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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Chicken Wire Mercantile Spice Rack....Chalk Paint Transformation

There’s a project I’ve had in my head for years, but up until recently, I wasn’t able to produce it. I never had the right chicken wire, as in the small ½” hex. Now that I do, the right wooden rack came along, so finally my idea has come to fruition.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:



Before:

After:

I have transformed this Plain Jane spice rack into an old-fashioned, mercantile-inspired treasure. I designed and hand-painted every letter on this piece, in a beige crème, and outlined each in black. The Sundry letters are accented with metallic gold. I added 5 sunrise shapes as a tie-in to the word Sundry, each with metallic gold accents as well.




I layered chalk paint colors, first with Marigold Yellow over the entire piece. I then haphazardly applied Annie Sloan’s Emperor’s Silk Red, then Grass Green the same way.


Once I designed the graphics placement, I applied more red and green, this time in a solid fashion, in the areas that needed filling.

Metallic gold lines accent the body shapes. And, as usual, I heavily distressed the whole piece, and sealed in clear and dark wax.


Although the graphics and colors are more than enough to satisfy my General Store fix, it’s the final detail of the chicken wire that really puts this piece over the top into nostalgic perfection. As I mentioned, this is small, ½” hex, which is a far better scale for this piece, than the typical 1” hex from the big box stores. I oxidized the chicken wire till it was a matte charcoal in color for a more authentic aged appearance. 


Since I chose not to use staples because they would look too modern, I secured the hexes on the outer edges and center using fine wire wrapped around small nails, and hammered them all into place. 


The top edge has been secured with evenly-spaced tiny brass screws, so this chicken wire is not moving!



I left the original hanging loops, but the lucky owner can always pull them out to install their own hardware. Yes, I said lucky owner, which means I’m selling it in my Etsy shop. I am always grateful that I have the artistic ability to re-create something for myself if I choose to, and I never take that for granted. It’s pretty much the only thing that allows me to let go of a creation I love so much, and one that required sooo much detail and time. No first dibs this time, Folks….:)

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14 comments:

  1. This is pure genius!!! What a great piece you designed!!! I have that same spice rack in my kitchen.......don't think I have the patience to do what you did.....amazing work!!!

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    1. Thank you for appreciating my efforts! Now I just need to perfect that patience for people....;)

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  2. This is so so cute! Thanks for sharing at Wow!

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  3. Maria, I have a few of these old spice racks and have been waiting for the perfect idea to transform them. You have done a phenomenal job of turning this into a sweet kitchen masterpiece! I just love it ! I hope you don't mind if I pin it!

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  4. What a fabulously cute makeover for a spice rack. Wow! I love it!

    Gigi @ Old World Patina

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  5. Don't think I've ever seen a spice rack look better. Great inspiration for an old piece somebody might have discarded. Guess actually somebody did discard this, thankfully so you could find it to give it another better life. The chicken wire sure does add much to your wonderful graphics and painting on this piece. Have to save this, hope I can find one of these, love things like that for kitchen. Happy summer/weekend days

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  6. LOVE your gorgeous spice rack!!! You did an amazing job, you are truly gifted.
    Gorgeous blog, I'm visiting from Savvy Southern Style. I'd love to have you share at WIW.
    Patti

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  7. Such a cute redo!! I just love your spice rack, it looks wonderful!! Have a lovely new week!! xo Holly

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  8. Such a good idea, thanks for such clear directions. Pinned.
    Joy

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  9. Thanks for sharing your incredible handy work with us. We have featured this week. Please feel free to stop by and grab a featured button.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  10. What a wonderful makeover! You did an amazing job!

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  11. This is so gosh darn cute! You did a brilliant job!!! Popped over from Ivy & Elephants.

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  12. Thank you all for the wonderful praise! It warms my heart when my artistry is appreciated and inspiring!

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