Upcycle from Tarnished to Terrific

Upcycle from Tarnished to Terrific - Blitsy

Isn't it fun to snag a bargain?   Once you bring it home, figuring out what to do with it can be a challenge.  I found a metal leaf piece that fit right into my budget and thought I would transform it from a tabletop piece to wall decor.

I started with this.  yes, $1.99 lil' 'ol treasure in the making. 

This is the end result -a fascinating piece of wall decor.

So how did I get there?  I started by pulling out the Rub 'N Buff in various colors. 

Rub 'N Buff Autumn Gold, Patina, Gold Leaf and Antique Gold.

Step 1. I used a paper towel to apply the Rub 'N Buff  because the paper towel adds texture.  I dabbed and blotted. I did not rub the paste.  The dabbing motion leaves texture on the surface from the paper towel.

Step 2.  Add accents of color with various Rub 'N Buff colors by blotting with a paper towel. 

Step 3. Add texture to the piece by sprinkling chunky embossing enamel here and there.  Set with heat gun.  Be careful - metal gets very hot with the heat gun. 

Step 4. Apply a few sprays of mist, then heat set the mist. The mist adds depth to the project and makes it more earthy looking.

Step 5. Every leaf needs a bug.  Prima's Shabby Chic Treasures Bugs resin  is perfect.  Paint with Twinkling H2O's and heat set between colors. This kept the colors from mixing.   Glue to the metal leaf. 

Step 6.  Customizing flowers to match any project is super easy. This is done by misting and heat setting. Why heat set ?  The heat tends to stiffen up paper flowers making them a bit more sturdy. The heat also allows the project to be continued. 

Step 7.  Cut the burlap flower into sections, pinch the ends and glue them to make textured leaves.  Add some Twinkling H2O's for some pops of color.

Step 8.  Continue embellishing with flowers, hemp cord, crystals. Glue securely or attach with wire for more durability. 

Step 9. Finishing touch, wire a moss covered stick to the piece. The wire will also double as a way to hang on the wall.  

Here are the close ups. 

You can find these products at Blitsy!

Supplies:
Rub 'N Buff Autumn Gold 76304H

Rub 'N Buff Patina 76333V

Rub 'N Buff Gold Leaf 76302F

Rub 'N Buff Antique Gold 76303G
Stampendous Embossing Enamel - Aged Gold FREG024

Stampendous Embossing Enamel - Chunky Gold FREG046
Creative Imagination Luminarte Twinkling H2O - Teal Zircon 26374

Creative Imagination Luminarte Twinkling H2O - Lemon Drop 26352

Creative Imagination Luminarte Twinkling H2O - Orange Peel 28417
Prima Timeless Memories Say It In Crystals -579401
Prima Color Bloom Mist -Antique Gold -573843
Prima Color Bloom Mist - Tea Stain 573836
Prima Ingvild Bolme Shabby Chic Treasures Resins - Bugs 892524
Prima Bella Rouge Flowers - 580551
Prima Flowers - 564506
Prima Bethany Burlap Flowers 578549
Hemp Cord
Jewelry wire