The Story of one Darling Little Commode

 

This darling little commode came home with me from a garage sale a couple of years ago.  I paid much more for it than I had ever paid for a piece of furniture at a garage sale, but I was excited to be able to buy such a high quality, antique piece.  I thought for sure I could resell it at the store, without having to do anything to it.  I was wrong...lesson learned!  It sat in my booth for months.  I marked the price down, and still no bites.  So, I brought it home and stuck it in our front room where it has served as craft supply storage for over a year now.  I loved the size, the fact that it was well over a hundred years old, yet still sturdy and functional, and I was just smitten with the beautiful brass drawer pulls.  It worked well in our front room, except for the oak finish.  It was okay, but I knew it could be better.

 

 

Last week I finally decided to give my little commode a makeover.  I started with one coat of Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan in Cream followed by a coat of Paris Grey.

 

 

  I decided to give this piece a heavy distressing to show off the Cream layer, as well as the original wood grain.  I think this finish really gives it an old Farmhouse feel.

 

 

As Paris Grey is one of my very favorite Chalk Paint® colors, I have used it numerous times on many different wood finishes.  Even so, I am still amazed at it's versatility.  Layered with the Cream, it takes on a completely different hue than a piece I have sitting just across the room that received two coats of Paris Grey paired with Old White accents.  And yet, they compliment each other so well and look beautiful together in the same room.

 

 

I just adore the pretty brass hardware on this piece.  I have been on the lookout for similar hardware sets to have on hand, for pieces I buy to paint that may be missing original hardware or just need a little extra something.  Listings for antique hardware on Ebay are selling for a pretty penny!  I was a little surprised.  It definitely makes me reconsider the value on a piece like this with all of it's original hardware in such pristine condition.

 

 

The "Pin and Cove" dovetailing on the commode drawers date this piece to the 1880's!  I think this is a work of art in itself and therefore I chose not to paint the drawer's sides.  I also like the contrast here when the drawers and cupboards are opened.

 

 

When I finished my distressing technique, I applied a coat of clear wax all over the entire cabinet, followed by dark wax in all of the corners and crevices, where dirt and dust might have collected over time. 

 

 

 I am loving this little commode's new look.  It is pretty close to perfection in our front room and for a few days I thought I would never be able to part with this piece...

 

 

 

 

 

Until...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter one very old, weathered, obviously been broken, discarded, repaired and broken again Eastlake dresser with beautiful spoon carved designs.  I fell in love, and the little commode is about to be loaded up in the truck and driven down to the shop.

 

Yep, I am fickle like that...when it comes to furniture.

 

The good news is, I know exactly what paint colors to use on this dresser...and just where it will go!  It is patiently awaiting it's turn in the furniture makeover lineup in our garage!  In the meantime, there is a hole in our front room!  I guess I better get back to painting! 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by today!  I appreciate your visit!  I hope you are having a wonderful week!

 

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 

Sharing with...

 

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog

Is it Worthy? How Do You Decide if a Piece of Furniture is Worthy of a Makeover?

Hello friends!  Thanks for stopping by!

In previous posts I have shared a lot about what inspires me when I set out to paint and create.  Today I thought I would discuss what key things I look for when considering a makeover candidate.

 

Of course everyone is going to have different criteria when shopping for furniture and it will vary greatly depending on whether you are shopping for yourself or for your business.  I am going to discuss my own criteria for buying furniture to paint for my shop space.  I don't expect everyone to agree with me or feel the same as I do.  This is strictly my personal point of view, and what works for me based on my priorities and skill set.

 

First of all...Do I love it?  If I don't love it, I am not going to enjoy putting my time and effort into it.  I am in this business because I have a passion for it.  I invest a lot of myself into every piece I paint.  If I don't feel something for a piece of furniture, my attitude towards it is probably going to be reflected in the finished product.  It has been my experience that things I love and would put in my own home sell better than pieces I have purchased half-heartedly. 

 

Of course the price plays a big factor.  Can I afford it?  Will I be able to make a profit on it, after figuring in the expense of my supplies...paint, wax etc?  Is there going to be an added expense, such as new drawer pulls?

 

 

As I am not as skilled (yet, I am learning!) as other DIYers when it comes to furniture repair, I have to also ask the question; Is it sturdy and functional?  For now, I will leave those broken down, falling apart pieces to be salvaged by the talented, handy, tool-wielding folks I so admire and hope to one day be! 

 

Lastly, do I have room for it?  Will it fit in my car...and when I get home can I fit it into my limited storage space (that's right, hubby, I said limited ;)  Is it a good size/shape to figure into my shop display either now or at some point in the future?

 

Those are my main criteria.  What things do you consider when purchasing furniture?  Maybe you don't consider anything... Maybe you just see something you love and you buy it without a second thought...  Good for you!  I have probably missed out on some amazing buys because I spent too much time thinking about it!  :)

 

 

When I came across this little desk a few weeks ago, I went through my "is it worthy?" checklist in my head to be sure it wasn't a purchase I was going to regret.  It was in pretty rough shape, but all of it's problems were cosmetic.  It was sturdy and had nice lines.  The price was right and I was in love with the hardware!  As is the case with many similar pieces from this era, it had a laminate top (ugh, why?)  This might have turned me off in the past, but since I have had success in covering pieces with laminate tops with Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan, I knew I could make this one beautiful as well!

 

 

I painted the body of the desk and chair with Paloma.  The drawer fronts and detail on the chair were painted in a 50/50 mix of Paloma and Old White.  I waxed both pieces with clear wax, then added dark wax in the corners and around the edges.

 

The set fit perfectly into my shop space along with the Versailles cabinet I finished earlier this month.  I love that all of my favorite Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint colors are represented in my display!   

 

 

 Thank you for your sweet visit today!

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 

 

 

 

 Sharing with...

 

Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed

Cottage Chintz Cupboard Makeover

While I went to work painting this cute vintage cabinet, I imagined it in a cozy English cottage, filled with colorful chintz dishes.  A stone fireplace across the room, a floral sofa, an old rocking chair with a needlepoint cushion... Can you see it? 

 

I'm afraid you'll have to use your imagination today as I was forced to photograph this pretty piece in my not-so-cozy garage.

 

 

Once again, Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan to the rescue in Versailles and Old White, along with Paris Grey inside the cupboards.   

 

 

Do you detect a pearly effect on the hardware and Old White details?  Yes, that is Pearl Plaster by Artist Enhancements - new product line at Camas Antiques!  Love it!  I will share more about it soon!

 

Of course the finish was made complete with Annie Sloan's Clear and Dark waxes!

You didn't think I would forget to share the before photo, did you?

 

 

I can't wait to add this pretty piece to my shop space this week!  I will be sure to post a photo or two of my whole display on Facebook via Instagram! 

 

Please have a safe, special, peaceful and memorable Memorial Day weekend!

 

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 

 

Sharing this post with these fun link parties:

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Silver Pennies Sundays at Silver Pennies

Garden Glamor Shots for a Chandelier Makeover

 

A couple of weeks ago I set out to do a painting demonstration at a local antique flea market.  I wanted to take something out of the ordinary to paint...something that most people might not consider transforming with paint.  Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan works so well on such a variety of surfaces and I knew it was going to give this Craigslist chandelier the wow factor it deserved.  Most of the folks who came by to chat with me and watch me paint didn't seem to be as excited about the makeover as I was, because they preferred the original finish on the chandelier... 

 

Really?  Well, to each is own, right?  I have to remind myself sometimes that to the untrained eye, a piece simply painted in Chalk Paint® before it's been waxed isn't always very impressive.  I feel like I've done so many makeovers that all I see is the finished product now as I am painting away.  Still, everyone I talk to continues to be fascinated with this amazing paint that has no odor, great coverage and adheres to just about any surface with no sanding, prepping or priming required!  I still get excited when I say that!  I hope that some of the folks I chatted with at the sale get a chance to see the made over chandelier, either here or in my space at Camas Antiques.  Maybe then, they'll understand!

 

 

This is a pretty big chandelier.  I knew I'd need to take it somewhere to get good photos of it hanging.  Lucky for me, my mom has a beautiful garden with lots of arbors and trees for hanging things...perfect for the Glamor Shots!  My mom was waiting for me this morning with a ladder and a hanging hook!  Thanks mom!

 

Annie Sloan says not to think too much when you set out to paint.  I try to follow this rule.  I rarely map out a plan or paint sample finishes before I begin.  This finish is a combination of techniques and a whole lot of blended colors.  That being said, it wasn't challenging or overly time consuming!  Honestly!

 

Mostly I dabbed on the paint thickly to create texture.  I also did quite a bit of dry brushing.

 

I started with Duck Egg Blue and Paris Grey, a little here, a little there, back and forth with each color.

 

 

I then dry brushed a mixture of Old White and Paris Grey.  Next, I used a mixture of Paloma and French Linen on some of the edges.  I completed the look with clear and dark wax.

 

 

Never underestimate what you can accomplish with Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint!

I am looking forward to hanging this pretty fixture up in my space at the shop today!

 

 

Thank you for your sweet visit!  Have a wonderful day!  Happy Painting!

 

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 

 

You can see more photos of my mom's beautiful garden here and here.

 

Sharing this post with these fun link parties:

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Silver Pennies Sundays at Silver Pennies

 

Little Flourish Desk... Plus Pastel Painted Toolboxes

 

I have been working on this little desk in spurts for the past several days.  An hour here and an hour there seemed to be all the time I could find to paint, but it's finally completed and ready for the shop! 

 

At first I figured this would be a quick and easy one to paint, after all it's just a little desk, right?  Easy, maybe...I mean, it wasn't difficult.  But quick?  No.  Besides having 9 drawers, this desk is finished on all sides...a nice feature if you want to stick a desk out in the middle of a room!

 

 

So, as I was waxing this piece today I realized that it was almost as if I had just painted and waxed two desks! 

 

 

 Incidentally, I am still on the same can of Old Ochre Chalk Pain® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan that I used to paint my French Liqueur Cabinet... and there is enough paint left in the can for one more small project! I've said it before and I'll say it again...Chalk Pain® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan is well worth the high price tag!

 

If two-sided feature of this piece wasn't enough to stretch out the makeover, I could not make up my mind about what to do with the desk top.

 

 

At first I thought I would paint it, but when the old, unattractive chippy varnish sanded off to a smooth nice wood grain, I decided to stain it instead.  I kept telling myself to keep it simple, even though I was just dying to do some kind of decorative painting on the wood.

 

Because I can't seem to leave well enough alone, I pulled out a stencil and added some feminine flourishes to the desk top, also in Old Ochre and sealed it with both clear and dark wax.

 

 

I have been saving my Harney & Sons tea tins for quite some time now and have finally found a use for them!  My mom and I put together a couple of flower arrangements for the shop this morning.  Isn't the pretty tin a sweet vessel for flowers?  I plan to have several of these for sale on Saturday for our Mother's Day weekend sidewalk sale at Camas Antiques!

 

 

I am bringing several old toolboxes that have been made over in Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan to the sidewalk sale as well! 

 

 

 With all of the neat little divided trays inside of these boxes, the possibilities for what might be kept inside are endless.  Here is how I'll be using mine!

 

Thank you for your sweet visit today!  Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!

 

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 

 

 

Sharing this post with these fun link parties:

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Silver Pennies Sundays at Silver Pennies 

 

 

Paint Me Paloma

"Paint me Paloma!" was the quiet command of this confident and elegant vanity the first time I looked her over and decided to bring her home.

I had been anxious to paint another vanity and this one with her lovely lines, intriguing details and superb condition was just the project piece I had been hoping for!  A special thank you to a dear friend, Kenalyn who thought of me when her in-laws were down-sizing and looking to sell some of their antique furniture!  What a sweet friend to think of me!  And so, this pretty piece sat patiently in our garage for a few weeks before I had a chance to get started on her.  A quick cleaning was the only necessary prep work before I opened my can of Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan in the lovely color called Paloma.  The lighter accent color you see on the drawers and here and there on the trim is a 50/50 mix of Paloma and Old White.  I can't tell you how much I love this color!  The grey tones make this lilac hue so sophisticated and grown up.  

In the midst of this makeover, I dropped my brush and took a little trip across the river to visit my dear friend Phyllis at The Purple Pear.  Picking up this gorgeous fabric from her store was the perfect excuse for a quick visit with one of my favorite ladies!  Normandie Toile from Annie Sloan's fabric line was the one and only fabric I could envision on this bench painted in shades of Paloma.  It is just as lovely as I had imagined.  Thank you, Phyllis!

I have a confession to make.  I stole the hardware off of my Scalloped Bedside Tables for this vanity makeover!  It was a last minute decision, but one I do not regret.  The original pulls were well tarnished, which is what I love but when I went to clean them up a bit, they turned out to be brass rather than silver.  I really wanted to see a tarnished silver paired with this pretty lilac grey color.  The brass pulls will be painted and used on the Bedside Tables.  

After distressing the edges with my fine grit sanding sponge, I completed the paint finish with both clear and dark wax.

I was thrilled to find this sweet old Hair Pin box at a garage sale last week.  I knew immediately that it would be a great accessory for my vanity photo shoot!

I picked the last of my lilacs this morning and am savoring the delightful fragrance.  Now I am eagerly anticipating the roses!  All of my rosebushes are just full of buds!

We are enjoying some much needed warmth and sunshine here in the Pacific Northwest this week.  And it couldn't have come at a better time.  I will be taking my vanity, a few other furniture pieces and a great array of romantic treasures to the First Sunday Flea Market at Cottage Vintage Home this weekend.  My mom has potted up lots of lovely rare and unusual plants to offer as well!  If you are in the area, please come enjoy this fun event and be sure to stop by and say hello to me!  

Here are the details:

First Sunday Flea Market at

Cottage Vintage Home

Sunday, May 5th 10am - 3pm

2819 East Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA.

I would love to see you there!

Thank you for your sweet visit!

Best Wishes and Blessings,

Amanda

 

 

Sharing this post with these fun link parties:

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Home

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Silver Pennies Sundays at Silver Pennies