My Craigslist Freebie

I browse the Baltimore Craigslist "Free Stuff" probably close to 3 times a day. I there discovered some curio cabinets here. After making a few calls I was able to enlist a friend's help to go get 2 of them. They were/are in pretty rough shape. It didn't look all that daunting from the CL photos. But, I decided I wanted to do them anyway. In case the link to CL disappears, here's what they look like ((YIKES))

Even some splotchy white primer made it look a ton better ;o)

I chose a "Tiffany" blue color. My idea is to do a light gray on the walls, black tables and this be my one accent color/focal piece. That's how it is in my mind. The execution is another story

There you can see I started some of the distressing...

And Voila! 3 days later, some splinters, a sunburn and a LOT of elbow grease, here she is! One of TWO. I'm so not ready to do the other. Luckily for me, it's supposed to start raining and won't let up for about a week.

A side view look

BEFORE AND AFTER 

Pics to come later when I actually get the other one

completed and the walls "gray" like they're supposed to be ;o)

My Mothers Day Weekend Project - an Ikea transformation

Mothers Day weekend was great for me! All I requested was time and a few supplies to work on my first piece of furniture. My hubby says I'm not allowed to start browsing for pieces until I do one and see how I do. I believe his exact quote, "let's see whatcha got". Well, I showed him :o) 

This is an Ikea toy box that we've had for several years. Seemed like a pretty good candidate. Not too big, and not too many ornate details to work with.

This is your pretty standard, plain jain wooden box.

Here I primed it, and had already stained the top with a gorgeous Walnut stain by Minwax. (Zinsser makes sevearl really great primers. The one I used came in a can. The coverage was excellent!) Love the color (you'll see what I mean) - You'll notice I got some on the right side when I was wiping with an old T-shirt ;o) ooops!





See that walnut color? Lovely. This is after 1 coat of paint. Just plain white, with barely a hint of color. I wasn't too concerned with the color as I was already planning to brown it up with an "antique" technique. 

And Voila!

After using that same Walnut stain, brushing it on, wiping it off with a damp cloth, this is the desired effect ;o)

Turned out so good! Both my hubby and I were pleased with how it turned out. Much better than either of us expected to be honest ;o)

All this needs is a cute little vintage style vinyl on the front and it's a keeper!

Of course now that I've proven myself, I'm now allowed to freely browse Craigslist and visit the thrift store. Ok, so that doesn't mean I can hoard lots of pieces I think I'm going to have time to work on, buuuut, I can justify bringing something home - Especially if it's a freebie  ;o)