Thursday, February 21, 2013

New Project!

I found this funky little gem on Craigslist and immediately fell in love with it. I have sooo... many ideas for this piece! Stay posted for updates :)
 
 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Charmingly Shabby Farmer Style Side Table

Between the start of football season (Go Noles!), intolerable summer heat and my son's blossoming social calendar I have finally found a moment to share the how-to's on my side table.  Thank you for being so patient!

If you recall my initial blog with this table, I sanded the entire piece and then stained the table top a wonderfully rich walnut hue.  After that I painted the rest of the table in Bakery Box White.  I love this white, but unfortunately it wasn't working for this bulky side table. It was way too bright.

 I then decided to take my Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paint in Vanilla Bean and apply it to the legs with a DRY paintbrush. The absolute BEST brown hue to apply for manipulating a weathered look, and by using a dry brush it gives the effect of scratches and general shabby wear-and-tear.  I let the table dry for a day, and then applied another coat of the Bakery Box White.  Once again it looked like this table could glow-in-the-dark.  I found myself sanding the table with a fine-grit sandpaper.  Not to take the paint entirely off, but to try and dull down the white and let the Vanilla Bean pull through.



After Vanilla Bean & Bakery Box White Coat





















After a few days and many paint trials, I finally found my perfect white hue: Martha Stewart's Gull.  This is a warmer white that paired nicely with the walnut-top finish.  After coating the table with the Gull, I still felt that it was just too much white.  The legs of the table are so solid and bulky!  Again I found myself dry-brushing the Vanilla Bean onto the legs, and then wiping the wet paint with a rag.  This gave the table dimension, it broke the Gull up nicely. After I gave the table a few days to dry, I used a fine-grit sand paper to soften up the Vanilla Bean smears.  I still was unsatisfied. 


After Vanilla Bean & 2:1 Gull Mixture
I had an idea to water down the Gull paint.  I did a 2:1 paint to water mixture and applied it to the legs.  This cloudy mixture provided a sheer, cloudy hue to the table.  I immediately wiped down the paint mixture with a rag as soon as I applied it to the legs.  This helped the mixture blend with the Vanilla Bean.  After a couple days of drying, I was finally liking the look to the side table.

After Applying & Wiping Walnut Stain


Of course I could have stopped there, but I decided to try another new application.  I took the walnut stained and applied it to the legs.  I immediately wiped the stain with a rag as soon as I applied it.  By doing so, this takes a majority of the stain off and leaves you with a lighter stain. 

After Applying & Wiping Walnut Stain






















I let the table dry for for a day, and then I decided to apply the 2:1 paint/water mixture on the table again.  I let the table dry for a few more days before I did a final sand.  I used a fine-grit sandpaper for the table top and the legs.  FINALLY.  The table was finished!

 One of the perks of creating shabby pieces is that you can never really mess up a project.  Don't hesitate with trying a new process or application.  Keep in mind that if you are unsatisfied with a color or stain you can always sand and start again!


























Thursday, September 13, 2012

Lettered Wall Art

I recently created these framed pieces for out sons room.  This was a simple project that turned out absolutely adorable! All what you need is a frame, fabric, hot glue gun and the letter of your choice! Voila! Lettered wall art perfect for a nursery, entryway, above the mantle.....so many possibilities!







 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Sand, sand, sand...and sand again

Beautiful day for painting and sanding! I'm loving this new paint color-- Martha Stewart Living in Gull. I thought it would be more of a gray tone, but it actually looks warmer on this table. Similar to a French vanilla hue...


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Summer Make-Over

Cheap Glass Candle Holders combined with Martha Stewart Craft Paint equals Fabulous, Summer Chic Decor!
It took me a day to transform these boring candle holders into an eye catching home accessory.  I applied two coats of a turquoise Martha Stewart Craft paint to achieve vibrant turquoise color.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Latest Project!

I've been searching for an end table just like this! I'm foreseeing a lovely country chic farmhouse style make over in its near future.  Now, let the sanding begin!

Below is a photo of the table after a day and a half of sanding.  I used a 400 grit sand paper to get the finish completely off.
  


After sanding, I applied one coat of stain to the table top. I love the look of a dark walnut stain!  You can find wood stains at any craft or home improvement stores.  I picked my walnut stain up from Michael's for about eight dollars.  You will also need brushes specifically for stains or disposable foam brushes.  I opt for the foam brushes because they come in an array of sizes and are significantly inexpensive.  You can only use a  foam brush once so remember to purchase more than one!

When staining, it is extremely important that you apply the stain evenly with the grain of the wood.  Failure to go with the grain will result in a streaky mess. Apply even coats with the grain. Once again, with the grain.  Here is a photo of the stained table top: