Sable Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 I need advice on how to finish the stenciled bricks in the firebox. As you can see there is some separation within the bricks but I can sand that down. White watered-down paperclay doesn't work as well with stencils as terra cotta paperclay does. The second photo is just a piece of paper stenciled with a silver Sharpie. I kind of like this technique but don't want to ruin the bricks testing it out. My son wants me to apply a black wash to the bricks to give them a used look. I think I like it new and unused. All suggestions are requested. Please note I am not finished detailing the mitres on the mantel. The piece has only had one coat of spray paint and needs final filling, detailing and hand painting. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 I make my "bricks" from sandpaper and when I want t make my fireplace look used I grate black chalk pastel and bruh it over the inside of the fireplace with a soft paintbrush: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapz Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 I think I'd stay with the white ones and age them a bit. Not necessarily give them a used look, only an aged look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapz Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 And please tell me where you found that fireplace mantle........????? Pretty please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalesq Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 I like them both but lean toward the white. You could use a very light wash and/or pastels to age them just a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sable Posted May 30, 2016 Author Share Posted May 30, 2016 1 hour ago, Soapz said: And please tell me where you found that fireplace mantle........????? Pretty please? I made it. It's sort of a copy of a real one. Attached is the background: http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/?app=gallery&module=gallery&controller=view&id=120704 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debora59 Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 12 hours ago, Sable said: I need advice on how to finish the stenciled bricks in the firebox. As you can see there is some separation within the bricks but I can sand that down. White watered-down paperclay doesn't work as well with stencils as terra cotta paperclay does. The second photo is just a piece of paper stenciled with a silver Sharpie. I kind of like this technique but don't want to ruin the bricks testing it out. My son wants me to apply a black wash to the bricks to give them a used look. I think I like it new and unused. All suggestions are requested. Please note I am not finished detailing the mitres on the mantel. The piece has only had one coat of spray paint and needs final filling, detailing and hand painting. The gray silver looks amazing with a white fireplace and your artwork, I think it the right color! Drooling over this arrangement 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sable Posted May 30, 2016 Author Share Posted May 30, 2016 Thank you everyone. I think I have made a decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 7 minutes ago, Sable said: Thank you everyone. I think I have made a decision. I'm chiming in a bit late, but I see options for both treatments -- the dark bricks if this will be a working fireplace and the white bricks if it is non-working but will feature flower or candle arrangements according to the season. So, what did you decide? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MLI Designs Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 I guess I'm the oddball. I like the grey brick. To me, it adds dimension 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shareb Posted May 30, 2016 Share Posted May 30, 2016 I like the grey too! What did you decide Sable??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPCullen Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 Is anyone else salivating over this fireplace, or is it just me? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted May 31, 2016 Share Posted May 31, 2016 14 minutes ago, LPCullen said: Is anyone else salivating over this fireplace, or is it just me? So not just you! It is fabulous hugs 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sable Posted May 31, 2016 Author Share Posted May 31, 2016 My goodness, thank you everyone. I'm probably going to go with the grey bricks. I really like Kathie's idea of seasonal flowers or candles. We don't generally have fireplaces in Florida so it's not something I'm use to decorating around. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapz Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 7 hours ago, mikeuk said: Hate to be a 'Spoilsport' but white with a natural arrangement would be perfect............let that wonderful picture take 'centre stage'! What he said......... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mininecessities Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 I agree that the white is better as the gray takes away from the artwork. you could age it very lightly, a very thin wash, if you want. but you can always do that. I love aged and grubby looks, or distressed but I paint stuff white and delay doing the aging. lol something about messing up a pretty surface just doesn't go easy. but I can always get the sand paper out and start in. lol I was going to do that on all the white on my Garfield but keep procrastinating. it waits for you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 In its place I don't think it matters whether the firebox looks new or used, it can't detract from that gorgeous mantel & painting! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathi17 Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 I haven't been able to decide which I like better. The white does make the picture take center stage, but the grey does compliment it so well and tie everything together. I guess I'm not any help at all, which is why I didn't answer last night! :-D 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elsbeth Posted June 1, 2016 Share Posted June 1, 2016 You have inspired me to do a white brick backed fireplace, so Mischief Managed!! - thanks for posting the images and getting the conversation going! I agree with Mike - the white bricks with an arrangement in it would be lovely. The painting stands out with the white bricks. BUT WHATEVER YOU choose will be lovely! Both are lovely. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mininecessities Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Love your bricks Holly! they look realistic! Like the fireplace has been used. Thats something else, hmm wonder if the all white bricks should have some soot in them? I think that no matter what you do Sable it is going to be beautiful! Guess you could draw from a basket and see what comes out. I hate making these decisions...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted June 4, 2016 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Thank you, Cheryl. They're sandpaper. The soot is grated black chalk pastel applied with a soft paintbrush and wiped off with a tissue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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