Antiqued Cabinet

Let me lay the scene for you...

Christmas 2008 we went with a furniture theme for the kids. No fun for them, I know, but they all needed something for their rooms and it was LOTs of fun for Mom!

Our baby's piece of furniture was the first (and last) piece of furniture I've bought online. It was through a company I've done business with before so I trusted them and their pictures/descriptions. I ordered an antiqued cream linen closet for her room. The night before Christmas we were setting up the kids furniture and learned that her linen closet was green! Here is my beautiful antiqued crib next to this ugly green cabinet.

U. G. L. Y.

After the holidays I called to see what we could do to resolve the issue. The company wouldn't take it back without me spending money on shipping and to make matters even better they wouldn't refund any of the original shipping costs either. I took pictures of the color and other problems with the cabinet (yes there are other issues!) and sent them in. I got NO response. I wrote a review expressing my opinion of the product and they didn't post it on the website.

Just a little frustrating.

I decided to keep the cabinet and just fix it. It took me a while to get to the project because I was so upset but I finally started...

Jump and clap with me! I'm in LOVE with this cabinet now.

(please ignore the mess in the garage - it's one of those chores I rarely have time to do)

Here's how I got this beauty...

Anytime you're painting a finished piece of furniture you HAVE to lightly sand it and use primer.
Ask me how I know this... yup skipped this step once before and the paint peeled right off!

After a coat of cream spray paint I considered stopping there. The bed is antiqued and I really wanted it to match but I was scared to mess it up!

I gathered my courage and decided to antique it - like I planned. I used Thompson's WaterSeal Gel Stain in Sierra Brown. It was scary... really, really scary to cover up the cream with the brown stain. Working in small areas I applied the stain then rubbed it off all the areas I didn't want it on. I found I also had to use a wet cloth to get it to look like I wanted it to.

I spray painted the knobs a dark brown, covered a piece of cardboard in fabric to match the room and there it is!

Ahhhh Much better! Now I'll smile instead of cringe everytime I walk in the room! Sigh

Now to dress her up with all sorts of cuteness for my daughter... can't wait!

Gone Thrifting...

I've been inspired by all the great crafters that share their thrifting treasures online. Frankly, I've even been a little jealous of some of the awesome finds.

Saturday I went to the local thrift store and learned a few things...

1st - I should never, ever, ever, EVER go on a Saturday again!

It's kind-of a hectic store and throw in a whole gaggle of shoppers and it is quite overwhelming.

2nd - I need a list.

Between the chaos, the shoppers, and all the merchandise I couldn't concentrate on what I was looking for.

3rd - I can not look in other people's carts.

Apparently I have a green-eyed monster living in me. I got there 2 minutes too late to get this adorable treasure chest and was so frustrated I missed the opportunity that I felt like I was in a race to find the next treasure.

Overall, a very eventful trip - despite not buying a thing.

I made a list of items I'm looking for and ideas I have for projects and braved the great thrift store again today. I was VERY excited with my finds and can't wait to share the projects with you when I complete them.

Here's what I got...

Hutch - $7

Glass Bow Container - $2

TV Tray - $8

$17 and I came out skipping and clapping! That's the cheapest entertainment I've had for a long time and the fun hasn't even started yet.

Here's a sneak peak of what I'm working on right now.

It's even on my list of 2009 Goals!

There's How Many Months Left?

The year is officially 2/3rds over and I thought I would make a list of the projects I had planned on accomplishing for 2009.

Before I begin let me just say that my list was very achievable at the time I made it – honestly! Then life, self-employment and the poor economy happened. Our construction company had a rough time when every home builder decided to STOP building and many commercial projects were put on hold. Despite the slow-down in work my husband managed to keep very busy but didn’t make the money we would have under normal circumstances. Most years you can often hear me and my husband saying "When we have the money we don't have the time, when we have the time we don't have the money." This year we're singing a different tune: "We ain't got the time OR money!" As a result I've been wary to spend money on decorating. Things are picking up so I'm going to try the amazing feat of accomplishing a year's worth of goals in a four month period.

2009 Goal

Finish ALL Unfinished Projects

We are professional project starters but usually get sidetracked before the job is complete. As a result we have MANY projects that need to some attention.

1. Finish the Backyard – We tore out our yard last year, put in a new rock wall and let the weeds have at it. This year we already installed the sprinkling system, laid the sod, planted new trees, and got our elephant fountain working.
Remaining Projects:
· Finished everything planned for 2009! Now picture me doing the HAPPY DANCE!

2. Finish the Baby’s Room – I feel horrible that her room wasn’t done by the time she was born last May. I feel worse that it’s still not done!
Remaining Projects:
· Paint Cupboard – don’t even get me started on why I need to do this!
· Reconfigure Artwork – it’s just not working for me the way it is
· Finish Drapery
· Refinish My Play Cupboard from when I was little (officially I wasn’t planning on getting this done until next year – but I’m always hopeful)

3. Finish our 10-Year-Old’s Room - His room was done until we had to move him from his completed bedroom to make room for our newest addition last year – should’ve thought that project through a little better.
Remaining Projects:
· Finish Border – I designed the CUTEST boarder for his room but have been waiting for over a year now for my husband to weld up the joints and finish attaching the bottom edge to the wall. I think it’s time to bring out the whip!
· Drapery
· Rope Lighting – I have a fun project planned for some extra lighting in his room.

4. Finish the Front Room – This was the first room I started when we moved into our home 4 years ago. It is constantly being put on the back burner for more immediate needs though.
Remaining Projects:
· Need to buy/find/make (whichever – tables, artwork, lighting Oh MY!

5. Finish Painting the Basement – The kids and I spend a lot of time downstairs. It’s where our playroom, office and craft-room are so TONS of fun to be had!
Remaining Projects:
· Paint the Ceiling – about half way done
· Get Curtain Rods – I’ve had the curtains for about 2 years but just haven’t taken the time to get the rods and hang them up. BAD Shanon!
· Paint Doors & Floor Boards – once again, about half way done
· Paint Walls – sensing a trend… about half way done
· Update Electrical Outlets

Okay, I’m officially FREAKING out! I don’t know if I’ll get everything accomplished – but I know I’m going to give it a go… Keep your eyes open for some posts about these projects as I complete them. Feel free to harass me if you don’t see anything for a while :)

Oh man - this doesn't even include my 2009 Scrapbook that I'm behind on or my goals on getting all the little storage areas and closets organized... We'll just see how much of a SUPER WOMAN I can be in these remaining few months I guess!