Caravan Hutch

I find staging and photographing a piece of furniture so rewarding and fun, especially after I have put a lot of time and effort into painting it and making it beautiful!  I knew this hutch would be a great piece for showcasing some of my floral ironstone and I could hardly wait to photograph it!

The unusual rounded top is really what drew me to this colonial style hutch.  Something about the shape and scalloped edges reminded me of an old gypsy caravan!  Do you see it?  

I decided to go with a soft color palette, hoping to transition this piece into more of a Scandinavian/Cottage style.  I added the crown applique from Bomar Designs for a touch of grandeur.

I started painting the interior in a mix of Paris Grey and Pure White Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan.  Part way through, I had ran out of Pure White and switched to a mix of Paris Grey and Old White so I layered the two, wiping them back with a damp cloth as I painted.  The result is a sort of water color effect that I really love!  A happy accident!

On the exterior I painted one coat of Old White Chalk Paint® followed by one coat of Country Grey.  I then added a wash in Old White and sealed it with a coat of White Wax.  The Old White wash and White Wax really soften the already neutral Country Grey for a look that is almost ethereal.

Of course the original colonial style hardware wouldn't do!  I opted for some fancy bin pulls from Hobby Lobby and painted them in the same colors and style as the hutch.

This pretty hutch has joined the Secret Garden window display at Camas Antiques!

I hope you are having a lovely weekend!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

The Window to The Secret Garden!

 

I had the pleasure of putting together a display in the big window at Camas Antiques this month!  As usual, I turned to a favorite novel for inspiration! 

 

As the annual Plant and Garden Sale in downtown Camas was also in May, I wanted to go with a theme that would coincide.  The Secret Garden was a natural choice for inspiration!  I spoke with the owner of the Liberty Theatre two doors down about showing a version of the film at some point during the month.  After some research and deliberation, it was decided that a special showing of the 1993 Secret Garden production would be featured on Mother's Day!  I set to work planning a cross promotion event with the Antique Store and the Theatre...a first time collaboration!

 

During the months leading up to May, I scoured estate sales and Craigslist for garden decor and vintage finds that would reflect the feel of The Secret Garden.

 

My husband patiently hauled concrete and furniture for me from one place to another.  My father in law helped on more than one occasion as well.  My dear friend Deanna spent hours unpacking truckload after truckload with me on the day I moved into the window.  I am so grateful for these people in my life who humor my crazy ideas and are willingly help!

 

 

The Mother's Day featured film event was a huge success and so much fun!  We had an incredible turn out and so many of my dear friends came with their families to enjoy the movie and visit the store for treats and a drawing for prizes.  I loved every minute of it!  I hope we can put together another collaboration event with the theatre in the near future!

 

Thank you for your visit today!

 

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda