I am just thrilled to have finally finished my Marie Antoinette "let them eat cake" armoire!!!
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It was a project that took several weeks to finish.... which means it is much too long to share detailed progress steps in a blog!
However, I will share many photos with you here.... from every possible angle. Be sure to check out my playlist of this entire process on my YouTube channel.
And be sure to click the "subscribe" button while you are there!
Before - Marie Antoinette Armoire
This armoire was already painted a solid black when I acquired it. The paint foundation was solid and in tact.... and I chose to leave it and use it to my benefit. Black offers a lovely under layer for furniture painting when you'd like to see depth in the final finish.
MY painting inspiration for this piece
My goal for this piece was to exemplify playfulness..... a less than perfect artistic representation of Marie Antoinette..... and an example of my addiction to sugar that I overcome daily! Hey.... if I can't eat it.... I can paint it!
I was inspired by the Instagram account Glitterville.... that has a giant Marie Antoinette display in their store. I drew out my version on a piece of paper.... and then on drew this same rendition onto the black armoire... using white chalk. And this is where the fun begins!
Let's Paint!
Layers and layers of blues and greens were stippled into place using my go-to Dixie Belle Paints. I chose Mermaid Tail, Kudzu, The Gulf, Dixie Belle Blue, and Limeade as my backdrop.
Dixie Belle Mud in white was used with a lace stencil by Dixie Belle to create a raised pattern that would later be embellished with the new Gemstone Mousse in Gold (to be released early fall).
Soft Pink and Cotton were used to create what I am calling "organic stripes" along the bottom half of the armoire. I use this term to indicate that the stripes were done freely without the use of tape or measuring.
The side panels were a blast! I'm calling these crazy cool stripes "ribbon candy" or "ombre" as they remind me of both! I did use tape.... and a large brush I have called Fran.... and three colors side by side..... Flamingo, Peony, and Plum Crazy. The finished stripes run a tight race for my favorite aspect of this piece!
And finally..... Marie and the sweet goodies..... SO MUCH FUN!!! Let's just say I spent hours playing in her cotton candy hair!
I may have had a craving or two while painting the macaroon!
Please don't overlook the added embellishments by Wood U Bend moldings!!! I realize there is a smorgasbord of goodies for the eyes to behold....so just in case you are experiencing overwhelm....let me point them out to you!
The leaves on the cherry-topped cake. The tiny crown tucked sweetly into her cotton candy hair. The dainty rose placed delicately into the triple candy above her brow.
The gently tied bows that adorn each of her shoulders. And finally..... her understated "key to my heart" velvet tied necklace.
Wood U Bend offers you "next level" ...... "game on" kind of creating! While I do not have links to these specific adornments.... there are many to choose from using my affiliate link HERE.
Jewelry!!! Lots and lots of jewelry! The tiny gold beads that drape through her hair add the elegant touch I was after..... yes.... elegant and playful can be done at the same time!
And the largest pearl necklace I've ever seen..... helps to set the stage for Marie herself! It separates the backdrop.... from the feature..... and tells your eye where to go first!
I could have used molds or a design transfer or a stencil or a painted line..... but nothing seemed more fitting for Marie than an over the top strand of pearls!
The top and bottom of this giant work of art were painted with Dixie Belles Moonshine Mettalic Gold Digger. I painted two coats of Gold Digger over a single base coat of Lemonade which allowed me to achieve this very bright and gaudy gold!
Last.... but certainly not least....... let's open the doors!!!!
The message is clear here..... and sits boldly against a background that cotton candy dreams are made of.
This was achieved with a blend of Fluff, Dixie Belle Blue, The Gulf, and Plum Crazy! I painted with a lot of water.... and continued to blend and layer and buff until I had it blurred out and foggy..... just the way I wanted it!
The script is supposed to appear child-like.... not perfect! No ruler.... no measuring... no pencil line first! Just a quick dip into the paint.... and scribbled to the back! A few spritz of water to add the attention-getting raw drippy effect... not too much.. .just enough. And a sprinkling of Gold Digger to finish it off!
It is my hope that this piece was prepared for someone specific! I created it from my heart and soul.....and I am holding onto hope that someone will see it and know without a doubt that it was created for them! It happens.... and it will happen again!
More Bold Inspiration Pieces
This is one of my favs but it isn't my first over-the-top fun unique armoire designs. Check out some of my others like ... my Circus Circus armoire, my Whimsical armoire, my Boho Gypsy armoire and my Wonderland Forest Armoire.
See you next week!
XOXO,
Tracey
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