Around the Shop

Today I worked at the shop where I have my booth.  Since it was a little slow, I thought I would snap some pics with my phone to share with you.  We have some many talented vendors.  Here is just a sample of what is in the shop.

There is definitely something for everyone!!

Linkin' up at:

Pottery Barn table transformation

I got lucky.  I happen to be talking to a mother of my son's school friend.  After finding out I had a booth, she mentioned she had a table if I was interested.  Come to find out, she just wanted to get rid of it.  How can a gal like myself pass up something that is free?!  Well, of course I couldn't.

The table is from Pottery Barn.  The finish was shot and sticky.  Just the perfect condition for me to try out a weathered look.  Here is the before:

Can you see that this table was well used? 

Of course, I had to strip it.  The wood seemed to have soaked up a ridiculous amount of a red stain that peeks through most Pottery Barn black furniture.  It was proving to be the bane of my existence for a few days during the stripping and sanding process. 

After much persistence (and many grits of sandpaper), I got it as down to as much of the bare wood as I was going to get it.

I started off with a whitewash.  It definitely needed more depth.  So, next was a gray wash followed by a french linen wash.  I did some dry brushing here and there until I was satisfied with the result.  I gave the base and apron 2 coats of french linen and wax.  To finish up the top, I used a water based polyurethane (3 coats).  I much prefer polyurethane over wax.  I find it more durable, especially, for a dining table.

Here is the new weathered look.

Take a closer look.

I asked hubby if we should maybe keep it or if it should go to the booth.  He was concerned that there were no leaves to extend it.  I am not so sure why this would be a concern for him seeing how we barely ever have company.  Anywho, I decided to put it in the booth.  I am hoping someone can appreciate it because it took quite a bit of work.

Sharing over at:


     

New Look

I have been playing with my blog.  What do you think of the new look?  Bear with me as I tweek this and that.  I figure after three years, I needed to freshen this up.  I would love to know what you think it needs, what should stay, etc.  Hope everyone is having a great weekend! 

French chaise redo

I really wanted to start sharing my bedroom transformation but I am not quite ready to dazzle you with that just yet.  What prompted the bedroom redo was a purchase from the auction of two beautiful french commodes.  While putting them in place, I realized that there was no room for my beautiful french chaise. 

It broke my heart but I knew it was time to let it go.  You see, it had become a nightstand.  I also stored things under and behind it.  The only time it was used was when my kids catapulted off of it onto the bed.  My hubby had liked to set his drinks on it.  Don't ask me how we never really spilled them but we did create quite a few water rings.  In my efforts to spot clean, this is what happened:

Not too pretty!  Since I was going to sell it, I needed to do minimal work.  When I bought this piece originally, I pretty much thought I would keep it forever.  That is at least how I justified paying the price in my head.  I knew I would barely make a profit.  My plan was to at least get back what I paid for it.  Knowing not a lot of people would pay for it with huge stain marks, I got to thinking.  After a bit, a light bulb went off.  There have been plenty of gals out there painting upholstery with chalk paint.  Why not give it a shot.  I researched tons DIYers blogs and decided to go for it.

 I grabbed my Annie Sloan French Linen chalk paint and went after it.  I did dip my brush in a little water to help it apply more evenly.  I love the end product.  To think that I didn't have to reupholster it.  Isn't she just dreamy now?

Of course me being ever so thrifty, I had to come up with a creative way to cover all of the staples.  I admit.  I never covered them from when I originally bought it.  No judgements please.  Cording was just to expensive to get if I wanted to break even on this piece.  So, back to thinking I went.  Then, the next light bulb went off.  Why not cut strips of muslin, sew together, and braid it to make a unique cording?!  Why not indeed!   

I thought I would share some pictures of my booth.  I recently added the fabric garland which I am in love with.

I would really like to know what you think of the chaise redo with chalk paint.  I am sharing over at: