enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

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Before&after

Have you heard of Project Restyle by Elsie & Rachel? The plan is to take something old, broken or used and turn it into something new – once a week in 2011. I am never going to make it happen once a week, but I am hoping to do 10 before and afters. Above is my first attempt.

Jess shared a link to this awesome project a few months ago and I have had it filed away as something to try ever since. I picked up some copper leafing sheets, adhesive and sealer at a local art store (here is a link to a set) and Paul and I tried it on a canvas we had laying around that was destined for Goodwill. (It was clearanced art from Michael's that we hung in our old Maryland apartment for a few years but it never fit well in our new place.)

It was a pretty quick project, I painted the canvas black with acrylic paint to start and then we just followed the instructions on the leafing packaging. It might work better with two people as layering the gold (or silver, or copper) leafing is harder than in looks. I am excited with how it turned out though! Right now it's hanging on an previously empty wall by our kitchen table, but I think we'll be moving it around.

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16 responses to “DIY copper art.”

  1. Johanna Avatar

    Oh, I like this! I have been intrigued by gold leafing for years, but never knew what to do with it. It might be worth a simpler project than I have been waiting to envision. Nice one!

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  2. Katie Avatar

    Ooooo, pretty! I’ve been trying to find ideas for Project Restyle, too – setting a goal of ten sounds like a better plan than once a week. Good luck!

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  3. Funnelcloud Rachel Avatar

    Love this – can’t wait to try it!

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  4. Liz eaton Avatar

    Love this. Looks awesome! 10 projects sounds doable too. Way to go.

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  5. Kate Avatar

    very cool. I too will never do everyweek.

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  6. Olivia Avatar

    what a fantastic idea! i have a few pieces of art that could use a breath of fresh air and a new start! 🙂 thanks for posting this.

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  7. Molly Avatar
    Molly

    looks great!

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  8. jessica o'brien | jessohbee Avatar

    so cool! so cool! so cool! so cool!
    i still want to tackle this project so badly, but if there is one thing we are not in need of in my apt. it is more artwork! ha.
    i love that you did copper (not silver as shown in the link) – i bet it warms your space up. just lovely!

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  9. andrea Avatar

    such a neat project. i love how you + paul tackle art projects together.

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  10. Jingle Avatar

    That looks really fantastic!

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  11. Heather @ Alis Grave Nil Avatar

    I love metallic leaf… we painted a ceiling gold once to mimic gold leaf. Totally awesome way to get a little leaf in our lives. I definitely want to try!

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  12. Joi Avatar

    It looks great! Such an easy and fun project! Thanks for linking back to me–so kind! : )

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  13. Sarah Avatar

    awesome restyle 🙂

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  14. Seaweedandraine Avatar

    Tres cool!
    I love the “re-work something old that just doesn’t work anymore” approach. I just makes sense (and looks good for less 🙂 )
    Good work!

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  15. Copper Art Avatar

    Beautiful and so easy to do. Can’t wait to try it out.

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  16. Krystal Wight Armstrong Avatar

    You mentioned it’s harder than it looks and might need 2 people. Can you offer any more specific tips or suggestions?
    I’d like to make this for my Husband as our Copper (7th) Anniversary this Saint Patrick’s Day (Monday)…but I’d have to do it by myself and wouldn’t want to mess it up too badly. I like all the little ‘distressed’ details though.
    Thank you so much for any advice/pointers you can share…and for this great idea!
    Happy Friday! 🙂
    PS- I’d be happy to receive any info via e-mail too, if that helps: StarGaiz @ gmail com)

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