EP Designs

Shabby Vintage Tray

Posted on April 4, 2008 by ElenaMay 28, 2015

Another of my earlier works. A discarded silver tray which I found in a recycling yard. I’m amazed at times at what can be found at these places. I love fossiking through these recycling yards, opp shops, second hand dealers and antiques stores. But for the more unusual finds I prefer the recyling yards. These days some of these finds do not find their way to the painting table but are kept aside for restoration some day.

This tray in it’s original state was plain and in need of extra preparation work before I could begin the creative process. Roses have been decoupaged onto a motley of colours background and sealed with a satin varnish. The final result was a shabby vintage feel to the whole piece.

It’s easily displayed on a stand and would team up beautifully with an exotic beaded candelabra & velvet table topper. And of course, it’s always ready to use as a serving tray.

Another piece, recreated, finds a new home as a wedding anniversary gift.

Ciao, Elena

Tonic Gifts

Posted on March 31, 2008 by ElenaMay 28, 2015

Being creative, taking care of family, running a business …. life is so full of things that ‘need’ to be done. Often we forget to slow down a little or take time out. When I’m online it’s uaually for business related reasons. I don’t get much time these days for the leisurely shopping spree, so it’s lovely to be able to sit back & do my shopping online. Discovering new web sites or new products is a bright change from the daily run of business.

Giving family & friends a gift from my own collection of recreated items is great but not everyone has the same tastes and my work is not suited to all, so I do like to find something that’s a little different. Tonic Gifts has a delightful mix of inexpensive products to choose from…. and of course, there’s always something to find for yourself too!

“The name Tonic Gifts was inspired by the fact that a tonic is a refreshing or restorative influence and we know how much we need those on a weekly if not daily basis, especially with our hectic lifestyles”. (Quoted taken from their ‘About Us’ page)

I love their range of gift wrapping packages too. Gorgeous gift wrapping makes a gift extra special and I believe makes the receiver feel like THEY are extra special; and If you can’t decide what to buy as a gift, Tonic Gifts has vouchers available for purchase.

So take some time out – prepare a lovely cuppa, sit back, and browse through Tonic Gifts.

As part of the experience, don’t forget to visit their Blog too, for reviews, product information, a regular beauty column and other bits and pieces of interest.

Enjoy!

Ciao for now, Elena

Decorative Teapots

Posted on March 27, 2008 by ElenaMay 28, 2015

Decorative Teapots add a touch of Elegance to your Decor.

There are more uses for a teapot, in my book, than just as a teapot. My favourite would have to be as a vase. A decorative teapot filled with beautiful blooms or shabby roses has a gorgeous country feel to it. Group them together on a lovely recreated tray for a chic display, on your dresser, sideboard or occasional furniture….. and in any room. Don’t limit their location to kitchen or dining rooms. A display of this kind is sure to bring a smile or two in your bedroom, study, office, hallway or porch.

These little recreated treasures would brighten up any corner of your home.

Ciao, Elena Perrotta

Decoupaged Roses – A Decorative Treasure

Posted on March 21, 2008 by ElenaMay 28, 2015

Roses would have to be the most painted flower in the art world.

This piece is among my earlier works before I began painting my own roses. I bought this craftwood panel in an opp shop and it was looking brand new when I found it. I have always enjoyed seeing what I can come up with in special effects with painted finishes, so here was another opportunity to experiment some more – this time with added roses, decoupaged over the decorative background. This was not the traditional decoupage method which requires numerous coats of varnish resulting in a highly polished/gloss lacquered finish.

My decorative works are sealed with 3-6 coats of varnish, depending on what the item is and how it is likely to be used. Art works intended for hanging on a wall or displaying on a stand only require 2-3 coats ….. but there are always the exceptions to the rule – I don’t stop until I’m satisfied that the work is adequately sealed & protected or has the final look I’m happy with.

A great deal of thought, preparation & creative time goes onto each work that for the artist it becomes a pricless piece, especially when they are one-of-a-kind artworks.

This time the piece is not what I class as a recreated treasure but a new treasure – hence the tage line on my web site EP DESIGNS – A World of New & Recreated Treasures
Ciao for now, Elena

Beaded Candleholder – Shabby Elegance

Posted on March 18, 2008 by ElenaMay 28, 2015

This three branch candle holder started off as a very plain, bare candle holder without much life. The frame is quite fine so the surface area was not sufficent for the usual decorative painted finishes which was applied to many of my other recreated treasures.

However, we are not limited to just painted finished in bringing to life an old, unwanted piece. Red is one of my favourite colours and it tied in nicely with the beaded fringing I had on hand. This idea was different to what I had been recreating in the past. It was a bit of an experiment too and I enjoyed every minute of the recreation process.

An item like this can look deliciously gorgeous amongst your precious collectables, on the boudoir dressing table, in front of a mantle mirror, on a secretaire ……..

……… or where ever it takes your fancy. What are your thoughts on this recreated treasure?

Ciao, Elena