Old mossy chimney and a window upgrade

by brae  

Can you call an old window in need of a paint scraper and some elbow grease a window upgrade?  Well, yes, if you are familiar with old splintered die-cut window components.  Ha ha.  This is a Houseworks working window I am using to replace the original Dura-Craft pieces that just could not be saved.  I added wood to the window and to the wall in which it sits to get the proper fit.

I've crackled white paint over a black base for the exterior portions, and the interior has its first coat of Vintage White by Folk Art.  I don't have the glass in yet since I am still working on the interior portion but I popped the main assembly into place to see how the exterior aging worked with the siding.  We have a winner!  :D

In between all the interior planning and various other projects, I've been working on finishing up the chimney.  I first aged it with a wash of black, brown and grey paints.

It darkened the grout and gave a more realistic coloration to the brick.

I painted the inside of the topper black and dry brushed black paint on the top lip and over the upper rows of bricks.  Grandma needs to call the chimney sweep!  :O

Then it was time to apply the moss: Fine Turf, Burnt Grass by Woodland Scenics.  This time I used a glue syringe to apply Aleene's clear gel tacky glue.  It's faster than applying it with a toothpick, especially when working on a larger area.  I don't apply it to all of the grout lines, just here and there, and on some portions of the face of the bricks.  Makes it seem more realistic to me.

I like to use a plastic container to hold the moss as I work since the bag it comes in can make it rather staticky and you can't really pour the excess back into the bag without making a huge mess.  I also work on a sheet of foil to make it easier to catch the excess and put it in the storage container.

Using my fingers to disperse pinches of foam, I apply a liberal amount over the glue.

I press it in with my fingers and let it sit a few seconds before tipping the chimney and letting the excess fall back into the plastic container.  I use a large soft brush to lightly remove the excess.

So far so good!  Once the glue dries completely, I will brush the chimney more vigorously to remove more of the moss material.  The plan is to also taper off the moss toward the top, with only patches here and there.  Have to leave some brickwork exposed after all that work!

I added more moss along the connection with the house to disguise any minor gaps between the siding and the chimney.  Once the chimney is permanently attached, I'll add a bit more moss in the gaps to fill in.  I'm also thinking a dried out old ivy vine would look marvelous!

17 comments

Comment from: Keli [Visitor]
Nice!
11/26/11 @ 17:34
Comment from: Audra [Visitor]
Looking great as always!
11/26/11 @ 18:08
Comment from: Margaret [Visitor]
I love your crackled paintwork and the mossy chimney. I agree an old ivy vine would finish it off beautifully.
11/26/11 @ 19:03
Comment from: cunha [Visitor]
Hello, much better the color of the chimney, and the moss is perfec so real. congratulations very good work.
11/26/11 @ 19:54
Comment from: Victoria [Visitor]
Looking Good!
11/26/11 @ 21:29
Comment from: dale [Visitor]  
I love the moss! It looks so real :)
11/26/11 @ 22:59
Comment from: teresa [Visitor]
WOW! The more I see, the more I am amazed!
11/26/11 @ 23:05
Comment from: Annie Fryd [Visitor]
Brae, I always admire your work. Your details and perfection is amazing :0)
11/27/11 @ 02:05
Comment from: Josje [Visitor]
The chimney is beautiful Brea! Like a jewel for the house.
11/27/11 @ 02:39
Comment from: rosanna [Visitor]
it's incredible how you work and how much I learn all the time. Luv the chimney ! and the window ! actually I am in awe of anything you do. Rosanna
11/27/11 @ 02:46
Comment from: Susi [Visitor]
Me encanta ese detalle¡¡ Quiero ver mas, estoy impaciente. Un beso Susi
11/27/11 @ 05:42
Comment from: Lucille [Visitor]
Beautiful work, Brae! I love the idea of the dried out ivy vine. I find that climbing vines add special character to a house. The window job is perfect.
11/27/11 @ 08:08
Comment from: The Old Maid [Visitor]
Love the window and the moss. Great work!:)
11/27/11 @ 11:26
Comment from: Wanda [Visitor]  
Love the work you are doing. I spent several hours last weekend reading your blog from the beginning. Your chimney is fantastic. Thanks for sharing your wonderful work.
11/27/11 @ 15:24
Comment from: brae [Member]
Thank you, everyone! :D
11/27/11 @ 15:51
Comment from: lataina [Visitor]
Brae, it looks amazing! The chimney really is a work of art. =)
11/27/11 @ 16:01
Comment from: Lyssa [Visitor]
Love it, Pea!! The aging is lovely and the moss is just the right touch. I think some ivy is a must there in the corner where the house and the chimney meet. And some growing over the cellar doors might be nice. In Idaho, there was loads of ivy all over the sides of buildings. I love the way that looks. :) Bravo for another job well done!
11/27/11 @ 22:49


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