4th of July wreath project

So. No. this is not a wreath. BUT. I have this fab wreath. Simple but perfect for spicing up for each holiday. Thought I needed something for the 4th. I don't have any decorations for this holiday. Considering I am up for a party any time and love holidays because they provide the opportunity to do just that... this is a weird thing!

I got this really awesome frame at the thrift store. Big, chunky, awesome. Ugly, too. That's where my plan began.

I bought some thin carboard at my local craft/school supply store and used their die cutting machine to cut out the star. I cut out two carboard stars so I could glue them together to make it more sturdy.

Using spray adhesive I glued the two cardboard stars together and then glued my paper on. I had traced my stars onto the paper and then cut them out. Had I been thinking I would have just die cutted my paper stars too. oh well, huh?

I sanded the edges where my paper hung off. If you die cut you can skip this part. I took barn red acrylic paint and just painted the edges of the star where you could see the cardboard.

I then had my ultra-strong hubby punch a hole through the star.

Mod Podged the whole thing front back AND edges/sides.

Spray the frame and the star with clear coat (I use matte) so it will hold up outside.

I used one pattern on one side and then another pattern on the other so I could have a more cute one and then a fancier one. I might layer a smaller star in the middle, add some glitter... but for now I wanted to put it up AND I thought it was pretty cute as is. Just hang the star by a thread so you can flip it if the mood strikes.

Have fun and happy Fourth.

Makeover Monday

So. It's been a while. I do apologize!
But I believe that I have a really exciting project/ concept for you today.
If any of you have furniture you hate or are bored with, but can't or don't want to have to buy something else, seriously consider giving it a face lift. This can be very simple and as basic as just painting it a different color. And can be as complex as re-upholstering, stripping, re-staining, accessorizing, etc.

For me I painted and then added embellishments I got from the hardware store.
The embellishments came because I was unhappy with the color the paint dried to, but didn't want to repaint and also because I looked at the mission/contemporary vibe the table was giving off and wanted something softer, fancier, and more 'French Provincial'.

I bought eight squares that one normally uses for window trim and about 13 feet of Trim. For the look I was going for I bought the 'egg and dart' style trim.

I cut my moulding to size and sanded any excess so they fit somewhat snugly.

I painted all of my trim pieces white. (I had a picture of my table in the blue I painted it but is lost so if you are curious to see the table before any trim check the previous post!)

Using a foam brush I painted 'provincial' stain by Minwax all over my pieces being particularly diligent about getting it into the grooves which is the main place you want to 'dirty it up' when trying to age something. One could do this with glaze but stain was far less expensive.

I wiped the excess off with a rag (wear gloves!) but found I needed to repeat this process a number of times to make sure I got it just how I wanted it. I also found I had to let it dry for about two days. Be wary of this. You might destroy your project on the next step if the stain isn't dry.

(see how great and antique it looks?)

Using liquid nals and clamps I glued my pieces into place and let sit. The liquid nails take about 30 minutes to dry and 24 hours to cure. Make sure you keep your clamps in place for 30 minutes at least.

I need to decide what to do with the chairs, but for now... I am loving my table. Eventually I will have a chandelier (made y me, of course!) hanging over the center of the table. Or perhaps I may just ave something decorative hanging. Only time will tell.

I hope that tis inspires you to take that piece of furniture that you hate, or that you wish really made a statement and do something with it! The weather is perfect for outdoor projects like stripping, sanding, painting, etc.  So get on it!

Thanks for reading!

-B

Makeover Monday Crafting Rut...

So. I have been SO busy... and also kind of in a craft rut... A Crut? Well, whatever.
But I did manage to get some spray painting done with the gorgeous weather we have been having and I need YOU to help me!!!!!
The basic spray painting is done, however, I do not think that the pieces I painted are quite finished and I need some advice on where to go from here. So. Posted are the pictures of the various projects I have painted. Please PLEASE vote on the poll what you think I should do and if you have an idea I would love for you to comment here and let me know what you think.
Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my 'crutted' heart!

First. My dining room table. It used to be the color of the chairs. I lie the blue particularly with my painting. However. The color is slightly off what I was hoping cause I was lazy (naughty, naughty) and didn't want to strip it and sand it and then paint it. So I found a spray paint color (spa Blue by Rustoleum) that LOOKED lighter in the store and seemed to be just the color I wanted. It is not. But I can live with it. The real question is (since I am going for French Provincial and this table says IKEA Modern) How to dress it up to fit more with what I am wanting to do. Here is where you come in. Please vote in the poll.

Secondly. I loved, LOVED, LOVE the lines of this bedside table. BUT. Stain finishes are very hard to match and I have a MAJOR pet peeve. Mismatched wood. Now. I have seen mismatched wood in some houses and on some blogs where the designer/homeowner/blogger was able to match without matching and really put together a great room. I do not have this ability. Therefore I would rather paint things. So I painted this. I need you to tell me where to go next. By the way, notice the placemat that I also mentioned HERE ?So. Please vote on the poll!

Finalement. I have spray painted a black curtain rod the color Nutmeg by Rustoluem. I think it is nice-ish, but I would love, LOVE to make the little balls at the end really something special. What do you think? Please vote!!!

Thank you all. I am so grateful (in advance) for your much-needed input.

Merci Beaucoup!