Mixed Media: Antique Flower Cart

Hello everyone!  Are you ready for Spring?  I sure am, and when I saw this Flower Cart from Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts, I couldn't help but think of the coming of Spring.

I always like to lay my chipboard pieces out so I can see how they will fit together.

Prime both sides of all chipboard with a coat of DecoArt Media white gesso.  I like to use a flat sponge or blending tool to prevent filling up the delicate lasercuts with paint.

Glue flower cart together and set aside to dry.

Spread DecoArt Media white modeling paste through a stencil with a spatula.  Keep edges rough and uneven for a worn look.  Let paste dry.

Mix DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics (Cerulean Blue, Blue Green Light, Phthalo Turquoise) together with water on a palette and paint cart, inside and out. 

I decided to add a second coat to the cart to give it a more patinated look.  Set aside to dry.

Dry brush DecoArt Media Blue Green Light over the stenciled areas, as well as the edges where the paste was roughly spread, and the top edges of the cart.  This will add to the patina.

Each Border Sticks Floral was cut to fit the sides of the card, and primed with white gesso.  Some strips that I had left were not long enough, but as you can see, it is easy to piece them together. 

Paint the Border Sticks Floral with DecoArt Media Gold Metallic Fluid Acrylic.  Only one side needs to be painted since these will be glued down.

Paint both sides of the wheels from the Flower Cart with the DecoArt Media Gold Metallic Fluid Acrylic. 

To give the wheels and border sticks more of a copper look, I painted each with DecoArt Media Quinacridone Gold.  This paint is transparent and allows the metallic gold color still show through.

Darken the outer edges of the wheels with black archival ink (black paint could also be used).

Glue the Border Sticks Floral around the top edges of the cart, just below the decorative scroll and along the back of the cart.  Use your finger to apply DecoArt Burnished Brass Metallic Lustre over the high spots made from the paste, and along the edges of the cart and handles.

Attach the wheels to the cart with decorative metal brads.

Here you can see the how the brad extends through the holes in both the cart and the wheels, making it very easy to attach them.

Here are a couple of views of the cart from each angle.

Supplies Used:
GSL Flower Cart
GSL Border Sticks Floral

DecoArt Media white gesso
DecoArt Media white modeling paste
DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics
  Cerulean Blue
  Blue Green Light
  Phthalo Turquoise
  Metallic Gold
  Quinacridone Gold
DecoArt Metallic Lustre - Burnished Brass
The Crafter's Workshop TCW334s Mini Window Screen stencil
Two decorative metal brads
Blending tool
Black Archival ink
Dynasty brushes

I really love how this flower cart turned out, and I can think of several uses for it.  As you can tell, I used mine to display a beautiful bouquet of Spring flowers.  But I also thought this would make a lovely centerpiece to hold candy or small party favors.  What about a nice housewarming gift with a small potted plant, or even a hostess gift.  What will you use yours for?  Let us know and be sure to share your photos if you decide to make one for yourself or a friend.

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to play!

Barbara