Vintage Junk Art Angel
Hi everyone! I’ve been collecting vintage odds and ends for a while now, thinking I’d like to create an angel using quirky, interesting pieces for all the various parts–head, wings, body, etc. You’ve probably seen one or more of these angels flying around the internet. Today I thought I’d share my very first junk angel.
There’s just something so charming about these funky junky creations.
I started with an old picnic basket lid for the backing, estate sale wings, an old hinge I just mentioned in this week’s vintage finds #92, a pair of nippers, and an old red handle.
Lots of good junk to get started with.
First I gave the picnic basket lid a coat of watered down chalk paint (American Deco “Lace”). I wiped off any excess with a rag.
Next, I attached some hanging wire to the back using the method you see above. It’s a good way to secure the wire to the eye screw.
Then I flipped it over to the front and began “building” my angel, starting with my new hinge for the head. The saying, “the better angels of our nature” is a phrase Lincoln used in a speech referring to the better “side” or “part” of human nature. Its a sentiment I’ve always admired and so was glad to use here. It reminds me (when I’m cranky or judgmental or frustrated or pig-headed) that I must lean on my better part or “the better angel of my nature” to do the right thing.
Next, I added my estate sale wings and the red handle for the torso, topped with an old pin for decoration, using hot glue to adhere everything.
I added the “believe” charm for its color and its sentiment.
Finally I attached the nippers (for legs) and made a pretty skirt out of some wide, translucent ribbon and a bit of lace.
I typed out my Lincoln quote on some vintage paper, using the “vintage typewriter” font and edge it with some Tim Holtz Distress Ink. Another way to distress is to dip a cotton swab in some stain and run it around the edges until you get the look you want. That’s what I would use if I hadn’t found Distress Ink at a garage sale for cheap(!).
I’m not sure that her proportions are exactly right, but I think she’s kinda cute. What do you think?
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Thanks so much for the feature, Donna!
Thanks so much for the feature, Pamela!
Bye for now,
Linking up with these great parties:
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DIY Sunday Showcase
Funky Junk Interiors
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Vintage Inspiration Party
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Diana, you are so clever, and the angle is adorable. I guess I need to start digging deeper at the junk’n store. Jo
Thanks Jo! Happy digging 🙂
Cute! I saw one made using old rakes as the angels wings! The wings are the challenge!
Love that idea–
I love your angel. The sentiment is one I have always enjoyed, probably because I need to revisit it now and again. Thank you for a wonderful start to my day!
I’m so glad you like it–both the angel and the sentiment 🙂
I love angels especially ones made from junk. She is lovely.
Thanks Sharon!
Oh, how sweet she is! Love what you did with your odds ‘n ends!
Thanks Mary Ann, you’re a sweetie 🙂
I love her! I’ve been collecting odds and ends/parts and pieces to try and make a cute little “robot”. I like the angels I see too though so may try that.
Tania
Another great idea, Tania 🙂
Oh, I love Angels and she is beautiful ! How creative you are?
Thanks so much Gert!!
How have I missed these in blogland? She’s darling! What luck finding a pair of actual wings at an estate sale! I never would have thought of using that hinge as the head, you are so creative! And the sentiment is perfect:)
xoKathleen
LOL. Yes, the wings were certainly a bonus. You leave such lovely comments, Kathleen; thank you 🙂
Sooooo cute. I love to collect angels especially when they are made out of old treasured pieces. This one is great.
Happy Friday and have a wonderful week end.
Kris
Thanks so much Kris–hope your week-end is grand 🙂
Very interesting and unusual angel. A small comment ..is the pearl at her waist necessary?
Smiles
Like many girls, I believe pearls are ALWAYS necessary 🙂
I collect junk art angels and love your creation. She is a strong angel – not one of those prissy ones. She needs a strong Teutonic name.
Oh my, I think you’re right; she is strong. What shall we name her? [Your teacher-liness is coming out. I have to look up Teutonic. Could it be related to the earth’s crust? No, that’s “tectonic.” Hmm. Must be something strong.}
Cool stuff!
Thanks Tom!
I LOVE her! What an imagination you have to be able to put together all these odds and ends and come up with a creation like this. Love the picnic basket lid! Great job.
That means so much coming from you, Betsy–the Queen of junk-turned-something-gorgeous. Thanks so much!
You are so creative. That hinge made a perfect head. Cute as can be.
How very creative and cute! Though I collect vintage treasures I’ve not taken the time to get crafty with them. It’s fun seeing what can be made with ordinary items!
I have a soft spot for Vintage Junk Angels. Oh Diana, I just adore the one you made!
Hi Diana! 🙂
Wow, this is so pretty! You are so creative!
ps…America is a Teutonic name! And it goes along with your Lincoln quote! 🙂
Kimberley
Well isn’t she cute? The wings are just perfect and such a clever use of the pliers! Love her!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Hello Diana!
What a great project! Love the softness of the skirt mixed in with the metal pieces. The Lincoln sentiment adds a very thoughtful touch. Well done!
Catherine
I love this project! It turned out beautifully.