Thursday, October 30, 2014

Get in Gear

I've officially run out of my current color OBSESSION
(Tick Tock from Amy Howard at Home)

so I cracked open another recently released color that is also 
GORGEOUS!

GET IN GEAR...


We primed this solid wood cabinet in white before applying Get in Gear
then distressed with a medium grit sanding sponge
to reveal both the white and the dark stained wood
(I've found if you distress One Step Paint right after it's dry, it distressed fairly easily)


The color is rich, vibrant, and saturated...
I love how the Mercury Glass hardware  glistens against the blue-green shade


I opted to keep the interior very simple
in fresh, clean white
(the doors had decorative wood inserts, but I loved the more modern look
of the plain glass doors)


This is a wonderful statement piece, don't you think?
I imagine this piece in a neutral dining room
(perhaps mostly white?)
with some natural wood elements

Haven't tried Get in Gear yet?
Go for it! 

M~

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

a Buffet and a Box

I've been chasing down a buffet to paint for a few months now...
as usual, one turned up right down the street
(the best stuff always turns up close to home!)


Great bones, GORGEOUS wood on the drawers ad doors...
The top?  Not so much.


I used AHaH One Step Paint in Luxe Grey
with clear wax and Dust of Ages
Not a bit of distressing, yet it still looks wonderfully aged
Dust of Ages adds SO MUCH character and patina


I restored the drawers and doors
(I decoupaged inside the top drawer with antique sheet music 
but forgot to get a pic!)

The original hardware wears a distressed gold leaf finish

No, it was NOT fun painting that trim on the doors...
If I never have to do that again, it will be just fine with me!

I had the supplies out to decoupage,
so I decided to do a little experiment on a plain wood box




This was a fun project, and SO EASY!

I mixed 50% Elmers glue with 50% water
and applied to the box
then smoothed on the sheet music I had already cut to size
I then brushed the glue mixture over the top to seal and let it all dry
(about 30 minutes)

Next, the fun part...
I sanded the heck out of with a medium grit sanding block,
followed by clear wax mixed with Dust of Ages to create a weathered wax

the finish looks old and worn but feels like silk...
I forsee this treatment on something larger in the future!

These items can be found at 607 VINTAGE MARKETPLACE 

Thanks for stopping by!

Michele~

Monday, October 13, 2014

Whitewashed Grey Dresser

I was down with Strep Throat for almost TWO WEEKS...
I'm not sure what was worse...the Strep or not painting!
(OK, Strep was the hands down worst of the two...)

I was incredibly eager to get back to work

This dresser had been awaiting paint for several weeks
and I'm quite pleased with the outcome


The wood was pretty enough, but sort of orange and quite dated
I debated on going very fancy with colored panels and gold leaf details
but I've been craving softness and gentle distressing lately



For this soft, romantic finish I mixed 
AHaH's Luxe Grey One Step Paint (OSP)
 with Black OSP
(3/1 ratio)
Then I glazed the paint using White Glaze from General Finishes
The white slightly lightened the grey, 
settling into the recesses and brush strokes

You could use a glaze, like I did, or a white wax,
 or even a watered down white wash
all would give you a similar look
I like to use what I have on hand, and I had glaze


I lightly distressed the edges while the glaze was still a bit damp
then sealed the entire piece with clear wax once dry

The hardware was painted Ballet White OSP
then waxed and finished with Dust of Ages for a lovely patina

Wouldn't this piece make a wonderful bathroom vanity?  

Available at 607 Vintage MarketPlace

Thanks for stopping by!

Michele

Friday, October 10, 2014

Metallic Drexel Desk

Poor Kenny...
he's been stuck on clean/repair/prep detail for FAR too long!
He's been longing to get creative

He's the master when it comes to using a spray gun...
so when this desk needed a revamp, 
Ken got to it

The before wasn't terrible...
the desk is Drexel and the quality is exceptional

The client, however, wanted a rich copper desk...

The process wasn't quick

After removing all the ormolu and hardware, 
the piece was cleaned and sprayed with high quality gripper

The inside of the drawers were stripped and re-stained
so they look like NEW

the body of the desk was painted with three coats of 
Copper Penny from Modern Masters


Once the final coat was dry,
Ken applied four layers of antiquing glaze
to richen the copper color and highlight the details

Lastly, he applied multiple thin coats of lacquer 
providing depth, gloss, and protection


The ormolu was gold leafed using Amy Howard at Home products


I love how rich and authentic gold leaf looks, as opposed to using gold paint
This will age naturally over time


Sadly, the customer this was created for purchased it before she secured her new condo
and the desk doesn't work in the room! 

If you LOVE this desk, I'd be happy to put you in touch with her :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Michele