Elevate Your Decor: Turn Any Frame Gold with Rub 'n Buff

Hello! I hope your New Year is off to a great start!  Mine definitely is because I have started a new job only 5 minutes from my home! Woohoo!  For 2 years I drove 30 minutes to work, stayed there for 11 hours and then drove back.  That amount of time makes for an extremely long day and it was weighing on me!  I needed to be closer to home and this job just happened to show up at the right time. The best part, it's an 8 hour shift!  Everything happens for a reason is what I say.  Anyway, let's get on to my first project of the new year!

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the most stylish of them all? If you have a plain white framed mirror that needs a touch of elegance, look no further than Gold Rub 'n Buff. This magical product can transform a simple mirror into a stunning focal point, adding a touch of glamour to any space. In this DIY guide, we'll explore the process of using Gold Rub 'n Buff to give your mirror a luxe makeover.

I know rub'n buff has been popular for a bit now, but this is my first tube and I'm hooked!

Materials Needed:

1. 1. Picture frame of your choice
   2. Gold Rub 'n Buff - I used Antique Gold
   3. Soft cloth or brush - I used dollar store brushes, but these brushes would be good to have.
   4. Optional items:
   5. Painter's tape
   6. Disposable gloves
   7. Drop cloth or newspaper
   8. Optional: Sealant (clear polyurethane or wax)
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   10. Step 1: Choose Your Frame
   11. Whether it's a wooden frame, plastic, or even metal, Rub 'n Buff works wonders on various surfaces. Select a frame that complements your style and fits the overall aesthetic of your space. I've actually had this mirror for years, and it used to be gold! Go figure.

   Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace Create a well-ventilated and protected workspace by laying down a drop cloth or newspaper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents any accidental staining on surrounding surfaces. The RNB is very stinky btw.

   Step 3: Clean the Frame Before applying Rub 'n Buff, make sure the frame is clean and free from dust or debris. Wipe it down with a mixture of mild soap and water on a soft cloth. Let it dry completely.

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   Step 4: Tape Off Edges To achieve clean lines and prevent any unintended smudges, use painter's tape to mask off the edges of the frame. This step is especially important if you want to keep the inner part of the frame a different color. I did not do this step because I'm impatient.

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   Step 5: Apply Gold Rub 'n Buff Put on disposable gloves to protect your hands or be a rebel and don't. Squeeze a small amount of Gold Rub 'n Buff onto a soft cloth or use a brush for more precision. Apply the product evenly to the frame, covering the surface in small sections.

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   Step 6: Buff and Blend After applying Rub 'n Buff, use a soft cloth to buff and blend the product onto the frame. This process helps achieve a smooth and even finish while enhancing the metallic sheen. I continuously used my brush because of the heavy detail of my frame, no cloth needed this time.

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   Step 7: Clean Up Carefully remove the RNB you got on the mirror with a scrapper or use painter's tape to begin with! Ha! Avoid touching the freshly applied product.

   Step 8: Allow to Dry Let the Gold Rub 'n Buff dry completely. Refer to the product's instructions for drying time. This step is crucial for the finish to set and adhere properly.

   Optional Step 9: Seal the Finish For added durability and protection, consider applying a clear sealant such as polyurethane or wax. This step helps preserve the newly transformed frame and ensures long-lasting results.

   
   
   
   With Rub 'n Buff, the possibilities for transforming frames are endless. Make a bold statement by turning any frame gold and watch as your decor comes to life with a touch of sophistication and glamour. This DIY project is not only simple but also allows you to infuse your personal style into your living space effortlessly. This DIY project is very budget friendly, especially if you're finding your frames at the thrift store!

Ready to Rub'n Buff something? Click Here.

For more fun ideas, go visit my Instagram. I post every single day. Find me @TexasBlueBunglaow on Instagram.

• If you loved any of these ideas and want to save them for later, be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.  I have a Pinterest board set up for all kinds of wonderful Farmhouse Decor ideas and it's called FARMHOUSE DECOR IDEAS.  I'm pinning something new on Pinterest every day. Won't you join me?

• 1. ***I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.**

Crafting Charm: A Beginner's Guide to Making Rustic Feather Christmas Trees

Hey there! Are you ready for Christmas yet? I just need a few more stocking stuffers and I will be ready! I'm still decorating here and there and today I want to show you how I made this adorable Rustic Feather Christmas Tree.

The holiday season often sparks a desire to infuse our homes with warmth and creativity. Crafting your own Rustic Feather Christmas Tree is a delightful way to bring a touch of nature and handmade charm to your festive decor. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk through the process of creating a simple yet beautiful twig Christmas tree using readily available materials and a hint of patience.

Originally feather trees were created by first dyeing goose, turkey, chicken or swan feathers green, to simulate pine needles, and attaching them with metal wires or sticks to form the branches. A wooden dowel was used for the trunk.  Today I'm using some garland ties from the dollar store and a dowel to create mine.

Materials Needed:

1. Twigs:

   • Garland ties (Dollar Tree)

2. A Stick and Base:

   • 3/8" Dowel Rod (WalMart) - cut to 12"
     Scrap block of wood - cut to 3" x 3"

3. Floral Tape:

Floral Tape (WalMart)
• While brown floral tape is commonly used, green tape is a suitable alternative. Read the package instructions for guidance on application.
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5. Extra Supplies:
6. Drill and 3/8" Drill Bit
7. Wood Glue
8. Wire Cutters
9. Scissors
10. I also used my chop saw to cut the wood and a scrap piece of sandpaper to smooth the cut edges of my dowel rod and wood block.

Prepare the Base:

NO! DO NOT drill a hole in your wooden block on your dining room table that took you 16 hours to refinish! Don't be silly!

I drilled the holes outside on the patio where it was safe! I just snapped the picture inside where the lighting was better. Heehee!

Only drill a very shallow hole in your wooden block, its unnecessary to drill all the way through.  It's ok if you do though, but it will let your glue leak out.

Secure the Base:

• Secure the bottom of the stick to a stable base using wood glue or another suitable material.

Add a small amount of wood glue to your freshly drilled hole.  I prefer to use Gorilla Wood Glue, but any wood glue will do, or hot glue will work too if you prefer.

Too much glue looks like this! Lol! Press your dowel rod into the glue, wipe off excess and let dry while you're completing the next steps.

At this point you can paint or stain your base if you want to, but I chose not to paint or stain mine because I'm impatient!

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare Your Twigs:

   • Gather a collection of twigs.
   • Trim the twigs to various lengths, creating a graduated effect for a more natural appearance.

Use your wire cutters to cut the lengths of garland ties you need.  This part is totally up to you on what lengths you want each branch to be.  I didn't measure, I just started out short at the top and then made them longer as I went down.

NOTE: You can also use old faux Christmas tree branches as well instead of the garland ties.

Trim Your Twigs:

Trim the stems as short as you can, trimming really close at the bottom where you will be attaching them to the dowel with the floral tape.

NOTE: This is extremely messy, and I suggest you doing it outside if possible.  Static and little, tiny plastic pieces resulted in a giant mess to clean up!

This is how I left my branches; I did go back and trim the bottom end very short so I could attach it to the dowel.

Attach the Top Twig:

• Take the shortest twig and use floral tape to attach it to the top of the stick.
• Follow the instructions on the floral tape package for the best results.
• Keep in mind that working with floral tape might take some getting used to, so be patient as you master the technique.

1. Continue Adding Branches:

   • Working your way down, attach longer twigs one by one using floral tape.
   • Overlap the twigs slightly to create a layered, tree-like structure.

2. Adjust as Needed:

   • Step back and assess the shape of your Christmas tree.
   • If necessary, trim or adjust the length of the branches to achieve the desired look.
   • Consider cutting the top branch shorter for a balanced appearance. Add more branches if you like.

Crafting a Rustic Feather Christmas Tree is not only a creative endeavor but also a journey back in time, evoking the nostalgia of bygone eras. As you adorn your home with this unique decoration, you'll not only create a festive atmosphere but also build lasting memories for years to come. Embrace the joy of handmade holiday decor, and let your creativity soar as high as the feathers on your beautifully crafted vintage Christmas tree.

For more fun Christmas ideas, go visit my Instagram. I post every single day. Find me @TexasBlueBunglaow on Instagram.

• If you loved any of these ideas and want to save them for later, be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.  I have a Pinterest board set up for all kinds of wonderful Christmas ideas and it's called Cool Yule.  I'm pinning something new on Pinterest every day. Won't you join me?

• 1. ***I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.**

Nostalgic Delights: A Vintage Christmas Baking Display Inspired by Pinterest

Hey there! Did you have a good Thanksgiving?  I have to say that this was the best Thanksgiving I've had in a very long time.  It was wonderful to have all of my family here at my house to celebrate, laugh and eat good food.  I can't wait for our Christmas gathering!

As the holiday season approaches, there's a charming allure in bringing back the warmth and nostalgia of yesteryears. This Christmas, why not transport yourself to a bygone era with a vintage-themed baking extravaganza? Picture this: a rustic old wooden chair adorned with the sweetest treats and traditional decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that harks back to the simplicity and joy of holidays gone by. Yes please, let's do!

This entire scene was inspired by a photo I found on Pinterest, and then I discovered it was actually pinned from Instagram on the @countrysamplerfarmhousestyle feed from last year. Tap the link to see my inspiration photo. My Instagram friends and I recreated the scene and shared it on our IG feeds, just to celebrate the decorating season together. Check it out on my feed and join in if you want to.

Let me explain how I arrived at the end result you see here.

Setting the Stage:

Begin by selecting a well-worn, vintage wooden chair as the centerpiece for your baking display. The aged patina and worn edges add character and a touch of authenticity to the festive scene. Place it in a cozy corner of your kitchen or living space, creating a focal point that will evoke memories of Christmases past.

Decorating the Chair:

Drape the chair with a festive checked apron or Christmas inspired kitchen towel, reminiscent of the cozy comforts of a vintage holiday. Adorn it with an old cookbook, a stack of holiday tins, some very well-loved wooden spoons and a lovely old rolling pin for a touch of natural elegance. Hang a few vintage cookie cutters on the backrest, adding a sprinkle of Christmas magic to the display.

As you gather around your vintage-inspired Christmas baking display on the old wooden chair, take a moment to appreciate the simplicity and joy of the season. The timeless appeal of classic recipes and the rustic charm of the setting will create a holiday experience that bridges generations, making this Christmas one to remember for years to come. So, embrace the spirit of yesteryears and let the vintage magic of Christmas baking unfold in the heart of your home.

I was so happy to hear my nephews and one of their girlfriends enjoying all my collected treasures at Thanksgiving. I will have more for them to admire at our Christmas time gathering. My home is like a vintage museum, and I love when others who enter enjoy it as much as I do.

P.S. That cookbook was my sweet Mama's and she recently gifted it to me when I asked to borrow it for this arrangement. I love my new treasure!

For more fun Christmas ideas, go visit my Instagram. I post every single day. Find me @TexasBlueBunglaow on Instagram.

• If you loved any of these ideas and want to save them for later, be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.  I have a Pinterest board set up for all kinds of wonderful Christmas ideas and it's called Cool Yule.  I'm pinning something new on Pinterest every day. Won't you join me?

• 1. ***I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.**