DIY Painted Frame

I picked up this cheapy frame from a local thrift store.  It caught my eye because of the texture.  I was finally able to get some Vintage Market & Design chalk paint that I’ve been dying to try from a local shop.. I used the off-white to paint the frame, sanded very gently to remove a little of the paint and applied two coats of clear wax.

It turned out really pretty and I had the perfect photo ready to be used.

Side Table Refurb

I know I’ve been MIA for a while, but this has been a crazy spring and summer.  Hoping to get back to normal here soon.  While browsing the antique mall this past week with my sister, who was visiting, I …

DIY Shabby Chic Crate

There’s not much storage space in my daughter’s new loft apartment.  So, I’ve been looking for things to make that are not that expensive.  This idea I came across on the web.  It’s an inkjet transfer onto the crate.  I found these crates at JoAnn Fabric for 40% off. 

After sanding the crate, I watered down a linen color acrylic paint and used it as a wash which allows you to still see the wood grain.

 

I then applied a walnut stain over the entire piece, rubbing off all the excess.  While that was setting, I printed my image onto wax paper with our inkjet printer.  I used photo editing software to reverse the image so the transfer wouldn’t be backwards.  It took 3 attempts on my printer to get a clean print without smears.  I almost gave up!  While the stain is still wet on the crate, lay the ink side down very carefully and as straight as possible.  It can’t be moved once it’s down.  Use a credit card to rub the image onto the wood.  Remove the wax paper and WaaLaa…

 

 

It turned out so much better than I expected and Beki loves it!

 

Refab Projects

Been busy, busy over here working on projects.  Found Beki a $15 end table and gave it a makeover.  Total cost…about $35.  She loves the French style décor, so I tried to create the French Country look.  With the leftover fabric, I had enough to make a pillow to match!

I’ve been trying to find wood wine crates for DIY projects.  However, I’m finding they aren’t easy to come by.  I was lucky enough to find two at Costco a few weeks ago.  With those two, I made John an end table with book storage.  With a little bit of stain and a few pieces of hardware, this project rounded out at about $30.

I’m also refinishing two Cracker Barrel wood rockers I’ve had sitting outside.  The paint was chipping away and so with quite a bit of sanding and some spray paint, I’ve got two like-new rockers for my bedroom!  Spray paint…about $18 and a little elbow grease.