The Gold Rush Holiday

Not too long ago I posted pictures of some vintage thrift store finds. Among them was a large pedestal tray I wanted to give to a collector.  Well, it turns out they collect silver and pewter, not gold leaf. I kept it for myself knowing the holidays were coming and I'd certainly come up with a use for it. At the same time I had bought a set of five black candle holders I knew I couldn't pass up. 

Vintage gold leaf plate stand and black candle holders. Part of my "Junking" finds.

A couple of years ago in one of my thrift store quests, I saw a mirror with a tin raised fleur-de-lis motif. I immediately knew it was coming home with me. Don't show me anything vintage french 'cause I'll find a way to get it!  It definitely needed some TLC. I had been using it like it was for awhile though and knew that "someday", it would get more love.

Mirror and wall, before.

 I also posted a blog on my "red" finds for the holidays. I knew something was going to come out of this mix. Gold and red and holidays?! I put it all together and it spells "Gold Rush Holiday". I had some fun doing it too!

Dollar store trimmings.

 To create a simple and thrifty centerpiece, I used gold and red trinkets from the dollar store. I just arranged them on the gold leaf plate and voila!, instant holiday centerpiece.

These Holiday plates found on sale at Homegoods, are a welcome addition to my plate collection

Love the butterfly....

The mirror was another story. I wanted to gold leaf that also. First I painted it with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in "Old White".

Gold leaf  kit from a craft store.

Gold leafing the borders.

   Then I gold leafed the edges and motif. The burnishing solution I used came with the kit and used for distressing.

I needed sunglasses after gold leafing the mirror!

 It was too gold looking so I white washed with ASCP in "Old White". I added a little blue to outline the motif.

The gold was toned down a bit.

 I painted the candle holders first in gold, then used ASCP over it. After sanding, I then used paste wax over it.

I decided to paint over the candlesticks in Annie Sloan Old White, then sand them down for aged look.

Before sanding and wax.

 My wall, plate rack and door are complete! Yes, the door was given a "french touch" with painted panel borders.

No fancy decorating for me.......I switched up some blue plates for some with a little red. The crocheted red tablecloth is a vintage family heirloom from an aunt. The chandelier got a new look with crystal beads.

A little tree, natural greens and sparkling lights and I'm done with this nook! Onward Rudolph, there's more to do!

Enjoy your shopping!



Check out "Without Further Ado.....the Reveal!", for post on the plate rack, extended wall and door. It's been my biggest project so far and I'm still tying up the loose ends. Not a problem.