This hand painted vintage metal cake carrier (holder or cover) was originally bare silver metal (tin, I wonder) when it was given to me by Donnie, owner of Glasgow Trading Post.

I used acrylic paint then sealed it with a water-base varnish more to protect the paint than anything but in the end the piece appears to be enamel coated.

If you tackle the project be prepared to use at least three layers of acrylic to base-coat it. But once you have it base-coated, depending on what element you're painting you can get away with using only one layer of paint.

The next project - also given to me by Donnie - is a sponge cake pan also originally bare silver metal. Again, you'll have to base coat at least three layers.

Color was floated below the edge of the "icing" with dry brushed highlights on the "icing" to make it appear three dimensional and no other decorative elements were added. I wanted it to look like a cake setting out in the kitchen but it will also look good on a kitchen wall.

This piece was also finished with water-base varnish.

Note: Acrylic doesn't stick to metal as there is no adhesive in the paint. It's strictly water-base with pigment.

To help the paint to stick, you have the option of sanding to roughen the metal or using spray enamel paint as the base coat.

These items are for sale at Glasgow Trading Post in Glasgow, Missouri. Have fun with the two projects!

Please visit my gift store, Visages. Below are just a few of my original designs. 

Funny Tea Mug Quote Hand Warmer 

Funny Tea Mug Quote Hand Warmer by Visages
Get the best in mug printing from Zazzle.

I Heart (Love) Hot Cocoa Mugs

I Heart (Love) Hot Cocoa Mugs by Visages
View more Hot cocoa Mugs

Hot Caliente Jalapeno Peppers Sticker 

Hot Caliente Jalapeno Peppers Sticker by Visages
See other Caliente Stickers

Orange Plaid Gift Tile Trivet 

Orange Plaid Gift Tile Trivet by Visages
View other tiles

Green Plaid Tile Trivet 

Green Plaid Tile Trivet by Visages
View other tiles

Snowman Chef in Apron & Chefs Hat 

Snowman Chef in Apron & Chef's Hat by Visages
See more Chef Aprons

Hot Caliente Mug 

Hot Caliente Mug by Visages
Personalize coffee mugs at Zazzle

I Heart (Love) Coffee or Candy Jar

I Heart (Love) Coffee Jar Candy Dishes by Visages
Shop for another candy jar.

UpCycle Shelf, Pitcher and Metal American Eagle

It sometimes pays to take a good look at what someone has thrown out on the curb for the trash men to pick up.

Take this shelf with a towel bar. It's solid oak. What was wrong with it? The top had detached from the rest of the unit. I reattached it with glue and screws. (I had to drill holes for the wood screws because the wood is so hard.)

I painted it with black, midnight and burnt carmine which gave it a deep, dark wine color. I added the star then finished it off with varnish.

 

  The ceramic pitcher was given to me by our next door neighbor who was getting rid of stuff in her basement. It had orange flowers and was personalized with the neighbor's last name. By accident I removed the orange flowers and name by simply washing. I got lucky.

Americana theme seemed most fitting because of the blue stripes in the preexisting glaze.

It is for decorative display only.

The American Eagle was found in the same trash heap as the oak shelves. I gave it a good washing then went over it with metallic gold acrylic then sprayed it with clear enamel.

All of these items were taken to Gramma Sophie's in Boonville, MO, where she is happily consigning them.