When I purchased this vintage brush and mirror set at a flea market recently, I knew the broken brush had some life left in it. The mirror is still in good shape and I love the patina on both pieces, but the poor brush has seen better days.
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You can see where the wood part of the handle is missing. I was lucky to be able to push the slightly twisted silver handle back into shape without breaking it.
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I pried out the remainder of the brush which didn't come out without a fight; the old glue had turned black and was breaking off like glass. I grabbed a bottle of tacky glue, a piece of vintage lace, and an antique tintype photograph. I already had the tintype and have been waiting for an opportunity to use it in a repurposing project.
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I spread some tacky glue inside the handle and started pressing the lace into place. It didn't have to be perfect, just enough to hide the raw edges of the lace and cover the inside.
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Then I got a little carried away and didn't pick up my camera until it was finished.....
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After gluing the photograph to the lace I filled in around the edges with an old necklace, watch face, rhinestone, filigree, and a flower brooch.
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I spread some tacky glue inside the handle and started pressing the lace into place. It didn't have to be perfect, just enough to hide the raw edges of the lace and cover the inside.
Then I got a little carried away and didn't pick up my camera until it was finished.....
After gluing the photograph to the lace I filled in around the edges with an old necklace, watch face, rhinestone, filigree, and a flower brooch.
Much better.
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I thought it would look better if I could hang it up, so I punched a couple of small holes in the top and added a short chain.
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I think she looks real comfortable and right at home inside the brush.
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Very impressed. I have an old hand mirror I stare at for that ah ha moment to hit me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration,
Lisa
Love it...you are so creative! The added photo just makes it all work so well. It's so pretty....great idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely lovely little piece, Betsy! The shape of the brush is so elegant - you and your unique brain have saved it from a junk pile somewhere.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, Betsy! I would never have thought to do something like this! It turned out beautifully!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea - Pretty. I would have never thought to do something like that.
ReplyDeletei just ADORE this transformation!! so lovely and VERY clever! ;)
ReplyDeleteyes~lovely!! Love the idea!!!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the great vintage-inspired jewelry you create....just larger!!! Great job!!!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful, Betsy!!! LOL, I saw it on Pinterest before seeing it on your blog!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just posted my flea market finds!!!
xoxo
I was wondering what you were going to do with that brush...it's fabulous! So romantic and delicate. Great idea to hang it, too! Love it.
ReplyDeleteAlmost forgot, I'm off to join your Linky followers!
ReplyDeleteHow creative you are! I knew you would do something with it, but certainly not this wow factor...I love it! You are too much! Hope you have a delightful day! Hugs
ReplyDeleteVery cool, Betsy.
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower on Linky! I'm so happy to have discovered your blog..love the hair brushes!! Scrolled through other posts and I'm smitten!
ReplyDeleteThe hair brush is gorgeous. I love it.
ReplyDeleteHugs Maria
What a great creation. Love the lace background and the added jewelry. Hanging it was a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThat looks so good. I also have an old brush and comb set. 'Seems like they don't make them like those anymore :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful work of art! It is really cool.
ReplyDeleteI love it! What a pretty transformation.
ReplyDeletexo,
Danielle
I would not have believed it if I had not seen it!! Wonderful idea, so often the mirror is broke or the brush is bad, the price is right though and this is an idea I am putting in my mind the next time I see a broken one. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteCarol
Such a beautiful transformation!! Hard to believe it's the same brush. Always enjoy seeing what you're creating.
ReplyDeleteJane
Looking good! Great idea.
ReplyDeleteLisa
What a great idea and it turned out just beautiful, Betsy!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Julia
Wow what a beautiful piece now. Perfect idea to add the tin type and lace.
ReplyDeleteAnn
WOW! Great transformation.
ReplyDeletePS: I am your newest Linky follower
Mrs. Delightful
ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
ya I like that also
ReplyDeleteOh my! How pretty is she Betsy. I love it and how I wish I could personally touch this piece of beauty.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure! You're so creative!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful Betsy!! I love your treasures!! Are you planning on going to The Vintage Bricoleur's for the blogger meet up? Thanks for linking up at FNF! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful makeover Betsy!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Linda
What a pretty idea! Thanks for visiting me, I'm following you back :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever way to re-purpose something that had seen much better days, Betsy! It is so pretty now. :-)
ReplyDeleteyour vintage hairbrush makeover is a very nice transformation! Very pretty, so clever.
ReplyDeletegail
You are so creative, Betsy! It always amazes me the beautiful things you make from castoffs. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking your talents to Time Travel Thursday.
Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage