Age Old Storybook

How old is too old and when does "weathered" become decrepit? This week's focus has been an attempt to give some age and character to the Storybook Cottage. As I was adding each layer of grime, wear and evidence of the elements, I had keep asking myself these questions. I didn't really know where the aging process would take me, so I just kind of went with any idea that seemed like a good one. I think I like the way things are going. Time will tell.

I wanted to age the copper roofs, but how much and how? I didn't want complete patina, but I wanted "well on it's way". I started by rubbing on Gilders Paste Wax in copper, then blended in some patina here and there.

The copper leafing pen layer was the base.

After first layer of copper gilders paste. Just a bit darker and richer.

After applying patina gilders paste.

You can also see in this photo that I added some fascia detail using the Dresden, and an apex decoration with a bee charm. The photos may be a bit out of order. I didn't always remember to take photos during every process. Please forgive...

I also felt that the shingles needed some work. In spite of using two different colored stain pens, it still felt kind of one dimensional and looked a little too oily for an old roof. So, I used some chalk pastels to highlight certain areas and knock down some of the shine.

The roof after only the stain pen application.

Chalk colors used to highlight the shingless.

After several layers of chalk.

I thought about how a lot of older shingle roofs accumulate moss over time, so I used more chalk to create some mossy-ness in certain areas.

I mixed the limited green chalks I had with yellow, teal and brown to create varied green shades.

After adding some chalk moss.

I got out my landscape/project board to decide on a layout. How large a footprint do I want this cottage to take up? I have a display table in mind, so not too large. While trying to figure this out, I noticed that my stonework needed something. If it's old, things have grown in the cracks. That's when I got out the MBS Fine Loose Grass I've had leftover since the Encounters project in 2012. It's got a really fine texture, and a nice variety of green shades.

I traced all the grout lines in glue, then sprinkled on the "moss". I had to lay the house down on each of the sides for the application so that the "moss" wouldn't fall off before the glue took hold. Once it did, I gently brushed away the excess, recovered all of the loose moss, and moved on to another side.

It was an impactful change to the look of the cottage, and I think makes it more "real". I think I like it, but only time and the addition of the next layers of detail will tell.

You may also have noticed that the exterior got a good aging. I diluted FolkArt Home Decor Wax in antique (which is dark brown) with clear wax to get a lighter shade of "antique". I used a brush and outlined or highlighted certain areas. There were places that looked a little too "antique", so I went over those with the white wax to tone it down.

I also added some three dimensional stickers to add interest to the plain sides of the dormers.

The roofs received a few clumps of moss here and there. Too much? Not enough?

So tell me what you think - Has the cottage aged well? I may still have to live with it for a while before I decide.

In the human sized home improvement department, I did my best to bring back some youth and vitality. I finished all but the final touch up painting in all of the areas where Russ needs to install the flooring. I also repainted a cabinet for the guest bath. I worked really hard for several days to get ahead of him, so I could enjoy the reward of some free time to work on the cottage. Once the flooring is laid, I'll have more homework. :o)

Hope your summer's been one for the ages!

xo xo,
Jodi