Painted pieces...

I arrived at the shop early today to get a few pieces finished for the shop.  I love that when I pull up to my workshop I can see a field and an old farm house.  Sometimes I will grab breakfast on the way and sit in my car eating and just enjoying this view.

After breakfast was over, and I had to get out of the car so I didn't look like a house stalker, I got to work.

This piece has about four coats of chalk paint on it, then I waxed it with dark wax, then distressed, buffed....along with sanding and staining the top.  It's an old bar cart and I think it is chippy and sweet.

I used the aqua paint to do this coffee table and a matching end table.  Some slight distressing and clear wax finished it off.

I'm off to enjoy some family time and relax.  Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend!

Mirror, mirror...

Last week Kirkland's contacted me to do a "Look for Less" feature on my blog.  I am all about getting the high end look without paying the high end price so I responded with an enthusiastic "YES!"

I had to go through the catalog and pick out something that I would use in my own home that looks similar to what would come from a high end store such as Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware.   Then I would post the comparison piece on my blog alongside the original piece, but I felt like I wanted to take it a step further....I bought one of their pieces and with a little paint transformed it into something I have been eyeing in the Restoration Hardware catalog for years:

The Mansard Scroll Mirror...

The Mansard Scroll Mirror at $275.00

I know, take a moment, she is lovely...but the price!  Ouch!

So when I went through the Kirkland's site I stumbled onto this:

The Rhonda Wall mirror at $149.99

Similar, not quite the same- but close enough that I knew I could do a little paint magic and make it my own.

I called up and ordered my mirror...and it arrived....quickly!

Yeah, not so much on the finish...but I am a painter- transformation of pieces is my speciality!


First I removed the mirror...

Then I grabbed a sample pot of Restoration Hardware paint in Flint...

The look I was going for was a whitewashed wood one, so I added some whitewash...

Now to get the wood look into it.  I added a bit of dark wax working it into the piece...I did several coats of this to get a layered effect.

I am loving how this piece turned out by using a less expensive piece to get a high end look.  Most of us are on a realistic design/decorating budget and I love showing others how to get an expensive look with out spending the money.  Thank you to Kirkland's for giving me this opportunity!

Fabulous Friday Link Party!

This & that...

I have been wrapping up a major paint job for a client, and then a sign for another client.  I am meeting with three new clients for consults tomorrow, plus an install for a grouping of wall baskets for another client.

Busy.  But loving it!

Violet has been dealing not only with the reverse sneezing, but has now developed a cough/gag thing since her dental on Monday.  Today I called the vet and they recommended Benadryl.....

So sleepy....

 Poor Jack has resorted to catching up on his lost sleep during the day...

This is not the doxie you are looking for...

On another note...I am a pioneer for Happify, and have been working on participating in activities that allow me to grow in the ways I appreciate the things around me.  I have spent the better part of 6 months working on this and thinking about "what's my why" in this world.  Yesterday I was on-line and ran across this amazing video of what I can only describe as a young man who is wise beyond his young years.  Make the time to watch this- you won't regret it.  I think my favourite line is when he says, "You don't have to find out your dying to start living your life".   I love that sentiment and make it a priority each day to find joy in the little things and take the time to savor them.  I think Zach was a brilliant young man and knew at a very young age what I am finally learning at the age of 44.

Aqua love...

I am working on finishing up a few projects for clients at the moment...lots to do today and tomorrow and a fun sign to make for an upcoming farmer's market!

Started this one bright and early, but the heat drove me back inside by noon!

 Some other aqua images I'm loving...

Sara's aqua room...

etsy

Have a fantastic Monday!
I'll be back tomorrow with a finished sign & hopefully a painted headboard :)

Weekend painting...

Yesterday I traveled out to see a good friend of mine and do some painting for her.  We have "known" each other for years, but only met recently.   She likes to tell people we met on match.com :)  I started following her blog years ago and when she moved here to H- town it was like meeting an old friend.  Christy has a blog, Beachbrights, but does not blog as often anymore.  She is just too busy with kids, dogs, neighbors & living life ;)

Her home is drop dead gorgeous:

 So yesterday we transformed a few pieces using pure white paint, and dark walnut stain on the tops:

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

Hope you enjoyed the mini-tour....Christy is just a lovely person and her blog archives are so worth diving into and reading!