TIL: How to Clean an Oil Painting

It's the first Sunday of the month, and normally that means you can find me at the Pasadena City College flea market. However, on those occasions when I may have had a rousing Saturday night on the town, and require a little Sunday sleep-in, I make do with the Melrose flea market -- closer to home and lasts until 5 pm. Today was one such day.

The selection is a little different at the Melrose Trading Post (not as much furniture, more clothes and new, handmade jewelry and art), but you can usually find a little something to take home. I fell in love with this traditional oil painting...

Not my usual style, but who doesn't love a good Horse & Hound painting?

Of course it was super grimy, and I had no idea how to clean an oil painting. I had a feeling my usual all-purpose go-to product, Fabulouso, would not be recommended by museum curators everywhere. WikiHow to the rescue!

Turns out I already had everything I needed... Just some cotton swabs and my own spit. Sounds gross, I know, but at least it was basically free. You just moisten the Q-tips in your mouth (keep a cup of water nearby, to keep your whistle wet), and gently dab away. 

Look how much dirt is on those things! It took about an hour, but eventually I ended up with a clean painting and a stack of disgusting Q-tips.

I can't wait to find the perfect place for my newest little treasure!

UPDATE: Apartment Therapy just did a little recap of Los Angeles area flea markets! Some of my favorites are highlighted, check it out here!

End Table Before & After

If you read this blog, you should know by now that I am no stranger to flea markets and a borderline hoarder when it comes to ratty furniture with big possibilities. Years ago, I picked up this little end table at the Melrose Flea Market, and always intended to re-finish it.



You can see how beat up the finish is, and it's hard to tell, but the side was also pretty badly gauged. But underneath that, the parquetry just begged to be brought back to life. This weekend, I kindly obliged.



With the amount of puttying I had to do on the damaged side, I wasn't able to stain the entire thing. Instead I painted both sides and hind legs black, and then did the same to the ornate front feet (just because I'm lazy and didn't want to sand all those curves and crannies). But I think the two-toned effect really works with all the different hues in the wood.

What a dramatic difference, eh?

Costume Jewelry Revival

I was at my favorite flea market a couple of weeks ago, and came across a vendor selling bins of mis-matched costume jewelry. I couldn't find any pairs in the earring tubs, so I just picked three of my favorites (and believe me, it was hard to narrow down).



Now here's the fun part: I pulled off the backs with some jewelry pliers and used heavy duty epoxy to affix the former earrings to some ring blanks that I ordered from nearby Hong Kong (less than $5 for 10, on ebay!).



Now I have three totally unique vintage rings, sure to spice up any outfit. And just in time for National Talk Like Mae West Day!

Befores

I've had some good luck junking in the last few weeks! Check out these two little diamonds in the rough that people had left out for the garbage collector:





And this little beauty was only $15 at a local flea market:



As my place gets more and more packed with "projects" I am beginning to feel a little bit like one of TLC's Hoarders. So I might have to put these items up for sale in the shop once they're done. Keep an eye out for the "Afters" post!