Painting Vintage

Painting Vintage

Re-Enameling Vintage Jewellery

It wasn't until I purchased an interesting vintage Christmas brooch that someone had already repainted but in quite a gaudy green, that the idea of re-enameling came to mind. So off I went to the large craft shop in town and edged my way through the men buying small pots of enamel paint for their model soldiers and vehicles.

 

I now buy my little pots from a local model shop and so far I have been the only woman in there! But do not let this put you off. The enamel pots are not just available in Khaki and army brown but bright gloss colours that are ideal for jewellery. Gather your paints, brushes, kitchen paper and newspaper together first

 

Clean the jewellery that you want to paint and allow to dry. Use a just damp cotton wool bud for this.

 

Lay onto a piece of newspaper or a piece of kitchen towel

 

Make sure you are not smoking as the paint is flammable and use in a well ventilated room

 

Use small craft paint brushes and wipe after wards on a towel.

 

When opened, stir the paint well before use and a little goes a long way.

 

Paint the area and allow to dry, then paint again - gives a good colour that lasts longer

 

Either match the original paint and you may have to blend different paints to match the colour

 

Or you can experiment and paint new shades to be slightly more modern

 

Experiment on some junk jewellery first before going to paint a more expensive piece though

 

A great way to recycle jewellery that has small chips or the plate has worn. But be careful it can be addictive

 

Have fun!

 

There are a large variety of locations where you may find fabulous vintage jewelry. But if you don't have experience buying vintage treasures then it would be best to take some time and do a tad bit of research before you head out to shop. Having said that, the following are outstanding places to check out when you head out to hunt for your vintage earrings or brooches.

 

Vintage clothing shops and consignment stores: These shops don't just sell fun clothing. You may also find fantastic vintage brooches, rings, earrings, and other gems at local vintage consignment stores and clothing shops. Often the shop manager will be able to tell you a few things about the vintage treasures they have for sale. They will very likely be able to tell you about the type of gemstones (or fake gemstones) that are in each. Prices will usually be a bit higher than at the resale shops but you will probably be able to find vintage pieces at a reasonable price.

 

Resale shops: Think Goodwill, Salvation Army and other thrift type stores. Many people make regular donations to these stores and they generally have a very large inventory that spans all of the vintage periods. These shops are a fabulous resource for finding vintage jewelry especially costume pieces. And, if you keep your eyes open you might just find a few fine vintage pieces.

 

Estate and garage sales: Yep. Wake up early on the weekend, jump in your car, and head out to some garage and estate sales to find great vintage jewellery. You may have to claw through a bunch of items to find just a few good vintage pieces but they are there just waiting to be found if you do a little work.

About the Author

Kristin Johnson, Owner & Editor. A Winnipeg native, (who doesn't say "eh") she loves icy, fresh winter days, sauerkraut & perogies, Saskatoon berries and year-spherical hikes at Bird's Hill Park. She's the eldest of a family of four, but being a twin let her shirk her role of "first born" to her added disciplined twin sister, in favour of a life less pre-planned. Being raised in an "artsy" home helped her acquire an appreciation of each one things handmade plus set her on a path dabbling in pott

Can anyone provide a link to info about lead in vintage royal albert chinaware plates cups bowls?

I live in Australia and have been purchasing vintage china ware. Some of my purchases are from royal albert and can date back to 1920's - 1960's. My large concern is whether any of this vintage chinaware from royal albert/royal doulton contains leaded paints or glazes? I imagine some patterns and early productions may contain leaded paint. I would appreciate any information or web links.

The category is royalty, not antiques.

We really aren't experts in that...but you can try replacements.com. They carry old, retired china and some antiques.

Decoupage and Paint Vintage Luggage Lesson