Milk Paint Makeover: Goodwill Dresser

During the week, I have two mornings I dedicate to picking, thrifting and stocking up on items for the shop. I usually make the same route, making about 5-7 stops. (Not counting picking up lunch at Starbucks). Some days I score big (today I was able to stock up on a ton of cute containers for a DIY event I'm planning).

A couple weeks ago, I made a last minute stop at a local thrift store and spotted this guy:

Some would say, "Yuck." Obviously that's what the previous owner thought. I, however, immediately grabbed the price tag and sprinted up to the cashier. (Keeping an eye on my dresser while I waited in line). "That's a good find you have there," said the guy behind me. Back off buddy. It's mine!

When possible, I like to leave some unpainted wood on a piece of furniture. All-over color is too much for me sometimes. If I'm able to show off the top, I prefer to leave it alone. Usually with cast-offs, the top has some sort of damage. Nothing a quick sanding and restaining can't cure.

I chose Miss Mustard Seed's Kitchen Scale milk paint for this piece. Because the front had more feminine curves, I didn't want it to be chippy. To be on the safe side, I added bonding agent and finished it with antiquing wax.

Dresser in Kitchen Scale Milk Paint

Dresser in Kitchen Scale Milk Paint

The top cleaned up beautifully! After I sanded and restained, I finished it with a coat of hemp oil. No traces of the scratches and water marks!

Dresser in Kitchen Scale Milk Paint

I scraped the paint out of the top carving a bit, to make it stand out more.

Edges were lightly distressed and new knobs from World Market were added.

Dresser in Kitchen Scale Milk Paint

What was someone's cast-off will make for a beautiful dresser, buffet or bar for someone else. It's what I love most about restyling furniture!

 This dresser is now available in the shop, as well as all the materials I used for this makeover. Stop in!

Linking to:

Antiquing at a Fave Spot

I know I've mentioned how much I love hitting up antique and junk stores. You just never know what you'll find. This week, Junk Bonanza, will be taking place in my home state of MN. While I'm super disappointed not to be making the trip (Mom, I've got the Spring dates already on my calendar! Can I sleep on the couch?), I had some time last weekend to do a little digging here in St. Louis.

What's that over there?

I thought these plastic cups were cute. Mostly, I loved the packaging and marketing. "Add sparkle to your get together." These cups are break, scratch and chip resistant. Something I definitely need.

The Sociables

This leather briefcase had just the perfect amount of wear and tear.

Vintage Leather Briefcase

Dress forms and mannequins are really popular right now...but, usually pretty pricey! I thought this one was wonderfully vintage.

Dress Form

This old time card organizer would be perfect for outgoing bills and letters.

Time card organizer

This vintage horse bike was too cute. What little kid wouldn't love riding around on this? Even I was tempted to take it for a spin!

This set of hot air balloon plates would be great for a party. What mini desserts could I put on here?

Hot air balloon plate

I continue to look for printer trays and I found three on this hunt! But, for some reason, I just haven't pulled the trigger and bought one. I might just go back...

Printers tray

 I came across a whole basket of these old shoe stretchers. Totally cool. And at $3 each, an inexpensive addition to a vintage collection.

Antique wooden shoe stretchers

This galvanized basket would be perfect for bottles of wine. Or, maybe some empty bottles filled with flowers for a centerpiece?

Galvanized basket

My suitcase obsession has continued. I picked up the one that is second from the top. We have some cool plans for it....stay tuned!

Vintage suitcases

Finally, who couldn't love this little guy. I think I heard him say "Fill me up with your favorite chowder!"

Mini chowder bowls

Surprisingly, I only walked out with a suitcase. But, after seeing all of these finds again, I think I have to go back for that briefcase and galvanized basket. And, maybe a printers tray....

Favorite Places to Thrift and a Mirror Rehab

I've been hitting my usual thrift and antique store circuit quite a bit lately. The turnover in alot of these places is pretty fast, so when I have the time, I'll hit my faves a couple times a week (don't tell my husband that). My top five favorite places to find deals are:

1. Local Antique Malls/Stores
2. Goodwill
3. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
4. Architectural Salvage Stores (we have a couple of great ones here in STL)
5. Friends and Family

Up until this point, I haven't been much of a garage sale or estate sale gal. I think it's all the driving around. Not knowing what will be there. And, getting frustrated when it's all junk. However, I recently learned of estatesales.net. You can put in your zip code and how far you are willing to drive and each week you'll get an email of everything that's near you, including pics! I'm hoping to check some out soon.

My find of this past weekend was this guy here. He weighs no less than 89 pounds. Has great detailing on the top (I knew the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint would take very well to this). And, was $20. I literally snatched it up the minute I walked in the door.

I used two coats of Paris Grey (bottom) and a light coat of Pure White (top). After a coat of clear wax, I distressed all the edges. I took the dark wax only to the detail at the top. In certain lights, it looks like gold is coming through. I love it! I can't get over how smooth it is...it feels like butter.

I've considered antiquing the mirror itself. Muriatic acid is involved. I'm willing to bet that acid+me=disaster...so, we'll see!

Have a great and creative week!

Linking to Shades of Amber, Brassy Apple, Singing Three Little Birds, DIY Showoff 

5 Tips on Selecting a Door for a Table

One of our favorite places to go hunting for old doors and windows is Cherokee Street. Known as Antique Row, it offers store after store filled with antiques, architectural pieces, vintage clothing and jewelry...and much more.

One of our first stops is at Riverside Architectural Antiques. This is a typical scene of what we dig through.

The Painted Cow is also a great place to find one-of-a-kind items...

Over time, we've learned what to look for when selecting doors that will ultimately become tables. A couple things we consider:

1. What do you want the finished table to look like? Our tables range from those with a more finished look (complete with table skirt and glass to even it out), to simply a table on legs. Whatever look you are going for, think about how you will put it all together and will the door work with your plan?
2. Symmetry: Depending on the look you are going for and the tools available, take a close look to see if the door is symmetrical. Alot of the time, the bottom rail is wider than the top. If this is something you are concerned about, you'll need the proper tools to even it out.
3. If you plan on going with a stained top, does the door need to be stripped? This process can take up alot of your time. You can find doors that have already been stripped (or, the store might offer it for a fee), but you usually will pay more for these doors. If you love the chippy paint on the door, then this isn't an issue!
   
4. Sturdiness: Think about how you want the finished product to look. Will you have a large piece of glass on the top, like this table? Or, if there are smaller panels, will it be more like this table? If you don't care for an even surface, knock on the panels to make sure they are sturdy. We opted to not put glass on this table. The panels are thick and can stand to have vases, books, etc. placed on them.
5. For me, the older and chippier a door, the better. However, as we have been leveling the symmetry on older doors or removing rusty nails, doors have cracked and chipped apart. Pay attention to the quirky details you love in the door...will they end up causing you more problems as you are putting your piece together?

There's one other thing Cherokee Street is known for...its Mexican food. As we all know, antiqing is hard work!

New Sofa Table Update

The blog has gotten off slower than I anticipated...but, we are working away, I swear! We'll be listing our next table on Etsy soon (just waiting for the glass to come in). We found the door for this table at Fellenz Antiques on Euclid. It's one of our favorite places. It is packed to the ceiling with architectural items. Here's Jeff looking a little intimidated....

The three rectangular sections add such an interesting element...I loved it right away!

Before

After

 

This was a combined effort. Jeff refinished the door and handmade the legs and trim. Once it was stained, I painted and distressed the legs.

The color is beautiful...a lovely dark brown.

 What do you think? We would love to hear your thoughts.

Next on the list is this door. Hoping to have a productive weekend so we can share more photos!