Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Simple Accessories

My simplify theme continues.  I am not sure I knew I was on a simplify theme, but let's face it, sometimes simple is best.  Simple is what most of us have time for, simple is easy, simple keeps our homes clutter free.  I know when many people think of junk and using thrift store finds in their homes, they think clutter.  But, it doesn't have to be that way.  Junk can be simple and minimal, yet unique and personal.  I recently picked up this salad bowl at the thrift store:
One coat of Florence, the newest Annie Sloan color, and some clear wax was all it took to change it into a simple, pop of color, home accessory.

Another tip--use what you have.  I spray painted some pinecones to add to the bowl.  I love these and living in Montana, I have a plethora of pinecones to choose from. I can't wait to spray paint some in bright, glossy colors. 
What simple accessories do you use in your home? 

Monday, July 30, 2012

Celebrating 24 Years!


Well, hubby and I haven't made it 65 years yet, but we are celebrating 24 years today.  And I would say we ascribe to this philosophy.  I know that is not always possible, when one partner isn't willing to fix it.  But I also know just about any issue is fixable with work, lots of it.  I have seen many marriages on the brink survive and thrive.  My anniversary wish (You get one of those, right?) is that you take time today to invest in and work on your marriage!  Off to go explore Seattle with the love of my life and a couple of our blessings!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

Keeping it Simple

I picked up this little, unfinished wood side table at the thrift store for a few dollars.  A little white paint,
a little grey,
and some stenciling added just a hint of pattern, while keeping it simple enough for any decor.
I painted the top of the table in one direction and stenciled the paint in another to add a bit of texture and character.  Oh, and don't you just love that silver sugar and creamer I picked up at Goodwill--tarnished silver is one of my favorite patinas--sorry Grandma, no polishing for me!
Find more ideas at Donna's Funky Junk Interiors 



Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Under $100 Linky Party

I have been busy preparing meals for our upcoming trip to the Oregon Coast.  We got our first camper, trailer and after 25 years tent camping I am ready!  But, I didn't want to spend my vacation cooking, so today I prepared and cooked 8 gluten free meals and sides, whew.  I was so busy cooking I forgot to get the linky party up and running, sorry for my tardiness.  On to some fantastic links from last week!
Beautiful basket from Villabarnes
Wow! stenciled table from Domestic Imperfection
Whole New Mom preserves herbs,
Dehydrating Parsley
Amazing portable bar from Bliss Ranch
How to Nest for Less has free owl party printables
Math geek dresser from Be Book Bound
Homeroad's nautical tags-- I will be making these!
Fresh twist on subway art from FrouFruGal
IMG_4130-001

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!
Under $100 Linky Guidelines:
1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!
2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.
3. Please include a brief description in link up.
4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.
5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.
6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate.

JUNKMARKET Style

I have been chosen as the newest contributor at JUNKMARKET style. 
 

Sue is one of the main reasons I started this crazy junking ride!  Here is my first contribution--my scrappy wood jar organizer.  And if you are not already a member, get on it :)!
PS--Join me tonight for our Under $100 Linky Party!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Chalk Talk 2nd Half

Ok, so where did we leave off yesterday (see post below if you are confused)?  I told you my number one reason I love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™.  I told you I would let you know how I prepped this ugly, slick and glossy piece:
I used mineral spirits on a rag for a quick wipe down.  I followed that with a quick, light cleaning with Krud Kutter--a degreaser and then I used a wet rag with some vinegar on it.  Are all of these steps necessary?  I don't think on every piece--it depends, but if it is veneer or plastic or metal, I would do all three.  They are quick and very little product is needed. Officially, Annie Sloan does not mention these prep steps.  Nancy Jones who trained me does use these steps and it makes sense to me.  Paint is going to stick to what is on the surface.  If there is grease or dust or something else on the surface, the paint will stick to that.  Those things are temporary and meant to come off of the item you are painting so it is best if you get rid of them first.

The paint is permanent and cured after 28 days.  After 3 days it is useable with caution--use doilies or placemats until the 28 days is up.  You can paint concrete, your house, countertops, kitchen cupboards, etc.  If you are doing an outside item, pray your weatherperson is accurate and do it when no rain is predicted for 3 days.

Wax helps to further protect the surface but is not necessary on everything.  Sanding with fine sandpaper and steel wool helps the paint molecules adhere and bond better.  You do not wax outdoor pieces.  We learned to dilute the wax with mineral spirits, which I really liked.  It helps the wax to go on more easily and I think help prevent over waxing. which apparently is a common problem.  You want to work the wax into your brush by dipping the brush into the wax and making figure eights on a plate to work the wax into the brush.  You then apply it on your piece also in a figure eight motion so that you massage it into the paint.  Remember, this is a porous paint.  There are videos on waxing on You Tube.

So, that ugly piece in the picture above became this piece:
(Yes, I am missing one knob, but had it so I am still looking--not sure if these will stay CoCo or if I will use oil rubbed bronze spray paint on them to match the handles.):
Some Old White and CoCo,
A little stenciling in Arles, Florence, and CoCo,

Clear wax and in 2 hours and 15 minutes start to finish (I did wait a day before waxing), this dresser was done.  I wish you could feel it :).
Here are a few of the sample boards I made:
We were told to think of  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ as a fine furniture finish.  I will still be using regular paint on my rougher pieces--my pallet furniture and things I build.  But for furniture pieces I buy from thrift stores and garage sales, I will be using Chalk Paint™--it is quick, durable, and produces lovely results.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Chalk Talk

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Artworks in Spokane, Washington to do some Chalk Paint™training for my employer, The Antique Barn, who will be the first ones in Montana to stock the paint.  We were lucky to have Nancy Jones as a teacher--this woman knows paint!  Here are a few pieces painted with Chalk Paint™ in her beautiful shop:

I have been painting furniture for 11+ years, but boy, did I sure learn a lot about paint in general.  I am not going to share everything I learned about this paint, it is too much information.  I do not make any money from the sale of this paint, but will be paid to teach classes.   With that said, let me say I love Chalk Paint™.  And I am cheap and did not come by this decision without fighting it.
Why am I convert?  Why the real stuff rather than the homemade chalk paint?  The colors are fabulous,
 http://www.studio28raleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/PaintSwatchesSm.jpgbut paint colors are a dime a dozen.  I think my number one reason for converting is the speed and ease that it takes to paint a piece with the paint.  I love that it sticks to any surface, but the homemade stuff seemed to as well.  The homemade stuff does not go on as beautifully and quickly as Annie Sloan's paint does.  And the homemade paint certainly does not sand "like butta" like the Chalk Paint™ does, and neither does any other paint I have ever used.  Revisonary Life shared a great post on the paint and why it is worth the cost--read it here.

I picked up this dresser with glossy veneer at a yard sale.

In 1 hour and 15 minutes I prepped the dresser (more about this tomorrow) and painted it completely.  In the past I would have avoided this piece of furniture all together.  If by some mistake I would have bought it, I would have spent longer than 75 minutes sanding and priming it. let alone painting it. Tune in Tuesday for the finished piece and a little more of what I learned.  Again, I get nothing for selling paint, promoting paint, etc.  I simply love this product and want to share.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Under $100 Linky Party

I just spent 2 days being trained in teaching others how to use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  My head is swimming with color combinations and ideas.  But, that will have to wait for now.  Here are some links from last week that caught my eye:
Beautiful redo from Dumped and Discovered
And another one from Living a Redeemed Life
Fantastic little crate from Homeroad
$25 makeover from Happily Home After
Vintage fun from Daisy Mae Belle
Crockpot potatoes from Annie's Home
Flowering buckets from Backwoods Cottage
.buckets7

Thanks for linking up and for sharing you with us :) !!
Under $100 Linky Guidelines:
1. Please link to the specific post, not your blog!
2. Please only post ideas that cost $100 or less--it would be great if you share the cost of your project, but not necessary.
3. Please include a brief description in link up.
4. Grab my Under $100 button on the sidebar and include it in your post or a link to Beyond the Picket Fence so people can find you and more great ideas.
5. Please check and make sure your link works. If it doesn't you can delete it and try again.
6. Please no direct links to sales sites, i.e. ETSY or just a plain ol' commercial site, we are looking for inexpensive ideas we can recreate.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Coffee and Cream

Hmm, my last blog title had the word coffee in it too--perhaps I have a coffee problem?  At any rate, this coffee table started out as this (well a little rougher, this is after some sanding):
I think it was maybe originally a longer sized piano bench because it looks like the table part had storage, but someone had added a plywood top that did not open.  I wanted to keep it simple so plywood top that didn't open it was.  I painted the legs with ASCP in a CoCo. 
I then used the dip and drag paint technique using white, coco, brown and yellow paint. 

Some fairly heavy sanding and stain over it all gave it a warm coffee and cream finish.
The finish reminds me of a Venetian plaster and it is always fun to see how it turns out.  This piece sold right away :).

Monday, July 16, 2012

Coffee Pallet

Using a cute little pallet, I made a coffee table. 
 I was going to put dowels in the empty spaces, but hubby said he would cut me some thin pieces of wood on the table saw to use in the spaces.  The table saw is the one tool I don't love to use.  I will, but not if I don't have to.  I always have this strange urge to reach my hand towards the blade.  Yes, I am also that person who has to exercise control to not touch something when there is a "Do Not Touch" sign.  I have been kicked out of a few museums--just kidding! 

I added 2 x 6 legs, and side pieces,
painted the table and then wedged the thin wood pieces between the pallet slats. 
I stained the legs and the table top.
This is a great piece both indoors and out.
Today I am headed to Spokane to do Annie Sloan Chalk Paint training.  The Antique Barn where I work will be the first distributors of the paint in Montana.  I will be teaching the classes for them.  I am excited to learn some new techniques and to play with the paint.