.
6. Leave to dry overnight or a little longer if possible.
7. Have a mirror professionally inserted and a hanging wire attached (this didn't cost much).

Tips:

• Make sure you paint the inner edges of the frame really thoroughly, or you will end up with an unsightly reflection in the mirror.
• Unless you can suspend the frame whilst painting, you will have to rest it on one edge and touch it up when the coat dries.
• In between paint jobs, wrap your brushes in cling film and they won't dry out.
• For a shabby-chic look, give the finished paint work a quick sand down (I couldn't bring myself to do this after spending so long painting it!).

I look forward to making one for myself...