vanity faire: leather and lace??

There has been this little wooden desk sitting in the corner of my shop for far too long. This has been one of the rare times when my first instict was NOT to paint it. I just couldnt decide what to do with it...it had such a nice warm hue.

So there I am browsing graphics from my 'main squeeze' the graphics fairy and I stumble upon some inspiration. (you can check her page out here) http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.ca/p/search.html she shares all of this amazing stuff for free!

I always find if I feel stuck, simply looking at creative, beautiful stuff starts my mind aflow. This piece is a departure from my regular look. But who wants to be regular anyway?

I started out by painting myself a little frame on the top of the desk. I free handed it for a more authentic look. Yes I had a moment of terror when this stage was complete, the "what have I done's" grabbed me good. Usually I solve this problem with a glass of wine, I find confidence returns when the glass is empty.

The next step was to put on the inspiration graphic. This is not as hard as you think, and makes personalizing something possible for the average D.I.Y'er. Simply print the graphic you want (reversed if needed) on a laserjet printer. Cut it out as carefully as possible, trying not to leave much blank paper behind. Apply your self levelling gel medium with a brush to the graphic side of the paper. Use moderation, more isnt always best in this case. Too little isnt so good either.

Lay the image face down on the project, smoothing out any bubbles and wiping up any gel medium that has seeped out with a clean rag.

This gel medium needs to sit UNTOUCHED for like 10 hours. Do not skimp on time folks. During the setting period I used a small angle brush to complete the frame. I also painted the inside of the drawers and the pulls black.

My favourite part of graphic application is the reveal. It is like unwrapping a present on christmas morning. Grab yourself a fairly damp clean rag and begin to rub. Essentially you are removing the pulp from the ink. The pulp goes, the ink stays. This can take some time.

I loved this particular image so much, it is a locked book, covered in thorns and chains...it must hold someone's dearest secrets. To protect the image clear coat it. Its not going to rub off but for durability its best to protect it.