I could write a short story...or possibly even a book.....on how I feel about this old world gold leaf harlequin buffet and the journey of its creation. But I'm saving my "book" for a future project!
So for now.....I share with you a step by step guide to the creation of an old world/textured neutral whimsy family heirloom.
This antique buffet needed little to no prep work....just a good cleaning. I gave it a shower in Dixie Belle's White Lightning followed by a good rinse with plain water.
I recently received a comment from a family member regarding White Lightning. She wanted to let me know how impressed she was with its cleaning ability. In the past, she had used a vinegar/water mix and a lot of elbow grease and wasted energy. She finally gave White Lightning a try and was impressed enough to let me know! You really should try it! #saveyourenergy
My client requested an old-world look for this piece. I do realize that the buffet is drop-dead gorgeous as it is.....and my client knew this as well. However....she just could not live with one more brown piece of furniture. She requested old world....classy whimsical.....and even offered at canvas painting as inspiration.
How I created this gold leaf harlequin buffet look...
Entire piece primed with a mixture of BOSS in white.....and Sea Spray texture additive (I used about 2 tablespoons to 8 oz) using a pouncing technique....and let dry overnight.
https://youtu.be/GLSL3CDeWEo
Under-layer colors added randomly as seen in photo below....
...also using a pouncing technique to add even more texture (colors: Rusty Nail, Mason Dixon Gray, Manatee Gray, and Savannah Mist)....and let dry overnight.
https://youtu.be/g2zbviCJOxc
Center panels on each door were filled with my harlequin tracing technique using cardstock and chalk. Be sure to watch my stripes and harlequin tutorial to learn more about this technique.
Each harlequin was pounced with paint....alternating between Burlap and Drop Cloth and left to dry.
Gold leaf adhesive was brushed onto the Burlap painted harlequin shapes and left to dry for 30 minutes.
Burlap was then used to add random touches of depth on the drawer fronts "outside" the harlequin area.
Gold Leaf was applied to all harlequin with adhesive using the gold leaf application technique.
This gold leaf technique can be seen in detail in this video...
https://youtu.be/rZKpYgONesQ
Or if you would like a full in-depth course on metal leafing, check out my course here.
Fluff was used with both small and medium artist brushes to add a washed and highlighted look around all carvings.
Gold mica powders (this particular brand are not yet available on the market) were mixed with Dixie Belle's Clear Coat Gloss to achieve the metallic gold paint used to enhance and highlight all carved areas. You can achieve this same look using gilding waxes such as Eternal Decor Wax by Redesign with Prima.
I chose to sand back most of the actual touchy-feely texture from the top surface for practical reasons.....dust/cleaning issues. It looks the exact same as the body.....it just doesn't feel the same.
I then applied two coats of top coat in flat to seal and protect the top surface.
The body of the buffet I am leaving without sealer......and letting it cure on its own over 30 days.....because that is the beauty of Dixie Belle Paint....it really does NOT need to be sealed if you have the luxury of curing time.....which we do with this piece.
The final finish has both a plaster/stone......organic/raw look and feel to it. It is mixed with the glamorous gold that looks as if it's been broken down over the ages.
This piece now possesses a finish that calls for people to touch it! It cannot be fully appreciated with a photo! I wish I could send a tiny sample to each of you......to see for yourself!
I LOVE this piece.....and am honored to have been given the opportunity to re-dress this gorgeous family heirloom from Grammy-B!
Thank you Lesa.....for trusting me.
See over FIFTEEN other of my harlequin projects HERE... and it's not just furniture!
And if you like the look of this neutral whimsy be sure to check out my neutral whimsy gold striped desk and my neutral whimsical Bombay chest.
Shop
The products listed here are what I used for this gold leaf harlequin buffet project! Dixie Belle Paint company offers amazing products that will make all of your projects successful no matter what your skill level! Just click on any of the products shown below! You can also find my favorite products and tools in my Amazon influencer list here.
Here's how it works...these products are attached to my name. When you purchase by clicking from my blog.....then Dixie Belle offers a kickback to me for referring you! It doesn't cost you any more to use my links....and the support helps me to bring you new projects! So I thank you in advance!!!
See you next week!
XOXO,
Tracey
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