The Story Of My Sideboard

In my recent post, Color Selector, I chose a color combination which I call Gray Sparrow, a mix of Behr Gray Morning and Sparrow Ratio to refinish my dining room sideboard. My goal was to achieve a Habersham effect and I DID IT!!!

Below is my story of my sideboard...

I mix my chalk board paint in a less conventional manner using a Ziploc Twist 'n Loc Containers container.  They are perfect for measuring purposes and the top twists on like a jar so it keeps my paint fresh and ready to use.  In this case I chose the 1000ml container which approximates 4.2 cups.

The faux Annie Sloan Chalk Paint recipe that I use comes from Jamielyn of          i heart Nap Time involves mixing 2 tablespoons of Plaster of Paris to 1 cup of flat paint.  So, in this case I added 8 tablespoons to LHD (Larissa Hill Designs) Gray Sparrow paint combination.

LHD Gray Sparrow

Step 1

Apply coat of LHD Gray Sparrow chalk paint over the current white chalk paint layer and lightly sand areas where you might expect normal wear and tear.

Step 2
I particularly like Deana's tutorial at Alchemy Fine Living on using MinWax to age furniture. I chose to use MinWax Classic Gray Wood Finish applied lightly over the entire sideboard leaving it to penetrate for 5 minutes before wiping it off with Cheese Cloth.

And, yes I was watching Ellen while completing this step!!!

Step 3

I chose to subtract the stain by wiping it in even strokes up and down and across the top until I was satisfied with the color. And below is my final painted sideboard finish....

Now, here in lies my dilemma!!! It is a great color which closely echoes the Habersham painted finish which I wanted to replicate however, I really don't like it.

My question for you is, "Have you ever been so unhappy with a paint finish, that you repaint it all over again?"

Let me know what you think....

Heather

 

Color Selector

One of the most difficult decisions for DIYers who repurpose and refinish furniture is, 'what color should I paint this piece?'  Well, at least it is for me!
So, I came up with an easy tool/stick that I call my Color Selector.

It's a simple method that helps me better visualize my color choices through the chalk paint layering process. I use the largest paint stick I can find (this one is the always trusty Home Depot 21" x 1 1/2" commercial paint stick) and paint in small sections with the help of Frog Tape, sometimes mixing paint colors along the way, sanding, waxing or staining until I find the color of my dreams!!!

My first step was to paint the entire stick in the base coat I chose for my sideboard, a creamy white.  I then layered 7 different Annie Sloan Chalk Paint substitutes by Behr, mixing and creating my own colors along the way.  Each of the colors are then recorded on the back for easy reference.

I then applied a coat of Min Wax Gray Stain....and voila,

my sideboard Color Selector! 

Unfortunately, my camera skills don't do the completed Color Selector justice! However, it allowed me to select the color to accomplish the finish shown in this Habersham chest.

I look forward to sharing with you my newly refinished Dining Room Sideboard in my LHD (Larissa Hill Designs) combination chalk paint color...Gray Sparrow.

3/4 ASCP Duck Egg Blue & 1/4 ASCP Paris Grey ratio

or the more affordable

3/4 Behr Gray Morning & 1/4 Behr Sparrow Ratio

Let me know what you think....



Repurpose Thursday - Silver Vintage Champagne Bucket

If you're anything like me, sometimes it's just too difficult to part with some things.  In this case, it was a very special silver champagne bucket that was given to us by one of our bridesmaids.  It has sat in our sideboard for years, not receiving the spotlight it deserves.

I was inspired by a photo I saw in a magazine recently that used a similar silver piece for a flower pot.  So, I decided to resurrect our silver bucket.  Upon removing it from the sideboard, I discovered that I had quite a cleaning task ahead of me.   Here is what it looked like....I'm actually embarrased by its state of tarnish.

So, I contacted my dear friend, Joan (the best antique dealer around!) and she recommended a product called Simichrome Polish. She guaranteed me that it was the best and easiest silver polish around.  Apply as directed and you'll be amazed by the results!!



I am thrilled with my repurposed, glistening wine bucket that now holds recycled silk orchids and moss.  It sits proudly on my server in my dining room and I'm loving it!

Let me know what you think....