Silvered Bottles

Okay, after many emails asking me to share how I did my silver bottles, and just as many telling me I should keep it to myself, I've decided to just share the basics.  The truth is, I pretty much gave you the ingredients in "Bottle Love".  Liquid silver leaf, rust, dirt, water.  I've used them in various combinations, and applications.  I hardly ever do the same thing twice, and I'm always reinventing myself.  I'm already on to something different.

Here are the basics.  Obviously, my solution is on the inside of the bottle.  Having a bottle with lettering makes the effect far more interesting.

I've used the silver leaf only.  I've added rust, followed by the liquid leaf, which gives it an old crusty look in spots.  A little dirt will do that as well.  If the bottle is already crusty, all the better.  Cover the opening, shake and  rotate the bottle to get coverage.  Don't let the silver leaf settle, or you won't get good coverage.  It dries fast.

That reminds me.  I was asked how to get rust.  Simple.  Just scrape it off a rusty object.

If you add a little water before you add the liquid leaf, you'll get a look similar to this milk bottle.  Patchy.  Because it has a wide neck, I used a brush, instead of shaking the solution, like I did with the smaller bottles. 

Bottom line, you'll just have to experiment, like I did.  Now, I have to tell you, liquid silver leaf has a strong odor.  I like it because it sticks really well.  However, I always use it outside, or in the garage with lots of ventilation.  Please, be kind to your lungs.  Substitute metallic silver paint for the liquid leaf, if you want.

I'm having fun displaying mine with my dried roses.

Now, I have to get back to work.  My next show is coming up quick, and I have exciting news I can't share quite yet.  I'm also working on some changes, and additions to "villabarnes".  I'll keep you posted.  See ya soon.


Sharing With:
Thrifty Decor Chick: Before and After
Home Stories A to Z: Tutorials and Tips
The DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
The Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
The Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home
Savvycityfarmer: Thrift'n on Thursday
The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday
No Minimalist Here: Open House
The Brambleberry Cottage: Time Travel Thursday