Well we had every intent on bringing delightful, entertaining and fabulous blog posts to you a couple of times a week, but needless to say that hasn't happened, just yet.
It has been an utterly mad few weeks, with several different projects running simultaneously, along with lots of gorgeous new arrivals to sort and an energetic puppy who enjoys running off with the bubble wrap and like a ninja finds miscellaneous packaging you thought had been disposed of.
However, we wouldn’t have it any other way, it is great to be kept busy and it really gets the brain working (sometimes a little too much, my head is like a firework factory of ideas at the moment, but thankfully Chris keeps me grounded otherwise I’d take off)
In today’s blog we wanted to share a fabulous commission piece we have been working on, a stunning Edwardian writing desk and chair that a client wanted us to transform from its French inspired shabby chic look into a luxurious piece with a touch of faded grandeur.
Knowing the client loves a bit of animal print, we suggested that adding a touch of print in the most unsuspecting of places, such as the upper lids of the desk compartments and the draw sides would make it a little more personal & unique.
Originally the client requested that whatever we did that it had a matt finish and wanted some of the edging details highlighting, but to which colour was undecided, at first, they client suggested an off white (similar to what was already on the desk) we suggested worn gold would add a more sophisticated finish. The concern was that the white outlining may have looked a little cartoonish.
We started by sanding the furniture down to remove the old waxy finish and give the surfaces a bit of grip for the paint to adhere too. Using Athenian black from Annie Sloan the table and chair were given a couple of coats to ensure a good even coverage. To protect and enhance the character of the pieces we then applied a craquelure glaze, which creates a beautiful finish that you often see of old paintwork & glazes.
Having only painted the draw front and compartment lids, it was time to hand paint the leopard print on the exposed woodwork. Using the rich warmth of the wood against the painted details made the print naturally pop, which was further enhanced by finishing with several coats of dark brown wax.
Now that leopard print element was complete it was time to add the gold details using gold leaf. Normally people would apply the gold leaf before adding any finishing glazes, but using the crackle glaze as a base, it creates more depth and texture and is perfect for creating and ‘old antiqued’ gold than a brash bright gold.
Masking off all the areas we wanted crisp clean lines, it ensured that the gold leaf only went where we wanted too. After the gold leaf was applied and buffed, we applied another layer of crackle glaze over the gold details. Once dried, the both pieces were given several coats of black wax to dull down the gold and give a beautiful matt finish.
The pieces now complete, it was time for them to go back to their owners after its holiday makeover, with a completely elegant, sophisticated new look and a touch of unexpected quirkiness, which they absolutely love.
It was actually sad to see it go, we are really delighted with the finished results just as much as the client, but we have lots of other furniture pieces we are working on for the website, that needless to say will probably be hard to part with when finished.
(see the before and after photos at the bottom)
Speaking of work, we best get cracking as we have orders to make, furniture to paint and deliveries arriving at any time. I think lots of tea, coffee and biscuits are going to be in order today.
As they say, there is no rest for the wicked.
We hope you have enjoyed our blog post today and that you have a fantastic weekend,
With love,
Nick & Chris (Bailey sends licks)
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