Do you know that a “pain in the a$$” is actually a real thing? If you’ve ever experienced sciatica, then you most certainly know it to be true. But, sciatica doesn’t just park itself at one of your “cheeks”. No, it also takes a little joy ride down your leg and tortures you to no end. It debilitates you. It robs you of all energy. It makes you miserable. It is also your body’s way of telling you that your sensitive nerves may be getting pinched by your misaligned and compacted spine……. well, at least in my case. That’s what years of landscape gardening can do to the body.
My spine is responding well to the chiropractic adjustments I’ve been receiving, but I’ve had to limit the amount of time I spend sitting down; hence, I haven’t been at my computer much lately. Yesterday’s spark of spinal relief prompted me to, of course, get creative.
So, here’s a gritty little faux cement tutorial just for you!
- white gesso
- white pre-mixed sanded grout
- black acrylic paint
- brown acrylic paint
- soilless potting mix or peat moss
- green Spanish moss
- glue
- paintbrush
- objects d’transformation (I chose a classic ball ornament, tiny clay pots and pine cones)
Mix two parts gesso to one part grout together in a small bowl. Add a tiny drop or two each of black and brown paint to obtain a cement-like base color. Paint the concoction onto your object, then let it dry. Next, brush on (in a patchy-like fashion)some gesso tinted just slightly lighter than your base color, and let it dry. Do not use any grout with this layer. Then, using only the white gesso, dab some areas with your fingertip and smudge/blur it in to create the look of limescale residue. Now, put a few pinches of Spanish moss and peat moss together into a coffee grinder and grind them up to create a coarse powder. Brush some glue onto your object and sprinkle the powder onto those areas. When dry, buff the residual particles off with your hands.
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| ©Linda Nelson 2016 |
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| ©Linda Nelson 2016 |
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| ©Linda Nelson 2016 |
That’s all there is to it.
Now, go grab something, make it gritty and get creative.
And, most importantly, take good care of your back.
I so love your style…I always find myself collecting things based on your wonderful sense of creating: coir baskets, leather, chicken wire, pots….Let the fun begin…. Hope you feel better soon.
I am SO with you on that sciatic thing. I spent 5 weeks unable to sit, stand or walk because of it. I was prescribed so many steroids I expected to need an athletic supporter by the time it was over (I'm a woman). Since then, I thank God for just being able to sit, stand and walk – I never knew what a gift it was when I took it for granted for so many years. I cannot be more sympathetic to your plight and hope you recover soon.
Thanks, Brooke! Having sciatica isn't much fun.
Oh my, five weeks……. Ouch! A person's life is on hold when they go through this; it's horrible. Thank you for your well wishes.
I love these! So unique! Thanks for sharing them at the Funtastic Friday blog hop!
Thank you, Debra. Great blog hop; thanks for hosting!
I LOVE this. Featuring you tonight at the new party. Pinned and I can hardly wait to try this technique myself!!! Linda @Crafts a la mode
Thank you so much for choosing my faux cement tutorial post as one of your What To Do Weekends features, Linda. Enjoy the "cementifying" process
These are awesome faux cement ornaments and flower pots. I really hope you feel better soon, soon, soon!!
Thank you, Kerri.
Sorry to hear about your struggle and hope you are feeling better. I love the pine cone idea. Would love if you can check out and link up to http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2016/12/11/favourite-diy-christmas-decorations/
I'm doing much, much better now; thank you. And, thanks for visiting my blog. Nice collection of ideas on your DIY Christmas decorations post.