First Chalk Paint Hutch

Decisions, decisions. Why do I find choosing colors sooo hard? Is it because I will never come across another hutch of this style? Or because I paid so little, and don't want to waste my saved dollars on multiple coats? DO others take time to ponder the rainbow? I would love to let this beauty sit in my formal room, but unfortunately I'm tight on space. So this is what I have.

I love every detail on this beauty. Now do you see my dilemma? I don't want to waste such a work of art. Some of my ideas include.....Blue, teal, aqua. See the pattern?

This is a great color choice from Marty's Musings.  

I love the 2 tone blue, from Stiltskin Studios.

This could work, from The Shabbiest Chick.

 What do you think?

On a side note....it's almost Friday! Hello.

Hello Mint Dresser

 

On Friday, I was stopping at my usual Junque stops and came across this beauty. I immediately called my husband and told him to "start the car!', or in our case the truck.



I should state:

THIS IS MY FIRST DRESSER PROJECT!

That's right, very first one.

 It all started last week, when I discovered the Turquiose Iris blog. If you have been checking out furniture blogs, I'm sure you have seen her work. I am totally in love with her colors and style. Back to the point... She inspired me to move past my usual end tables, and test the water. Little did I know this water would be deep. I started by sanding all flat surfaces, and wiping it down with TSP. I've heard quite a few DIY'ers mention this stuff. If you have not tried it yet, I would. It worked great. The only down side I found, was it made some of the finish soft at the edges. If anyone knows how to prevent or why, please let me know. In case your rushing out to buy some...I found mine at Home Depot.

Next step, mix paint.

Paint Recipe:

1 cup paint

2 Tbsp Plaster of Paris

I am way too cheap to buy brand name chalk paint, and our local shop has limited hours. Don't get me wrong, I have tried Annie Sloan and LOVED it. I just can't take the price. I found this recipe somewhere online, and it works great. I find the key to smooth paint, is let it sit after the initial mix for 15 minutes. After that I would give it one more mix. I use a hand held mixer thing-a-ma-jig. Works amazing!

I put on a few coats, and lightly sanded with 220 Grit paper. Then wiped down the dresser one more time to remove the dust. I used Varathane Water Based Clear Coat to seal everything.

I really like the feel it gave the paint. I found mine at Rona, but I'm sure any local Hardware store would carry it.

Did I mention, I LOVE MINT!

 Notice there's no hardware? Here they are.

I wasn't really feeling them. Any suggestions for new ones? I was thinking crystal glass knobs. Totally cHiC.

I want to share what else I stole bought, on Friday. It was so cheap, I felt like I was stealing it from the store. $49.99 Can you believe it?

What do you think? I adore the detail of the doors. I'm thinking turquoise....

On a total side note. Winter is almost over here in my neck of the woods.

I even found some grass. YIPEE!!!!

Grass is a sign that Garage Sale Season will be starting. soon. I feel like I have a new set of eyes to shop with.

I am posting at these parties:

http://itssoverycheri.com/2013/03/10/its-party-time-3-10-2013/

http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2013/03/show-tell-saturday-030913.html

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/sundae-scoop-sunday-link-party/

 http://betweennapsontheporch.net/wide-ironing-boards-make-ironing-easier/

 http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.ca/2013/03/welcome-to-114th-masterpiece-monday.html

 http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/2013/03/motivate-me-monday-164.html

 http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/2013/03/monday-fundayspringdecor.html

 http://diyshowoff.com/2013/03/10/that-diy-party-7/ 

http://chicbytab.blogspot.ca/2013/03/hello-mint-dresser.html

 http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2013/03/hello-weekend-mindy-maes-market-reader.html

http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.ca/2013/03/time-to-shine-party-no-108.html

http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2013/03/show-me-what-ya-got-110.html

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.ca/2013/03/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no154.html

http://carolynshomework.blogspot.ca/2013/03/the-inspiration-board-link-party-93.html

http://ladybug-blessings.com/?p=3288

http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2013/03/wow-me-wednesday-94.html

http://www.primpjunktion.com/2013/03/primp-your-stuff-wednesday-linky-party_12.html

http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.ca/2013/03/under-100-linky-party_13.html

http://www.theartsygirlconnection.com/2013/03/pininspirational-thursday-strut-it.html

 http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/2013/03/catch-glimpse-party-122.html

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/03/transformation-thursday-no-195.html

http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.ca/2013/03/time-travel-thursday-140-talented-time.html

http://www.classyclutter.net/2013/03/spotlight-saturday-56.html

Saved from the dumpster!

A couple years ago, my husband found a hutch by the dumpster at his job site. We brought it home, cleaned it up and let it collect junk. Fast-forward through a few moves.... I decided to push my skillz to a new level. I ordered some milk paint through Homestead House, which is the supplier for MMSMP. You REALLY need to check out all the colors they have! I bought Upper Canada, similar to Lucketts Green . I didn't take a true before, but here's a few mid-progress pictures.

I lightly sanded the top and sides before applying the first coat. I did not sand in between, but did use MMS Crackle Medium on the areas I wanted chipping. Let the crackle medium tack up, then paint right over.Then I went down stairs, read a few of my fav blogs. When I returned, I found most of the paint of the doors GONE! EEK. So, I added some MMS bonding agent to the remainder paint and applied another coat. A lesson learnt: Sand all finished surfaces, to assure adherence to the wood. Once everything was dry and chipped, I pulled out my vacuum and bristle attachment to suck up the paint chips. I heard a blog one time to vacuum the piece, and it will help remove and clean up the mess at the same time. Worked like a charm for me. This is the finished product.

To finish and seal the paint, I used MMS wax, which to me is bore like whipped butter. I love the product! It's so easy to apply, with a satin finish.

Did you notice the decor above?

I picked up plain drawer front from our local Re-Store, painted them. I found the cover plates at another shop, and Gorilla glued them on! Voila. Super easy decor. Very Vintage.

Shout out to My Simple Home Life for featuring me!

Party Time!

http://itssoverycheri.com/2013/03/03/its-party-time-4/
http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2013/02/link-party-93-and-les-features/
http://betweennapsontheporch.net/a-perfect-lamp-new-update-for-the-porch/
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/
http://athomewithk.blogspot.ca/

Mirror Re-Vamp

I can't believe it is almost spring. The snow is starting to melt, and I hope people start spring cleaning soon! I picked up a mirror at a thrift shop, I can't believe that i missed a before picture. It appeared to have multiple coats of gloss paint, with the last color chocolate brown. It really was a drab mirror. I loved the detail of the corners, gave me a CoUnTrY ChIc look.

The next piece was your typical 80's end table....

Please excuse the poor pic. Here she is all shiny and new!

I used a latex enamel paint, I now started adding Plaster of Paris to convert it to chalk paint. I like the texture and application as opposed to no plaster. Gave it a light sand and another coat. I love using RL glaze in the crevices, then a coat of Varathane. I'm not a big fan of brass hard ware with this tone. So, I sprayed them with ORB {oil rubbed bronze} spray paint. Hope you like!

 I PaRtY @
http://itssoverycheri.com/2013/03/03/its-party-time-4/

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore?

Have you ever stepped into a store and felt like you have stepped into a different world? Or perhaps a different time?Well....if you hunt for junk junque like me, this happens often.

We were passing through Nanton- Alberta, and I noticed a sign...."Antique Lane". Hmmm, I know the rest of my family does not feel like stopping. So as we pass, I stare out the window with my puppy dog eyes. I feel a tiny tear swell in the corner of my eye. "Next time.", I promise myself. Just then, my husband pulls a right and circles the block, "Just a quick stop.". The kids are still undoing their seat belts, while Mom starts dashing across the street.

SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY ANTIQUES

I wish I would have taken a picture of the main floor. If you live in Alberta, you must take a drive down to Nanton! The quality and quantity, by far surpassed any store I have been in. I loved the old world charm from the building, which was built in 1909. I took this picture from upstairs....PRICELESS.



I felt like I was no longer anywhere, but frozen in my steps. The beauty of this building, had my mouth slack. Then snap, I'm back, pleading with my girls to keep their hands to their sides. The upstairs had been renovated into apartments at some point. The owner had filled each room to the roof with unique pieces. Each room felt like it carried its own story, with different items. My favorite area was this...

There are actually 3 or 4 rooms, full of girly necessities. I think I died, and landed in heaven.

In the end I bought nothing. We were on our way home in my Jetta, 4 people, ski stuff and bags. I knew going in, I had no room. {I promised myself, "I will be back"}

This is not my usual style, just working on a few items. New pictures posted by the weekend!

Take Care. Check out Sentimental Journey Antiques.