Some people search for and find vintage “trophies” for a long time, but creative personalities prefer to create them with their own hands. From old things, lace, and also fabrics with suitable patterns, those that were in fashion several decades ago.
What is “vintage”?
The word came to us from winemaking: this is the name for elite wines made in the years when grapes had excellent taste. The longer a wine is aged, the better, more valuable and more expensive it is. In relation to things, these are old household items that have lived long life and well preserved. In a word, a dress that has lain for centuries in a grandmother’s chest and has not been eaten away by moths can safely be called vintage.
An antique is considered to be something that is at least half a century old. For example, a book published before 1962, that is, 50 years ago, can be considered a rarity. Of course, the condition of the copy, the publisher, and, finally, the contents of the book are taken into account. For example, books on home economics and cooking published during Stalin's times are now highly valued.
In short, to find interesting and useful things, sometimes it’s enough to revise your own home: among grandparents' things, which we sometimes disparagingly call trash.
DIY decorations. Master class with step by step photos
There was a time when homemade jewelry was considered a sign of lack of taste or money. Now designers are developing collections of jewelry that are sometimes much more expensive than jewelry made of precious metals with stones that are members of the “royal four”!
The day before, in an online boutique, I came across photographs of original jewelry, the basis of which was ordinary door lock keys, old, well-worn ones. Looking at the price tags, I was stunned: not a single product costs less than fifty “green candy wrappers” (that is, dollars, as you probably guessed)!
These decorations are original and unique. Each key has its own story! What forbidden rooms were they once locked, a reliable outpost of what secrets were they “during their lifetime”?!
I was seriously inspired!
I had to urgently examine the contents of the pantry and - oh, joy! - a couple of keys were found, one of which served as the basis for a necklace in the “combined vintage” style.
This publication presents two master classes: the first will reflect the fruit of my nightly vigils on creating a necklace based on an old key, the other on decorating a pin in a “vintage” style (it comes as a “trailer” due to the ease of work).
Target: creating jewelry in “vintage” and “combined vintage” styles with your own hands.
Tasks:
- learn to create jewelry in certain directions of vintage style;
- improve skills in working with the necessary materials and tools, observing safety rules;
- develop individual creative abilities and artistic taste;
- cultivate diligence, perseverance, accuracy in work.
Materials, tools:
old key,
decorative pin,
old chains made of various alloys,
Decorative elements (beads, pendants, other, beads),
details of old jewelry,
a piece of gray linen fabric,
the rest of the lace,
glue "Moment Crystal",
monofilament, gold-colored metallic thread, sewing needle,
bow from an old hairpin,
scissors, pliers, round nose pliers, wire cutters.
Progress:
Let's start with the simpler work. We decorate the pin in a vintage style.
Let's cook necessary materials and tools. Not everything will be useful. Often when doing this kind of work you don’t know what the final result will be.
Let's take a ring from an old earring, fortunately there is a hole in it.
Using tools, attach the links of the old chain to the ring.
We will place a decorative coin inside the ring (later it will be replaced by another part).
Let's attach the parts to the non-working part of the pin.
At the opposite end of the pin, place a double piece of a voluminous heart and a bead, connecting the other end of the chain to them.
Now decorative options follow one after another: either “pearl + bead” pendants, or beads - pendants. We choose which details are more consistent with the chosen style.
Final result:
Tips for wearing this pin: in the summer it is not at all necessary to pin it directly to the fabric of clothing to avoid its deformation, you can throw it over a strap - why not an option?! In winter, you can pin a brooch by carefully threading it through the fibers of a sweater, for example.
Now let's start creating a necklace in the "combined vintage" style (this style occurs when some parts were produced no later than the late 80s of the 20th century) based on the key, fortunately, as a result of a long and nervous search in the "grandmother's chest" by me such truly vintage details were discovered as a chain made of some alloy, a vintage dragonfly pendant and a piece of gray linen - all this dates back to the early 80s of the last century.
In the photo, in addition to the above, there are parts that were not useful.
The key, which cannot be called exclusive, is wrapped in a spiral with a strip of linen fabric and fixed with Moment Crystal glue.
Securely attach the chain to the key, as shown in the photo.
We sew a piece of lace with a metallic thread to a linen strip encircling the key.
Add some beads.
The rest is a matter of technique. We secure the remains of beads, coins and other parts using tools on our key base.
Some people search for and find vintage “trophies” for a long time, but creative individuals prefer to create them with their own hands. From old things, lace, and also fabrics with suitable patterns, those that were in fashion several decades ago.
What is “vintage”?
The word came to us from winemaking: this is the name for elite wines made in the years when grapes had excellent taste. The longer a wine is aged, the better, more valuable and more expensive it is. In relation to things, these are old household items that have lived a long life and are well preserved. In a word, a dress that has lain for centuries in a grandmother’s chest and has not been eaten away by moths can safely be called vintage.
An antique is considered to be something that is at least half a century old. For example, a book published before 1962, that is, 50 years ago, can be considered a rarity. Of course, the condition of the copy, the publisher, and, finally, the contents of the book are taken into account. For example, books on home economics and cooking published during Stalin's times are now highly valued.
In a word, in order to find interesting and useful things, sometimes it is enough to inspect your own home: among your grandparents’ things, which we sometimes disparagingly call trash.
Do you like retro items, but the prices in stores are not at all pleasing? Learn how to make vintage with your own hands - update furniture or create elegant decor. And we will teach you how easy it is to do it.
In this set of master classes you will learn:
- 4 ways to turn the most ordinary wardrobe, stool or chest of drawers into vintage furniture;
- 6 easy ways to add a retro look to familiar little things you already have in your home.
So let's begin.
1. Wardrobe with French “windows”.
Do you have an old, shabby cabinet with glass inserts on the doors? Before you send it to the dacha, remember that these are the things that are especially valued by vintage fans. Update it in just a couple of minutes with elegant fabric appliqués.
Making such a cabinet is as easy as shelling pears. The most difficult thing here is to choose the fabric in the right style. You can choose a solid color material, floral patterns or, like the author, a pastoral scene in the “ruyi” style.
Measure pieces of fabric along the width of the “window”, and then glue them onto double sided tape. That's it, your locker self made ready in vintage style!
2. Elegant retro stool.
This piece of furniture is found in almost every home. Is the stool pretty worn out, but still suitable for sitting? Amazing! For a vintage piece this is an excellent base.
First, sand the wood and then coat it with a dark gray primer. When dry, apply a second coat - white. After drying, rub it thoroughly sandpaper until gray begins to appear.
Then make a seat from foam rubber and suitable fabric, secure it and get an elegant piece of furniture with a retro touch.
3. Chest of drawers with patina.
There is an old one wooden chest of drawers? Perfect! Even if its condition leaves much to be desired, or you are not happy with the color, it doesn’t matter. On the contrary, this is a chance to turn it into elegant vintage furniture - much cheaper than in showrooms. Pair simple steps, and this chest of drawers will become your favorite.
Sand the surface of the dresser with sandpaper, then apply blue acrylic paint(pink will also work, but in muted tones) and wait until it dries. Rub some areas with a sponge so that the paint appears unevenly applied, sand with sandpaper so that the wood shows through.
All that remains is to screw on the handles (by the way, they don’t have to be the same) - and admire the exclusive handmade item.
For more information, see our selection of master classes on this topic.
4. Wardrobe with vintage draperies.
Old wardrobe with glass doors can also be turned into retro furniture. You will need a piece of cotton with a floral or checkered pattern, the length of the fabric is equal to the height of the doors, the width is approximately 4 widths glass insert on 1 door.
Cut the fabric into 2 pieces, fold the edges at the top and bottom, and then sew, leaving room for threading the fishing line. Thread a fishing line (or elastic) inside and make a drapery (gather approximately one to two). Repeat this with the bottom. Make a loop from each free edge of the fishing line.
Remove the glass. WITH reverse side Attach furniture nails to the doors (4 for each door) so that the head protrudes slightly. Put on the finished draperies, hooking the loops onto the studs.
What else can be decorated this way? More than 60 photo ideas for inspiration - (in our special issue on this topic).
Now look how easy it is to give a vintage look to familiar things or create retro-style accessories yourself.
5. Vase in a knitted case.
If you know how to knit, you can easily make such a cute decoration for an ordinary glass vase. If not, sew it knitted cover from an old openwork jumper, maybe even a child’s one. It looks especially impressive if the product is knitted from cotton.
For one vase you will only need one sleeve (the second one can be used for another vase, including painting it a different color). If there is a cuff, it must be cut off, being careful not to unravel the sleeve itself.
Cut the sleeve slightly longer than the height of the vase, remove all the cut threads and finish the top edge so that the fabric does not unravel. Unravel the threads from the remaining part of the sleeve and twist them into about a dozen flagella with a knot at the end. Sew the finished flagella to the top edge of the cover and put the cover on the vase.
If you want to enhance the retro charm, find a white jumper and color the finished cover with tea, coffee or cocoa. The result is a delightful, truly vintage shade - ecru or ash pink.
6. A charming tray for the romantics.
Surely you have seen movie characters who have everything “in style” - even a simple tray. What's worse about you? You too can make such an accessory - and believe me, it’s very simple. All you need is a small metal tray.
Find a suitable vintage picture and print it on plain paper. Or select any photo, and then in a graphics editor like Photoshop, set it to “grayscale” or “sepia” mode, and then print it.
Attach the tray, trace, cut, glue - and admire! Perfect option for storing beads and pendants, as well as your favorite perfume - on the dressing table.
If you want to use this tray for serving, cover the picture with varnish.
7. Vintage jewelry display.
Making such a holder for bijou is also easy. Will need a wide wooden frame for a painting (old or new), a piece of plywood to fit the frame (for the inner insert) and the remains of wallpaper with floral motifs.
The frame can be pre-painted in a dark, rich color (blue, green, burgundy, eggplant), and then sanded a little over the paint to give it a “patina of time.”
Paste the wallpaper onto the plywood and strengthen it finished part from the back of the frame. WITH outside mark several points for hooks (in rows or randomly). Attach small hooks or furniture nails so that they stick tightly to the plywood.
Hang your decorations and place the display on your dresser (or hang it on the wall with a picture holder).
- in our other selection of master classes.
8. Plate with a vintage rose.
You will need a simple white plate without a pattern (porcelain, ceramics) and paints for glass-porcelain tableware in the form of felt-tip pens.
Draw sketchy lines representing a rose with a stem. Don't worry about the lack of artistic talent - in in this case It is this slightly “naive” look that is valued (as in children’s drawings).
Important: even if this plate was previously suitable for use in the microwave, now (after applying the design) it cannot be placed there.
9. Candlestick made from an egg holder.
And here you don’t need to do anything at all. All you have to do is find an egg cup made of silver, glass or painted porcelain in a cupboard (or at a flea market).
Turn it over, insert a tall candle, place the arrangement on a beautiful tray - and enjoy the detail of the retro-style serving.
10. “Blooming” watering can-vase.
Take a metal watering can as a base and paint it white. And then glue floral napkins onto the sides and spout of the watering can.
Any flowers are suitable for a vintage style, but spring flowers are best: lilacs, tulips, lilies of the valley. It is advisable to secure the design on top with transparent varnish.
Important: this decor will not last long on outdoors, so use the watering can only for watering indoor plants or as a flower vase.
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Now you know how easy it is to create a vintage interior with your own hands. Let your creativity bring joy and admiration to your guests!
More recently, vintage style has come back into fashion. This design direction means a skillful combination of antique and modern things. Moreover, a vintage interior does not always mean decorating the entire room with vintage or even antique items; you can simply use decor in a vintage style.
Usually those things that were created before the 60s are classified as retro style, those that are younger than 15 years are considered modern. And those items that were made between these dates are considered vintage. But the vintage status of a thing is judged not only by its age: the thing must be original, distinctive and generally look like a work of art.
Of interest is vintage do-it-yourself decor, which will bear the imprint of the personality of its owner. You can make decorative items from previous eras yourself, and it won’t be particularly expensive.
Various garlands and wreaths made of fabric, an organizer for jewelry or decorative elements made of burlap, various artificially aged jars and bottles, old photographs or drawings on aged paper look good.
Preserved children's items are also often used to decorate rooms or individual vintage displays: booties, sandals, dresses, caps, baby vests, etc.
Room decoration
To give the entire room the spirit of the past, they use antique or artificially aged furniture, textiles purchased in antique shops or flea markets, dishes, utensils and other items that have survived several eras. A vintage interior involves not only the use of antiques, but also a certain decoration of the room.
The main idea is to use natural materials:
— natural ceilings(cracks on them are even welcome, but everything should be in moderation; stucco molding at the junction of walls and ceiling also looks good),
- parquet or tile floor (artificially created abrasions, chips and other defects are used),
- natural wallpaper (either Japanese motifs, or floral patterns, or white walls).
It is worth paying attention not to overload the vintage interior with details. The more small ones planned decorative elements, the airier and more spacious the space should be. Functional items should be combined with antique exhibits correctly so that the room does not look like a museum. The main thing is that the room should be convenient and comfortable, and vintage decor only complements the overall decor and gives the room coziness and exclusivity.
It is important not to overload the interior with vintage decor
Decor elements
To give the interior a finished look and uniqueness, separate vintage “corners” or “islands” are often decorated. This design is suitable for any room, as well as for almost all designer styles, with the exception of minimalism and hi-tech style. Paintings, jewelry, postcards, dresses, utensils, dishes, candlesticks, toys, boxes and many other things are used as a means of decoration.
Vintage corner in the bedroom interior
Vintage decor looks cute, elegant and feminine, so it is most often used in bedrooms, kitchens, even bathrooms, but vintage-style decor can also be used in moderation in the living room or hallway area.
Vintage dresses
When designing rooms in the punk glamor style, a dress is often used as a decorative element. Indoors, vintage dresses are used, which are usually hung in the bedroom or simply on the wall, or on a mirror frame, or on a closet door. The main thing is to put such an original dress on display.
If you are the lucky owner of a vintage dress, but don't wear it so that such beauty doesn't go to waste, use it as vintage decor. It is advisable that the dress matches the color general appearance premises.
To complement this bedroom design, you can use accessories: a hat, handbag, jewelry or entire compositions of them.
Vintage dress in the interior
Decorations
Accessories and decorations can also be used as independent vintage decor. Decor dressing table things like this will fill the room with girlish and soulful motifs. If you have antique beads, hairpins, brooches, handbags and wallets, rings, rings, use them as decor in a vintage style.
When composing compositions from jewelry, you can strain your imagination to the fullest: here the principle “good, but not enough” is not appropriate. It is believed that jewelry looks interesting when there are a lot of them.
As ideas for creating compositions, you can consider a jewelry organizer, deliberately open boxes with accessories, jewelry on a tray or on old mannequins that are still preserved in some studios.
Furniture
Furniture can be considered as a means of creating a vintage style in a room. In order not to overload the room, one antique table or dressing table is enough. It is difficult to place anything significant on such small tables, so most often they do not carry a functional load, but become just a decorative element. On the console table you can place compositions of jewelry, an old table lamp or a mirror in a vintage style. This way, all these items will not look lonely, and the composition will look complete.
Small vintage table in the interior
An antique piece of furniture can be used if it fits harmoniously into the interior of the room. You can decorate it with your own hands, using old photographs, pictures, creating artificial scuffs or cracks.
Pictures and photos
Another way to give the interior the spirit of previous eras is through pictures or old photographs. Such vintage decor will be appropriate even in a high-tech style and will add romance to the room if you skillfully select pictures. One, but large painting with a landscape or still life, and several symmetrically located paintings, as well as a whole wall of photographs or old postcards, also look interesting.
The peculiarity of such decorative elements, unlike others, is vintage items is that they do not need to be combined with anything. They look natural on their own.
Mirrors
As an option, you can use vintage mirrors to create a vintage-style mood in the room.
If the mirror is really old, or better yet, with scratches or scuffs, then you can use it in the interior without additional decoration.
Mirrors in artificially aged frames are widely used. You can create a similar vintage decor with your own hands, for example, using the decoupage technique.
When creating a vintage-style interior, it is important not to hang the mirror on the wall, but simply lean it against it. This applies to both floor mirrors and small toilet mirrors.
To prevent the mirror from becoming “bored” in the interior, you definitely need to choose some kind of vintage addition to it: you can use several mirrors in similar frames, you can place some kind of composition, box, table lamp or candlesticks in a vintage style under the mirror.
Dishes
Antique dishes are also considered vintage decor. Plates, clay pots, perfume bottles or apothecary bottles, teapots and even a samovar will look great in a vintage-style kitchen. You can find similar items at flea markets or antique stores. After their restoration, if necessary, you can further decorate them, hiding minor defects. You can also artificially age such things; there are a lot of techniques for this.
Lighting
IN vintage interior You can use lighting that matches the overall mood of the room. For this purpose, old desk lamp, candlesticks or floor lamps.
The lamp is usually a white or light lampshade in the shape of a truncated cone on a massive crystal or metal leg with a complex pattern. You can additionally decorate the lamp by making a lampshade from a child’s skirt or napkin.
