Remember the little blogging break I took at the beginning of the year? I told you then that during that time I would be catching up on a lot of things around home, redesigning my blog, and taking a much needed time of rest.
A big part of resting for me is being creative. Something about escaping from the normal routine into a my own little world of creativity is so refreshing. So during my break I began the FARRAGOZ Online Furniture Painting Course, an amazing course that teaches old world furniture painting techniques with paints and finishes that you create yourself from all natural materials.
It teaches the “art of patina” seen on pieces like this . . .
. . . or this.
Amazing aren’t they? I want to learn this! I want to be able to take that old unwanted piece of furniture that I find while out thrifting and transform it into something that looks like it has years of rich history behind it.
Already in this course, I’ve learned so many techniques that I’m looking forward to applying to furniture painting. The course starts you off with five smaller projects that walk you through all of the methods taught.
In Module 1 I CREATED THIS! Can you believe it? I was surprised by how well it turned out and with how easy it was to learn.
I was also impressed by the great support Farragoz offers along the way. Step-by-step, I was able to upload photos of my progress to a shared online workspace and receive back prompt replies encouraging me or answering questions.
The picture above is the original icon that I had to work from. Mine didn’t turn out exactly the same but Farragoz really encourages that because they want you to make your project your very own.
This is a replica of a painting of the Archangel Michael in the Byzantine style.
In the first module I learned how to make wood stain and oil paint . . .
. . . as well as cassein gesso, all from recipes that have been used for ages.
The instructions are thorough and include a video tutorial to help you along the way.
Finishing it up was fun with some brand new (to me) methods of distressing and then sealing it all with polish. I felt rather fortunate that my board developed a crack right down the middle, adding to the aged appearance. Not everyone would understand how I could love a crack down the middle of my artwork but Tania, my Farragoz instructor, was excited right along with me!
I’m working on module 2 now. Would you like a sneak peek? Okay . . .
I am loving this project and I wish I could show it to you right now . . . but it’s not quite finished so you’ll just have to stay tuned for the end result.
There are five modules in the course (all listed on the Farragoz button on my sidebar) so I have a lot more fun and relaxation to look forward to. I’ve already been looking around my house to see if there are any furniture pieces that I might want to recreate. Instead of Old Things New I might be making something that is fairly new look old!
Do you enjoy being creative? How do you like to find your “time of rest”? Vacation? Reading? Being with friends? I’d love to hear!
By the way, If you’d like to see more pictures of furniture that inspires me please visit my Pinterest Furniture Painting Ideas page HERE.
Blessings,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
Your work is amazing!! I just won this course and I can’t wait to get started on the first module. Fingers crossed mine looks half this good!
Thanks for sharing~
Nancy
Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home
Hi Patti! Good morning!
So happy that you came by and left a comment, because it brought me back to your lovely blog. I always enjoy meeting bloggers and seeing their sites.
I hope you come by often!
I’m off to visit your site for bit. Can’t wait to see what I find :0)
Have a wonderful day,
Suzanne
Taking this course is definitely on my bucket list. I’ve wonderful things about it.
Beautiful! What a great style to learn. Pinning to my paint board:)
Amazing job Patti! I love the crack too. Can’t wait to see what you do next. Thank you for sharing at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great week!
Blessings,
Deborah
Both creating and gardening are therapy for me Patti. You have amazing talent and I think you did a fabulous job! can’t wait to see more! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Beautiful icon! I am taking this course too and I love it! I just posted an update on my clock too. Yours is coming along great! I am now following your blog. I want to see all of the beautiful things you create!
Gigi @ Old World Patina
Oh my word, all these finishes are amazing. I love that armoire and the painting, stunning. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
Patti, what an artist you are! That’s really amazing, and I can’t wait to see the next one! I remember using gesso a bit in college… Thanks so much for sharing this at History & Home this week, take care – Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com
I’ve heard of this – your project looks amazing! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
Patti your painting is amazing! I’m going to check out the class to — looks like fun! I cannot wait to see how your latest project turns out, please be sure to link it up next week. 😉 xoxo
I can’t wait to see your finished project Patty. Isn’t it fun to learn something new?
Thanks for inspiring us this week at Project Inspire{d}!
Oh, that looks like so much fun. I love that you are creating the patina that would normally take years.
Beautiful and I can’t wait to see that next piece.
So exciting, Patti! I hear such great things about this course, and now I see why.
Gorgeous, I can’t wait to see more!
Hugs,
Patti
Hi Patti – I just wanted to say how great your icon turned out – I’m in the middle of doing mine – hope it turns out so well xx