Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Polka Dot Closet's New DIY blog

Free Porcelain Flowers for art projects

Free, well almost! I will show you how to chisel porcelain flowers off from nick nacks from the thrift store or tag sale.  Here is a couple examples.
This was a plain mirror dresser tray that I painted white and added a porcelain rose




Here is a spoon or hanky holder (Spoon holders are great for displaying vintage hankies) note this flower is glued onto a brooch. This is available at The Polka Dot Closet


One last example.  This is available at The Polka Dot Closet

Soooo, are you intrigued, heres how.  The first thing you do is gather all of your nick nacks, now I pick these up for $1-$2 at the thrift store, look for the ones marked down because there is a chipped flower or cracked base, no one wants these, but us!


Now grab your goggles or glasses because the porcelain is about to fly! You will need a chisel (I have never tried it, but maybe a standard screw driver would work?) and a hammer.  Then really pad your work surface with a towel or bubble wrap.  The first thing I like to do is wrap the adjacent flower with a little bubble wrap so you don't damage it when you chisel the one next to it off.


 Now, lets get this party started!!


Look at all of those luscious roses, do you have a project in mind yet?


Were on a roll now!

Sometimes they practically fall out, if the stems are to long for your project you can just use tile nippers and clip the stems off.



Here's just a little tip, you need nick nacks that are the real deal, not the ones from the dollar store, they just won't chip off.  Don't use something like this:



Because it will end up like this:



Trust me on this, they just don't break off.

You need something like this:


 Look $1.91 but it gets better, it was 1/2 price day .95 Yippee



Then you get this:



Now take all of your flower treasures and put them in a drawer lined with bubble wrap
 
To attach your flowers to your project you will need either Weldbond or E-6000.  Weldbond, I ordered on the internet, but E-6000 is available at all craft stores.  You also might need painters tape to hold your flower in place while the glue dries



Now don't limit your self to flowers, chip off those angels or birds, I can tell your creative brains are already in action.

Happy Creating!

Carol

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow Carol ~ what a great DIY! I hope you entered that in some of the blog parties to share with others. I love it...especially the Wellbond tip. I love Ansley china. I don't know if I can hack at that one. I still can't believe you got it that cheap!!! What a steal. Thanks for sharing and hope you have a creative day!

Anita D said...

I love this!! I have some pretty old knick knacks, and so does Mom, that I don't want to get rid of, but didn't know what to do with either!


Thanks!

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Oh! I see you are over here, too. Still a good idea!

Jillian
Bella Rosa Antiques

Blog Archive

Shabby Lane Shops

Shabby Lane Shops is a wonderful online shopping mall and source to find romantic cottage, victorian, feminine, paris and french style, upscale boutique decor and accessories. Whether you are looking for uniquely beautiful and romantic furniture, handpainted decor, exquisite chandeliers, lamps and lighting, custom cottage pillows, linens, bags and totes, or boutique clothing using vintage chenille and treasured fabrics, Shabby Lane Shops can direct you to the right website. You'll also find one-of-a-kind artist made jewelry, inspirational gifts, incredible art pieces and exquisite rose painted furnishings, antiques, and vintage collectibles here offered by the most talented artists and boutique owners. Shabby Lane Shops will save you from having to spend countless hours searching the web for all your favorite shops and boutiques so be sure to save this site as one of your favorites and join our mailing list to receive the latest news on the best shops, special announcements and latest events.

About Shabby Lane Shops