Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge #3- Faux Tea Roses



Hello and Happy Memorial Weekend to ya! I hope you have some BBQing planned or something fun to do outdoors. I'm gonna go to my brother's house Monday for a cook-out and swimming and maybe even a little cocktail (or two) in the sunshine.

Today begins another great challenge from the Compendium of Curiosities III book by non-other than Tim Holtz, the master of all things vintage and distressed. You can find all the challenge details and FAQs here.  The lovely Linda Ledbetter is our hostess of this fun series of challenges, and all you have to do to participate is create your project and uploaded to her site at this link. Be sure, though, to read through all the FAQs so you're eligible to win. (Win? Keep reading below.)

We're working our way through this fantastic book of techniques and tips, and challenging you to join in the fun. This round's challenge is sponsored by the great folks at Inspiration Emporium who have a fabulous gift voucher to give away to one lucky random winner. Also, the Curiosity Crew Pick wins a big giant prize pack of goodies straight from Tim and Mario!

So let's get to it! This challenge can be found on page 65 in the book and it's called "Faux Tea Roses." While I can't share how it's done (that's for you to discover with your own CC3 book) I am happy to show you my creation and some of the steps & tips along the way.


My project is an altered mantle clock turned birdhouse. Lots of faux tea roses all around. They are SO much fun to make and quite addictive, I might add, so consider yourself warned.



I love shopping at garage sales, thrift stores and my local Goodwill. Recently I found these two wooden mantle clocks (without the clock parts) for 99 cents each. SCORE! For my project, I decided on the smaller one of the two.



From the new Wallflower paper stash and also from French Industrial (red stripe) I cut papers to cover my clock and inked the edges with Vintage Photo.



I decided the fixture at the top of my clock seemed a little small, so I unscrewed it and replaced it with this larger one that looks very similar. (Tip: I love to shop Hobby Lobby's aisle of knobs and fixtures when they are 50% off. I hoard up a bunch for future creations.)



I adhered the papers with good old glue stick (Elmer's Extreme is my current favorite) and then secured the fixture into place at the top. The color of the wood is so nice as is I decided not to paint it.



I recently purchased this great doily die and wanted to put it to use right away. I cut away the center circle of the doily for an opening to my birdhouse. And for a perch I used Graphic 45's metal staples Drawer Pull turned upside down.



After making several of the the Faux Tea Roses, I decided I'd like to have a few rose buds as well. First I started off with some small leaves snipped off of this die cut piece (after sanding the Kraft Core to distress it). 



Using the same method to make the Faux Tea Roses, only using less of the die cut, I created small buds and adhered three of the leaves tightly around the buds.



I got the hot glue gun cranked up while I made my roses, then put it to good use adhering everything to my clock. You'll notice I used some metal Idea-ology Foliage leaves around my roses.



I added my craft store birdie onto the perch and then filled in some spaces around my roses with smaller rose buds I had in my flower stash.



The top needed a little something too. More roses and metal leaves.



I attached a pretty charm, a Graphic 45 key, and one of Tim's mini sprocket gears onto some antique brass chain then added some strong metal glue to hold everything in place.



I forgot to mention that I put some nesty grass into the birdhouse before my bird went on.



I covered the back of the clock with more Wallflower paper, which in the right light you can see from the inside and of course it's pretty from the back side too.


There you go. Now it's YOUR turn to try out the Faux Tea Roses technique and create something grand. Have fun!

Comments

  1. This is so sweet! I love the little rosebuds and the metal elements you added to the project.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful! Thanks for the close up of the rosebud - I may have to try those.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh wow, what a fabulous alteration!! Love your little bird sitting there and your roses are beautiful. The buds are stunning too, will definitely give those a try also! Great inspiration, thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a gorgeous piece of art. Your roses turned out beautifully. Thank you for sharing and continuing to inspire all of us players.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Super Idea for creating such a cute nesting arrangement! Love all the detail and colors.
    Graceful in taste and structure. Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What an amazing bird house...stunning roses I can smell them from here ;0) x

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just AMAZING! So inventive, love it

    ReplyDelete
  8. The idea of making the rosebuds is so clever, it makes the roses look even more realistic. This is one stunning makeover, I love that base clock frame and your alterations are wonderful! Anne :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great idea!
    Have a nice day, Eva

    ReplyDelete
  10. Annette...your clock is absolutely beautiful! What a find at the thrift store! You're right...SCORE! :) I love your inventiveness to create something so shabby and sweet out of it. Your faux tea roses are so pretty and the little buds are perfection. That doily die is also a really nice touch. Love that! Beautiful job! <3 Candy

    ReplyDelete
  11. Annette you are so clever transforming this piece. I can't believe you get these sorts of things for 99 cents. I really need to move to the US. Beautifully done!! Karen.x

    ReplyDelete
  12. your altered carriage clock is simply gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amazing! I love every little thing about your bird house. Genius idea about the rose buds! Another knock myself in the head with "why didn't I think of that" ideas!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a wonderful piece! I am a bird-lover so this piece just grabbed at my heart. What a great find you got with the mantle clocks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow Annette! You have transformed this thrift store find into an incredible work of art! I adore this :)

    Amy*

    ReplyDelete
  16. Holy cow! This is amazing!!! I LOVE IT!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh my goodness, not only did you score a super find with the mantle clocks, you made a stunning display! What a great gift that would make! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is a fabulous idea. Those rose buds are to die for.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wowza girl!! That's so PURDY!!
    TFS!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a wonderful find at your thrift shop Annette! I just love your decoration of the mantel clock frame - your little buds and full blooming roses - the papers and lovely little bird!

    ReplyDelete
  21. this is stunning. i normally don't get very thrilled by bird creations but this is so realistic. you have decorated it so tastefully. elegant xx

    ReplyDelete
  22. Super sweet,the little birdie looks very content there!

    Donna.x

    ReplyDelete
  23. That is one great "Score," but what you created with the clock is beautiful! Love your tea roses and the rose buds are way awesome! Totally love this transformation, Annette! Happy Memorial Weekend to you and yes, lots of BBQing will be going on here!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Such scrummy roses and I love the idea of making the buds too thank you for sharing xx

    ReplyDelete
  25. Annette, this piece is so over the top gorgeous! Your roses turned out so beautifully - I love the added touch of the buds as well. I think I am going to have to check out the thrift store more often myself!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow! Grreat piece! I love all things birds and this one is adorable! What a great idea for a gift this would be. I have that pinecone die and I think I may just have to try a bud or two! :) Thanks so much for sharing these great ideas! Love it! Happy Memorial weekend to you!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow, I love this transformed clock, just a beautiful piece of work!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love to alter clocks and I have a thing for birds. Your project is right up my alley. I might have to make my own version one of these days.
    Jess

    ReplyDelete
  29. The way you transformed this clock is magical! I LOVE the bird and nest, and your multi colored roses are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  30. All I can say is WOW! Your birdhouse is gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love the step by step. Looks like a lot of fun to make.!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Ack...I LOVE this..you did score with that find and your decorated beautifully! LOVE LOVE LOVE...gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Magnifique! This is so lovely and full of spring goodness. Enjoy your holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm beyond impressed... first, I love that you saw the potential in those clocks and transformed one this way, and second... you've added so many elements in addition to the gorgeous roses! Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love this idea. What a score finding the clocks
    At goodwill. I love the bird and the end project of a bird house.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Annette, this really is magnificent! Not only are your roses absolute perfection... the entire piece is chock-full of awesome! You, my dear, are one creative chica!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for the bud idea, I had not thought of that! Beautiful project and so inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Annette! This is Positively Ador-eee-able! I love that you are a upcycler!And your Tea Roses are just beautiful! I'll have to go digging in my stash- now that you so inspired me! ")

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Annette,I love what you did with this mantel clock... really a very unique and lovely look was created with it... LOVE IT ... will have to be on the look out for some... would make a really nice house warming gift for a friend... love making the rose buds too... so very much fun...
    Love, Light and Peace...Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  40. Annette: your project has special meaning for me since the robins that nested in my back yard just fledged and flew away yesterday! Maybe one landed on your clock?

    ReplyDelete
  41. What a darling little Bird House. I love making those little Roses also, sooo pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Love the little rose buds on this beautiful little clock display, very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Favorite again. Thanks for sharing. I need t get busy hope to joint this challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love how you transformed a plain mantle clock into a beautiful piece of art!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great find, love it when that happens. You have created a piece of art for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Okay I got calm down... you girls and these amazing projects with these fabulous details just excite me ... this altered mantle clock is fabulous !!! Your distressed roses are gorgeous and the rose buds ... OMG genius !!!
    What cute bird would not be happy surrounded by such beauty ?!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Love your birdhouse and those rose buds are fabulous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Wonderful project! Your tips for the roses is fantastic! I love all the details in your work! BArbarayaya

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi I enjoyed reading how you made the birdhouse. I was intrigued by the rose buds, definitely have a go at those.
    Thanks
    Jan x

    ReplyDelete
  50. What a very posh house for this little birdie. A very beautiful piece of object d'art. Fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Love everything about this project. Thanks for the idea of making the rolled roses smaller to make them look like rose buds. So inspriring!

    ReplyDelete
  52. WoW! This piece is great! I'm glad you left the wood as it was. And now I have to try the rose buds!!
    Oh, and I hope you did get your cocktails in the sun!! I managed a few too...

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love the tea roses, but I especially love the rosebuds. I will have to try to make some of them.

    ReplyDelete
  54. WOW and THRICE WOW! This is sooo gorgeous, I love the birdy, he is just sooo cute and the little rose buds - perfect xx

    ReplyDelete
  55. What an amazing project and what a bargain for the clocks !! Love a sale. Out of the park amazing !!

    ReplyDelete
  56. This could not be any cuter!!!
    Love the entire thing. Such fun to find a bargain.

    ReplyDelete
  57. WOW!! Totally LOVE this repurposed mantle clock! It's sooo pretty and just love the Faux Tea Rose entrance into this lovely little birds nest! Just an awesome piece of home décor!! XOXO-Shari

    ReplyDelete
  58. Sooooo cute - loved how you altered the mantle clock and turned it into something way more prettier.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Sooooo cute - loved how you altered the mantle clock and turned it into something way more prettier.

    ReplyDelete
  60. wow!!!!! and wow!!! stunning piece oaf art!! love those buds!! =)

    ReplyDelete
  61. What a great find! Cute Cute! Thanks for letting me play along in the CC3C for tea roses.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I loved reading the details of your clock/birdhouse! What a wonderful find. I love all the details that you included.

    ReplyDelete
  63. This is amazing. I love the wee mantle and how you altered it. Really makes the flowers POP!

    ReplyDelete
  64. First off i'm totally jelious of your goodwill finds, score indeed, and secondly WOW, I am in ore of how it come out, Love Love Love it, If it needs a new home i'd gladly re-home it lol
    Hugz Minxy

    ReplyDelete
  65. WOW, what a fab alteration!! LOVE your sweet little birdy and the roses are beautiful. Gorgeous inspiration, thank you Annette! Jan x

    ReplyDelete
  66. I love your artwork. Such a great idea. I'm off to try those rosebuds - great idea.

    ReplyDelete
  67. So pretty and elegant and what a fabulous thrift store find! I love everything about it, super adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  68. How clever! Your flowers are amazing. I wish I could get mine to be half as good

    ReplyDelete
  69. What a great idea. The tutorial was very informative, thanks for taking time to write it.
    Happy crafting, Angela x

    ReplyDelete
  70. What a great altered piece. Your roses look so real. The buds are a nice touch. You rocked this challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I love this piece because I am an avid bird lover! Thanks for showing how to make the small buds! I made them before seeing how simple yours were; Ugh. I wish I had looked at your piece sooner! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Beautiful! Someday, I'd like to have my roses come out as perfectly as your did! Your project is absolutely gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I really love your rose buds and the colours you have used. A bit belated but congrats on retaining your G45 post, I am so glad you stayed on and are also part of the Curiosity Crew I love your work.

    ReplyDelete
  74. So MANY Gorgeous details, Annette! LOVE the clock - what a find and LOVE how you altered it! Just brilliant! Fab roses and those buds are FAB!

    ReplyDelete
  75. This is exquisite and your roses look so good.This was my first attempt and I think a bit more practice is required, still fun though.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Love your project and your roses turned out great!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Absolutley stunning Annette. Your faux tea roses are just so detailed and beautiful
    x catherine

    ReplyDelete
  78. ERM WOW! Okay seeing as the curiosity crew get to pick a favorite each challenge, I feel able to say that yours is my favorite this time. I love how you've re-purposed the mantle clock and your mini rose buds are genius. Just fantastic! Fingers crossed that my pinecone die arrives in time for me to play along. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  79. OMG I LOVE this project!! You would never know that was a Goodwill reject! Love all the embellishments and the tiny rose buds!

    ReplyDelete
  80. I love your altered piece! I love your rosebuds! so cute and tiny. I love your art and your style. All the little details are so inspiring. Thanks for the nice comments on little "Tessie". It made my day!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Wonderful! Your roses are just perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  82. I can see I need to get that Garden Green die now! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial on making buds... theya re the perfect finishing touch on your clock, in my opinion!

    ReplyDelete
  83. I love how you repurposed the mantle clocks!!! What a cute project.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Annette, the rosebud idea is awesome. I will definitely try that.

    ReplyDelete
  85. This is simply adorable ..... I love your little rose buds, very clever! Linda xx

    ReplyDelete
  86. I have a clock that's similar to yours and you've inspired me to get it out of the box and do something with it. I love how yours turned out Annette and the roses are so pretty!!!
    Congrats also on another year with G45, your video was a riot. :)

    ReplyDelete
  87. LOVE the rosebud technique. I have made my own buds, but this is quite brilliant.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Wow this clock is so beautiful! Love the gorgeous roses and the pretty bird! Hugs, Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  89. This is wonderful and so creative! I want to find some clocks too! The rose buds are so adorable. Thanks for sharing and that is a lucky 'bird'!
    Have a great day!
    ~kim

    ReplyDelete
  90. I love this adorable bird house!! and hurray for thrift store finds!! =)

    ReplyDelete
  91. Amazing - thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  92. This is a fabulous project and what a find at 99c each, I wish I could get a find like that it would be fabulous. I love your little roses and had so much fun playing and making mine for the challenge too, they were great.

    Denise xx

    ReplyDelete
  93. $.99 each! You really did score. This is a beautiful piece Annette! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  94. What a beautiful 'nesting box' for the little birdie!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Oh my word this is fantastic Annette... I love the design Px

    ReplyDelete
  96. I love how you took a simple clock and turned it into a beautiful piece of art.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Annette this is so lovely ! the cute littled bird and the gorgeous roses are just perfect. Love how you did the rose buds too, must try that. Thanks for sharing the idea xx

    ReplyDelete
  98. I love this project. Beautiful roses and rosebuds.

    ReplyDelete
  99. This project is absolutely gorgeous. Love all the details you added!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Annette, Love your mantle clock turned birdhouse. The roses are beautiful. What a great idea to modify the technique to make the rosebuds.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Fantastic!
    I love how you made the buds.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! If you have a question you would like answered, please e-mail me at AnnetteMGreen@gmail.com