Updated Sideboard - Back to the Future

It was 1999 and I had just bought a new home. It was the first time that I had purchased a home that was all mine. It was also the first time I had purchased a dining room set. I loved that set and was so happy with it for many years. Unfortunately it became more outdated as the years past and two years ago I decided to refinish the table to extend it use a little longer. I found the instruction on pinterest and followed them to the tee. It was my first painted furniture project and honestly it was not the best but it lasted two years. I just threw it out last week, the chairs went out a year ago. The table's design was outdated so I didn't hesitate to throw it out but the matching sideboard had (has) more modern lines and even through there is a glass insert I decided to restore it. 
 

I mixed my own chalk paint and finished it with rub on wax (a little dark mixed into the clear). 

I spray also painted the hardware and found three knobs at the HomeDepot on sale for .89 each. 

I love it!

Thanks for visiting,

 

$25 Dining Room Table - Seats Six

I found this table back in early winter at the local thrift store. It was priced at $35. I walked away. Then I came back....three more times. I wasn't returning to the store for the table but each time I came back I walked to the furniture section to see if it was still there. There was something about the line of the legs that I really liked but the oval shape seemed dated. I caved and offered $25 ("come on...it's been here all week") and obviously I got it. It sat in my basement for months. My original intent was to finish and sell. Then one day out of the blue I decided to bring it upstairs into my dining room to see how it looked. I actually got sick of the old table that was there and put it out on the curb for special pick-up and needed a place to eat.

As I have said before, I have to live with a piece of furniture before I really know what I want to do with it. Sort of an artistic analysis. So I broke it down...

Cons: the wood did not match the chairs and it was oval (outdated?) and damaged.

Pros: It was wood, it fit the space, it came with a leaf, I still loved the line of the legs and it served the purpose (we had a place to eat)

I search various furniture blogs, pinterest, and popular high-end online stores. I was inspired....

I decided to paint the legs and base an off-white and the top a rich brown to match the chairs. 

I mixed a couple of chalk paints to make the creamy off-white color and gave it three coats. I topped it with a soft clear wax mixed with a dark wax to tone it down. (ASCP used)

I sanded the top and started with Varathane in Kona (1 coat) followed by about three coats of Dark Walnut.

I sealed the top with three coats of Polyacrylic. I wanted a very durable surface for everyday use and love polyacrylic for its durability. 

 

 And here is the finished product...with a leaf!

Thanks for Visiting,

UPDATE - MAY 22, 2013
FEATURED ON SAVING 4 SIX, THINK TANK THURSDAY 

UPDATE - MAY 24, 2013

FEATURED ON OPC'S THE BETTER HALF, THE HUMBLE BRAG LINKY PARTY!!

UPDATE - JUNE 4, 2013

FEATURED ON ROMANCE ON A DIME's TAKE IT ON TUESDAY BLOG HOP #80!!! 

 

Pink & White Desk

Remember the Striped Chair? 

Well here is the completed matching desk. 

 

This project has taken a long time to complete. Partly because I have just not had enough time in each day and also because it was so important to get the desk top wood just right. I wanted to modernize the desk while keeping it's aged charm. Also, it's for Lucy so it had to be perfect.

This desk was definitely used...A LOT, and the wood was worn in all the right places.

 

I chose white for the base to enhance the richness of the wood even more. 

The pink accents gives it that playful-girly side, just like Lucy.

Ok, back to the desk...

Isn't she pretty?

(Lucy & the Desk)

Thanks for visiting,

Repurpose Series #1 (Charger to Signage)

I have decided to start a series of posts dedicated to items that are repurposed.  I just love turning something into something else. It really keeps my brain moving and more importantly allows me to live Green. Recently I found a stack of chargers for $1 each and bought several.  I forgot to take a photo of the charger pre-redo but here is what it looked like (excepted it was scratched up).

The first thing I did was spray paint the top with a primer.

The next step was to paint the edge with light blue followed by a light spray of looking glass spray paint and then a light green spray paint. I painted the center with chalkboard paint and added interested with specks of the light blue paint by dabbing on with a dry brush. I completed the center with a happy message using liquid chalk. Unfortunately I did not photograph any of those steps. Sorry :(. But here is the final product.

 

 Thanks for visiting,

Arles Nightstand

One Man's Trash.....

A few months ago I found this little nightstand at the local thrift store. I was with a friend who spotted it first but kept walking because she felt it was priced to high ($10). She felt it was too beat up and even tried to barter without luck. I figured "what the heck", at the very least I can practice my ASCP skills without regrets and home we went (me, my friend and the nightstand).

I had recently purchase ASCP in Arles to refinish a little rocker for Lucy (HERE) and had a lot left over so the color choice was made. Sorry, I only took one (pretty bad) photograph before sanding and staining.

I did a very light sanding to bring the contrast between the rounded shape of the spindle legs and the more angular top and base.

I just love the color contrast too. The dark wax (AS Dark Wax) and the wood that peeked though from sanding make the color more vibrant. I also like the new handle. Gives it a more modern vibe.

  

Thanks for visiting

Oh yea......I made a deal with Chloe. I promised her that if she stayed out of the pictures I would post a picture of just her. Isn't she just the most beautiful little girl. 

March 25, 2013*************************************

 UPDATE: The little ASCP Night Stand was featured on The Vintage Barn "Motivate Me Monday - Creative Party". Thanks and Hugs to Julie! Love your blog!!!