my practical journal
I never pass up an interesting piece of wood. The message on a wooden sign can always be changed. The Margaritaville sign is fun and colorful and perfect for the tiki bar. I removed everything and sanded the anchor. I painted, distressed and added rope. You can find pieces like this at yard sales, Goodwill and just about any re-sale … [Read more...]
It's hard to believe that we rented a building in mid-March and opened the store Nostalgia on April 5th. Especially when I look back at the before pictures. Many, many years ago this was a beautiful grocery store, and then it was remodeled several times. We don't have anything against tile, but it just didn't represent the homey … [Read more...]
You see these style sofa tables pretty often in the used furniture world. Drab and dated, so you probably just walk on by. I decided to use Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in Grain Sack, to liven it up a bit. I am a dare devil and did not use the bonding agent. I do live on the edge. It … [Read more...]
I know everyone loves a brown stained piece of wood furniture. I believe that you should use your fine china, sit in the fancy living room and paint brown furniture, if you want to. And I believe that if you love a color, and its green like this custom mixed La Craie or blue or yellow, then make a statement! Don't be afraid to use … [Read more...]
I paint a piece of furniture. Step back, and look at it and decide it needs a little something extra. Like a stripe :) This piece would have been fine just painted white, but I wanted it to make a more casual statement. I think the distressed stripes did just that. A solid blue desk would have been just fine and maybe a little … [Read more...]
I know you've heard this over and over from me :) From boring brown to light and bright! Here I go again... What can I say, I just like light, bright and refreshing. As you can see she started out kind of ho-hum, but functional. After I painted and distressed, I decided to add a more interest. I created a glaze that I called … [Read more...]
This makeover was so much fun. The piece was in terrible condition. It smelled bad and looked bad, but it is very sturdy. The lines are perfect. It's one of those pieces that you are always looking for. No matter what's wrong with it, you think you can bring it back to life. This sad piece had been in my storage shed for a … [Read more...]
Maison Blanche had me at Creme de Menthe. I knew I was going to love it! I searched for the perfect chest to makeover. Ok, you're right, they are all perfect for a makeover! But I found one that was begging for a change. The color was off, the wood dry, the drawers loose. I feel certain the hardware was handmade. I used this … [Read more...]
A brown dresser make-over, not just paint but a new top too! Refreshed! I used Rustoleum Kona stain on the top. I picked out a table top at Lowe's and had them cut it for me. It reminds me of a dark chocolate. I distressed and waxed. I also painted the hardware, I love that you can do that with La Craie. Just paint and … [Read more...]
Orange is one of my favorite colors. I've had this can of ASCP in Barcelona, just waiting for the right piece. I came across this small desk and thought it would be perfect. I mixed the Barcelona with Pure White to create my perfect orange. And I got busy with this fun desk makeover. I used sand paper to distress a little here and … [Read more...]
