MIA Again!!!

I've been busy working on soooo many projects and I've not taken the time to write about any of them.  Isn't that what blogging is all about????

So, I thought I'd give you a little hint of what's to come on Larissa Hill Designs....

From bathroom cabinet makeovers to kitchen cabinet makeovers

to revitalizing Art de Mexico sconces

to mixing my own Annie Sloan Chalk Paint 

to painting my dining room chairs

to refinishing and restyling a leather chair

to updating Thrift Store finds

to repainting my Dining Room Sideboard

to refinishing Craigslist finds

to more "Painting For Charity"

to sewing slipcovers and window treatments, upholstering furniture and then some....

I hope you stay tuned for all of it!!!

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....



Thrift Queens

Like most people who craft, repurpose, refinish, paint, recycle etc., I enjoy thrifting with friends.  Recently, Shari of  Swinging On A Star Creations and I headed out to Thrift King in Jeanette, Pa.  I first learned of Thrift King on a blog that I happened upon.   After reading the blog post, I needed to find out if we had one in our area.  Well, let’s just say that Shari and I went on a bit of a trip, with a few detours as true Thrift Queens always do.

So, after driving and stopping a few times, we finally arrived.  Unfortunately, Shari nor I are old enough to take advantage of the Senior Day savings!!!

There were aisles upon aisles of finds waiting to be discovered and they continually restock the shelves.  I was pleasantly surprised how clean and orderly the store was, and the staff was extremely helpful and pleasant.  Below are a couple of photos of the furniture section and check out areas...spotless!

Thrift King delivered on pricing for these two Thrift Queens as well.  Below are just a few of my finds that I am planning on refinishing and repurposing. 



 

Cost of a Day of Thrifting - $23.38

Thrifting with Shari - Priceless

Saved By Love Creations Blog Hop

Thrifty Decorating



Homemade Chalk Paint Recipe Experiment

Like most furniture refinishers, I have fallen in love with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint finish.  Unfortunately, ASCP is not sold anywhere in the Pittsburgh area and to be honest with you, I really didn't want to pay $38 plus $15 shipping for a quart of paint.  However I wanted to paint this great little end table in our family room with chalk paint.  I love it's lines and it is just the right size but it was looking a little worn.

So, I took to the internet to find a chalk paint recipe.  I stumbled across numerous sites and settled on a recipe from Make Your Own Zone .  It calls for a mix of 2 tablespoons of unsanded grout combined with 1 cup FLAT paint.  I however chose an old can of Behr SATIN paint that I had from a previous home project.  Did it make a difference?  I have no clue!  It seems to me that it shouldn't if you wax or use a polyurethane to complete the project.

As per chalk paint instructions, I didn't sand or prepare the table in any way, I just painted.  The paint was very thick and I think with this recipe, it might be a good idea to add just a bit of glaze.  Here is the coverage after only one coat of homemade chalk paint.  Depending on your piece of furniture and the look you want to achieve, this might be the only coat you need.

I really wanted full coverage and opted for a second coat of chalk paint as shown below.

Once the second coat was completely dry, I sanded edges where I felt normal wear would occur.  I did not want a heavily distressed look so my sanding was minimal. I then covered it with a thin coat of Howard Citrus Shield Premium Paste Wax in Golden Oak.  I let the wax sit for a couple of hours although it only calls for 3-5 minutes and then I buffed it.  As per ASCP instructions, I added another coat of wax, waited and buffed.

I am really pleased with the overall outcome.  I saved a great deal of time by skipping the initial sanding and preparation stages. I have never used ASCP so I really don't have anything to compare my homemade chalk paint too but the bottom line is, I'm thrilled with the chalk paint recipe and I am thrilled with my 'new' end table!

 

Let me know what you think....



I am  Blog Hopper !!

Auction Floor to Bedroom

I love attending auctions and always manage to find some great buys.  Recently, I was lucky to score a fabulous little cane chair for my daugther's bedroom.  Unfortunately, I did not take a "before" picture but you can imagine a pecan colored chair with chipped finish, torn cushions and arm rests and you get the picture!

Well, as you all know animal prints are a must and my daughter's room is no exception.  I was fortunate to have a large remnant of a pink ocelot fabric that was perfect for her newly decorated room. 

I spray painted the frame and cane back, black and then recovered the cushion and arm rests. It just didn't look complete so out came the glue gun and a bit of leftover fringe and decorator trim.

Complete with monogram pillow and mohair throw...Voila!

PS. Notice the picture above the chair...yes, it's a calendar print!
http://larissahill.blogspot.com/2011/08/calendar-girl.html

Come see me at....

http://www.domestically-speaking.com/
http://altard.com/altard/makeover-monday-furniture-linky-party-2/

Let me know what you think....

French Blue Chest

Paint...

Give me a can of paint and I'll do something with it.  If it doesn't work out, I figure I can always paint over it again.  So, needless to say a number of my friends were shocked when I told them I was going to refinish an Ethan Allen Medallion Collection chest of drawers that I've loved for years but had grown tired of it's finish. 

My inspiration was a lovely french blue chest of drawers from one of my favorite catalogs, Wisteria.

And here is mine....

I used a lovely blue gray paint combined wth cream and accents of gold around the drawers and top.  I then finished it off with a brown wax.  This was my first attempt at the distressed french antique finish.  I hope you like it.!! Let me know what you think.

One last thing, take a closer look below at the handmade votive.  An inexpensive yet dramatic effect accomplished by hot gluing tulip petals to the bottom of a votive and voila....