Jules Belin

Here is the sign I wanted to post about yesterday, but unfortunately it took me two days to finish it.  I can't begin to do a tutorial on this because it would make us all crazy.  Let's just say I did not have to purchase any stencils to get it done because I had everything on hand.  Yeah, I know.  I'm a little crazy.  However, some of these stencils I have had for at least 10 to 12 years.  I made several mistakes doing the layering of this sign.  It is about 5 feet wide and even though I am very experienced at painting signs on cabinet doors, it never occurred to me that the knob, which I wanted to keep, wasn't centered.  Duh!  Oh well.  My lettering isn't totally level either because by this morning I was starting to freehand a few things like the Old English lettering at the top and the brandy at the bottom is off a little too.  I will tell you though, I do love the finished product.  I always intend for my signs to look hand done, aged, and, of course, they are all one of a kinds.

Another thing I should mention is that I sell a lot of old authentic advertising signs and displays and I shy away from tobacco and alcohol related items.  I don't like to encourage vices in people.  No judgment here.  I have plenty of my own vices and my husband would say blogging is at the top of the list.   That said, I was looking for inspiration to do some layering of images and typography, and this one captured my attention the moment I saw it.  So I stayed true to the subject matter.  Besides, it's French and who can resist a Frenchman?

I was looking for layered inspiration and this vintage label delivered in spades.  

 You can totally tell my Old English printing is freehand.  I finally taped it off to keep it level.  It was hard to keep the word brandy level because I was working right up against the frame.  I also freehanded the bell. 

 Here is a blurry picture of what inspired me.  Yep, this is all I could see.  I researched this on the internet and found a modern version of the label to help me get the wording correct.  In case you are wondering it is from the 2012 3rd edition of Jeanne d' Arc Living Magazine.

 I used a magnifying glass to make out the words so I could research the label and hopefully find a copy on the internet, but I did not find an exact match.  I still love my sign.  I guess you could say it was a copy cat challenge of sorts. 

Thanks so much for visiting.  I love it when you drop by.

 One last thing.  Here is the door before I went to work on the transformation.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

I'm partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs        The Graphics Fairy     Metamorphosis Monday
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                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    Fishtail Cottage
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                                    The Charm of Home    Decorating Insanity   Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           It's Overflowing