French Willow DIY!!!

As I continue on my quest to update our daughters' bathroom, I was looking for ideas on how to update a wicker and metal tower of baskets.  This small piece of furniture has served its purpose over time and I wanted to keep it because it is just the right size for the space.

My first thought was to spray paint it and then it dawned on me while perusing Pinterest to create a Grey Wash finish. So, I set out to find the easiest DIY to achieve this 'french willow' look.

Debbie of Confessions Of A Plate Addict shared her instructions for achieving the desired grey washed look in her post,  DIY Grey Willow French Laundry Basket and I love it.  However, I did not have any Rustoleum Camouflage spray paint on hand and I was anxious to get this project started so I needed to find another tutorial or create one of my own which I ultimately did and share below.

My first step was to apply a mix of ASCP Paris Grey color and I used a Behr color substitute, Sparrow. I combined 1/2 Behr Sparrow paint with 1/2 water to create a wash.

Using a foam brush, I generously painted the wicker leaving some of the original wicker color exposed.

My next step was to bring in a beige color. I chose to incorporate a Behr color substitute, Pecan Sandie for ASCP Old Ochre paint color.

I applied it as a wash of 1/3 paint and 2/3 water as shown below.

I then topped it off with a final coat of Krylon Satin Finish to provide a protective coating. 

Finally, I completed my newly refinished 'willow wicker' tower with hand painted tags.  I did my best to achieve an iron finish to match the iron on the tower.  I first painted the oval discs with a graphite paint and then applied a coat of Min Wax Classic Gray Stain. I let it sit for approximately 5 minutes and then wiped it off.

I then traced the perfect "No.s" for the tags utilizing a 'Jelllyka Delicious Cake' font and then copied over them with my Metallic Silver Sharpie pen.

I finally attached the 'No.' tags with the ever trusty E-6000 Craft Adhesive and voila....

Let me know what you think....

Heather

I'm partying here today....

    

  

Painting For Charity - Thomas The Tank

If you've been following my blog, you are familiar with my Painting For Charity projects. 

During the spring, I embarked on one for the Mario Lemieux Foundation, more specifically, Austin's Playroom Project. 

I found my inspiration while perusing the children book shelves at TJ Maxx and stumbled across this great little Thomas & Friends book.

I discovered when I opened up the book was a dozen Thomas & Friends miniature engines.   It dawned on me that they would fit perfectly on the rockers of a rocking chair.  And from there, the Thomas & Friends chair was born.

With the strongest glue known to man (& woman!!!) I placed and glued my 12 little engines along the rails.

They were perfect!!!

Next, I decided to incorporate the engines' names and I used the simplest tracing trick.  After printing the names, I covered the reverse side with pencil and then taped them into their spot on the chair between the rails.  I then traced the names and painted them.  It was that easy...

I applied the same technique to both the back and front of Thomas & Friends chair.

Here he sits with a basket of Thomas & Friends toys waiting for the lucky bidder!!!

Let me know what you think...

 

           

Console Table Spray Paint Makeover

I scored this great little console table at an auction for $5 sometime last year.  It was the perfect size and I loved its lines but was in need of some loving especially on the top.  It has sat in my garage since then awaiting its makeover.

Centsational Girl's console table was my inspiration to finally refinish it.



My first step was to sand it and then I sprayed it with Krylon's Blue Ocean Breeze .  I love this color and knew it would provide me with a bright base upon which to apply my favorite wax finish.



Below is the table after two coats of Blue Ocean Breeze.  I also lined the petite center drawer with scrapbook paper as shown below.

I then took out my trusty, 'go to' Howard Citrus Shield Premium Paste Wax in Golden Oak and applied it generously in a circular motion over the entire piece.

After 10 minutes, I began buffing and buffing some more, leaving just enough to achieve the distressed look I was hoping for.  The faux crystal knobs were finds from Michaels dollar bins...score!!!

It is now the perfect bedside table in my daughter's room and I'm loving it against the lavendar striped walls.  

Project #2 Complete!!!

Let me know what you think....



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