Lark & Lola

I only recently realized how cute rolling pins can be when I saw them gathered together {see my Instagram photo} in a display at A Paris Street Market recently. Ah yes, the rolling pin: a classic timeless kitchen tool. They are certainly at their best, however, when the handles are painted.

So when I thrifted these three vintage {or at least I'm calling them vintage} rolling pins today for a steal at a thrift store, I decided to re-create that old school look.
But first, they needed a bath.

I stopped at the craft store and picked up some Martha Stewart paint in two colors that were popular in the 1940s and 1950s. I chose glossy paint for this project, and the colors are "Habañero" and "Pea Shoot". The green I chose because it was the closest shade to jadite. 

A little painter's tape, worked under the end of the handle, is necessary to keep this project clean and perfect.

I started with a sponge brush, but I forgot that glossy paint shows the most as far as brush strokes. So I switched to a soft paint brush.

I had to use a cotton swab to get paint in the holes. I wanted these rolling pins to look like they were originally painted and real vintage.

A couple coats and some drying time did the trick.

A wax candle rub before and/or a fine grit nail file rub after painting gives it that chippy vintage look.

Regarding chips...

Now, here's the thing--I plan to also coat these with a light coat of glossy Mod Podge to seal the paint. If I only wanted a decorative rolling pin, this would be good enough. But just in case I ever really use these while baking, I don't want any paint to chip off. That said, Mod Podge is NOT considered food-safe. Though it is non-toxic, it is not approved by the FDA as food-safe. However, since the handles are not meant to come into direct contact with food, I'm okay with that. Just use your own discretion before trying this for yourself, is all I'm saying. {Honestly, I think the vintage ones are more likely to actually be chock full of lead.}

You have to admit, this is a lovely upgrade--albeit the simplest of projects--to the formerly drab rolling pins. Did you know rolling pins could even be considered "drab"? Well they can. So...go paint some.

Rolling pins, who knew? They could be painted any color really, to match any kitchen. They would make a great prop or decorative item, as you can see on Pinterest when searching "rolling pins", they are often hung and upcycled. They'd even be an adorable addition to a vintage kitchen gift basket for your mid-century loving friend this Christmas, no?

Alright, that's all I've got today folks.

Cheers,
Heather