Chalk Painted Coffee Table

I picked up a small, rather neglected, coffee table.  I could see it had a lot of potential, so I grabbed it.  I have never used chalk paint before, but this looked like the perfect first project to try it on.  I was so anxious to get started on it, that I didn't take any "before" pictures.  I DID get some "during" pictures though -

Here it is with a couple of coats of white chalk paint.  I used American Decor.  The top of the table wasn't in the best shape, so chalk paint was a good fit.  Here it is all painted - looks better already.

Next, I distressed the edges and the legs a little bit.  It has a lovely shell detail on the sides which, when distressed really brought out the design.

Finally, to complete the shabby chic look, I stenciled a design on the top with grey craft paint, then waxed it.

And, here is the final result - perfect for a living room, den, or covered back porch!  Currently adorable and for sale at $40.

Not so boring anymore!  What was your first experience with chalk paint?

White Christmas Vignette

I love mostly white Christmas vignettes.  I also love bottle brush trees - I found a lot of them at the Dollar Tree.  Combine them on a shelf and throw in a cute little snowman under a glass cloche and there ya go!

Do you like white Christmas displays?  Bottle brush trees?  Cloches?  Please share.

Little White Pumpkin Love

I love little white pumpkins and picked out a cute little one to put under a glass cloche.  I nestled it into a clear custard cup layered with crocheted lace and moss.  A simple but cute vignette.

I love Fall.  Do you like white pumpkins?  Have you used any in your Fall decor this year?

A Couple of Shabby Projects

First up is an old tool box that I painted and distressed and filled with flowers.  I like to change out the flowers to match the season or the holiday.  It started out like this:

After some painting and distressing with fall flowers:

Here's a close up:

To go along with this, I wanted to make something to cover my fireplace when it was not in use.  I just didn't like the idea of a big, black hole staring at me every day.  I used pallets to make a shabby board which I also painted white and distressed.  I intend to hang different wreaths on the front of it which will also coordinate with seasons and holidays.

Sorry, this wreath is not finished yet, I just wanted to get a feel for the size I needed.  I'll be showing you different views of it throughout the year.

How about you?  If you have an old tool box, what do you use it for?  I've seen a lot of different uses for them.  And, if you have a fireplace, do you leave it open all year, fill it with candles or other decor, or find something decorative to cover the hole?