Domino Inspiration...

I'm so glad I held onto my Domino Magazines especially since they're no longer around. I remember flipping through this 2005 issue and falling in love with an office they were featuring....

Ever since then I've wanted a Hutch like this. I'm not sure if it was the color or how awesome the piece was, but I've been keeping my eye out for something like it ever since.

I've learned that usually when you're looking for something specific, that's when it's the hardest to find OR you find it when you can't afford it. So, sometimes you just have to work with what you have.

What I did have was white paint{left over from a project}and a swatch of the color I wanted. I took my can of paint to Home Depot and asked if they could match it~ they did, and the best part= it was free :)

I also had this Hutch that I've had for about 11 years~  even though it's more country than modern.... it would have to do for now. 

Even though it's not what I originally wanted, I think it turned out pretty cute~ it gives the room a nice pop of color! Since I used what I already had: paint, hutch & knobs, the only thing it cost was my time :)

Multifunctional

I'm a list maker. For years before going to bed I'd make a list of what I needed to do the next day{I also couldn't go to be without making sure the kitchen was cleaned, dishes done and the living room picked up....then I started getting old and climbing into bed at the end of the day started sounding much better than my need to have everything nice & tidy~ that is until waking up to a mess the next morning!}.
 
I started making Chalkboards for my Etsy Shop after making one for my home. Now I use them around the house to keep organized & remind me of important things that I know I'd forget if I didn't jot it down.
 
 At a recent trip to Joann's Craft Store I came across Martha Stewart chalkboard paint. I fell in-love with a couple of her shades~ which are so different than most options out there. Two of my favorites: Blue{similar to aqua} and Green{a soft mint}.

My fridge is on it's last leg. It's a great fridge: it's huge{holds a lot}and I love that the freezer's on the bottom, but it's almost 10 years old and recently the handle on the upper door broke off. My first thought when I saw the Chalkboard paint was doing this..... For now, making my fridge multifunctional makes it's other issues a little more bearable :)
 This is what I'm dreaming of replacing my old fridge with someday.
 

Painted Night Stand: Chalk Paint Project

I finally got around to trying out CeCe Caldwell's chalk paint, and I'm really happy with how it turned out!

It's extremely easy to use~ very quick drying, so not a lot of wait time in between coats{if you choose to do two coats, I found that you don't necessarily need two}.

**Color: Santa Fe Turquoise**

I had some paint left over so I painted this old frame{I added a little white to lighten it up a bit}...

then turned it into a Chalkboard.The finish on this frame{after lightly sanding it & sealing it in wax}is SO unbelievably smooth!

Now I'm starting to look at furniture around the house thinking "Hummm, maybe that could use some color". I'm so happy I gave this paint a try♥ I had pretty much given up painting furniture because of all the time consuming steps{not to mention the toxic fumes}, now I'm loving taking something that could use a little TLC and turning it into something wonderful!

Chalk Paint...my new obsession

It's been quite a while since my last post... but I'm still here :) I thought I'd share a project I recently finished. I picked up this night stand/shelf combo{for $25 at the flea market}. I've been impatiently waiting & wanting to try out Chalk Paint on furniture~ so I was thrilled when I found this piece.

Years ago I used to paint furniture that I'd sell at flea markets. I've always enjoyed painting furniture, but loathed the process of sanding, priming and absolutely hated the thought of stripping old paint off a piece of furniture!!!

Holy cow! I can not tell you how much I LOVE using Chalk Paint♥ The fact that you don't have to prime before painting is probably my favorite part. I've heard SO much about Annie Sloan &  CeCe Caldwell's Chalk Paint. After checking out both Companies, I wasn't excited about how expensive it is~ not to mention I'd have to order it on-line{then wait for it to arrive}and I wanted to get started right away. So, I started searching the internet on "How to make Chalk Paint"....

This project was done using a recipe I found here . I bought a paste wax from Home Depot, used brushes I already had and used a soft cloth to rub the wax in & wipe off{although Annie Sloan & Cece Caldwell use a wax brush to apply their wax, I followed the directions of the wax I purchased}. A few things I liked when reading about CeCe Caldwell's paint: the paint has no Volatile Organic Compounds, it's non toxic, has no odor and the fact that you use a wax brush instead of a cloth. 

I decided to purchase a couple sample paints & sample wax{here}. Each 4oz. tub is enough to cover a small piece of furniture. I have the perfect vintage night stand that I can't wait to test these out on! I'll be sure and post the end result.