For someone who loves architectural salvage so much, I don’t work with it often enough. Sure, I’ve created a few projects in the past, but far fewer than those using, say…thrift store finds. So, I’m here to add another architectural salvage project to my collection. And this time, I’m using some porch brackets that I spied at Maliasmark’s booth during a local vintage market.
I acquired four of the porch brackets from her, each one in slightly different well-loved condition.
I knew right away that I wanted to upcycle them in a way that could be used as architectural wall art.
And I decided to incorporate this flower medallion I found at the thrift store, as well!
Once I had collected all the elements of my vision, it was time for a makeover on each!
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Rescuing the Porch Brackets
So, here’s what I plan on doing with the porch brackets…
But, because the pieces of architectural salvage were a little rough here and there (like they had been glued to something and then ripped off), I had to take a few steps back before I could move forward with my idea.
What do I mean by that?
First, I needed to sand them a bit and repaint them the same shade of white. So, that’s what I did- using my orbital sander to remove the rough patches and slivers-waiting-to-happen.
Next, I applied a little white spray paint to give them a brighter and more uniform appearance.
While the porch brackets dried, I moved onto that flower medallion. It was vintage by Syroco and fit perfectly in the center.
I just wasn’t crazy about the gold. Instead, I wanted it to look like oxidized copper.
First, I painted the medallion in a Statue of Liberty-esque green, the same color I used in my DIY cork board project.
Faking the Look of Green Patina on Copper
Once the green paint had dried, I used this shade of Rub n’ Buff to add touches of copper over the green.
Just a scant amount of metallic wax on my fingertip was all it took. Doesn’t that look fantastic?
When I was done, I had a faux finish of green patina on copper, which is EXACTLY what I was going for.
Now it was time to put all my architectural wall art together!
There were various ways to do this: glue, mending plates, or screwing in thin pieces of wood behind the architectural salvage.
Ultimately, I used a combination of super glue and wood connectors behind the porch brackets to hold them together.
And a little super glue under the medallion, placed right in the middle.
Architectural Wall Art from Porch Brackets
That was it! My architectural wall decor from porch brackets was all done.
I love how it turned out! From creating a circle with the porch brackets to the green patina on the gold medallion.
Architectural salvage like this is MEANT to become architectural wall art, don’t you think?
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Guess what? Today is also Thrift Store Decor Team day, which means the best repurposing bloggers around all have new upcycled projects today. Click on the links beneath the collage to see how each project turned out!
1. Thrift Store Basket Refresh
2. Copper and Burgandy Mercury Glass
3. DIY Wall Art from Repurposed Architectural Salvage (that’s me, you’re already here!)
4. Repurposed Vintage Snack Set
5. Small Footstool Makeover for Camper
*****
And if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for architectural salvage, then you’ll love these bookends I created with wooden finials, as well!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Reminds me of a ship’s wheel…you have an incredible imagination…love it
It reminded me of that, too!! Thank you so very much!
Mmmm! My first idea was to darken that gold medallion with Judea bitumen, but I like it this way too!
Oooh, I’m not familiar with Judea bitumen!!
Just as a reference, if you are curious ? It’s one if my favourite resources! https://www.amazon.co.uk/BORMA-WACHS-Bitumen-Judea-1000-ml/dp/B01CNIP6KK
Good crafting!
Wow!!! I just never would have seen that in that pile of stuff poking out of the Pepsi crate. LOVE your vision!
Thank you so, so much!!
Absolutely gorgeous! I love the color of the medallion in the middle and the bronze accents wow! Awesome job Sarah ❤️
Thank you so much!! Now I want to make EVERYTHING look like oxidized copper, LOL.
Hello!
What are “wood connectors”?
Front looks great, but please show us the back.
Love your blog… A LOT! Always something fun here.
Thank you,
Susan.
Hi, Susan- I’m currently in Hurricane Florence prep mode so I can’t really take more photos right now. Imagine a paint stirrer stick cut into small pieces, like 2″ long? That’s what’s behind the straight edges of my piece. Either glued or screwed in. Hope this helps!
This turned out so beautiful, you always have the best projects!
Aww, thank you so much, Kristin!
Neat upcycle!!
Thank you, Shay!
OHHH! I LOVE IT!!!!! Now I want one!!!!
Hahaha, thank you so much, Rose!
Sarah, What an amazing, and one of a kind wall decoration, it’s really pretty! I love Rub-n-Buff too, it really transforms things with ease.
Thank you so much!
This is so cool! I’ve seen ginger bread trim before but never thought of using it that way. Very clever! Love it! I see you had a pretty little helper to show off your project.
He always has to play a part in “helping”, LOL! Thanks, Linda!
Great find! I love the rubnbuff! Pinned it!
Thank you, Debbie!
You’re so clever and creative Sarah! I would never have thought to put the architectural pieces into a circle. Love the medallion for the center. Who doesn’t LOVE rub-n-buff?
sooo pretty!
pinned
Why did I wait so long to try Rub n’ Buff??? And thank you!
What a fun transformation! I love the finish you did on that medallion.
Thank you so much, Maryann!
Love it!!
Thanks, Nancy!
This is so cool! Would be a perfect at our beach cottage!
Thank you so much!
Love this idea!! Great job!!
Hugs,
Debbie