You asked for advice on cleaning the oil painting: the best home method would be to mix up a solution of Murphy's Oil Soap and warm water, then use a good quality cotton ball to clean the background. Do not saturate the painting. Instead, wet the cotton and gently squeeze out much of the cleaning solution. Use a *gentle* swirling motion. When one side becomes soiled, change it. It's kind of like washing a floor: you don't want to be cleaning with a dirty mop! For the faces and other fine details, use cotton swabs and use the same *gentle* motion, but use much smaller circular motions. Rotate the swab whenever the tip becomes soiled so you're using a clean part. While cleaning the painting, make sure the underside is supported so you don't stretch the canvas. I cannot overemphasize how gentle you must be. If you scrub it, you risk removing some of the paint via flaking. Also, test your Murphy's oil soap and water mixture in one place first, preferably in the dark background area which may be hidden by a frame. If you notice any paint disruption, do not attempt to clean the painting any further, you'll need to seek the assistance of a professional. It doesn't appear to me that this painting has a varnish layer. Many times, it's the varnish layer on old paintings that becomes yellowed and dingy looking. But I can't say definitively whether this painting has varnish because of the limitations of video. Only a professional should remove the varnish layer. I would say that this painting may benefit from a varnish layer because this makes the paint colors appear more vibrant and it protects the painting. If you decide you want that, let a pro do it. When you do frame the painting, make sure you hang it in a place where natural light never reaches it, and the temperature and humidity levels are fairly constant. Try not to burn candles in the same room as the painting, as the soot will build up on it over time. Soy candles would be a good alternative if you really want to place a candle near the painting. Taking these preventative steps will ensure the painting won't degrade. I suspect this painting is a copy of an original oil, executed by an art student; this is a common thing, as it helps them learn technique and composition. If you take a photograph of the painting and then use Google Image search, you may be able to find the name of the original artist and the title of the painting. That's my best advice!
Good morning friends! Today is an extra special visit with a delicious thrift and style haul, a wonderful new guest Miss Karrie from Cottage Diaries who will thrift & style with us as well, and lastly the exciting news that we have opened an online cottage decor shop on Etsy for your shopping pleasure! Enjoy!
Oh Miss Rachel!!! Another master class on curating, and instructions on the proper size for a lampshade too‼ It doesnt get any better then this. I absolutely love EVERYTHING you do. God Bless you and Matt.❤❤
Good morning! Blue & white is a favorite combination of mine, too! Next up is the kitchen remodel series, so the bedroom will have to wait until next year. It will be fun to plan!
Have you thought of doing a German Schmear technique on your fire place wall? Or even doing a lighter grout between the bricks? It would look amazing and be totally English Cottage! I just love that you quilt! I have amazing quilts from estate sales but I've always wanted to make one myself!
Good evening, Miss Jennifer! I did look into the German Schmear and various other lime-washing techniques, but we came away loving the natural color and texture of the brick we have the way it is. I fell in love with quilting in 2018 and have been quilting ever since! You should give it a try! My favorite quilting You Tuber is Jenny Doan of the Missouri Star quilting Co.
Great to see you again today, Rachel! My favorite is the little print of Beatrix Potter's cottage! I visited your Etsy shop and purchased something immediately, something I loved when you showed it in a video at one time.
First, I love that this is a long video!! Your finds are all so beautiful, especially the prints of the cottages. And that wall shelf~I like how you’ve styled your fat quarters. I’ve never quilted. I used to make everything I wore, and I knit and crochet. Maybe I need to try quilting! You are definitely a teacher and after seeing measurements for picking shades, your way finally makes sense. Something I can even eyeball. Those hanging lamps remind me of my mother’s Early American style, which I still love. Just love your channel, Rachel!♥️
Mrs. Rachel, lovely finds..Love the blue and white lamp.The beautiful art of the cottages was a wonderful addition to your collection. I hope your new esty shop does well.Thank you again for sharing. May God bless you and your family.
Was just at Beatrix Potter's home! It's just as charming in person as in the print. It overlooks her walled garden which is the inspiration for Mr. McGreggor's garden in Peter Rabbit. Love the lamps.
Wow those lamps are gorgeous! Beautiful artwork too. I have been antiquing and thrifing for years but in my area very hard to find items like these for good prices- you can buy new things for less!
Rachel! That painting! It’s so beautiful! I’d probably have to hang it up just like it is! You are so sweet and calming. Thank you for sharing your beautiful finds!
My sister is a quilter, she is awesome. I’m blessed to have baby quilts for both of my children (now adults) and a king size quilt for my husband and me. I would love to have her talent.
Thank you for the tip on measuring the correct size lamp shade! I have been struggling with this one for years. Too big, too small, I could never seem to get it right. I always enjoy your videos!
Good afternoon, Ms. Rachel! What a treasure trove you have shared with us! I adore your bedroom & dining room lamps. Looking forward to your kitchen makeover reveal! Congratulations on your Etsy shop. I am following your store. Thank you for inspiring and sharing. ❤ Bobbie.
So happy to see you again, Rachel! Such beautiful items you purchased in this shopping haul, especially the alabaster lamps! I can't wait to see them dressed in their new blue and white lampshades! I've seen the pleated shades you've made in the past, and I KNOW these will turn out beautifully! Congratulations on your new Etsy store! As soon as I finish typing this comment, I am headed over there! Looking forward to your kitchen reveal! ♥♥♥
Hello, Miss Lori! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I love the lamps, too, and have been hunting just the right fabric for them. Thanks for taking the time to check out the shop! I'm also really excited to start sharing the process for the kitchen transformation. Have a lovely weekend!
Just loved this video. So many wonderful things. The lamp for the buffet was my favorite along with that sugar bowl. Thank you what a pleasure it was to view your video.
Friday Fun with you Rachel! I get so excited to watch your videos, I save them for late afternoon, just before dinner time! A treasure....Speaking of, I love the art you found! My favorite is the needlepoint pillow, I am always looking for needlepoint, especially older pieces. My absolute favorite part of you is patience, you budget, wait, and plan. It teaches, and speaks to so many how to search, anticipate, and even search again. Thank you Dear Lady, and most congratulations to the Etsy store! It's going to be a hit! 🥰 Lina
Good evening, Miss Lina! Thank you for the kind words of encouragement! I'm glad you are inspired by our channel and appreciate the well wishes for the shop!
Oh Rachel, what a beautiful Haul!💕💕💕💕 I can't just choose one! They all are SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I LOVED how you styled your finds!! It always gets my wheels spinning! Congratulations on your New Etsy Shop!! How very exciting! 🤗. PS. I am drooling over those Equestrian 🐎🏇🏻 Art Work!! I'm obsessed with them and have found 4 of them for my Home! I just can't get enough of them! 😀 Happy Weekend!! 😘💕
Hello, Miss Trudy! I appreciate your kind words of encouragement! I'm with you, the English equestrian art gets me too. Your home is lovely and so cozy, I enjoy seeing what you do on Instagram. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend too!
I LOVE my little brown embroidered pillow from your Etsy shop - and your house! From the moment you put your hand on that pillow in the thrift store, I loved it! I have the same design on a smaller, green door-hanger pillow, and always regretted I didn't buy more. So, I am thrilled to have this pillow - it is on a wing chair in my dining room! Thanks!
Rachel, I love ALL of your finds! It's hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to with this video it would be the alabaster lamps and especially the blue one in the dining room!!! 🥰
Hello friend! You do have such a knack for finding great treasures. Your Etsy shop will be a great addition. I saw that you already have orders!!! Congratulations. 🥳
I was so happy to see your smiling face today, you have been missed! Such a plethora of goodies you have found! I love the oil painting. It’s really hard to pick a favorite since they are all exquisite! I have one of the hunting prints but shaped oblong. Looking forward to your next room reveal, I know you and Matt have been working hard. Take care and blessings to you both ❤️
Thank you, Miss Sharon! I'm glad you enjoyed your visit, and yes, we are wrapping up the kitchen remodel (we've had material supply issues, plus we just got back from vacation). I'm excited to begin sharing our English country kitchen soon! Thanks for visiting today, and have a great weekend!
Such pretty finds! I think everyone around me goes to the thrift store because I rarely find anything nice. I will have to check out your shop! I have no experience cleaning oil paintings myself but I do know a lot of the discoloration is old varnish. A conservator tests the varnish to know the correct solvent to use to remove it so I would be cautious about doing it yourself. Certainly worth cleaning though, I think the end result will be amazing. I paint with acrylics which is entirely different from oils and don't have the issue of varnish discoloration. Yes, I am also a quilter and have for many years. Although it tends to be a winter hobby for me unless I am making a quilt as a gift for someone. Otherwise if the weather is nice, I'm out in the garden. 😊 Thank you for the lovely videos as always.
The old oil painting is beautiful but loved it all. I am also a quilter Rachel. It is my favorite thing to do in the autumn and winter months. The quilt you are working on is lovely.
It all looks so beautiful Rachel. When everything is done your home should be showcased in a magazine. I agree it takes time and patience to find the right pieces. On Tuesday I'm picking up an antique sewing cabinet that doubles as a side table. I have been searching for years but they're so insanely expensive. As I'm watching this episode I'm handsewing a hexagon square quilt, I'm on number 19 and handsewing it together as I go. Every scrap of material, wading and thread has been sourced from Op shops. Congratulations on your Etsy store, I hope it goes really well. I started mine last year and I love it. It can be hard work and also nerve wracking when shipping delicates but it's so much fun. I'll give yours a follow. Hugs Liana 🤗 xx
Good afternoon, Miss Liana! Thank you for your kind words about our home, we are grateful for all the Lord has blessed us with. Your quilt sounds lovely, and I'm sure it will become a treasured work of art in your home. Thanks for following the Etsy shop, I'm really enjoying seeing it grow. Have a lovely evening! 🌷
It is always such a pleasure to see you again. I enjoyed seeing your finds and how you have used them in your decor. What fun! I am on my way to your shop now. Yay🎉
There's amazing Art Restoration Specialists out there. Do a lot of research because it may be valuable. Just that it's old makes it valuable to me;) great find!
Hi my dad was a painter and he always told me to clean an oil painting with a patato, you cut a patato in two and the wet side you slide on the painting and it will take a lot of dirt of it greatings from Belgium
So proud of your process of careful choices. You mentioned changing the color of your equestrian art mats. May I suggest painting them? I have done that many times through the years. Some paints are waterier and can cause wrinkling. Using chalk paint is definitely easy on the paper mats. It can be pricey, but sometimes you can even find them at thrift stores. Good luck with your new store! Looks great!
Such lovely finds. The pillow and lamps are my favorite. You may want to thrift some finials for the top of the lamp shades to help them stay straight. There are some very beautiful ones out there. I have some similar pillows to the one you chose and I just love them. They are very soft and cozy looking.
Miss Rachel, thank you for another delightful video. Always so inspiring to see what you’ve thrifted and how you’ve added the items to your beautifully curated home. Congratulations on your new Etsy Shop!! I’ve already added you to my favorites and will be sure to browse and shop often. Good luck!
Good evening, Miss Patricia! I'm glad you're enjoying your visits. Thanks for the congrats on the shop, it's a fun new venture. Have a lovely evening. 🌷
Oh Rachel, so many lovely things in this video! First, congrats on your Etsy shop! The lamps are perfect! I can’t wait to see the kitchen transformation. Your decor styling is inspiring…you give me good ideas to showcase a special piece, rather than over-styling with too many items. (My current challenge.🤪) I always love to get a peek of your quilts as well.❤️
Yay, I'm glad you enjoyed the video, Miss Courtney! The kitchen is coming along nicely! We've had recent delays with supplies and shipping, but we're getting close. English country kitchen remodel series coming soon! I've loved quilting ever since giving it a try in 2018 ~ such fun to "play" with fabrics, then give away a treasure!
I so look forward to your videos. Your beautiful soft voice and your lovely home inspire me to change things up and continue my passion for vintage treasures. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! We are working hard on the final stages of the English kitchen remodel (we've had supply and shipping issues causing delays). Coming soon!
Rachel...such wonderful items you were able to thrift! But my favorites are that old canvas painting and those lovely alabaster lamps! And THANK YOU for the timely advice on knowing the correct shade size! I just thrifted a bouillotte-style lamp, but it needs a new shade and I was trying to figure out how I'd calculate for the size. So, thank you a bunch! 💖
Rachel, I always look forward to your newest video. How exciting to be opening an Etsy store. You have such lovely taste. Thank you for sharing your gift for finding beautiful items with us :)
Hello, how are you? I’m loving all your goodies. How much fun it would be to shop with you. My Mother in Law used to go to every estate sale when she lived here. I have so many precious items because she changed out many items in her home, then I would get them 💕. Take care ~ Janet 😘
I'm doing well, Miss Janet! Thanks for stopping by today. It sounds like you had quite the nice arrangement with your Mother-in-law! Have a lovely weekend.
Dreamy finds as usual, your home is really coming together magically and wonderfully. Im selfish though:-)))) Im hoping to see the kitchen reveal very soon:-)) Cant wait; xx
Haha! Well, your wish is about to come true! We are wrapping up the final details. Due to supply & shipping issues, we've been delayed for weeks. But as this will be a remodel series, part one is coming soon! 😁
Rachel, I really love this post. I never knew how to measure for the right lampshade, so thanks for that. Jumped on your Etsy store right away and was able to purchase the antique lamp. I am so excited! And it has already shipped! ❤ Thank you so much!
The problem with me thrifting is, I would see potencial in too many things. So I kept my hands literally in my pockets and this helped me not to buy too many things. And for those small prices I tend to make excuses to myself. If I had a wall full of nice pictures like you do, before I know it the next wall will be full as well. Because the next time I’m in a thrift store I am bound to see something even better. 😂
This was a fun video. I loved all of your finds. Those lamps!! Did you know that u can paint mats in a picture frame. Just take it out and paint it and let dry. I would use a matte paint. You can practice on one you don;t want to keep.
The written out poem at 14:48 is the last and 3rd stance from the poem: ~ Flower Chorus ~ by Ralph Waldo Emerson. "O the pretty brave things, thro' the coldest days Imprisoned in walls of brown, They never lost heart tho' the blast shrieked loud, And the sleet and the hail came down; But patiently each wrought her wonderful dress, Or fashioned her beautiful crown, And now they are coming to lighten the world Still shadowed by winter's frown. And well may they cheerily laugh "Ha! ha!" In laughter sweet and low, T millions of flowers under the ground, Yes, millions beginning to grow." So sweet and hopeful.
I love your videos. I'm so glad you have a esty shop. I can't find frosted glass for pictures away where I live, St Louis mo. I can't find good anitques here. You find some great things.
Glad you enjoyed the decor styling, hopefully you found some useful inspiration. I'm loving the alabaster lamps too! Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely weekend!
The china looks so much like calyxware in the Singapore bird pattern, but it’s not aqua. Similar pattern! I’ve only a few pieces but they’re so charming
I look forward to your videos. I love all you found. I love your antique picture too. I think you found a pretty valuable piece. I don't know if you watch Dr. Lori on RU-vid but she could give you an appraisal. She's very knowledgeable. I love your lamps you bought too. Thank you for sharing.
It's 2 a.m., I can't sleep and I was so happy to see your video. I didn't want it to end and I wish we had thrift shops in my area with as many items as you find. I was also happy to see your Etsy shop. I went right over and purchased the Vintage French Girl that will look very nice in my bedroom. Can't wait for the kitchen remodel reveal!
Good evening! Thank you for supporting our new little shop on Etsy! Your French art print shipped out today. We are finally to the end of the remodel (started one year ago!). We've had some supply and shipping issues, but finally have the last bit of materials on the way. I'm excited to share this kitchen remodel series, too!
You have a great eye, and access to some beautiful thrifted decor. I am also slowly curating art for my dining room wall, you found some great things. I now need to search out a print of Beatrix Potter's cottage, I am such a Potter fan and have a corner in one of my guest rooms dedicated to all things Potter. Thanks for the inspo. Oh,and that red, toile lamp shade is everything.
I have an alabaster lamp that is similar to the smaller lamp you picked up. I thrifted it five or six years ago for 6.00! Can you believe that? They are gorgeous little lamps though aren't they?
We have a programme here in the UK called Fake or Fortune. They investigate oil paintings to find out whether they're fake or real. Apart from being a really interesting programme, they very often clean the paintings before investigating. Please watch if only to pick up tips on how to clean them (they often use cotton buds) its a bbc programme but I'm sure it's probably on RU-vid somewhere. Love the channel and your sweet nature.
