Just Add Glue..........

A couple of weeks ago I was wandering around in a little local "junk" shoppe and came across this great old wooden window frame.  I have always loved the look of old windows and the price was right, so I picked it up.  It has been sitting around just waiting for me to get inspired and do something with it.  This is what I finally decided on:

I love the fact that I can change out the wreaths for the season ( I am already in Easter mode) and even the letters for special occasions!

I forgot to take a "before" picture, but the frame was a weathered gray color.  I wanted to dress it up to match my room but keep the vintage appearance.  I love the appearance of crackle paint, but honestly I was too cheap to go out and buy some for one project.  I remembered back in elementary school our art teacher (we had an amazing artist as our art teacher, we even got to make pottery in his studio!) taught us to make things look old with a common school supply--so after a little experimenting I got just the look I wanted.

Close up of frame

Shhhh....here is the secret:

Yep, that is plain ole school glue!  You can pick this stuff for a quarter at back-to-school sales.  I always buy a few bottles to have around the house for projects.

To get a crackle finish, basecoat your project in desired color.

Squeeze glue out on your project.  If you have a big project, you might want to work in smaller sections.

 

Use a brush to spread glue out covering your desired area.

Allow glue to set for a minute or two.  You want the glue to still be tacky.  Paint your top color over the glue. I used inexpensive acrylic craft paint.

Let project dry.  You can speed the drying with a hair dryer or heat gun, just don't get too close or you will end up with bubbles in your paint.

I got a different crackle pattern on this sample.  I think it has to do with the kind of wood and how you brush on your glue.  Experiment on a scrap piece of wood or an inconspicuous corner of your project.  You can paint over the crackle paint if you are not satisfied.

Now you can get an "old" looking piece in a matter of minutes without breaking the bank!

If you are using this finish on a piece of furniture I would seal it with a spray sealer or polyurethane to help protect the finish.