Cinnamon Pink

Scored a Vintage Printers Tray

I scored this Vintage Printers Tray at my local Antique Shop. I had been looking for one of these trays for a while now. The trays that I spotted at other shops were much too large.

As you can see from the photograph, someone spilled a large amount of paint in the left-hand corner of the tray. Why do people do that?

Of course, I could cover the tray with paint or decorative paper. But I think that would destroy the vintage feel of the piece. I love old wood items.

Ron purchased some paint stripper which he will test on the tray. Via the Internet, I also found a recipe for handmade paint stripper. Here are the directions if you ever want to try it:

Handmade Paint Stripper Recipe

• Dissolve washing soda into cold water in a 1:1 ratio.
• Mix 2/3 cup flour into warm water and make a thick gel. Add the soda water to the flour gel solution.
• Using a paint brush, apply the mixture on the painted areas. Leave it on for thirty minutes - to a few days - keeping it moist by spraying water over the mixture.
• Last, wash off mixture with a vinegar and warm water solution.

After I finish treating the tray, I hope to fill it with mixed-media art pieces and art supplies. What do you do with vintage wood pieces?

 

Wire Photo Holder Thrift Find

I recently scored this Wire Photo Holder at my local thrift shop. Although it is not a vintage item, I like the looks, sturdiness and cost of this piece - only $2.99.

Besides photos, you can use these holders for postcards, recipes, greeting cards or small works of art. I'm going to use mine for my collaged postcards.

When I need a light background for taking pictures, I lay a large piece of white Foam Core Board on the table. For the background, I prop another piece of the board against a heavy bottle so that the vertical board meets flush with the horizontal board.

That's what I did for this photo.