The 3 R’s Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love

Apr 10, 2014

WoW! Wainscoting Wallpaper!

Coach and I recently purchased this country-style cupboard at auction for…wait for it…$10!!! It was pretty grimy and the front doors were missing, but I just fell in love with the detail in the top trim and base.

The color was a faded and chipped greenish-mustardy yellow with some sort of stenciling on it. So not country pretty, so time for a makeover. First step, clean it up! Second step, I had to remove the middle piece of wood where the now-MIA doors would have normally closed and latched. (If anyone knows what that piece is actually called, let me know : )

It was easy to pop out with a tap of a hammer, but there was a wood spindle at the base that needed removing, since I wasn’t planning on replacing the doors.

(This is the point when Bartlet the Frenchie was exiled into the hall closet, as he was none too pleased with the noise of the saw and kept trying to attack it!)

Easily done with a small saw, then I patched up the holes and was good to go. The first coat, my go-to primer, Glidden Gripper. It covers lots of sins : )

Amazing how one coat of primer can change the entire look of a piece! See how the detail pops with the clean, white paint!?

My finish paint choice? A lovely shade of creamy white called Snowfall White by Benjamin Moore in a matte finish.

If Linen White and White Dove were married and had painty children, this is the color they would be. Before I applied the top coat, I decided I wanted to add some sort of trim or wainscoting to the back panels to give the cupboard a bit more interest. I went searching through Lowes (well, first I scoured the basement workshop and the barn but came up empty handed there), where I perused all sorts of wood, metal and vinyl options. I wanted something simple and lightweight to install that would give a nice finished look. At Lowes I discovered this roll of faux paintable, pre-pasted wallpaper wainscoting by Allen & Roth. Score!

It looks like a regular roll of paper, but It had the feel of foam, so it is very lightweight and easy to cut with scissors. No dragging out my saw and sanding down edges, then gluing and nailing in place. Just measure, cut, dip and paste. Perfect.

Simple to cut, just measured it out, marked with a pencil and used scissors.

Dipped it in a warm bath in the sink for 30 seconds, then removed it and allowed it to sit for 3 minutes to allow the glue to really gel up.

This is some seriously sticky and gluey glue! The panels went on so easily over the primed surface, and since I had already premeasured and cut, no additional trimming was necessary. I just placed the paper into position and used a damp sponge to wipe it down and remove any excess glue.

According to the instructions, I waited 24 hours prior to painting, then I painted the entire piece with the Snowfall White.

And folks, this really does look like raised wood wainscoting!

This painted piece is so much better, BUT, I am not finished.

I need to decide on an accent glazing color, and I am open for suggestions. Red, lavender, gray, blue, brown, what color would you choose to enhance the beautiful trim and the wainscoting without changing the overall feel of the cupboard? I am loving the white, but it needs just a touch of something!

And this needs to be completed quickly, as Easter is fast approaching, so time is of the essence. Help! Susan

Filed Under: Auctions, Fleas & Fabulous Finds, Color Class, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, The Barn Workshop-DIY Series · Tagged: Allen & Roth, Allen & Roth Faux Wainscoting, Allen & Roth Wainscoting Wallpaper, Benjamin Moore Linen White, Benjamin Moore Snowfall White, Benjamin Moore White Dove, country cupboard ideas, country cupboard painted, Glidden Gripper

Mar 25, 2014

Anchors Away Vintage Cabinet

By countrydesignhome · 2 Comments

Another DIY project for the summer porch (if it ever gets above freezing around here so we can actually use the porch). This is the before, one of those old tin wall cabinets that someone had painted an awful shade of mustard neon yellow.

And this is the now: an Anchors Away Rolling Cabinet!

A pretty dramatic transformation, yes? Here is the how-I-did-it:

1. Attached wheels to the base of the cabinet so it can roll easily

2. Painted with Glidden Gripper primer. This stuff works on wood or metal. Painted a coat of Benjamin Moore Snowfall white over the primer.

3. For the sides, I decided to add a nautical stripe effect, so I taped the 2″ stripes over the white and painted with a custom (by me!) deep blue.

4. For the front doors, I painted two layers of blue paint, a solid base and then a dry-brushed topcoat to create more depth of color.

5. For the anchor stencil. I needed to look no further than my HomeGoods shopping bag!

I buy these all the time, and for 99 cents they can’t be beat. I usually use them for toting stuff around, but since the anchor was the perfect size, I figured why not? I’ve got plenty more where those came from! So I used the cut-out anchor for the stencil, affixing it to the cabinet with some temporary craft adhesive,

then sponging paint on with a regular sponge.

The roping I created from my PicMonkey Photo Editor. This anchor design is very similar to the one I used, so I’m sharing that in case you would like to create one of these too!

6. I printed the design on regular printer paper, then affixed a sheet of freezer paper to it with some spray adhesive, just to give it more strength. Cut out the stencil with an exacto knife.

7. Affixed the stencil to the cabinet with painter’s tape, dabbed the white with a piece of sponge until the white was deep against the dark blue.

For the twisted rope, I cut the pattern from the HomeGoods bag (it has two sides : )

and taped that to the cabinet.

Outlined with chalk, then took a small, tapered sponge piece

and followed along the lines, dabbing with the white paint to create the rope effect.

The great part about using chalk is that once the paint is dried, the chalk just wipes away with a damp sponge.

For the top, I used some light balsa wood pieces that I affixed with glue.

I wanted that beachy, weathered appearance, so I added some blues mixed with water just to give it an aged effect.

Then I glazed the top with a mixture of Martha Stewart Glaze and 2 paints, one white, one metallic silver to create that aged, driftwoody look I was going for.

With the glaze, you just paint it on, then wipe off what you don’t want

The original handles were 1950’s chrome, which would have been perfectly fine.

Instead, I used some brass grommets, one in each hole. I had do do a bit of drilling to make the holes larger, and then glued them into place.

Added some nautical roping to create the handles. Plus, it mimics the roping in the stenciled design. Perfect!

A bit of DIY FYI: when you are cutting twisted rope, tape the end before you cut, otherwise it will untwist!

For the inside, I just painted it to match, then decopaged the shelves with some pretty blue tile paper I picked up at Michaels-4 for $1!

Then I added a Martha Stewart Gloss finish just to waterproof the paper.

This cabinet is plenty big enough to hold cups, plates and glasses and an ice bucket for the porch.

The finished cabinet is perfect on our Nautical Summer porch, right at home with our white wicker seating and the Whale Coffee Table!

And. perhaps someday soon, we will be able to sit out on the porch and enjoy some much-anticipated warm weather! But for now, I hope you enjoyed my DIY Anchors Away Cabinet Project! Have a warm Wednesday, everyone! I know I will because I am headed to sunny California!!! Susan

Filed Under: Auctions, Fleas & Fabulous Finds, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, The Barn Workshop-DIY Series, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: Benjamin Moore Snowfall, bobvila, Glidden Gripper, HomeGoods, nautical cabinet, nautical painted cabinet, vintage anchor cabinet, vintage cabinet

Mar 18, 2014

One Ocean Arts Shop Showcase

By countrydesignhome · Leave a Comment

If you follow my blog, then you know I love showcasing new businesses and shops that are unique and have something special to offer. So, today I am super excited to share the newest venture of my niece, Jamie, a fur seal trainer by trade,

a talented artist and now a budding entrepreneur from Gloucester, MA. (Where she actually lives in a lighthouse, folks!!) Inspired by her love of the ocean and its beautiful creatures, she is taking the plunge and has opened her Etsy shop called OneOceanArts.

Now offered are beautifully block-printed clothing and accessories, including t-shirts and tanks, tote bags and baby onesies

with the sweetest sea-inspired illustrations. How awesome is this little guy!?!?

Even the happy shark is adorable!

All of her artwork is original,

and each order is customized and hand-block-printed on 100% cotton, organic and blended materials, using colorfast and long-lasting inks in bright, vivid hues of blacks, whites, pinks and aquas.

More examples: A block-printed women’s hoodie offered in grey with your choice of block print color.

Here is the description: “This is a one of a kind hoodie hand printed just for you. There are a variety of prints, shirt colors and ink colors to chose from so you can make it your own! Any print you see in our store can go on this shirt, so feel free to customize your item. You can also chose placement of the image. Do you want it on the back of the shirt instead? No problem! Make sure to let us know what image and ink color you would like when placing your order. Don’t see your size or favorite color? Message us and we’ll do our best to make it happen!” Loving the design on this men’s nautical compass T.

So you choose your clothing or accessory item, then you have the option to choose the block print, the placement and the colors. Brilliant!! Each item has a full description including sizes with full measurements and color choices. Loads of options, each one ocean-inspired and uniquely created for you. Along with children’s and adult clothing, OneOceanArts is also offering block-printed canvas tote bags

made from recycled materials, block-printed in the design and colors of your choosing. Loving the old VW bus with the surfboards!

Jamie is continually adding new items and designs to the shop, so check back often to see what’s new! If you are searching for the perfect gift inspired by the ocean, or just want to “sea” Jamie’s new shop, check out OneOceanArts (and tell her that Auntie Sue sent you). Have a (not-so-top ‘o the morning after St. Paddy’s Day) Tuesday, everyone! Susan

Filed Under: Inspiration, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: block printed ocean illustrations, block printed sea creatures, ocean inspired clothing and tote bags, One Ocean Arts blocking printing for sale, One Ocean Arts Etsy Shop, One Ocean Arts ocean-inspired clothing, OneOceanArts

Mar 13, 2014

The Antique Table Throwback

By countrydesignhome · 16 Comments

It’s #Throwback Thursday, everyone! What better way to celebrate than to show off my latest DIY project? This week it’s a turn-of-the-century table Coach had stashed in the barn. Pretty beat up, lacking polish and pizazz and missing the little finial in the base.

This is the before when it was manufactured by the Denhard Furniture Company of Louisville, Kentucky, sometime between 1855 and 1905. This is the after.

Here is the how-I-did-it:

1. My first step is always to clean the piece to make sure there isn’t any dust or dirt or mold or mildew-after all, who knows where its traveled in these last 100 years? I wanted to preserve the top to stain, so I flipped it upside down and went to work.

2. I painted the base it with my favorite primer: Gripper by Glidden. Awesome stuff. Covers everything in one coat.

3. Once that dried, I painted the body with a coat of Benjamin Moore matte finish paint in a custom color. And by that I mean that I mixed a couple of different cans of paint I had on hand to create this creamy white color. I will name it Buttercream Frosting. Because I love Buttercream Frosting. And it is a buttery cream color. Hence, the name.

4. I painted all of the raised detail blue-this is why I LOVE redoing old furniture. You don’t find this kind of carved detail at big box stores!

And this locking mechanism for the legs is brilliant! A screw-eye is attached to the leg, which then in turn is attached to the brace with the screw. So sturdy.

OK, so I painted all of the raised detail with the same home-made blue paint concoction that I used in the Colonial Country Cupboard I recently completed. Love it, want to use it over and over again. But I am almost out, so I’m going to have to find a way to replicate it! OK, so now the detail was blue.

Then I repainted the entire piece again with the Buttercream Frosting and wipe away the excess off the blue details.

5. I sanded everything down to give it that rustic, aged look that we like.

And by we, I mean myself and Coach. I know a lot of people are not fans of the painted, sanded, stained look, but that’s cool. One man’s trash is another family’s re-loved vintage table : )

5. I glazed the entire piece with General Finishes Brown Mahogany

(I was planning on using this for the top, anyway, so this way it matched color tones. I’m kinda smart like that.) Simple process. Paint the stuff on.

Try not to spill it. But if you do, use plastic drop cloths so it’s easier to scoop the stuff up and put it back in the can.

I’m using plastic lace table cloths from the dollar store. I know, right? Cheap, pretty and practical (insert joke here). Used a damp rag to keep it workable while I wiped it off until I was satisfied with the results.

Look how the detail pops now!

6. The base has two cross pieces that meet in the middle. At one time there was most definitely a decorative finial, but that was missing. I was searching for something suitable when I spotted these curtain rods at the Christmas Tree Shop. (If you don’t have one near you, and don’t know what this store is, let me assure you it does not merely sell Christmas Trees!) These were a glazed, antiqued metal and cost $5.99!

So I removed the finial from the rod,

then filled the finial with glue

and also coated the spindle with glue so it would be very secure.

7. So now the new pineapple finial is a welcoming addition to the antique table. Is it the original? No. But I would never have been able to find that. This seemed like a sweet solution.

8. For the top, I used the aforementioned Brown Mahogany Stain to replicate the rich brown of the original color and finish. That was after Coach sanded it down, but I didn’t catch him in the act, so I don’t have a shot of that. But I do have a pic of him cleaning an old cupboard using my kitchen gloves. He worked for a few minutes and then said, and I quote: “This DIY stuff is hard work. I’ll finish it later.) And he removed the pink gloves and left! So I remind him of that whenever he drags home yet another piece of furniture and says “work your magic with this”. Ha.

7. I applied a couple of coats of Fidde’s Supreme Wax

to give the top that glowing finish.

8. Here is the final closeup reveal of the accented details and beautiful wood top!

I think Mr. Denhard would be very pleased with how I have lovingly restored his table. What do you think? Could you love a table like this in your home?! Do you have an old piece of furniture kicking around? If you do, then it’s your turn to add it to the #Throwback Thursday Collection! Susan

Filed Under: Auctions, Fleas & Fabulous Finds, Color Class, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, The Barn Workshop-DIY Series, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: #Throwback THursday, antique table restoration, antique table restored, Benjamin Moore, bobvila, Fiddes Supreme Wax, General Finishes glaze, redoing an antique table

Mar 11, 2014

Dangers of DIY-Hardware Replacement

By countrydesignhome · Leave a Comment

I recently wrote a post entitled the Dangers of DIY

where I discussed the many chemicals and compounds that are in all of the seemingly harmless paints and finishes that DIY’ers use on a daily basis. If you didn’t see it, please click here and read it. It’s very important that you are aware of the pollutants and potentially hazardous materials that you are breathing in while working on your favorite old piece of furniture or wood trim in your homes!

However, there is another, less apparent danger that is also so important to know about and correct for your family’s safety. In another recent post, I showed off a gorgeous 1950’s Lane hope chest that I had completely restored.

I am really proud of that piece, but what was I not aware of that needed changing? The locking mechanism of the chest was similar to the one that was in the news recently, when two small children climbed into it and tragically suffocated. How could that happen?! The old locks, in the chests built before 1987, had a push-button that was easily engaged so that the top could open up, and then instantly click into place and lock down once the top was lowered. There was no way to unlock it from the inside, and since it is a cedar-lined chest, it was built with a tight seal to keep out the moths and protect your clothing. Clearly, this needed to be changed.

The new locking mechanism was provided by the manufacturer, the Lane Company, free of charge.

They have had several recalls in the past, most recently in 2014 due to this recent tragic incident. All we had to provide was the latch style and serial number (here is the online link to use)

and we received the new lock in the mail in less than a week. The simple replacement process took just a few minutes, and you can see a video here by The Furniture Refinishing Studio on the exact procedure. The lock is not that difficult to open (and it does come with a key if you really want to keep it shut tight) but once it is opened, there is no way to lock it down from the inside. The mechanism remains disengaged and the top remains open about 1/2 inch until you re-engage it, which can only be done from the outside of the chest.

So now, there is no way that this tragedy can be repeated. If you have an old hope chest or any other old piece of furniture that you are DIY’ing, check the hardware! Old cupboards and cabinets and cribs and dressers were not built with the same safety procedures we have in place today. It is our responsibility, as we are refurbishing these pieces to use or sell to make sure that we change locks and alter pieces to ensure the safety of our children and pets, too! So, as you are working on your next DIY project, take a step back and make sure that what you are producing is not only beautiful but safe and secure for all to enjoy. Have a terrific Tuesday, everyone! Susan

Filed Under: Auctions, Fleas & Fabulous Finds, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, The Barn Workshop-DIY Series, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: bobvila, dangers of DIY, how to replace Lane Cedar Chest Lock, Lane Cedar chest latch recall, Lane Furniture Company, Lane Hope Chest recall locks, replacing hardware on old furniture, replacing latch on Lane Cedar Chest

Feb 25, 2014

Colonial Country Cupboard

By countrydesignhome · 10 Comments

Last summer, Coach and I took a long weekend trip to Bethel, Maine for a bit of golf and R & R.

Well, I should say R & S (Rest and Shopping) as we did quite a bit of antique shopping up and down the Maine coast. My heart skipped a beat when we turned a corner while wandering through the many aisles of Pa’s Tradin’ Post in Oxford, Maine.

and discovered this gorgeous old country cupboard!

And, I was even more excited that it actually fit in our CRV, even with all the luggage, coolers and golf clubs! (Truth be told, I would have tossed those clubs to get this piece in my car…)

It was newer, but completely hand-crafted using old lumber and pieces from antique windows and dressers. It needed quite a bit of work, so I took my time refurbishing it, in between quicker, easier projects. Well, I am happy to say that it is finally finished, and styled, and sitting proudly next to the fireplace in my family room. So, what once looked like that, now looks like this!

The exterior body was painted with Annie Sloan French Linen Chalk Paint. I then sanded the edges and raised detail to give it the distressed look we like.

The shelves and doors I painted (after replacing and re-glazing many of the old panes-these were actually old windows that were repurposed-I LOVE that!)

in Glidden Antique Beige “chalk-like” paint that I mixed myself. Here’s the recipe from “In My Own Style”

The back planked wall of the cupboard was painted with a custom color that I created-kind of a soft, denim blue.

I had originally painted it with Miss Mustard Seed Eulalie’s Sky Milk Paint (you can read about that fiasco here),

but once I decided where it was going to be in our home, that needed changing. Oftentimes, I paint a piece with the colors I would like, only to realize that it just doesn’t work in the intended space. That’s the beauty of paint-one quick coat and you have a whole new look! I wanted it to be a close match, but a lighter blue tone to the drapes in the room, since it would be in proximity to the window where they hang. Finally, I waxed the entire piece with Fidde’s Supreme Wax to give it a nice, warm, glowing finish. The hardware remained the same. Chipped, rusted black? Perfect!

This is the before, dingy white, cracked windows, unpainted interior.

This is now. A pretty painted piece that shows off many of the pieces that Coach and I have collected over the years.

The showcased pieces are primarily from Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, The custom color blue I chose for the background enhances the blues in the pottery and plates and brightens the brass trivets and pieces.

Colonial Williamsburg is an historic site that Coach and I love and have visited many, many times. This is the William and Mary crest trivet-one of our very first mementos we purchased over thirty years ago.

The re-painted and re-loved cupboard now reminds me of the shop front windows and taverns on the Duke of Gloucester Street, filled with old glass and pottery pieces, brass trivets, plates and mugs.

Now, when I step back to admire my transformed country cupboard,

I am transported back in time to our many wonderful trips to Williamsburg. And isn’t that why we save our souvenirs and mementos-to remind us of happy times and fun trips? I hope you all have mementos you keep to tell your story, and a beautiful cupboard in which to display them. Have a “think spring” Tuesday, everyone! Susan

Filed Under: Auctions, Fleas & Fabulous Finds, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, The Barn Workshop-DIY Series, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: Annie Sloan French Linen chalk paint, bobvila, colonial cupboard, Colonial Williamsburg, country cupboard, DIY Chalk Paint, DIY painting a cupboar, Glidden Antique Beige, Miss Mustard Seed Eul, painted country cupboard

Feb 18, 2014

French Lavender Side Table-Ooh-la-la!!

By countrydesignhome · 11 Comments

Writer’s Note: I am excited to share that my little French Lavender Table Transformation was featured as an Editor’s Pick on BlogHer!! To view that post, click here:

As featured on BlogHer

Now, onto the transformation! With some pieces of old furniture, I choose the style and color of the makeover according to my needs. Some pieces tell me what they need to be. This little table needed to be the center of attention in a lovely lavender French boudoir.

We purchased it at auction and I could have chosen to paint it red or black or green, but Behr Lavender Lily seemed to be just the perfect, soft color for this delicate little beauty. Here is the how-I-did-it:

1. Cleaned and lightly sanded the entire piece. It was pretty dusty and dirty and topless-must have been a long, crazy trip from Paris!

2. The base coat of paint was quite adhered and sturdy other than a few chipped edges, so I just sanded them, added a primer for the top and simply painted over it. Look at the sculpted details here!

First 2 coats, Behr Lily Lavender.

So soft and pretty!

3. Added a glaze of Behr Ridge View paint mixed with Martha Stewart Glaze Effects to highlight all of the exquisite detail on the legs, drawer and back.

I mixed it together in a 4 to1 ratio (glaze to paint) then painted it on (working in small sections because it dries pretty quickly),

then wiped it off, leaving the glaze where I wanted it to remain as a highlight.

Allowed the piece to dry.

4. In the past, I have used waxed paper for my transfers, but this time I tried freezer paper instead.

The freezer paper is a little heavier and easier to work with than the waxed paper. There are two sides, a matte side and a shiny “plastic-coated” side.

You want to print the graphic (thanks, Graphics Fairy : ) on the shiny side, in reverse! In this case, I wanted to use a small graphic to decorate the center of the table top, so I would be able to place things on it without completely hiding the picture.

5. Once printed, allowed to dry for a short time. DO NOT TOUCH IT or it will smear. Lightly dampened the painted surface.

DO NOT OVER-DAMPEN

or the graphic will come out all smeary and then you have to wipe it off and repaint it and start over again. Ok, well, that happened to me. More than once. So DON’T DO THAT.

6. Gently and carefully placed the graphic straight down onto the surface, then affixed with painter’s tape to create a “hinge” at the top.

This allows you to check your progress without moving the graphic around and messing up the picture. WARNING: you only get one shot at this. If you attempt to moved the transfer around once it has touched the painted surface, you will need to start over. Ok, well that happened to me too. More than once. So DON’T DO THAT.

7. Once the transfer had successfully landed on my piece, I used a blunt object to rub the surface using firm pressure. I used the back of a spoon but I have seen others using credit cards (I prefer to use those at HomeGoods).

This takes a minute or so to complete the transfer. Just keep rubbing all over, and check periodically by lifting the corner and then placing back down in the exact same spot. Hence, the tape hinges. Removed the paper from the design once I was happy with the transfer. Allowed to dry.

8. Once the piece had dried, I applied a coat of Fidde’s Supreme Wax

to protect the entire piece and provide a nice, glowing finish. Wiped it on, buffed it off with a soft cloth.

9. Drilled the hole for the antique brass pull

and Ooh-la-la!

My new precious French Provincial side table is magnifique!? Oui? This technique is pretty fool-proof as long as you allow time to dry between steps and follow the transfer instructions. But, before you transform a piece, make sure you really look at it to decide what it needs to be. Have a Bon Mardi, everyone! Susan

Filed Under: Auctions, Fleas & Fabulous Finds, Color Class, Inspiration, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, The Barn Workshop-DIY Series · Tagged: Behr Lavender Paint, Behr Ridge View Paint, bobvila, French Lavender Side table, Martha Stewart Glaze Effects, printing french graphics with printer, refurbishing a small table, transferring french typography, transferring graphics onto wood table

Feb 8, 2014

LOVE-ingly Restored Hope Chest

By countrydesignhome · 7 Comments

Back when I was a little girl, hope chests were a thing.

The only company I was aware of that built them was Lane-they made cedar hope chests in different furniture styles as the trends changed, but the interiors remained the same. They were deep, cedar-lined chests where a girl could store her “betrothed” collection.

After all, hope chests were used to gather and store a young woman’s wedding dowry- you know, that whole love and marriage thing. The definition of a hope chest, according to Wikipedia: “A hope chest, dowry chest, cedar chest, or glory box is a chest used to collect items such as clothing and household linen, by unmarried young women in anticipation of married life” As a high school graduation gift, each girl in my school received a miniature hope chest-apparently our goal was to find a prince charming and get married.

Photo Courtesy of Allee Willis Museum Of Kitsch

The heck with that college stuff! How times have changed, fortunately. Fast forward a few decades, when I discovered this now un-used and un-loved, divorced-from-its-owner, Lane Mid-Century-Modern Style Hope Chest at our local Salvation Army.

It had definitely seen better days, and reeked of stale cigarette smoke. Back in the 50’s and 60’s, everyone smoked, so pretty much any vintage pieces from that time period will likely have that lovely Eau Du Lucky Strike Scent. “It’s Toasted” is an understatement…

Lucky Strike Poster via JVoyage Etsy

This piece took quite awhile to transform, as I pretty much had to prep every surface, both inside and out. Here is the how-I-did-it:

1.Removed top from base. The top was in the worst shape and needed a complete stripping and refinishing job.

The plan was to paint and glaze the base, but to refurbish the top back to its original glowing cherry finish. I used this Motsenbocker’s Gel Stripper (yet another water-based, green product for us DIY’ers : )According to the directions, you paint it on, wait 5-10 minutes then scrape off the old paint or varnish. Repeat if necessary.

It took three coats of this, then a damp sponging before it was completely cleaned and prepped for a new finish. But it was well worth the wait. The wood was absolutely stunning!

For the finish, I used General Finishes Water-Based Brown Mahogany Wood Stain

Painted it on with a sponge brush, wiped it off with a rag.

Two coats for the proper depth of color. Look at the richness of the color!

For the top coat, I used General Finishes Satin Poly-Acrylic Blend.. Three coats, with a light sanding with steel wool in between. The more I use them, the more I love these General Finishes Water-Based products. Easy application, much less odor, gorgeous durable finishes, dries fast, super easy to clean up and safer for the environment. Win,win! I also used this to paint any unsealed exterior wood to make sure the stale smoke scent was gone.

2. The base required a good cleaning and light sanding just to remove any loose particles and dust. I painted it with two coats of paint: Behr Ashwood

This is a very pale greenish taupe color, in keeping with the 50’s when avocado green was all the rage. I then added second, lighter coat of the Ashwood mixed with some Glidden Antique Beige. This is another “go-to” neutral I keep on hand to use as a base color or to mix with other colors. It is a soft, creamy beige with a hint of pink. Pretty.

To define the insides of the trim squares, I added a glaze of the slightly darker Behr Ashwood mixed with Martha Stewart Glaze Effect. You mix them together in a bowl, using a 5 to 1 ratio of glaze to paint. The more paint, the darker the glaze, so you can adjust it according to your needs.

Painted it just inside the squares

then wiped it off to the edges to just leave a hint of color behind to enhance the trim.

Then the entire base was finished with Fiddes & Son Superior Wax.

I find the simplest way to use this product is to brush or wipe it on, allow to dry for a few minutes. Then I take my little Black and Decker Mouse Sander (without the sand-paper!) and then buff it using a pad of folded soft fabric.

Quick and easy on the elbows and leaves a perfectly smooth finish.

3. The lining inside the drawer was some old rotted, smelly green felt. I just wet it down, then scraped it out.

In its place went some vintage ads and news articles

I affixed with Americana Deco-Page Matte Finish Gel.

4. The drawer pulls were dark and tarnished, but they were solid brass. I just didn’t have the heart to paint them, as I had originally intended! So I soaked them in acetone (that’s nail polish remover, folks)

to remove the lacquer coating, scrubbed with some steel wool and then cleaned them with Brasso polish. Gorgeous and shiny again, they are shaped like little bows and now pop against the Ashwood paint.

5. The little brass feet on the bottom of the legs were also quite tarnished. For this I dipped the steel wool in some acetone and wiped until they were clean, then polished them as well.

(Note the heavy rubber gloves. Also note that I am not working in the basement, but in a well-ventilated dining room with the window open and the fan blowing. Which is better for my health, but let’s just say that my dining room is no longer suitable for dinner guests-takeout, anyone?)

6. Amazingly, the interior of the hope chest was in perfect condition, even down to the little key. You can see by the sign that this one was built in 1957, true Mid Century Modern style, and comes with a $500 moth damage guarantee! I wonder if that is still in play…

So now, the little Mid-Century Hope Chest that looked like this

looks like this-not bad for 50 years old!

If you are interested, you will find it at the Vintage Thymes Monthly Market today,

awaiting some love-struck young bride-to-be to fall in love with it and bring it home to start her dowry-which nowadays is more likely to include an MBA and a 401K than a linen tablecloth and lingerie. But it would make a great storage chest or console table as well! Since this is LOVE post #7, and it is actually day 8, I will be sharing another project later on today. In the meantime, have a hopefully fun-filled weekend, everyone! Susan

Filed Under: Auctions, Fleas & Fabulous Finds, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, The Barn Workshop-DIY Series · Tagged: Behr Paint, bobvila, Cedar Chest Refinished, General Finishes, how to refinish cherry furniture, Lane Hope Chest, Martha Stewart, Mid Century Modern Chest, Mid Century Modern Furniture

Feb 7, 2014

LIVE, LOVE, JUNK @ Vintage Thymes Market

By countrydesignhome · Leave a Comment

This is post #6-sorry I am running late but I spent yesterday running back and forth to Norwood to set up my booth at the Vintage Thymes Monthly Market! This month’s market is all about LOVE. From the lovely vintage hot chocolate stand,

to the transformed vintage tin ceiling panel turned LOVE sign

and even an “Over You” Voodoo Doll or two-so funny!

There are gorgeous painted pillows and button pillows…

and more LOVE pillows-each one unique, just like our LOVE (ew, too corny?)

And signs, lots of signs! One of my favorite James Taylor songs

and this sweet little tray would make the perfect gift for your favorite Valentine.

These are some of the prettiest mason jars I have seen yet-gotta PIN those to my A-Mason Jar Collection.

A harbinger of spring things to come-happy, happy daffodills: )

In my booth you will find the Antiqued Mirror (hmmm, it looks pretty nice on that commode, maybe it won’t sell and I can redecorate a room around it…)

and this mid-century-modern Lane Hope Chest that I just refinished. DIY blog to follow.

My sweet little lavender table- remember the before?

So this is the after. In a nod to Pantone’s color of the year, Radiant Orchid, I added my own touches of lavenders.

Every time I walk through the market prior to opening day, I am always blown away by the talent and creativity of the collective artisans who share this space.

And I have been so happy and proud to be a part of such an amazing group. But, alas, this LIVE, LOVE, JUNK market will be my final one at Vintage Thymes. You see, Coach and I are really, really tired (we are kind of old…) of lugging furniture and packing and sorting and tagging and oh, did I say, lugging furniture back and forth. This was yesterday’s mileage: A collective 3.5 hours of driving.

And you won’t believe what the inside of my poor car looks like : ( Not sure what we are going to do with the barn full of stuff I have waiting to be transformed. Hoping to find a venue a little bit closer to home sometime soon. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be heading back down to Vintage Thymes the second weekend of every month to FIND WHAT YOU LOVE AND LOVE WHAT YOU FIND-love that sign!!

So hurry on over to Vintage Thymes- we open at 9! Hope you have a “find what you love” kind of Friday, everyone! XOXOXO Susan

Filed Under: Auctions, Fleas & Fabulous Finds, The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, The Barn Workshop-DIY Series · Tagged: Country Design Home Vintage Thymes, Junk, Live, LOVE, Vintage Market, vintage shop in Norwood, Vintage Thymes, Vintege Thymes Monthly Market

Feb 1, 2014

Vintage LOVE Sign

By countrydesignhome · 9 Comments

In this month of openly-proclaimed all things LOVE, I am celebrating by posting a new LOVE sign or picture each day until February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Some will be images and ideas I have found on the web that I would love to share, some are my own creations, like this reclaimed wood plank with LOVE letters spelled out in shutter slats and the “O” from an old mason jar top. Hope you love it!

I created this using a reclaimed wooden plank, some paint, glue, reclaimed vintage shutter slats and an old mason jar lid. Here is the “how-I-did-it”:Painted two coats of Annie Sloan French Linen chalk paint. This is my go-to neutral that I use for so many projects!

Stenciled the background with Behr Gulf Winds

in an all-over stencil pattern to give the piece a “wallpaper” effect.

The blue I chose matched closely to the hue of the mason jar top. Isn’t it just the soothingest color?

Once the paint was dry, I sanded everything to distress the top and edges

and then added a coat of Fidde’s Paste Wax to give the board a glowing effect.

Cut the shutter slats into the letters necessary to spell out LOVE-without the “o”.

Coach initially cut them with the chop saw, but I discovered that these are easily cut with just a razor box cutter. They are pretty old and brittle, so it didn’t take much effort at all.

I glued the letters to the board with Gorilla Glue. Just as an FYI, their label was one of the few I looked at during my freak-out session while writing “The Dangers of DIY” that says their product is non-toxic and has no harmful chemicals or odors.

High five, Gorilla Glue!

Just painted the glue on the back of each piece, placed them into position and then weighted them down with some books and cans of paint and left overnight to ensure the proper bonding.

Add the “O”. Hot glue worked well for this.

Just glued all around the edges, pressed it down onto the board to complete the sign.

To hang it, I used a couple of tiny rings and some wire. The board was quite thin, so most of the screws and nail hangers I had were too long.

This worked great because the sign is very light and won’t stretch out the wire. So this is the before:

And this is now: Do you LOVE it?!?

If you have a LOVELY craft, idea or recipe to share, please send it to me @ countrydesignhome@gmail.com and I will add you to my LOVE collection. Hope you have a lovely Saturday! Susan