Bronze-aged sea stars

I found these pretty white china bisque votive holders shaped like starfish, or sea stars, as we're supposed to call them, at Christmas Tree Shops. With typical Christmas Tree value, they were just $1.69 each. All together, now: "Don't you just l-o-v-e a bargain?"

By the way, did you know the Christmas Tree Shops started in the 1970s, right here on Cape Cod? It was a small grouping of a house, a barn and outbuildings (hence shops) on meandering little Route 6A in Yarmouthport. The owners used to come down to the Cape with their small children to run the store, which was open on weekends only. In time, they opened stores all over the Cape, then in a few other Massachusetts locations before selling the business to Bed & Bath about five years ago. The distribution warehouse has moved, and the little complex on Route 6A closed down recently, and it's a sad end to an era. The family is lovely, and Mrs. Christmas Tree and her husband are still very active in giving to the Cape Cod community.

Anyway, back to the stars. I thought they were lovely, just as is, and they had a rough, unglazed texture that would add nicely to a tone on tone white and light beige look. The thing is, I'd watched an episode of Martha Stewart in which her guest showed her how to Antique an old Norwegian clock, and I was itching to, err,  blacken an object. I got home from work, and saw the stars, and though, "Maybe I'll add a little something." As it turned out, I added a little something, then, a little something more, and, well, here's the result.

What do you think?

Here's my tutorial for starfish that look like they were just raised from the deep, deep sea:

Bronzed 
Sea Stars

Tutorial 

from Jude at

www.dolcecapecod.blogspot.com

Supplies you need:

2-3 shades of

brown and black craft paint

Wood stain

(I used Homer Formby's wiping stain in walnut)

Rub 'n Buff wax metallic finish in

Autumn gold

Equipment you need:

Rubber gloves (you'll see why)

Paint brush (sponge is fine)

Rags

Paper towels

Here are the products I used in the  "studio" aka the side of the old gas grill.

Yup, I'm a real neat worker, as you can see...

Step One:

Paint star roughly with a light coat of brown (I started with sienna).Do not cover completely, or worry about getting into every crack. While still wet, dip wet rag in a different shade of paint. This time, aim to cover the crevices and indentations.

.

  

Step Two:

Let paint dry a bit, and, using dry rag and Rub 'n Buff, 

dab and highlight the parts that stick up and along the edges,
then wipe off or add on to your taste. 

Are you thinking it would be a good idea to wear rubber gloves for this part of the process?
You are so right.
No, really, I mean that, from the very bottom of my copper-stained fingertips.

The Autumn gold surprised me by how coppery it was, but I liked it. I seem to have the same problem with Rub 'n Buff that I have with nail polish, in that I always buy the same color. I had THREE tubes of Antique gold (and I have three dozen bottles of pale pink nail polish, but that's another post.).

Step Three:

Let dry again, thoroughly this time. Dip new rag in wood stain, and scour piece again, covering much of metallic, again to your liking. For a nice effect, make sure you wipe the bottom edges of the star arms, and the upper edge of the votive indentation. I ran a cotton swab along the edges.

I'm really happy with them!

Here they are on a chest in my living room.

The original white starfish were charming, but this process gave them an ancient look, like something that's glowing at the bottom of the sea. When it's dark, the metallic highlights reflect the candlelight with a gorgeous glow. The new stars also pick up the copper of my lamp, so I'm delighted with how they look on the chest next to the big Florida shell my Nonna always kept on her coffee table -- which also has a nice alabaster shine.

You know what?  I think I like blackening!
Are you visiting me from one of these fabulous places? Well, gee, thanks -- and how sweet of you to come!




 
Whatever goes Wednesday #16