Hello Hello
It's gift giving time!!!! Gift giving time, from me to you, for all your kindness and support this year. I have been using a fantastic new paint product and I have touched up the company, Rust-oleum to give me a suite of products to put together as my Christmas giveaway for the blog. Now I am not someone who enjoys painting. For me it's about slapping it on, getting it done and back in the house, dressed and ready to use.
So it was with great pleasure that I discovered the ease with which I can achieve my objective with these Rust-oleum cans. They are quick and simple to use and I think you will agree, the result is rather good. Our fellow American bloggers have had access to this product for aeons. The company has however, just arrived in Australia and are keen to connect with the crafty types amongst us.
For this project I have used the metallic silver, which I just loved, the silver glitter, which after several coats has a lustrous finish. When using the glitter it's also best to lay your target flat if you are not using the primer, which I didn't, so as to avoid any gravity issues. I also used the chalk board paint, which is actually the conventional paint on variety, but is the best I have use so far, as it doesn't mark each time you touch it like the last brand I used.
Unfortunately I managed to delete the before shot of this frame before I uploaded it to the computer, but believe me, it was in a terrible state when I bought it for a few bucks at the local Red Cross Shop. The frame was a tarnished and dusty old gold, which had seen better days. I deconstructed it, by pulling out the rusty tacks holding it all together on the back. Disgarded the glass and painted the laminated chipboard scene with chalk board paint. I sprayed two coats of metallic silver on the frame, and this was the best bit for me, as it just brought a beautiful, if a little chippy plaster frame back to life.........big time.
I made some Anthropologie snow domes, using salt as the snow in the base, in some old fruit preserving jars once used by my grandmother, to actually preserve fruit. I must try it one day.
I decorated some miniature Christmas trees my mum bought me 20 years ago at Franklins, when I was flatting and couldn't have cared less if I had a Christmas tree in my apartment or not. The galvanised buckets were thrifted and different sizes, which was fine.
I decorated the trees with some glammed up decorations I bought last year, with a little Rust-oleum glitter, which came up nicely after 3 or 4 coats. It's their newest product.
To add texture to the mantel I started with a layer of Layton pines from the garden, which seem to last for a week or more out of water, even in these hot Summer temps. And added some twinkly snow flake lights for another layer. I have gone all rustic this Christmas with neutral and metallic. Colour is definitely not getting much of a run here this year. But I have to say it's a change from last years coastal blue and I am loving it. If you would like a chance to win these great, easy to use products valued at around $120, to help you on your crafting journey next year, you need to do 2 things.
1. To validate your entry, 'Like' Rust-oleumAU on Facebook here and whilst you are there, say hello and spread some Christmas cheer.
2. Follow Desire Empire on one or more of the following platforms:
Google Friends Connect (over in my side bar)
Instagram @desireempire
Leave a separate comment for each follow, even if you have for some time.
Sharing this to each of your social media platforms will constitute another entry. Leave me a separate comment for each share.
And good luck
Giveaway Terms and Conditions
You MUST enter on the BLOG by leaving a comment here.
This competition is open to entrants living in Australia only.
This competition is open from now until 11 January 2013 12pm Australian EST.
The winner will be announced on this blog, Face Book and Twitter and I will contact you, as long as you have left a valid means. As it's holiday time, the winner will have 14 days to respond, otherwise the prize will be redrawn.
The product is available at paint stockists around Australia.
This giveaway is now closed and the winner was Elements at Home.
Today I am linked up here
Feathered Nest Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Great Aussie Giveaway
With Some Grace
Feathered Nest Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Great Aussie Giveaway
With Some Grace
Sundae Scoop
Saturday Style
Sunday Showcase
Wow Us Wednesday
Domestically Speaking
No Minimalist Here
Transformation Thursday
Crafty Soiree
52 Mantels
Saturday Style
Sunday Showcase
Wow Us Wednesday
Domestically Speaking
No Minimalist Here
Transformation Thursday
Crafty Soiree
52 Mantels

Your Christmas mantel looks amazing Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful ;O)
Tania xx
I have taken to finding just the right paints for just the right finishes of late and I have an esty store to prove it. So I would love to see how these work. I am already a follower. But I am off to get some more entries. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI already follow you on Facebook and twitter
ReplyDeletei now follow you on Instagram and Pinterest
ReplyDeletelooks like a great product. have tweeted you and liked the facebook page....looks like lots of fun
ReplyDeletemerry christmas to you Carolyn.
Bec x
So glad we can finally get Rust-oleum here, all your makeovers look wonderful! Following via GFC and have liked RO on FB :)
ReplyDeleteIt all looks very beautiful, love the frame!
ReplyDeleteI follow on pinterest
ReplyDeleteI follow on google+
ReplyDeleteI follow on facebook
ReplyDeleteso beautiful! i love all the pine leaves and chalkboard.
ReplyDeletex
Altho, I am not eligible to win I appreciate learning about the products which I haven't used and wouldn't know where to buy them. Your mantal is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteLove the mantel Carolyn.
ReplyDeletexx
It all looks lovely and making me sided-eye my decorating. Thanks for the inspiration. I hope you have an amazing Christmas. Rachel xx
ReplyDeleteFantastic giveaway!!! Count me in please! xx
ReplyDeleteThe mantle looks lovely. The preserving jars look terrific and Rust-oleum looks like a great product.
ReplyDeletePenny x
I just love what you have done. I have so many ideas for this paint. Fingers and toes crossed.
ReplyDeleteFollowing Rustoleum on facebook - love what you have done with their product
ReplyDeleteOoh I like these paints Carolyn. Loving your mantle too, think your chalkboard looks divine! Merry Xmas lovey xx
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely well done.
ReplyDeleteH Carolyn Ooh, love your work - splendid! And I'm so pleased to see they've finally arrived here - I've been waiting for this! Thanks for the chance to enter. J x
ReplyDeleteI follow you with GFC. J x
ReplyDeleteI follow you on FB. J x
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter. J x
ReplyDeleteI follow you on IG. J x
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Google +. J x
ReplyDeleteAnd I follow you on Pinterest. J x
ReplyDeleteGreat decorating ideas Carolyn. Loving that chalkboard.
ReplyDeleteFollowing on facebook! Love these paints and the great ideas yu are sharing x
ReplyDeletesqiggles83@hotmail.com
Your mantel looks amazing, wow. Followed Rustoleum and follow you on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteAnd on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great chance :))
ReplyDeleteLike' Rust-oleumAU on Facebook
Follow Desire Empire on facebook
ReplyDeletefollow on Google Friends Connect kha1234
ReplyDeletekerry.santillo@yahoo.com.au
following on twitter @gherkkerry
ReplyDeletefollow on facebook
ReplyDeletefollow on twitter
ReplyDeletefollow on pinterest
ReplyDeleteHave shared on FB
ReplyDeleteHave shared on twitter:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/DesireEmpire/status/282404085498515456
mantel looks amazing - brilliant
ReplyDeleteFollow you on fb, merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteLiking you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteAnd also on pinterest
ReplyDeleteI liked Rust-oleumAU on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI shared Rust-oleumAU on my facebook page!
ReplyDeleteI follow Desire Empire on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI follow Desire Empire on Google+!
ReplyDeleteI follow Desire Empire on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteAnd I just realized that I don't apply because I live in the US. :( bummer....
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely mantel! Merry Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteLove your makeovers, Carolyn. I hope you didn't paint over a Picasso, although with that frame, I very much suspect it wouldn't have been!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family, Carolyn - it's been a pleasure to read your blog throughout the year, and to get to know you a little better both on here, and on Twitter. I hope 2013 is a very happy year for you and your family!
Wow. I have been wanting to try Rust-Oleum forever. So many things to try it out on that I will surely be buying some in the new year!
ReplyDeleteI follow Desire Empire on FB!
ReplyDeleteI follow Desire Empire on Twitter :)
ReplyDeleteFollowing Desire Empire on Facebook under: http://www.facebook.com/erica.whittaker.12
ReplyDeletefollowing Desire Empire on Twitter user username: @EricaRWhittaker
ReplyDeleteI'm not entering for the giveaway but just came here from FYBF to tell you I love your creations and wishing you a very good year 2013!
ReplyDeleteI've seen these products on US blogs and been so envious! This is great news:) Can't wait to get crafting... M xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous mantel Carolyn!!!
ReplyDeleteLove it :)
XXX
Shared giveaway on twitter: https://twitter.com/EricaRWhittaker/status/285283355757535232
ReplyDeleteShared Giveaway on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/erica.whittaker.12/posts/110205262486059
ReplyDeleteFollowing Desire Empire on Google + under: Erica Whittaker
ReplyDeleteShared giveaway on Google + : https://plus.google.com/107082014568566696948/posts/icPhzFnmjV7
ReplyDeleteAlready following every way I possibly can. xx
ReplyDeleteHave shared on Rust-Oleum's FB page.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
PS I used to love Franklins for unusual, one of a kind home items. I picked up 8 of the large square chair cushions for $5 each years ago. Lasted a long time. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower, on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteLove the look of the Silver Glitter. I'm a Glitter Gal from waaaay back!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen glitter paint as pretty as the Rust-oleum glitter paint! Or maybe you just did a really good job of painting it. Haha. Blackboard paint is so fun though! I had antique style chalkboard welcome notes at my wedding and they were super cute. Thanks for the great giveaway! =)
ReplyDeleteFollowing Desire Empire on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. I'm a new follower ;)
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Facebook
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Twitter
ReplyDeleteHave shared on Facebook
ReplyDeleteHave tweeted on Twitter
ReplyDeleteAlso following on Google
ReplyDeleteI have liked Rust-oleumAU on facebook and said "hello" as requested
ReplyDeleteAnd I have lied you on facebook too
ReplyDeleteHappy to say I just received my box of goodies and did not realise I was getting the selection.....so very happy. They are all the colours I am currently using and then some. Cant wait to try them out. Thanks again.
ReplyDelete