Cakestand painting

Mar7

The product of Farrow&Ball cakestand painting workshop. Used painting: Farrow’s Cream. (Last picture is the starting object)

Valentine’s Day wrapping

Feb14

DIY present wrapping ideas for Valentine’s Day

Mercury glass

Feb12

The so called „silver plated” glass (mercury glass) was very popular in the 19th century, it was developed in Germany at the beginning of the century. It was purchased instead of real silver, because of its silvery shine by those who couldn’t afford the real ones.
In spite of its name, it doesn’t contain any pure silver or mercury. Double layered object was blown of glass and silver nitrate was injected through a small hole between the layers, then the hole was closed. For example, candle holders, doorknobs, jugs, goblets and vases were made this method. They soon became popular in England, France and in the USA also. After a short break, it became fashionable again around 1900 thanks to the Christmas ornaments and faux fruits made of it. Even colored variations appeared in the 20th century.
Collectors are still looking for original pieces. If the air gets in between the two layers, the silvery coating oxidizes and becomes freckled. In order to prevent this, the original seal (lead or wax) on the hole shouldn’t be harmed.
We can make silvered glass replica DIY. Fill a spray with water and vinegar in 1:1. Spray the desired object with „mirror” paint. Let it dry for one or two minutes, then spray the surface with the vinegar mix. Push it around with a paper towel. This not only soaks up the surplus but the desired cracked mirror effect is created this way too. Let it dry completely.
These decorating objects fit very well to the elegant and country classic styles also. In case of uncertainty, ask for help of an interior designer for the decoration.

Instead of christmas tree

Dec20

Some ideas for those who can’t or doesn’t want to buy a christmas tree

Outdoor christmas decor

Dec15

DIY outdoor christmas decoration ideas

Snowballs

Dec6

Fast and spectacular garden decoration made of snowballs and fairy lights

Tinder

Nov21

The weather is permanently cold, it’s time to light the fireplace. Campfire is increasingly needed during the time spent outdoors. It’s not so easy with bigger logs or in wet weather, flammable tool might be needed. This can be made DIY, even from simple materials found at home.
Pine cones are frequently gathered during touring, mainly if there is a child in the family. Attach a piece of wick to it and dip into melted wax using a clamp. Choose a color wax fit to the home, since many kinds of them can be purchased. Pine cones in different colors piled in a box will look very good near the fireplace.
Put muffin baking paper fit into the cake-tin. Fill it up to three-quarters with flammable materials, for example chopped paper or sawdust. Thrust the wick into it. Add dried color berries and pine branches to it for making it more spectacular. Pour melted wax in it and wait until it gets completely cold. Store them in a small basket or on a tray.
One of the simplest ways of making tinder is to hold thin branches, shredded papers and redolent dried herbs (e.g. lavender, rosemary) together and roll them up in a nice tissue paper or cake lace (paper too) and tie them with raffia or twine. Pay attention that the latter one shouldn’t contain any plastic. This is a bit rustic in style but the upshot will be very showy also.
Let’s recycle the toilette paper roll. Fill it with chopped cork, cram clean cotton fabric, e.g. cotton wool, in both sides, to not spill the fillings out. Wrap it in color paper like a Christmas fondant which will light very easy. This can be Christmas patterned for the perfect harmony with the feasts.
The empty egg carton is a perfect tinder-material because it is made of paper. Put cotton wool or makeup removing cotton ball in every cells of it. Fill it with sawdust, chopped paper or dry leaves. Don’t forget the wick also. Pour melted wax on it. When it gets cold, chop the carton up to have separate tinder. These can be stored even in an old metal egg basket.
An interior designer might help in this topic with more ideas.