Thursday, May 24, 2012

Silvered Bottles

Okay, after many emails asking me to share how I did my silver bottles, and just as many telling me I should keep it to myself, I've decided to just share the basics.  The truth is, I pretty much gave you the ingredients in "Bottle Love".  Liquid silver leaf, rust, dirt, water.  I've used them in various combinations, and applications.  I hardly ever do the same thing twice, and I'm always reinventing myself.  I'm already on to something different.





Here are the basics.  Obviously, my solution is on the inside of the bottle.  Having a bottle with lettering makes the effect far more interesting.




I've used the silver leaf only.  I've added rust, followed by the liquid leaf, which gives it an old crusty look in spots.  A little dirt will do that as well.  If the bottle is already crusty, all the better.  Cover the opening, shake and  rotate the bottle to get coverage.  Don't let the silver leaf settle, or you won't get good coverage.  It dries fast.

That reminds me.  I was asked how to get rust.  Simple.  Just scrape it off a rusty object.




If you add a little water before you add the liquid leaf, you'll get a look similar to this milk bottle.  Patchy.  Because it has a wide neck, I used a brush, instead of shaking the solution, like I did with the smaller bottles. 




Bottom line, you'll just have to experiment, like I did.  Now, I have to tell you, liquid silver leaf has a strong odor.  I like it because it sticks really well.  However, I always use it outside, or in the garage with lots of ventilation.  Please, be kind to your lungs.  Substitute metallic silver paint for the liquid leaf, if you want.

I'm having fun displaying mine with my dried roses.



Now, I have to get back to work.  My next show is coming up quick, and I have exciting news I can't share quite yet.  I'm also working on some changes, and additions to "villabarnes".  I'll keep you posted.  See ya soon.


Sharing With:
Thrifty Decor Chick: Before and After
Home Stories A to Z: Tutorials and Tips
The DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
The Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
The Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home
Savvycityfarmer: Thrift'n on Thursday
The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday
No Minimalist Here: Open House
The Brambleberry Cottage: Time Travel Thursday
at

48 comments:

  1. OliveMay 23, 2012 at 3:11 PM

    You are so sweet to share Rosemary. I got plenty of rust around here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. aimeeMay 23, 2012 at 3:19 PM

    i love the idea of using rust. i did simular with just mirror spray and water but yours look great xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMay 23, 2012 at 3:27 PM

    I remember bookmarking the Bottle Love post, loving the look. Pure Mercury glass just didn't look right with the old bottles, so I wanted to try it with some rust...just haven't gotten around to it. I love rust and it seems like a magic ingredient. Thanks for a clearer explanation for those of us who don't have the ability to "see" like you do. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. BlissMay 23, 2012 at 4:13 PM

    Well thanks for sharing because those bottles are awesome.

    ~Bliss~

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsMay 23, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    You are a very generous and giving person to share "your secrets"....the bottles are wonderful..!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 23, 2012 at 5:28 PM

    Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownMay 23, 2012 at 5:37 PM

    Oh I love your bottles. And I do have an opinion on sharing..have we all not been inspired by someone else design? Is that what those who teach, teach..and so many things can be learned with just a spark of desire..I love your bottle and glad you shared your talent. Blessings to you..Have a great weekend.it's a nice long weekend too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Little Miss MaggieMay 23, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    Wow, Rosemary. You never disappoint me. I have learned so much from your posts. Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️May 23, 2012 at 6:14 PM

    Hi Rosemary,

    I love the bottles. Thanks for teaching us how to make our own.

    Your news sound very exciting!!!

    Dee :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnneMay 23, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Rosemary,
    Those bottles are so pretty.Love the dried roses too.I can't wait to hear your exciting news :-)
    (((Hugs))))
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  11. DeseraeMay 23, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    Your bottles are so pretty....love them with the roses tucked inside! I have some silver paint leftover so I might have to try it on a few bottles :o)
    Thanks for sharing your secrets!
    ~Des

    ReplyDelete
  12. PauletteMay 23, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    The bottles are lovely, thanks for sharing your method.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The Summer Kitchen GirlsMay 23, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    very cool! we feel a project coming on :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresMay 23, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    These are fabulous Rosemary. The dried roses look so yummy against the silver bottles.

    ReplyDelete
  15. DebbiedoosMay 23, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    They are the COOLEST bottles Rosemary. I really love the technique you used.

    ReplyDelete
  16. very merry vintage styleMay 23, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    Great look! Thanks for sharing the instructions
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMay 23, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    Rosemary, Thank you for sharing this at the OHP! The bottles are fabulous and now I need to find liquid silver leaf.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Little City FarmMay 24, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    I can't wait to hear this exciting news. Awesome silver bottles. I can't believe how you just make up this stuff and it turns out so gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  19. allisamazingMay 24, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    Your bottles look amazing! Thanks for stopping by my blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Daniela @Frugal Aint CheapMay 24, 2012 at 8:41 AM

    So cool!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageMay 24, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    You are sooo creative, Rosemary! The bottles look fabulous, and I'm sure EVERY version is spectacular. Can't wait to see what your exciting news is. ;)

    Thanks for being a part of Time Travel Thursday. Your creativity is always a joy to witness.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

    ReplyDelete
  22. Curtains in My TreeMay 24, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    I would much rather you just do it for me LOL

    I always think I can copy a project and it just doesn't work for me , I do have some wonderful silver paint, maybe I will try it add a little dirt don't know if I have any rust or not

    oh well your the best

    ReplyDelete
  23. KristinMay 24, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    These are so pretty! Love the vintage look =)

    Visiting from The Shabby Chic Cottage

    ReplyDelete
  24. miss flibbertigibbetMay 24, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    Those look just great Rosemary and you are so nice to share all your secrets with people!
    Blessings, Lorraine

    ReplyDelete
  25. KateMay 24, 2012 at 10:28 AM

    Dear Rosemary
    What a giver you are! The silver bottles are quite amazing and thats the true joy no one else has your touch. Have a great day!

    xo
    Kate

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wild Oak DesignsMay 24, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    thank you for sharing!! I have been looking for a good "recipe" to get this look....
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnonymousMay 24, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    Thanks for sharing your recipe for your silver bottles. Now all I have to do is find some interesting bottles!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Michelle (She Looketh Well)May 24, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Thank you for your tips. It can be hard, sometimes, sharing our 'secrets', but i believe God is the ultimate 'giver' and i want to be just like Him. Doesn't mean my selfishness doesn't kick in every now and again ;-) I see you as a very generous person, you are and will continue to be blessed. That's my prayer for you!

    Michelle
    www.reimaginedjustforyou.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Decor & HarmonyMay 24, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    What's the news :) okay I'll wait...love the bottles! Move over Pottery Barn make room for Rosemary.

    ReplyDelete
  30. GailMay 24, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    Your bottles are beautiful Rosemary and how sweet of you to share. Can't wait to hear your exciting news! Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, Gail

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownMay 24, 2012 at 5:48 PM

    love the vases they look beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Stan and Jody GabaraMay 24, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    You're so creative Rosemary. I love how the vases look, so stunning! Have a fun Memorial Day weekend.

    Jody

    ReplyDelete
  33. KellyMay 24, 2012 at 9:54 PM

    That's really a great tutorial. I love the look of those bottles like that. I'm sure the color variations you could come up with are endless!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Leena Milligan LanteigneMay 25, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    These are so pretty Rosemary! You're like a creative mad scientist LOL! Cant' wait to hear what you have coming up! Hugs, Leena

    ReplyDelete
  35. farmhouse-storyMay 25, 2012 at 5:16 AM

    such a clever process, rosemary:) love the rust and dirt--my kind of fun! happy weekend and tfs!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Linda @ Life and LindaMay 25, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    I have said it before and I will say it again. You are truly talented. Lots of inspiration here. beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Every Little BirdieMay 25, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    Wow, your bottles are truly beautiful. I'm your newest follower.

    ReplyDelete
  38. BarbaraMay 25, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    These are beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your technique with us. I envision these on my mantle with candles and greens at Christmastime. Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Donna WilkesMay 25, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    Rosemary, thank you for generously sharing tips and ideas. You are the silver queen! Came over from Funky Junk.

    Distressed Donna Down Home

    ReplyDelete
  40. My Dream CanvasMay 27, 2012 at 11:23 PM

    This looks so lovely! I would love for you to stop by My Dream Canvas. Take care Anu

    ReplyDelete
  41. abbott.simthMay 28, 2012 at 4:29 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Miss KittyMay 28, 2012 at 5:39 AM

    Hi Rosemary! Thank you so much for sharing how you made these fabulous bottles with us! You are the best! I saw your post over at "No Minimalist Here" blog party.

    ReplyDelete
  43. The Charm of HomeMay 30, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    This turned out fantastic! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  44. The Feathered NestJune 7, 2012 at 1:13 AM

    Just GORGEOUS Rosemary!!! You are such a sweetheart to share your techniques...the goodness will come back to you!! hugs and love, Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  45. KShonk DesignsJune 16, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Thank you for sharing. I found this on Pinterest and am now going to follow your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Daena from Bad Rabbit VintageJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:13 PM

    Hey Rosemary,
    I referenced this tutorial and put in a link back to you in my new post today. Maybe you'll get some new visitors!

    ReplyDelete
  47. UnknownMarch 21, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    Again thank you Rosemary for sharing. You are an awesome creative individual. Always looking to see what you have to share next.

    ReplyDelete
  48. kathy@blueantlerstudioAugust 17, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    Love your blog Rosemary, so glad I found it

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments, and would love to reply if you have a question. Please make sure you are not a No-Reply comment. I can't respond if you are. If you are not sure, read my post "No-Reply, Noooooo", or send me a regular email. Thanks so much for your readership. I appreciate each and every one of you.