Would You Rather...Wednesday

Jeff and I are always looking for feedback from friends and family on ideas (whether it's tables, paint colors, or finds we think are cool, but others are like "eh"), so, we're starting a new weekly series here at Behind the Red Door called Would You Rather...

Every Wednesday, we'll be asking for your input and feedback on projects we are working on. We'll give some of our thoughts on the blog, then ask you to head on over to our Facebook page to vote on your favorite idea. Of course, you're welcome to leave thoughts in the comments below. All feedback will be taken to heart - so, let's hear it!

First up....

I've been on the look out for months for vintage letterpress trays. Now don't get me wrong...they are all over the place. Unfortunately, sellers have picked up on their popularity and I don't want to pay a high price. I've seen them for upwards of $50. Some in bad shape for $30.

A few weeks ago I went to my first estate sale. I got there about an hour after it started, so most of the good stuff was gone. Everything was labeled...except for a lone letterpress tray, hanging on the wall. I snatched it up and brought it to check out. It's estimated value? $5. Sold!

Last weekend, I ran across another one for $25. It was in great condition and had the cutest little handle on the side, so I grabbed that one, too.

So, my questions is -- how would you use a vintage letterpress tray? We've got a few ideas we are kicking around. But, would you rather use it as a table?

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Or to display jewelry?

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Or display your favorite collection of small trinkets?

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Click here to head on over to our Facebook page and let us know how you would incorporate it in your decor!

Update: Sofa Table from Antique Door

Here we are...half way thru the first month of 2013 and we've been silent! Jeff and I have been out and about, searching for doors and other items to turn into fab items for your home. But, overall, we've been feeling pretty uninspired. I blame it on the cold weather!

While we get back into our groove, I thought I would share the last sofa table that we made. It's the table Jeff was working on in this post. I'm so happy with how it turned out. The stain on the top had such a cool effect. We usually go with a darker stain, but I really like this shade. We'll definitely use it again.

We brought it with us to our last show in December. And, while someone didn't snatch it up there, it barely made it 24 hours online before it was sold. It was a Christmas present -- so happy it was going under the tree!

Sofa Table from Old Door

Sofa Table from Old Door

Sofa Table from Old Door

Sofa Table from Old Door

Sofa Table from Old Door

Prepping for Artopy

So, here we are. A few days before our last show of 2012, Artropy. Our online sales have been a bit slow lately, even though it's the gift giving season...so, I was prepping myself with the idea that people don't give tables or home items as gifts.

Then the Monday AFTER Cyber Monday hit -- and we sold a ton of stuff. Depleting our Artropy stash!

No worries. We've been holding back on a bunch of stuff I'm excited to showcase this Saturday. And, we'll have some stuff that if I don't get rid of it now, I'll be using as gifts for my friends and family (you've been warned!)

Here's a peek at what we've been working on and what we'll be bringing with us.

Jeff has been working on a new table. It's a new style and finish and I'm really loving how it's turning out.

We sanded the top down to bare wood, leaving the middle panels the original color.

The original stain had a bit of a reddish tint and shine, so we sanded and distressed those slightly. It gave it a much worn look. Here it is without the trim around the door's edges.

The legs and skirt are stained a dark brown. Jeff trimmed out the edges of the door, giving it a more polished look. We'll be staining the bare wood a light color, so the table has some contrast. We'll also be placing glass in each of the panels.

I can't wait until it's finished!

I've been working on some glass ornaments. They are filled with carefully chosen creamy bits of antique books, music paper, glitter, vintage garland, glitter, old buttons and pearls. Each time you turn the glass the contents shift a bit and you see a different piece. They look so pretty on the tree.

Our wine bottle wall hangings have been very popular. We sold out at the Chandler Hill Winery event and a couple more this week. The only downside is that the more we sell, the more I have to drink (we like to use the same type of recycled bottle).

Which, I guess that isn't really a downside, is it? Would that make the wine a tax write-off?

Then, there's these little guys. I think they are the cutest in the world. Apparently I am the only one. We'll have these on-hand with some little holiday gift tags.

If you are in the St. Louis area on Saturday, stop out and see us. In addition to the dozens of amazing crafters, there's complimentary wine and beer and cats. Although, I don't think the cats are complimentary. Why don't you come on out and see for yourself?

How to Decorate for the Holidays for $10

For the last three years, I've decorated my tabletops, mantle AND buffet for Christmas on the cheap. $10 to be exact. My secret?

$10  White Pine garland at Home Depot.

It's easy to work with, gives the house a fresh, piney, Christmasy smell, and makes a huge mess.

Three things I look for in every project I do.

To be fair, I have an arsenal of other decor I add to my piney friend. Pine cones, red berries, shells (we like it beachy around here), and DIY mercury glass with candles (click here for a tutorial...it's soo easy to do!) all play a part. After the holidays, they get packed up and wait until it's time to come out again.

I'm able to get alot of mileage out of the garland. It goes on the Breakfast Room table.

Breakfast Room

On the buffet in the Dining Room.

Buffet

 On the Dining Room table.

Dining Room Table

 And, on the mantle.

Mantle

I've been using this same theme for the last several years. I could change things up. But, I love it.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Painted Sideboard Reveal

I've been waiting all week to show you the finished sideboard! It's been so dark outside before I leave for work and when I come home, I haven't been able to snap some good pics. Until now!

This piece was found by my mother-in-law, JoAnn, who passed away last November. So, it has special meaning for us. She loved to go antiquing and we had very similar tastes. We were always sharing our latest antique store finds and this was a beautiful piece that she picked up. We miss her so much...I  just hope she likes what I did with it!

We debated keeping the top stained, but as you can see below, there are some stains on the top. And, I wasn't really up for sanding or stripping it all down. Also, some of the wood inlay was chipping off in spots and I was afraid that would get more damaged. The shelf on the inside is a little warped, too. But, other than that, it's in great shape!

BEFORE

 

Sideboard Before

I started by dry brushing it with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White. Basically, I never put alot of paint on the brush and I didn't cover it completely. It was a pretty light coat.

Next, I painted it in ASCP Paris Grey. I didn't do a very heavy coat of this either. And, applied it really thin in some areas. It really helped when I started distressing it.

 Then, I went over it again and added some of the Pure White in different areas and the Martha Stewart Metallic Paint in Vintage Gold. I really had no plan to this...I just added it in different places.

Then I started sanding! In hindsight, I should have done this in the garage, as it was pretty messy. And, I'm now banned from distressing in the house. But, it just isn't as toasty outside!

I heavily distressed it on the top and front. You can just slightly see where some of the gold peeks thru.

Then, I applied a coat of Annie Sloan's dark wax and buffed it until it was buttery smooth. I absolutely love it! There are so many different "layers" to the finish. Hints of white, grey, gold and the natural wood coming through. The dark wax gives it a nice antique look and darkens up some of  the paint.

This isn't the ideal spot for it -- I want it in a room where there is more contrast with the walls. But, this is the only spot we have right now. It's my little Annie Sloan corner!  I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and added some of the gold highlights.

Would love to hear your thoughts...do you like the gold accents? Does it "naturally" blend in? Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Linking to these great sites:

Painted Sideboard Sneak Peek

Last night I started working on this antique sideboard. It has some really great elements to it (carved details on the trim and legs) and I wanted to try my hand at a few new techniques. I'm hoping to finish it up tonight, but here's a peek at what it looks like so far. Forgive me for the camera phone pics...I just took these quickly this morning.

I was inspired by a couple of videos: This dry brushing tutorial from Shaunna West at Perfectly Imperfect. Also, this video by Virginia Weathersby is a great example on how to add the gold accents.

I'll be practicing my dry brushing skills with two ASCP colors and have incorporated a gold paint. I went with a paint that Martha Stewart sells. If you look closely below, you can see it in the carved trim.

I love the way it is turning out...I can't wait to show you the finished piece later this week!

Tips for an Eclectic Dining Room

I love the look of a mismatched dining area. I'm talking different styles and colors of chairs. Or, just pairing two different styles together. We've got that going on in our breakfast room, where we've paired matching chairs with a bench.

I really want to get some cushy chairs in here...but that will have to wait. Until then, I wanted to give you some ideas/tips on how you can create the mistmatched and eclectic look in your favorite dining area.

#1: Select your table. It will be much easier to find chairs to go around it than try and find a table that will be a good fit for your seating. Are you going with a round or rectangle table? Or square? Choosing your table first will make finding your chairs much easier!

#2: Pay attention to chair height. You don't want your guest at the end of the table sitting down lower than your other guests. It's not only uncomfortable having to peer up at the person sitting next to you, but it makes it awkward to eat! When shopping, know how tall your dining room table is so you don't end up buying a chair that is too low or too high. And, don't forget to test it out! If it's a cushy chair, do you sink down?

#3: Know your table's dimensions. This goes along with Tip #2 -- know your table like the back of your hand! How much room do you have on the sides? Are the ends wide enough to accommodate a chair? Our dining room table is very narrow...standard chairs don't fit on the ends. Bring measurements, a tape measure and a photo when you head out shopping. It will save you less headache in the end!

#4: Don't forget your style! What will work best for your home? Do you do a lot of entertaining? Have little ones running around? You might love the idea of having a couple of cozy white chairs flanking your table. But, if you have young kids, this might not be the best option for you right now (or, get something that is washable!). If you like to have guests over (think clients, the boss), you might want to look for chairs that are comfortable and steer clear of the industrial/metal chairs. Make sure your selection fits with your style and life.

#5: Select chairs with some corresponding elements. While I like the mismatched look, I still think it's important to have SOME cohesive elements. Whether it's sticking with a similar shade, chair style, matching cushions or picking two different matching sets, you can still get the eclectic look, and have it look more natural.

The rooms below do a great job of mixing things up, without going overboard.

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Etsy is a great resource for finding unique chairs. Here's a Treasury List of some of my favorite finds. Let me know your favorite!

Weekend Plans: Paint, Paint, Paint

I started this post as a way for you to take a look at what we've been working on for our last two shows of 2012. Now, it's become more of a to-do list of everything that needs to be done for next weekend's event: the Chandler Hill Annual Harvest & Holiday Market. This one is super close to our house and Chandler Hill is one of our favorite wineries. It will be a great place to meet some new people.

It's going to be a busy weekend, but here's what we'll be finishing up. We'll have alot of home decor items for this show. Chalkboards, mirrors, vintage frames. We've also put together a cute wall vase using recycled wine bottles.

Jeff's been working on a bar/buffet table that I'm really excited about. I'm looking forward to styling it next weekend. In the meantime, it will be getting a coat of paint on the legs. I'll be trying a new distressing technique and if I'll goes well, I'll share it next week!

If you are in the St. Louis area, come join us Saturday, Nov. 10th from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There's a great line-up of vendors. As well as the usual picturesque atmosphere and fantastic wine!