CURBSIDE SHELVES

While walking through my neighborhood, I came upon a set of oak colored shelves.  I decided they needed a makeover, so I grabbed them up.  They were sturdy and in good condition, just had no personality.  Here is how they started out:

I wanted them to have a shabby chic/cottage feel, so I painted them white and distressed them, I think they are happier now!  I love the scalloped edge on the bottom.

And there is even a groove to display plates or other items:

A very nice lady bought them to hang in her nursery!  Blessings on the new baby girl!  I love finding things for FREE and making them into something nice again.  On to the next project!

ABRACADABRA!

I have just finished making some magic wands!  First, I made my 3 year old grand-daughter some fairy wands.  I looked at several Pinterest boards first.  I modeled most of my design after the one found on this blog.  I first bought several "cooking chopsticks" from Amazon.  Cooking chopsticks are longer (18") and are the perfect shape and length for wands!  I painted one of the wands pink and one blue then I sprayed them with Krylon glitter blast for effect.  I cut several different kinds of ribbons all the same length.  I wanted the ribbons to be long and flowing.  I used washi tape to secure the ribbons to the chopsticks and then painted a bit of Mod Podge on top for durability.  Here is how they turned out:

I think she will LOVE them!

Next, I got to work on some for her older sister who is 9.  She is a Harry Potter fan, so I again turned to Pinterest for ideas and it did not disappoint!  Almost all of the pins I found suggested using the same "cooking chopsticks" and hot glue to make the designs on the wands.  Here is an example.  Basically, I used hot glue to make designs - on one of them, I used some seed beads for more texture.  I deliberately made each one different.  I then painted them with brown paint, let them dry, then went over that with stain.  When the stain was dry, I painted gold and teal accents on them for fun.  I think she will love them.  Here is how they turned out:

I had a lot of fun creating these wands for my grandkids and it was pretty easy too.  I hope they have just as much fun pretending .... too bad the wands aren't real!

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?

Shabby Chic Table Set

I recently picked up a wooden table and chair set.  It was pretty beat up and not very pretty, so I felt compelled to rescue it!  Here are some sad "before" pictures:

Then, I discovered 2 metal bistro chairs to complete the look!  I couldn't pass them up and knew they would look great when redone and would be a unique addition to this set.  Here is their "before" picture:

I started by sanding down the table top and applying a dark stain and several coats of satin polycrylic. Then I painted the legs white and distressed them.

 The dark paint from the original color came through beautifully!  Then I painted the bench a deep grey color and distressed both the seat and the legs:

The two wooden chairs received a coat of deep grey as well, were lightly distressed and I added a white flower detail to the backs for interest.

Finally, I spray painted the metal bistro chairs the same deep grey color and recovered the seats with new fabric in a grey and white pattern - much better!

And here is the completed set, ready to go to it's new owner.  Priced to sell at $350 - let me know if you are interested.  Local pickups only at this time.

I love when a project turns out exactly as I pictured it in my head!  What have you been working on lately?

Vintage Market Days!

My daughter, Chelsea, and I are making plans to attend the Vintage Market Days here in St. Louis. We plan to attend on Saturday, April 24 in Chesterfield, MO.  We are both looking forward to finding some great treasures!  Stay tuned to see what comes home with us with before and after photos!  Have you ever been to Vintage Market Days?  If you are in St. Louis, we hope to see you there!

Mason Jar Wall Hanging

I love mason jars and wanted to try one of the many ideas Pinterest had to offer.  I started with a piece of scrap fence board and then dry-brush painted it with both a little bit of gray and pink.

Next, I purchased a hose clamp which I used to attach to the wood board.  I clamped it on the jar first and then marked the center of the back of it with marker so that I would know where to nail it.  Then, I simply reattached the jar.  This makes sure that the decorative screw embellishment will be in the center of your jar. 

I printed off the word "inspire" on my computer and then used a black paint pen to write it on the board.  Then I distressed the entire board.

I finally had to choose what to put in the bottom of the jar to hold the candle steady.  I thought about using sand or pebbles but liked the idea of using buttons - here is how it turned out:

Sweet.  What would you choose to fill the jar?

Mercury Glass Candle Holders

I wanted to try my hand at making some DIY mercury glass candle holders.  I found several tutorials on Pinterest and tried several of them.  I eventually ended up using a combination of suggestions.  I started out by using a glass candle jar that I had on hand.  I always clean out and save the jars that my candles come in so that I can re-use them.  I just run some steaming hot water right out of the faucet into the jar and let it sit, the wax usually pops right out and then I use hot soapy water to clean out the remaining residue.

The one thing that all of the tutorials had in common was using Krylon Looking Glass Spray - after that, they all differed just a little bit.  I also used a small spray bottle containing 50% water and vinegar.  I tried spraying the KLGS first followed by the water/vinegar and also the opposite.  Personally, I prefer using the KLGS first, then lightly spraying with the water/vinegar, then using a dry paper towel to dab at it in spots to give it the look that you want.

I found that using a small drinking glass covered in a plastic bag to hold the jar up while I painted it helped a lot.  I could easily turn it as I painted.  The paint dries quickly so you need to work fast.

Here is the final outcome -

It turned out really well.  I love the look of mercury glass but it is usually pretty pricey.  This is definitely more in my price range, lol - and the sizes and shapes of the candle holders, vases, whatever, is unlimited!  How about you - have you tried diy mercury glass?  If so, what is your preferred method?