Would You Rather...Mismatched Chairs

We've made some progress on our first Would You Rather... poll. This little guy just needs a piece of glass then he's ready for show! Thanks again for all of your feedback!

This week's Would You Rather...is a trend I am currently obsessed with: mismatched chairs in a dining area. Back in November, I offered tips on creating an eclectic dining room. And, I created this Etsy treasury of some of my favorite seats from Etsy sellers.

So, my question to you this week is a simple one: Would you rather have an eclectic mix of chairs around your favorite dining area? Or, do you prefer a matching set?

Head on over to Facebook and let us know (or leave a comment). To spice things up this week, I'll be doing a drawing from all those who vote and giveaway a pair of my favorite vintage wine hankie gift bags. You know you want one...

Would You Rather...Wednesday

Thanks for all the great feedback on last week's Would You Rather... Jeff has added a letterpress tray side table to his to-do list. We'll share pics soon!

This week's Would You Rather is more of a home decor question. I've always loved different color front doors. Why have a boring ol' white door like everybody else, when you can have a bright blue, yellow or teal green? Or, what about orange?

A couple of years ago, we painted our front door red. It had nothing to do with our future ambitions. We debated between several colors (most of the inside of our home is blue and it's by far our fave color). In the end, we liked the brightness of red (and it goes well with the color of our house).

Little did I know, in Feng Shui, a red front door means “welcome.” Interestingly, in early American tradition, it means the very same thing. In fact, if a home had a red front door, tired travelers who might be traveling by horse and buggy would know the home was a place where they would be welcomed to stop and spend the night or rest.

So...this week's question is this -- whether you've already taken your favorite hue to your front door or are still thinking about taking the plunge, Would You Rather go green? Or blue? Or RDFCo. red? Click here to head on over to our Facebook page and vote (or leave me your thoughts below!)

(And, if you are considering red, here's a couple of my favorite red doors.)

Latest Finds & Exciting New Project

So, we completely sat on our bums in January. Didn't lift a finger to do anything besides watch reruns of Honey Boo Boo Downton Abbey. And, here we are. Sprinting into February. Trying to finalize some custom orders AND get ready for our first show of 2013, Green with Indie.

Out of our minds, right? (I'm talking about the Honey Boo Boo part, not the procrastination).

So, now we're in crunch mode. In December, we launched a custom order program for our dining room tables, where the customer joins us as we hunt for their perfect table. I love the idea of customers being apart of the story of their table.

Last weekend, we headed out for the first time to meet our new customers at Fellenz Antiques in the Central West End. It's a huge warehouse packed to the roof with doors, spindles, old architectural findings, windows, mantles...you name it, he probably has it.

Fellenz Antiques in the CWE

The couple came to us wanting a shadow box coffee table. During the course of our search, we happened upon the doors below (forgive me for the bad iPhone pic). The first one has leaded glass and the second one is identical, but features a mirror instead.

The idea is to use both doors for the table -- one as a lower "shelf" and the other for the top. Some sturdy architectural legs were found to support it. It will be a truly unique piece and we're looking forward to getting started on it!

While we were there, I ran across this old cabinet door. I love the arch and it still has the original lock on the front -- it will make a really cute chalkboard menu board.

 Jeff spotted these old sewing machine legs. Just a little TLC and they will make great legs for a side table or sofa table.

Now that we are stocked up, it's time to get to work! Of course, all work and no play is no fun. We also got our first taste of snow last weekend. And we love to run in the snow!

Marley

Allie

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?

Source

Or to display jewelry?

Source

Or display your favorite collection of small trinkets?

Source

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!