Monday 30 November 2015

Victorian ornaments by Astrid

Hello all, and here we are on the last day of November....

Well perfect timing of course to share some more Christmas ideas.

Those who know me, know that I love vintage, and for Christmas, I adore imagery and styles of the Victorian era, so here are some projects inspired by that....


I made a whole series of Christmas Snowflake Wood-shape ornaments. I used shape 6, shape 7 and shape 8. I made 7 ornaments in all. While I was at it I also altered one of the adorable little 3D Mdf tree wood kits, style 3.


I started by painting all of my pieces with Decoart Americana Chalky finish paint in the colour Whisper. I could have used gesso, but the paint covered them just perfectly. Next I added some Decoart Weathered Wood crackle medium and when that was touch dry a layer of Decoart Media Crackle paint.

The crackle appeared just about immediately. When dry I went over it all with a thin coat of Decoart Media Fluid Acrylic in Titan Buff and then highlighted the cracks with Decoart Raw Umber Antiquing cream, and voila, crackle that almost looks like tree bark I think.


One thing that is really important, - if you want your crackle to stay put, you must seal your project!!! I used Decoart Ultra Matte Varnish for that on these pieces.


The tree got the same treatment, and landed up looking like this

As it is a little kit, it arrives in two parts. All you need to do is slide them together (do this before altering them). I just adore the tiny little ornaments in the tree, so, so cleverly done. I decided to give the little ornaments the glitter treatment for some Christmassy sparkle. 

Anyway, this is how the ornaments were finished:

I covered the back of them with scrap book papers, and then added a vintage image cut with a small circle die to the centre of each. Each image was edges with some Antique Silver embossing powder. (This and several of the other images are from a paper line designed by me, which will soon be available. You will be able to find details on my blog in the next few days).
The finishing touches were the addition of a little snowflake from the mini snowflake shapes, all of them are from style 3, plus a bit of beaded trim at the bottom and a little cord for hanging at the top. Below a few more close ups:
Another image from one of my papers.

This one is from last year's Victorian Christmas line by Papermania. On this particular design you can see the backing paper a bit better.


This one was finished with one of the gorgeous Ivy Leaf Woodshapes

And below the final 3 ornaments.

Well, hope you like my little sojourn into Victorian Christmas crafting. If you scroll back you can see some amazing further samples of how all the wonderful Christmas Craft parts can be used. They offer so many different possibilities for whatever style you fancy.

Thanks for your visit today and I hope you have lots of fun with your own yule tide crafting!!!

20 comments:

  1. These look sooo beautiful Astrid!
    Dot x

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  2. They are all simply fantastic! Gorgeous!

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  3. WOUW absolut stunning decorations here Astrid, and your very own papers, that´s soooo awesome, and I can´t wait to see more of it, as it´s soooooooo gorgeous, from what I can see here, and just right up my alley too.
    I just absolutely LOVE these little ornaments, they´re sooo fantastic and beautiful, and they´ll definitely look fabulous on any christmastree this year or in any house. As always your work is sooo amazing. Have a wonderful week ahead hun.

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  4. Glorious vintage ornaments with fabulous crackle and wonderful images. So excited to hear about your own paper line... can't wait to hear more details. Wonderful work as always!
    Alison xx

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  5. Absolutely stunning Astrid! These are wonderful ornaments,baubles and I do believe I should make some for myself, in your style!! Gorgeous ,dear friend! xo

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  6. these are absolutely stunning astrid. i adore your use of the crackle and the gorgeous muted colour palette. so delicate. love it xx

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  7. These are absolutely gorgeous. And I am going to save this post because you taught me things I did not know! Thanks!!
    Sandy xx

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  8. These ornaments are my favorite! Love the crackle and the vintage images. Fine job and thanks for sharing Astrid, your work is so inspiring :)

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  9. Oh Astrid, these are just gorgeous. Congratulations, you've outdone yourself!

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  10. Wow, these are just stunning, Astrid. I love your paper designs so much! The crackle on these is superb. xx

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  11. These are Stunning Astrid. You know how much I love your papers too. Hugs Rita xxx

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  12. These ornaments are just fantastic.First time for me to visit your blog but absolutely not the last.

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  13. Oh dear...these are so cute. I love the vintage look and you achieved that look just perfect.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Hugs from Monica... Spain

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  14. It's no surprise to see that these are beautiful! Chrisx

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  15. Beautiful textures on the ornaments and tree (love the little ornaments on the tree!) and can't wait to see your paper line Astrid, how exciting! Thank you for sharing these lovely Victorian ornaments with us, Deb xo

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  16. I love everything you create .... always so organic and beautiful x

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  17. These are totally delightful Astrid!! Just like Heather, I love everything you create and there is always something new to learn as well. Love the crackle finish on these ornaments .. so gorgeous .. and ,of course, you always blend your colours so beautifully!!

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