Vintage windows make the best upcycling projects! This week an old window gets new life and a makeover with a Chalk Couture stencil and Chalkology Paste.
These windows are over 100 years old and came from a friend’s family home when they were doing some renovations. Windows are amazing pieces to repurpose and recycle! They are so versatile, and the really great thing when you use Chalk Couture products is that you can easily wipe off your design and reuse the window over and over!
An Old Window Gets New Life
This is sure to be the first of many projects where an old window gets new life, so let’s dig in to see how this transformation happened.
Supplies needed:
- an old window of your choice – you can easily use a mirror instead of a window if you have one handy!
- window cleaning products,
- a stencil of your choice – the Chalk Couture Flower Market stencil was used for this project. This design makes adorable spring decor, and you can easily use individual elements of it for more versatility. Learn more with the Chalk Couture Stencil Guide.
- chalk paste of your choice – a variety of colors were used in making this project including Black Velvet, which is a staple paste color, and some exclusive colors of the month. See the Chalk Couture Paste and Ink Guide for more information.
- squeegees,
- optional:
- embellishments like a grapevine wreath, flowers and greenery,
- crystal clear acrylic coating to seal your chalk paste if your project will be used outside.
Steps to create the window project:
- clean your window,
- “fuzz” your stencil really well – Chalk Couture stencils love to adhere to glass, and fuzzing will reduce some of the adhesive. This is a very important step because if your stencil sticks too well to the glass, it may stretch and be damaged when you remove it. Fuzz, fuzz and fuzz some more! When you think you’ve done enough fuzzing, fuzz again!!
- apply your chalk paste to your stencil to create your design – when using several colors, the chalk and lift method will be a lifesaver. Using this method will help you avoid the chalk paste drying on top of your stencil. Read more about Why You Should Use the Chalk and Lift Technique.
- optional: add embellishments as desired,
- optional: seal your design if you are using it outside or if you want to make it permanent.
When you work with glass, you can also easily correct mistakes, change your mind on colors or completely start over! Chalkology Paste wipes off with a little bit of water making it easy to change your design.
The first attempt on this window was disappointing since the bicycle was chalked in grey chalk paste and the details of the design were back-painted in various colors. This technique did not work well as the colors did not show through as expected! The second attempt is much brighter and makes more of a statement!
This old window would make a great statement piece when used in your decor inside or outside your home. It can be hung on a wall by itself or as the center of attention on a gallery wall. It can be used on the front porch to welcome guests or in a garden. It can be hung on a wall or a fence or simply placed among your flowers!
Giving this old window new life with Chalk Couture was super fun and easy! Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to create something beautiful with an old window or mirror you have!
I can’t wait to see what you create!
Luana