Use #158 For An Old Window Frame

A hair clip holder.

I found an old window frame for $3.00. I knew what I wanted it to become almost instantly. I had to paint it so it would match the princess's room, but there was so much texture going on that I didn't want to mess that up.

So I used plain old acrylic paint and just gave it one light coat. It is completely flat and very thin so that you can still see through it in most places.

I stapled some pink ribbon to the back and and screwed in some hooks at the bottom for bracelets and necklaces.

I love it when something is not only pretty, but functional as well. This has them both covered, and the princess loves it, too.

Refinishing Wood

On my last post about my refinished desk, I was asked a question about how I did it. I started to give a quick response in a comment, but I decided it would make a good post. So here is the skinny (or probably not so skinny) on refinishing wood.

1st - you have to consider what kind of condition the wood is in and how you want the finished product to look. If you are painting it you just need to scuff in up a little with sandpaper. If you are staining it the wood will need to be completely stripped with some kind of chemical stripper.

If you are painting it and want the piece to be nice and new-looking, fix any holes or cracks or dings with wood putty. Let it dry and sand it flush. I'm not sure of the exact process for fixing imperfections if you are planning to stain the wood.

I like a more aged and worn look, so I leave the dings and cracks as they are. I think it adds character.

Next - If you are staining it, just rub the stain on, wait a bit, and rub off the excess. Then seal it with polyurethane or wood wax, and you are done.

If you are painting, give a good even coat or two of primer (I like the spray - it's quicker and easier). If you are painting, you need to use a good primer to cover the entire surface. There are different color primers. Basically, if you are painting a light color use a light color; if you are painting a dark color, use a darker primer. Easy enough.Then just paint and enjoy!

Tips (learned from experience):

Paint with primer in it does NOT equal a primer coat. You will have problems with pealing.

Black stain is not really black. If you want black you have to paint.

For the desk I just finished I didn't do any surface repairs. I painted the body with Kilz Semi-Gloss Bulgar Wheat paint. (The guy mixing the paint kept calling it "Burglar Wheat" hehe.) Then I mixed 1 part water and 1 part Ralph Lauren Satin Ebony paint and used it as a wash for the desk surfaces so the wood shows through just slightly.

Hope this was helpful for anyone starting a refinishing project. Good luck!

A New Look for an Old Desk

I loved the form of this old desk. All the compartments and drawers were beautiful. It was worn out and ugly, but I just knew it had potential.

Here is the finished product.

That is one amazing transformation! It's amazing what a little paint can do.

Refinished Crib

So here was the before for the crib. I just knew it had potential!

And here is the after.

Wash. Sand. Prime. Paint. And voila, a beautiful new crib!

Himalayan Poppy... the color even sounds pretty.

Update: I am linking this post up to Furniture Feature Friday on Miss Mustard Seed's Creative Blog. Check it out!

Preview

WOW! All I have to say is that moving is a daunting project with 4 small children, one of which is a newborn. It is consuming me and all my fun stuff has been put on hold, but that is about to change.

First some unfinished business... I'm sure you are wondering "Did she make Baby K a blessing outfit, or just use one of the other ones she had?" It's been keeping you up at night, I know. :D Well, rest easy, I made him his own... sort of. I have been waiting on some pictures I had taken to I post about it. Still waiting, so the full post will be forthcoming as soon as I get the pictures.

Now for new business... I have several projects in the wings. Here is a brief look at just a few (these are in no particular order).


First is this crib...

It needs painting. I know what you're thinking, "You already had your baby and you are just now painting the crib?" Well, I always keep my babies in a bassinette in my room for the first 3 months, so I haven't been too worried about it. Baby K will be 3 months in about a week (where did that time go?) so now I figure it is time to start worrying about it.

Next comes this desk...

I am loving this desk. I just picked it up the other day. Great form... not so great color. Another painting project. I haven't settled on a color yet. I'm toying with red, cream and antiqued, dark brown, or olive. I'm kinda loving green these days, so we'll see. It's going in a room with a large bookcase that is distressed black. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

And finally, the piece de resistance...
This is getting reupholstered. And if you think that looks daunting, look at the whole thing.



It's huge! I know, I'm overwhelmed just looking at it. To tell you the truth, I'm terrified to start. But I see it completed in my mind's eye, and it is beautiful, and that gives me courage. Obviously, this is no weekend project. This is going to take a while, but I will be posting all the ups and downs throughout the project.


I have a few fears concerning this reupholstery job.

1. IT'S HUGE!!!!!!

2. My attention span. I'm hoping I can keep a steady pace and get it completed soon, but I'm not really known for that.

3. IT'S HUGE!!!!!!

4. My skills. I'm affraid this project might exceed my ability.

5. IT'S HUGE!!!!!!

6. My sanity. I'm affraid that when it is finally completed I may need to be checked into an institution (if I make it that far).

7. Did I mention IT'S HUGE!!!!!!


So, there you have it. A quick overview of things to come. Not to mention the 20 or 30 other projects I have churning around in my overactive brain. I think someone needs to stop me before I hurt myself.

Upholstered Toy Chest

Remember that I said I have short attention span? The biggest problems this causes me in my crafting is that I get a project started, get bored, start another, then see a really cute idea, and start another project, think of something else I've been wanting to make, and start another project. The result is that I am currently in the midst of about 8 projects that are halfway to mostly finished. My goal is to get at least a couple finished this week. Hopefully I can keep myself focussed for that long.


I thought I would share one project that I have managed to complete. I came across this beat-up old trunk at DI and thought it would make a great toy chest for Mara's room. Karl did all the hardware removal, sanding, and painting since I'm not in any condition to do that stuff these days, but I upholstered the top, so I can claim some credit. Let's call this a joint effort. Don't I have a great husband? I wish I had taken a before shot, but I didn't, so just image a navy blue trunk that has been completely beat-up and covered in stickers. Okay, do have your mental picture? Here is the result:





I like how it turned out, and now the toy issue is under control. Well, I'm off to make some buttoned scarves.