The Before

Okay, before I show you a few pics from my show this past weekend, I promised to show you the before of this piece.

Here is the before.

It had issues.  Not the least of which was, it had no top.  I cut a piece of wood for the top, and primed it.  I then added nail head trip.

I went over the trim with a generous layer of wood filler, sanded it smooth, and added an applique to the top drawer.  Next came multiple layers of paint, including a layer of grey.  The top coat is creamy white.  I also had to add the hardware.  A little distressing, and wax, finished it off.

It was one of the first things to go at the show.  It went so fast, that I didn't get a shot of it in my booth.  I'll be back  with some pics from the show.  I did well.  Right now, I'm all tuckered out.



Sharing With:
Thrifty Decor Chick: Before and After
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special
Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday
Faded Charm: White Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
Primitive and Proper: Piece of Work Wednesday
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
The DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday

Gotta Go

I have to say thanks to everyone who left encouraging comments on my last post.  I just had to focus, get what was most important taken care of, then decide what to get ready for my show.  Along with quite a bit more, here are a few things I'll have at The Arboretum.

I'll have to do a separate post on this piece.  You have to see the before.

I love this barrel.

I gave this door a chippy finish.

I'll have frames, silvered bottles, metal roses, etc.

Gotta go, but I'll try to take as many pics as I can at the show.

A Deep Breath

I have so much going on right now.  I worked pretty much non-stop today.  My intention was to share a redesign or two, but I ran out of time, and energy.  Say a prayer for me. I have a lot to accomplish in a short period of time.  Right now, I just want to take a deep breath.

The scent of lilacs always calms me.  I went outside and picked a few.  Placed in my vintage aqua jar, it's a serene sight.  I need a little serenity from the chaos right now.

The sun was shining, and it looked beautiful against the weathered grey.  Taking photos like these calms me as well.

I'm going to work a bit more, then crash.

Tomorrow is another day.  See ya soon.


Sharing With:
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special

Bottle Love

I love working with bottles.  I've altered and embellished them many times.  This treatment is at the top of my fave list.

Both of these vintage bottles were clear.  I was in such a hurry to see how my idea would work, I was done with the first one before I remembered to take before pics.  I only have this one.

I wanted to give them a look similar to mercury glass, but with my own spin.

I'm still experimenting with this technique.  So, I can't give you an exact formula.  It basically involves liquid leaf, water, rust, and dirt.  The mad scientist in me emerged, and I got this.

I'm in bottle love.

I'll definitely be making more of these.


Sharing With:
Thrifty Decor Chick: Before and After
The DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
Under The Table and Dreaming: Sunday Showcase
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday
Savvy City Farmer: Thrift'n on Thursday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
Someday Crafts: Whatever Goes Wednesday

2 Shows and The Shed

I'm going to be pretty busy these next few weeks.  This Sunday, I will be selling at The Arboretum of South Barrington, IL, Antiques & Garden Market.  Next weekend, I'll be in my usual spot at Kane County.  On Saturday, May 12th, I'll be in Dundee, IL.  Why?  All because of this wonderful and talented lady.

My friend Joy (Savvycityfarmer), has asked me to be a part of her staff at her annual "Shop The Shed" event.  Hmmmm................ "staff"...........  That sounds like WORK to me, Joy. LOL  That's okay.  Joy and I have been friends for many years.  Love her.  She was my first stalker follower, and has been one of my biggest cheerleaders.  I'll be there, raiding her fridge helping out.  So, if you're coming, I'll see you there.  If you were contemplating, just do it.   Joy and I would love to see ya.

One Down

I have one burlap project down.  If you read my last post, you know I have quite a few possibilities left.

Last year, I did this similar redesign.  You can review the technique HERE.

This time, instead of a grain sack, I used burlap for the top.  I hand washed the burlap, to soften it. Next came the webbing.

The beginning.

I painted the legs an off white, and antiqued them with stain.

I'm going to be very busy this week.  I'm getting ready for two shows, followed by an annual event.  I'll give you the details soon.

Sharing With:
Thrifty Decor Chick: Before and After
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special
Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
Savvy City Farmer: Thrift'n on Thursday
The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
Someday Crafts: Whatever Goes Wednesday
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Burlap, and More Burlap

My garage, aka the abyss, is becoming less of a nightmare.  Spring cleaning has been a breath of fresh air. I'm also happy about many of the things I've unearthed. Yesterday, I opened up two large containers against the back wall, and this is what I found.

Burlap, and more burlap.  I can't say that I forgot I had it, I just forgot how much I had.

What you see here, is about half.  I remember picking these up at garage and estate sales last year,

and they've been in a container ever since.  Probably because I sorta burned out on burlap projects, but I still love the look.  Many of my clients wanted chairs, settees, stools etc., upholstered in burlap.  I can't tell you how many I've done.  You may have seen some of my pieces floating around on the web, before I started blogging.  Burlap is not fun to upholster with. However, I have made bulletin boards, etc., with burlap.  That I enjoy.  Time to do something with these.  This piece with the floral pattern is one my favorites.

Coffee time.

Now, this next piece is actually linen, but I think I put it in the same container because it has a similar vibe.  It would also make for a softer upholstery material.  I also love the pattern and colors.

Okay, I'm going through the rest of it. I have a few ideas in mind already.  See ya soon.


Sharing With:
Southern Hospitality: Thrifty Treasures

GIVEAWAY #8 Winner

Okay, I switched browsers, and I hope I won't have too many headaches with blogger.

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and shared GIVEAWAY #8.  I have more giveaways planned for the future, but right now, here is the winner.

The winner of GIVEAWAY #8 is:

Leena of Pink Cherub Moon.

Congrats, Leena.  Email me the address you would like your package sent to, and I will ship it asap.

PROBLEMS WITH BLOGGER

I'm having some issues with blogger.  I'm getting the message that my browser is no longer supported by Blogger. I have to get this straightened out.  May have to switch.

Desk

Sometimes, I have so much to share, I don't know where to start.  I've been resting up, organizing, and finishing projects that were near completion.  Plus, estate and garage sales are really starting to open up in my area.  I've already made some finds. So, you're about to get quite a few posts.  First, here is the desk my figural candle stand is sitting on top of.

This old desk was pretty rough before, and missing knobs.  I didn't want to change too much about it, just spruce it up a bit.

Two coats of slightly different shades of white on the base, followed by a little distressing.  I added different knobs, and gave the top a dark stain.

Done.

 See ya very soon.


Sharing With:
Faded Charm: White Wednesday
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special
Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday
Remodelaholic: Remodelaholics Anonymous
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday

Another Combo

Okay, I feel better.  I took a couple days off to get my pressure under control.  Thanks for your concern.  High blood pressure runs in my family, so I have to watch it.   I also did a little organizing in the garage, and yes, I found more lamp and chandelier parts.  I always pick them up at garage sales, and flea markets.  So, I never quite run out of them.  Here's another combo I put together to make a candle stand.

Isn't she lovely.  She started like this.  Three parts, from three different light fixtures.

and I used this,

and two nuts, to make her look like this.

I first sprayed her with an ivory paint/primer combo.  Then did a dry brush using a 50/50 mix of white paint and gesso.

I'll share the desk everything is sitting on in another post.  See ya soon.


Sharing With:
The DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Nite Special
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
Remodelaholic: Remodelaholics Anonymous
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
Faded Charm: White Wednesday
Ivy and Elephants: What's It Wednesday

Lamp Parts and Roses

I'm sure some of you guessed which lamp parts I would put together from my "Metal Madness" post,

but, you probably didn't know I would add a little garnish.

Here are the two pieces I attached.

I used a nut and bolt to attach them.  I love these things.

Next, I just gave it multiple layers of white.  I'm using it as a candle stand, and thought it would look nice with a little floral addition.  I painted two of my metal roses.

They're not attached, but make a great embellishment.

I have more combo's to do, and furniture to finish, but I'm moving at a slower pace.  My blood pressure has been a little elevated lately.  Gotta slow down today, and take care of me.  See ya soon.


Sharing With:
My Romantic Home: Show and Tell Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Remodelaholic: Remodelaholics Anonymous
The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
Faded Charm: White Wednesday
Not Just a Housewife: Show Me What Ya Got
Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
The DIY Showoff: DIY Project Parade
Homemaker on a Dime: Creative Bloggers