Restoration ..........................

As most of you know, I'm a flea-market junkie and just love browsing around looking for gems to alter or incorporate in my art work. My found elements use does not exclude home decor :) If someone asked me what my decorating fashion is in my home, I would have to say "shabby chic eclectic". :)

My husband and I used to do a lot of antiquing until we ran out of room in our modest home. But; I continue to add little touches here and there from what I find at the shops or flea markets.

The first picture, here, is of an antique print that I fell in love with at a flea market that I attended with some special friends during the summer. The print of the roses is from 1892 which automatically drew me in. The only thing is, it was so delicate and even touching it, the paper would start to tear. But; I had to have it anyway. I brought it home and decided to try to restore it. I applied liquid medium to both sides very carefully, drying in between, then letting it sit flat with a heavy book over it for a few days.

My husband made a beautiful wooden "shadow-box" type frame for the print and I had fun treating the raw wood; gesso of course :) and I used a crackle texture compound around the frame and added some weathering with acrylics.

I then turned to my print and started restoring some of the colors in roses with oil pastels and wax pencils. I applied soft gel medium, let that dry and then adhered to the inside of the frame. We were quite pleased with the result.

Now; where to hang this? Hmmmmmm; decided that it just had to hang on the front of our antique "faux mantle" which is in our living room. The mantle was purchased at an antique shop in Cooperstown and is a pre 1700's piece!

Thought I would share a little piece of my world here with you :)

I wish you all a safe, happy, and artful week ahead. Again; it's so good to be back with all of you again!!!!

Love and good health to all.................................Marilyn xxoo