Craft Lab: the bookshelf

I searched for months to find the perfect bookshelf for my daughters room. I was determined to find one at one our local thrift stores. I finally found one at the Good Will across town and didn't see a price on it. So I asked one the employees and they said it was $12. I seriously did a happy dance right there. The book shelf was really heavy and sturdy. It wasn't solid wood like I wanted but it was in good shape.

the before

Before I painted the piece I had to repair some loose veneer.

I think we did about 3 coats to cover the piece.  I had the kids help me and we made a huge paint mess on the driveway.  I'm not sure why I didn't put down a drop cloth.   The paint mess is still there.

the after

The bookshelf is just the right size for her space.  Now all her toys and books have a nice home.  It always amazes me what a little paint can do.

A little REDO

I need to craft. It grounds me, relaxes me, and makes me who I am. My kids best friends are getting a room makeover and this little plaque was way to bright for their new calm room. I simply just painted all the pink to turquoise. Quick and easy.

The BEFORE

The After

Craft 52 week 7: kids craft table redo part deux

Craft 52

Week 7:

Ikea kids table redo part deux

I decoupaged this Ikea table back in 2008 here.

Before 2008

After 2008

 Before 2011

 

The table has lived a good life, and the pretty top had seen better days so I ripped the paper off. 

 

 After 2011

I used the my sparkle glitter vinyl and simply glued the vinyl on the top of the table with Gorilla Glue.  This was my first time using Gorilla Glue and was pleasantly surprised.  I used a razor blade to cut the excess vinyl off.  Super easy redo.The table blends in nicely with the rest of our garage/playroom/craft studio.

Craft Lab: Paisley Table Redo

Here's one of the projects I've been working on for my daughter's new room.

My mom picked this little table up at a yard sale for $3. It's sturdy and cute to boot.
It needed a new coat of paint, so I just added two coats of exterior white I had around.

The new color-crisp white

We needed to not spend a lot on this project, so I ordered a half yard of this rare Amy Butler paisley fabric online for about $10. Here is the fabric next to the closet drapery panels that we are keeping in the space. I had to find a fabric that pulled all the colors together with the addition of the new purple palette we are adding to the room. My daughter's new pillow case is on the bottom, it's vintage, and had all the colors we are using. I know it's alot of pattern, but none of them will be next to each other, so they will blend in nicely.
Here's the table right before I cut the fabric to the shape of the table. I don't cut the fabric perfectly, because I will trim off the excess fabric later.
After this step, I apply a nice coat of Mod Podge to the table surface and then place the fabric on top. I use a roller to get all the bubbles out.
I'm not sure why, but I set up my work area in the living room. I think I forgot that the glue can drip and make a big mess.

Here's the edge before I cut it with the cuticle scissors.

Here's my daughter adding another coat of Mod Podge to the table top. After the final coat, we do a wet sanding to get the rough edges off. The wet sanding makes it super soft and smooth.
The table is done, but the room still needs to be painted. More photos to come in the near future.

Craft Lab: Glittery Wreath REDO before and after

My mom picked this wreath up for me for $.25 at a yard sale last weekend. What a deal! A little rain here kept me out of the studio for 5 days, it was a bit chilly for me. So, I put on layers and braved the cold . First, I cut and tore all the country off the wreath. Since there were 20 hearts, I choose 5 different glitters. I glittered 4 at a time. I used a fresh jar of Mod Podge, it was thick and gooey, and had a fresh Mod Podge smell. I love this stuff. I painted on the glue, then sprinkled on the glitter. I'm pretty darn quick now. It took about 30 minutes.

Craft Lab: Glittered pumpkin Candle Holder

Happy October! I put up our Halloween decorations two weeks ago. I know way to early right? Over the last couple of years, I've been weeding out all the country looking decorations and creating a more modern vintage (mintage) look around here. I do this by adding a little sparkle with glitter to everything. In doing this, some things turn out better then others. And lucky for you, I only post my best work, who wants to see my oops? This candle holder above was brand new from a yard sale. It was screaming for glitter! It actually looks better in person, I love the black sparkly bats!

Hanging Art

THE BEFORE

THE AFTER

THE BEFORE

THE AFTER

I drove to West Hollywood to help my film making Uncle set up his new pad this week. He's collected art on his many global treks and wasn't sure where to hang everything. I had fun hanging it all up. It was like putting together a big puzzle, and it all went together in the end. He seemed to really like it! It was nice to get my feet wet again into design. I've missed making people's homes beautiful!

oh My- studio

Before and after. When we redid our garage awhile back, I was so excited that my honey wanted to give me a place to craft. We share the space (he has a work bench and I have an 8' long counter space). I have slowly moved in, being careful not to invade his space. I love my studio, but it's often a big mess with many projects going on at the same time. I was so happy last week, when he mentioned I could possibly move a couple of his tools to a new home. As I shifted things around a bit, I gained a little more space under my long counter. With a few cuts of paper, I hid the contents of some of our storage bins, and saw some order. Before I knew it, I had cleaned up the place. Now it looks too neat, and I don't want to mess it up. I love order, and the inside of our home is very orderly. I really can't deal with a mess inside of the house . It's funny how I let my creative side get so messy and it doesn't bother me.

Craft Lab: 3 Drawer Dresser

I picked this up on CraigsList a couple weeks ago for $20. I couldn't wait to paint it. As, I went to clean this with a rag and soapy water, the grime was just not coming off. So, I took it out front and hosed it down very well. Oops, I sort of warped it a bit, but after the water dried up and with a few nails, it was back to normal. Next up, a wipe of liquid sandpaper over the old paint. After that, I primed and painted it with some paint we had left over form another project. I spray painted the old green/gold handles black. A little elbow grease, and a few hours and done. I'm so happy to be using this space again (the previous piece sort of fell apart).

Down and out Chic before and after

I just wanted to give a shout out to one of my favorite bloggers Down and out Chic. Today, she posted this lovely before and after she just finished. Isn't it great? I'm amazed at what at little

paint and fabric and glue can do to an old piece of furniture. Check out more photos of this project right here.