Upcycled Holiday Sleigh - IOD Style!
Hello, Iron Orchid Designs Friends!
Heather from Thicketworks here with a lovely way to enhance your Holiday Decor…
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You’ve seen ’em. The sad little Plain Jane sleighs that lurk in Thrift Stores. Well, don’t let that air of melancholy fool you.
This is a Fabulous Creature, just waiting to be born!
Hmmmnnn….now, what glorious tools will take us from Drab to BEYOND Gorgeous?
Oh, I know.
Iron Orchid Designs Decor Moulds – that’s what!
Air Dry Paper Clay is the perfect casting material for this project…
I chose to use the Baroque No. 3 and Object Labels No. 2 Vintage Art Decor Moulds to begin with:
Then, the swooping shape of the the sides just begged for the new Large Fleurish Vintage Art Decor Mould.
What I love the most about this design is its’ versatility: by breaking the large forms into smaller components, we have the freedom to arrange them to suit the curves of our projects!
Once the castings are in place on the exterior, it’s time to create a seat for the driver!
Using a pair of dividers, like these, makes it easy to determine the size needed!
Transfer the marks to chipboard, and make a few creases and cuts….
Once glued in place, we have a seat that can be encrusted with finery!
By adding tiny dots of Ranger Enamel Accents, we can simulate Upholstery Tacks!
Two castings from the Object Labels 1 Vintage Art Decor Mould create a comfy seat and back…
While elegant armrests take shape with matched scrolls from the Baroque No. 1 Vintage Art Decor Mould.
Once dry, paint the entire surface with Black Acrylic Craft Paint….
Inside and out…
If a few spots of the paper clay show through, it’s fine. The following steps will take care of that!
Create a soft wash with Mint Green Acrylic Craft Paint…
Then wipe it back with a soft cloth…
Once the paint is dry, create a protective layer with Matte Medium:
Use your fingertips to apply Inka Gold: Old Gold to the raised surfaces, then burnish with a soft, dry cloth.
This will bring a softly antique gleam to the piece:
Add Rhinestones if you like…a little sparkle is always welcome!
A few touches of Gold Glitter, held in place by Glossy Accents will add even more glamour!
The floor looks a bit bereft…shall we add a luxurious carpet?
YES!
And this lovely pattern from the Bohemian set of Iron Orchid Decor Stamps is PERFECT!
Just emboss with gold on black cardstock…
And enjoy the richly patterned carpet!
Use a metallic gold pen to create tiny ‘rivets’ around the exterior edges…
And add tiny shadows to sell the look with a black permanent ink pen…
Bits of Gold Dresden Trim complete the look….
Now, this is a sleigh fit for a Snow Queen!
Let’s go for a ride!
Truly, there is nothing like the detailed surfaces of these castings to catch the light with metallics!
This conveyance will carry your dreams far into a Snowy Fairy Forest…
And bring you home again, to bask by the fire!
Now, the Holidays can be celebrated in opulence! Thank you, IOD!
Rear Detail:
Front Detail:
Seat Detail:
One last glimpse…
Creating this little confection was pure joy! I hope that you give yourself the gift of creativity, this Holiday Season, and Always!
Thank you for visiting Iron Orchid Designs today! If you would like to explore the quirky side of crafting, stop by Thicketworks and say Hello – you are always welcome!
Until Next Time,
Heather
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