Vintage Brass Plate Makeover

When I purchased this old brass plate a few years ago I imagined coloring it somehow. I wasn't sure how to go about it, so it's been sitting on a shelf in my craft room. When Dawn presented me with a collection of Viva Decor Inka Gold metallic rub, this is what came to mind.

It's a perfect little square piece with a sweet scene of a gentleman greeting a lady who seems to be walking her two dogs. I love her dress! And the gentleman is pretty snappy as well. The reverse side shows I paid $3, very well spent, I think.

 

The umbrella is such a nice touch, isn't it? And the flowers and leaves around the edging could not be more pretty.

Before applying the metallic rub and alcohol inks I sanded it down with some very fine grit sandpaper and steel wool. There were some rust and green spots I wanted to sand away to stop the corrosion.

I applied a very thin coat of red alcohol ink on the roses and green on the leaves. I added some red and pink metallic rub on the roses. I didn't use ink on the rest, just the rub; green on the gentleman's coat and hat, and pewter on his hair. The dogs are a dark grey. The lady's dress and hat are purple, her umbrella is blue.

I rubbed some gold along the stone work and windows to help make them pop a little more.

I left the rest as-is.

I could not be more pleased with the results. For a change, something turned out exactly how I pictured it in my mind. Next time I go thrift shopping, I'll look at these old brass plates in a whole new light!