Ultimate Gray.
(since most of my recent projects have been all contained Illuminating Yellow,
i thought it was time to give the second color some attention!)
i finally came up with a way to restyle an item that i've had tucked away for years...
it was a banged-up, scratched, faded (but not in a good way) paper world globe,
and using gray and white paint to transform it was the perfect solution to update the look.
note: this is a globe from the 1990's. not vintage or antique. not valuable.
now it fits into my decor, and is a sweet reminder of special people each time i look at it.
isn't that better than keeping something stashed in a closet
because although it means something to you, you don't know where to PUT it?
this globe used to light up, and it sat on my Dad's desk for yeeeeears.
the electrical part shorted out right around the time he passed away
but we decided to keep it. it's been in a closet for over five years now.
i waited this long to come up with an idea for using it....
the middle left photo shows how KILZ primer followed by white paint
covered every area of land on the globe.
some very small brushes were used for all of the edges of continents and islands,
then a larger brush was used to fill in the larger areas.
two coats of primer and one of paint covered all of the printed colors and text on the globe.
the bottom left photo shows how a medium gray paint
covered all of the water areas on the globe.
again, very tiny brushes allowed me to detail the edges of land masses
as well as to paint in lakes on the continents.
for a split second, i considered painting the wood base with galvanized spray paint.
then i decided to leave well enough alone. (not easy!)
the large photo on the right shows the globe after painting was done,
styled in a vignette on my faux fireplace hearth.
that antique scale was Dad's, too - from his warehouse.
(yes, i kept the stuff that no one else wanted.)
i love the simple graphic look of the finished project -
not only is it crisp, clean, contemporary in style,
the solid white paint made the textural elements of the globe stand out in relief.
i can see the mountain ranges much more clearly now than when they were printed.
you can even see them in the photo below...
after re-painting the elaborate gold frame in silver metallic nail polish ;)
i added my initials and some detail to the frame with a thin black marker.
i like this contemporary look. i do. but..... i'm me. and so
i did the one thing that anyone who knows me well would expect that i would do
with this particular item:
i added 'It's A Small World' details!
that made me doubt that i could ever get the lettering right if it was moving on me.
so instead, i hand lettered the words and other elements onto heavy paper.
i used electrical tape to adhere them to the globe.
(it sticks, but won't tear the paint and paper beneath it if i decide to remove them)
the clock face was placed near the cartouche in the Indian Ocean.
the Small World banner, sun, and moon were placed in the largest open area -
the Pacific Ocean.
(i drew those three elements to look like the ones IN the Small World attraction)
the bonus? the three-dimensional elements are far more interesting
than if i had painted them flat on the surface.
i am so happy with the results!
now every time i look at this globe in my studio,
i think of my Dad - whose desk this globe sat on for years
and of my Grandpa Ward - who was an electrician who helped to build
the 'It's A Small World' attraction at Disneyland.
imagine that - decor that brings back precious memories of special people.
this is why i love unique, personalized things in my home.
what do you have stashed away in a box or trunk or closet
that you keep because it's special - but don't know what to do with?
think about giving it an update so you can enjoy it every day!
shared online:
funky junk interiors | diy salvaged junk projects #565
thank you for including my small world in your feature, Miss Donna!
links to previous related posts:
my part in the 'it's a small world' 50th anniversary celebration
inspired by the Pantone 2021 Colors of the Year
winter,white,up-cycling,trash to treasure,salvaged,painting,neutrals,junk makeover,DIY,diy decorating,Disney,Disneyland,crafting,color palettes,chalkboards,boho,industrial,Pantone 2021,Pantone color of the year,Pantone Ultimate Gray,Ultimate Gray,gray,painted globe,old globe makeover,It's A Small World,embellished globe,winter home decor,winter decor.
OMGOSH! I absolutely LOVE how that turned out. It's beautiful!!!! Hugs- Diana
ReplyDeleteMiss Diana, you are so kind to always leave encouraging comments - thank you! ((hug)) i'm glad you like it!!!!
DeleteJob well done!! And I love your finishing touches! Two fantastic memories on one small globe ~
ReplyDeletethank you so much, Miss Bobbie! i just couldn't resist adding a Disney touch, you know?!!! LOL
DeleteI may have to steal this idea. :)
ReplyDeleteplease DO!!!! that's why i share! thanks so much for stopping by and taking time to leave a comment...
DeleteThis is totally awesome, Deb!!
ReplyDeletethank you, Miss Beth! it was fun!
DeleteSo incredible Deb! Love the plain and the Disney rendition! Makes you wonder why globes aren't avail in pretty neutrals like this!
ReplyDeleteI've featured this in this weekend's DIY Salvaged Junk Projects. Thanks for linking up!
thank you so much, my friend! you made my day!
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