Tuesday, April 20, 2010

~MIRROR MIRROR on the WALL...Tips on Painting Old Finds~

~100 YEAR OLD MIRROR~

Isn't this a delightfully sweet old mirror?

On the way home from Tennessee last week my Mr. AGPMan and I stopped for a rest in the LITTLE Oklahoma town of Checotah.  It was there, in a tiny (but wonderful) Antique Shoppe, that I spotted this one hundred year old beauty.  I was near faint. It really doesn't take much to get me excited! :)  I'm especially crazy-happy when the price tag of something super-freak-out-wonderful is within my budget! :)

As I've shared with you for the past 16 months or so, I love shopping for vintage finds!  Wandering around old downtown Checotah made me sooo happy!  I found it to be an interesting place...and if you recognize the name a wee bit it MIGHT be because it is the hometown of none other than our own talented Oklahoma singer, Carrie Underwood (they must be proud of her because her picture is EVERYWHERE!).
 ~PERFECTLY SHABBY CHIC~

The mirror was weathered and had been painted a dark golden-coppery color.  Still...she was in fine condition and perfect for the entry of my La Chaumiere de Briarwood.  So...I paid the sweet lady at the counter and crammed my latest conquest inside the U-Haul we were towing with our SUV. 

Now...with a little bit of help from my trusty-can't-live-without-it ZINSSER Primer (you remember it, don't you?) I began the old girl's transformation!
 ~CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ZINSSER~

I painted out most (but not all) of the metallic coppery paint and then let it dry overnight.  Next came two FEATHERY coats of Behr's Cottage White paint.  I used a sponge brush to do the painting because it's easier to control than a bristle brush!

Since I wanted some of the metallic paint to show I went back and distressed the mirror with medium grit sand paper.  Now she is simply GORGEOUS...almost looks like she was coated with old Gesso and then aged for 75 years!  Yummo!

As soon as I get the roses painted on the the 3rd Chair I showed you a couple of days ago I'll give you a peek at her makeover as well!

Hope your Tuesday is simply wonderful!

Blessings...

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rebecca..... Your mirror find is beautiful!! I could so see her in my entry or even better yet...In my bedroom where I could have her all to myself!!
Have a Wonderful Day!!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Your mirror turned out so nice! What a great find.

Shabby T said...

This mirror is simply divine.
Totally in love..
Thank you for sharing...
Love..
Shabby T

Robin said...

Nice make-over. I always enjoy your finds and transformations as well as your how-to.

cottagepinkperfection said...

Another fabulous find and spectacular make-over. Love it!

Marie

Brenda ~ The Heminger Farmhouse said...

The mirror is simply 2die4!! Gorgeous my friend! I have a picture frame that is very similar to the style of this mirror, and I love it. Thanks for sharing more of your wonderful treasures you found on your trip. Can't wait to see more & more :) Have a great day!! Warmest always, Brenda

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Rebecca,
You are one lucky girl to find that mirror and if you got it at a good price, then all the better.

The transformation is pretty spectacular too. Love it.

hugs
Sissie

Oklahoma Granny said...

Mirror, mirror on the wall - you are the loveliest one of all. What a great makeover!

Tanza said...

Good morning sweet ~r~,
WoWsers !! Just Simply Shabilicious Chic Beautiful !! oohh .. I LoVe( Want! Need! )this beautiful mirror !! What a piece of art !! LoVe every detail of her !! Isn't it amazing how they used to really take the time to beautify and detail the pieces of yesteryear !! I'm sooo jealous, and you better be glad that lil' ole' mee didn't see this first !! When you find a treasure girlie, you find a treasure !! Looks lovely in your entry, and I'm sure she lights up when she sees your pretty reflection on her .. I wonder if mirrors can see the heart as well .. That's the BeSt part of you my friend ~ xo
hugs ~tea~

Decor To Adore said...

The detailing on your mirror is just amazing.

What a great makeover.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi sweet Rebecca,
I love your newest find! She looks gorgeous in her new coat of paint; all shabby and chic! Wonderful! Looking forward to having a peek at your chair too. Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by; I always love to have a visit from you. Wishing you a beautiful day.

Blessings,
Sandi

Unknown said...

Rebecca,
This is so pretty! I have an old frame that looks very similar just sitting in a corner of my basement. I think I'll paint it, distress it, and get a mirror cut for it. Thanks for having such an inspirational blog. It's really beautiful.
Mary

Barb said...

Rebecca, lovely and graceful. Just like you!

Love, Barb ♥

Char said...

I LOVE WHAT YOU DID REBECCA. WHAT A PERFECT FIND YOU VERY LUCKY GIRL. I THINK I NEED TO GET OUT MORE. MAYBE WHEN I HEAL AND HAVE THE USE OF MT OTHER ARM. THE ONE ARM BANDIT THING IS STARTING TO GET OLD. I CANT WAIT TO SEE MORE OF YOUR TREASURES, CHAR

Mollye said...

Oh Rebecca Thanks for the primer tip and this is always what I'm lacking in my paint er up jobs. Who knew. Mollye

Tristan Robin said...

what a terrific make over you do on these old pieces! - and that's a really gorgeous frame.

you do find the best stuff!

VM Creation Atelier said...

Oh,dear rebecca!-)*

You are amazing talent,my dear Friend...this mirror make over is simply divine!!!

It looks SOooo romantic,chic and elegant...

Much Love,
***Violetta***

Unknown said...

Simply beautiful! My favorite white of all time is Behr's cottage white!!!!
lynn

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I feel another Rebecca treasure coming my way.... :) No one paints roses like you do. NO one! Or sews..or...or...any of those delightful homey things. How you make such magic I will never know.

Doni said...

Oh that's so pretty! I'd have been faint too if I'd seen it! Great buy and you did a marvelous job with the paint! Thanks for the tips!!
Doni

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR REBECCA,
STUNNING...IT IS SO VERY BEAUTIFUL NOW THAT YOU HAVE RESTORED HER TO THE MIRROR SHE LONGED TO BE.
CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT THE MIRRORS IN HEAVEN MUST LOOK LIKE...AWESOME
YOU ARE A VISION OF LOVLINESS.
LOVE AND HUGS
SIMPLY DEBBIE

starcakeastrology.blogspot.com said...

great job on that mirror!

Blog Archive