I swear I am gonna get to it & some eye candy

In my first official post I commented that I was going to get my basement cleaned and organized...... well I am getting there I swear but not just quite done. My loving mother did come over and made me throw stuff i have had for years and haven't used but was sure I  will use someday helped me get organized. And I didn't even need to feed her lunch, she actually brought me lunch! (Didn't I say she was lovely!) Anywhooo....after somewhat getting my sewing  stuff organized I quickly reallized that I still didn't have enough storage space ! Huh? What?  How did this happen I say to myself.. I purged myself of two garbage bags of valuable things I haven't used but possibly, someday might!!  By the way any one else out there like this? Scared to toss those 2 inch scraps of  ribbon, that stray button, empty coffee can or broken picture frame because you just know it will have a use someday? I hope its not a syndrome like my addiction to power tools.. In lue of this I am rethinking my strategy and causing me to re-re-organize my space. also thinking about how to spruce up the area since it is in the unfinished area of my basement. I will keep you updated .. meanwhile grap a napkin to wipe your drool as you lay your eyes on these crafters spaces.. to die for

Ikea inspired room, notice all the different lighting options..

Bright and cherry from heatherbailey.blogspot.com

 Yummy wall color !

 I am in love with these next  two sweet spaces

The brightness and openness of this space would make me never want to leave!

So perfectly shabby!

 Maybe the ultimate crafters room? I said be prepared to drool didn't I ?

Until next time

Elise

Thanks Ana White!

For those of you who have yet to visit her blog please do.. you will be pleasantly surprised. I myself am a confessed power tool junky.. yes my name is Elise and I love power tools.. given the choice I would rather go to Home Depot or Lowes than go to the mall and shop for shoes. I am a freak of nature? Maybe, but so be it!!
 I love Ana White's site. She has a superlicious collection of plans to build everything from a simple shelf to a full out bedroom suite. All easy to understand complete with the materials list broken down with the cut lengths and tools you need to complete the project. I have yet to tackle some of the larger projects Like these:

                                    Want this for my 5 year old.... to ambitious? We'll see!

or this would be sweet on my deck!

 I did use the inspiration from the Vintage Crate Cart Plan

which you can find  Here , to build these   

I constructed these from wood I reclaimed from some old pallets that were saved from being added to the trash by the guys replacing our roof. Since I decided that I wanted a label I could change when the use changed I added these chalkboard plaques make from some wood veneer I had stashed and painted with 3 coats of chalkboard paint. Just glue on with some Gorilla wood glue. I added some metal photo corners to the crate that says "books" to see how I would like it..... Think it adds a little something extra.. what do you think?  I really like the versatility of the crates, you can use them anywhere in the house to get yourself organized!  Think I will make some to sell!

Until next time,

Elise

       

Antique silver tutorial

So here is my first tutorial... Having big expectations being my first I am hoping this will help give someone out there a inspiration to whip out their paintbrushes and get a little creative.  I have a  shiny, formal, cherry Queen Anne bedroom set that was screaming to be updated. Luckily the lovely Lane and her daughter stopped by and decided to let me use my imagination to give this set a new life!

See I told you shiny, shiny!!

I had found this spray paint last Christmas to update some terra cotta pots for my silver and white theme

Can you say loovvve!!

Tried it on this antique chair to update it and was very, very pleased with the results!

So with that in mind I set out to put this tutorial together!  First step was to remove the handles (2 each drawer ) and key hole covers from 19, yes I said 19 drawers! I thought I would never be done. But I finally was and so on to sanding, Who hoo!! Yah!! said in a sarcastic tone of voice cuz sanding is my least fav thing to do. (I did try to bribe my 19 year old but I guess he had something more important to do like to go to work)

 Sooo ....I lightly sanded all surfaces with a 220 grit to give the shiny some grip to hold the primer and paint. Did I mention there was 19 drawers? 

I said I prefer to use the Rustoleum grey auto primer, but that depends on the project. Since I knew I wanted a super smooth surface I used it this time. But sometimes I will use Kilz spray primer or the Kilz water based primer in a can if I am goint to do a distressed finish. 

Then I get to .. guess what sand again..

Then I vacuum all the dust and wipe with a damp cloth..

 I like to wait at least an hour between coats, especially with a gloss finish.. And don't touch the finish to see if it is dry.. learned my lesson as it leaves a funky black smudge.

I let dry 48 hours after the last coat before I started the antiquing process, just to make sure the surface was good and dry..

Then let the fun begin!!

I have on hand a cheap chip brush to apply the glaze which is 1 part black paint and 1 part glaze of your choice), couple of dry rags, a wet rag and gloves. I don't normally use gloves but with this finish I like to get messy

Then wipe with dry cloth first and then the wet rag 

Once you are finished and pleased with the results let completely dry and then protect your work with your choice of poly or wax. I used  a wipe on poly by Minwax this time.

And Wha la!!

I love how some of the mirror like finish still shows!

They haven't decided on the color of the drawer pulls yet but I am thinking black matte.. 

I hope I covered everything  and you get a chance to try this technique out.. If you are afraid to try on any furniture maybe try on a picture frame or a decorative lamp? Have questions please let me know and I will get back with you as soon as I can.. and please please send my pics of your finished pictures. I love to see what you are working on.

Until next time,

Elise