My Memorial Day morning was blissfully spent in my makeshift art studio-- a spare bedroom in our duplex that houses boxes of vintage ephemera, paint, ribbons, papers and other supplies. I wanted to incorporate one of my latest vintage ephemera finds into my decoupage candle holders. I had found a 1945 paperback edition of the French classic Les Dieux Ont Soif (The Gods Will Have Blood) by Anatole France and disassembled it for art supplies. I also had recently bought some Paris themed napkins from DaisyFlowerPetal on Etsy, and was very inspired by their romantic designs.
First, I altered the French novel pages by painting it with a soft pink wash that was made with one part acrylic paint and three parts water. I blotted the wash with a paper towel to add a mottled appearance. Then, from my leftover morning coffee in the pot, I added coffee stains to add an aged look. After the papers were dry, I speckled burnt umber acrylic paint.
After cutting and sizing the French novel pages for the glass votive candle holders, I adhered them to the surface with Mod Podge. Then, I cut out images of a romantic rose from the napkins and separated the top tissue layer. I had wanted to stop there, but felt like something was missing. This feeling is always with me while making collage/decoupage/mixed media projects and helps lead me into new creative territories! There is a point when the artist knows they have finished the last detail. So, I had the idea to stamp the words "Bloom", "Bliss", and "Dream" on white tissue paper. I carefully cut them out and glued them centered on the flower images.
I sized three circles from a sheet of two-sided scrapbooking paper for the candle holders bottom. To seal them, I first applied two layers of matte Mod Podge, then added a final layer of glossy, acrylic varnish.
I just love how they look lit up! The layers illuminate in the candle light and give off a romantic aura.
I have added these candle holders to my Etsy shop, which you can check out here for the listing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/100952688/decoupage-votive-candle-holder-set-bloom
These are soooo gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Barbara! They were a joy to make :)
ReplyDeleteThese are soooo cool looking!! Your candle holders are always very unique and so elegant!
ReplyDeleteI stopped by your Etsy shop just now, and hearted these, and your newest cigar box beauty - and your shop looks so very beautiful. The colors and the patterns are all beautifully photographed, and your designs show off so well together.
You will go far, my dear! I just know someone from Stampington Art will be knocking on your door soon to publish you!!!
xoxo
Sherilyn
Thank you Sherilyn! I appreciate you stopping by my Etsy shop and hearting my newest creations :) I have been meaning to get some Stampington Art subscriptions as there are so many inspiring things in their magazines :) Take care and hope you are busy with lots of creative endeavors!
ReplyDelete