Friday, March 4, 2011

Disintegrated Ornaments Revealed

If you read my blog two months ago, you saw these shining Christmas ball ornaments and learned that I was putting them outside to weather in the, um, er, weather. They were free after Christmas ornaments from my local thrift store, so I had absolutely nothing to lose with the experiment.

And, in fact, I have gained everything, by doing nothing.
Two heavy snowfalls, rain, wind and temperature extremes did all of the work.
This is my kind of project!


Now, I have some lovely rust...

Pitting and flaking...



Mottled textures...




And general decay.
Aren't they GORGEOUS?!
The trick is to place them into a container that has drainage (so they don't soak in standing water) and shelter from the wind (so they don't get buffeted around and break).
A basket would be good.
Mine were on a soft bed of dead grass in a large, stoneware crock with no bottom, in front of a friend's antiques shop.
Then you pray for harsh weather and forget about your project for about two months.
Mine were off-site, but even my friend Liz forgot to look in on the ornaments.
Now she swears she is buying every box of old Shiny Brites to do this herself.
I think that means her crock is booked for next winter...
I don't know what I will do with my shabby sparklers, but it just might be something as simple as heaping them into a bowl for display
OR
decorating an unconventional tree.
Can you say, "Junk-le bells?"

9 comments:

Linda Jo said...

I love this. And I love that her crock is "booked"!!! You must do again. I should do this, too... but I am not sure my weather is severe enough.

Jill said...

Ahhh, I love deconstructing and this is a perfect deconstruction (maybe more just destruction) with no effort! They look awesome!

Unknown said...

These are so much more beautiful after some aging ..... That sounds like a rule to live by!

Joanna said...

Aren't they gorgeous?! And no work either to achieve this effect, well done!

xx

Ann said...

love the way these look! gtreat idea! dying to see/hear what you decide to do with them!!

~*~Patty S said...

gorgeous they are
each and every one
shiny bright in a whole new way!

Love U in the pic too..your camera at least ;)
oxo

margaret said...

I need to get myself a crock or some other thing with drainage and order some proper Swiss Winter weather, mine so don't look like yours!! although I did spray them with a bit of the gold from the roses, maybe that layer of paint was the problem! I'll tray agai. next year! M

Marlynn said...

Nicely done my dear BFF! Love this project and so impressed you worked it good! Have a great week. Hugs

BadPenny said...

These are superb. Love your reflection in them too !