My Experimentation With Color

Throughout this whole painting furniture process I have played it safe, very safe. What I mean by that is when it comes to color I have stuck with whites, greys and pale blues. Well this weekend I decided to dive right into the world of color with a little end table I found on Craigslist.

The wall color in my family room is a goldish tan, my best words to describe it. Not my favorite color to work with but my husband loves it so I will let him enjoy it…for now :). I felt that Annie Sloan Chateau Grey which is really more of a green would go nicely. So with a deep breath I painted my little end table green…

I really wanted to like it, it’s such a pretty color. I stared at the table willing myself to like it but alas no, green is just not my color. The best thing about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is you can just start over. So here I was back to square one. Blast the goldish tan wall color that I just can’t seem to build a room around them!! Then I thought why fight it, I love blue I am going to stay true to who I am and paint the table blue. So I tried Aubusson Blue, a very bold choice is you ask me.

I wish I could say I was brave and stuck with the bold blue. I guess I am just not that adventurous, yet. After painting a coat of the Aubusson Blue it was just too much so I toned it down with a grey wash.

Ahh so much better. I do feel like I was still brave with a darker blue, it’s all about baby steps.

Of course I now need new throw pillows!! 🙂

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Can you really have too many mirrors, it’s a question I have been asking myself lately as my collection has slowly grown. They are all just so pretty, and I like how they bounce around the light. Of course they all started out gold and not my style but after slapping a little paint  they have a whole new look too them. I have found that I  really like a little of the gold peeking through, just like distressing it gives the piece some dimension. At first I tried sanding some of the paint away but it’s difficult when the mirror is not made of wood. I have found that and easier way is to paint your first coat of paint and then take a paper towel right after and wipe areas where you would have sanded. I paint a second coat and repeat the same process, it works out great.

 

Apothecary Obsession

I am always on the hunt for an old apothecary table, I finally found a totally awesome one this weekend in Newport! Of course as luck would have it I drive a small car and had three other passengers.

It was a really hard to walk away from this unique piece! I know persistence is key and if I keep on searching I will find one that I can actually bring home and love forever! In the mean time I can admire other bloggers functional apothecary finds.

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Until next time!

A Custom Cabinet

A friend of mine recently asked me if I could restore an old mirror and cabinet she had but wasn’t loving it anymore. I of course jumped at the idea! It was fun working with her to pick out the paint color and overall style for her furniture. She picked Annie Sloan Old White for both pieces which I think is a great first choice.

I loved the shape of the cabinet I knew a little paint would spruce it right up! I painted over the hardware and then took a rag and instantly wiped the paint away leaving a weathered look.

I loved the glass knob she already had, and left that as is.

I painted the inside of the cabinet paris grey one of my favorite colors.

Here is the before and after!

New and fresh! I didn’t forget about the mirror, here is a before and after.

Etsy Shop

After going back and forth I finally decided to open up an Etsy shop. I am so excited about finally doing this, it’s a big step for me! I wish I could keep all of my furniture restoration projects, but I think if I bring home one more dresser without the intent of selling it my husband might lose it! 🙂 We are slowly becoming over run with furniture.

I get so excited finding a cool piece at an estate sale or thrift store because I can see the potential. I usually am giddy with a find and can’t wait to get home to get started on painting it to see what it will become.  I have found it’s just as exciting when that piece finds a new home, and someone else can feel that same way. I am starting small and have listed a few things.

At this time I am not planning on shipping, but if you ever find something you just have to have I can get a quote on shipping so send me an e-mail at lechicelefant@gmail.com. Click here to check out my new shop, and thank you all for your support! 
Until next time!