Sunday, February 19, 2012

Old World Birds

I was half way through this transformation, when I realized I hadn't taken a before photo. These birds are syroco composition, and were painted gold. They had great details that weren't being highlighted. They were perfect candidates for my "Old World" finish.










Layers of grey, with a wash of gesso. The finish brought out the intricate details.









They're a good size. The tall one is over 13".








I love the way they turned out.







I have several variations to this technique I'll be sharing with you, including multiple colors.


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24 comments:

  1. AlediaFebruary 18, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    I love birds and those are gorgeous!!

    Blessings,
    Aledia

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  2. GenevaFebruary 18, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    These turned out very nice... I just purchased an old mirror and am hoping to try some of your techniques out on the frame. As always, you inspire!
    Blessings!
    Geneva

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  3. Shabby chic SandyFebruary 19, 2012 at 1:08 AM

    Very pretty! At our last house we had peacocks wandering around--it reminds me of that:)

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  4. MelissahFebruary 19, 2012 at 3:36 AM

    They are just beautiful!
    x
    Melissah from Coastal Style & Country Style chic

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  5. Little City FarmFebruary 19, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    Gold? Yikes. Love what you've done with them.

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  6. Angie K.February 19, 2012 at 7:36 AM

    My Mom still has these birds - yes, still in gold. She bought them from Home Interiors in the 80s. Maybe I'll "inherit" them some day & change them up! :) Great job!

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  7. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsFebruary 19, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    These look great, Rosemary! I could just see them set up in a centerpiece or tabletop vignette, too!

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  8. DeseraeFebruary 19, 2012 at 10:01 AM

    Just gorgeous...love the detailing!
    ~Des

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  9. AnonymousFebruary 19, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    Beautiful...and the detail is exquisite!

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  10. Little Miss MaggieFebruary 19, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    The birds are exquisite. I love the details that the gesso brings out. No one would never know they were once gold.

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  11. Jan@southernjunkin'February 19, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    Gorgeous! Love the gray you've chosen!

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  12. Heaven's WalkFebruary 19, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    Beautiful, Rosemary! I'm looking forward to another "lesson" from you! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  13. UnknownFebruary 19, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    WOW!!!! these birds are stunning!They sure would look lovely in a garden or a room full of flowers..

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  14. SImple and Serene LivingFebruary 19, 2012 at 3:30 PM

    I've seen these in the gold before. What a difference your technique has made.
    Laura

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  15. Katie @ Wildwood CreekFebruary 19, 2012 at 5:12 PM

    Lovely!

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  16. KellyFebruary 19, 2012 at 7:14 PM

    Those are very pretty! The details in the feathers turned out ver nice.

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  17. farmhouse-storyFebruary 19, 2012 at 7:26 PM

    your finish did bring out the beautiful details--just lovely!

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  18. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsFebruary 19, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    What a marvelous job you did!...They are spectacular and fitting for many vignettes throughout the house!

    Love them!

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  19. FABBY'S LIVINGFebruary 19, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    OMG!, I'm in love with those peacocks sweet Rosemary! Never ending talent, darling! Have a terrific week.
    FABBY

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  20. lvroftiquesFebruary 19, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    They look great Rosemary! I love that finish! FAA....Vanna

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  21. Vintage RoseFebruary 20, 2012 at 9:47 AM

    Rosemary, the birds are sooo lovely. I can see them outside with a beautiful wicker set, or old iron bench, lots of ferns hanging etc., pitcher of iced tea in vintage glasses.... :) Just lovely.

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  22. SherryFebruary 20, 2012 at 12:53 PM

    Rosemary they're gorgeous!

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  23. UnknownFebruary 20, 2012 at 1:01 PM

    I LOVE the birds ! I am always picking up birds of some kind too ! Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting:) I'm now following you via Linky.

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  24. Linda @ Life and LindaFebruary 20, 2012 at 7:34 PM

    Stunning birds. You know birds are in big time this year. I so admire you work. Thanks for visiting. Have a great week.

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