Saturday, January 31, 2015

Hair Appliance Holder #1

Okay, so I made a trip to Lowe's yesterday and picked up some PVC pipe, I got a 3" that was 4' long and 2" that was 8' long.  I started cutting them so the appliances would fit.  The one shown is for a friend and she has 3 of the 2" that are cut to 6" each (for her curling irons and straightner), she has 2 from the 3" that are 4" tall (for her blow dryer and an electric razor) and 2 of the 3" that are 3" tall (for her hair ties and bobby pins).
I also made a stop at Hobby Lobby yesterday and picked up some pretty paper, she wanted it to be teal and gray.  Then I got mod podge to be able to attach the paper to the PVC pipe.  Have a little more to go but here's where I'm at so far.

Step 1: Cut everything down to the size you want (I used 3" and 4" PVC pipe)

Step 2: After making your selection on pretty paper which I got from Hobby Lobby anywhere from $0.49-$1.99 a sheet (or you can just spray paint them too after sanding them a bit to scuff them up so the paint will adhere) I brushed mod podge onto the PVC pipe and cut the paper down to size to cover the pipe.  After that dries (about 20 minutes) I put a layer of mod podge on top.  I did notice though that it's not as durable after letting it dry over night so I put a coat of Valspar's clear satin sealer on top and was much happier with the outcome.
Then if you want them to hang add the back attachments and arrange how you would like.

 I put a dab of hot glue on either end of the bottom side of the PVC pipe and lined the rest of it with super glue.  I think super glue holds great but, it takes a while to dry (so that dab of hot glue will keep it secure and allow the super glue to dry).

And then lastly....the fun part, add all of your stuff to it!




Sunday, January 25, 2015

Antiqued Hall Tree

DAY 1

I started a new hall tree over the weekend.  I didn't get a lot done on it since I had to take a couple trips to Lowe's that I wasn't anticipating.  I am super excited about these!
One will be painted olive green and the other will be old white, both Annie Sloan chalkpaints.
 Here's where I'm at so far. Much more to be done.  I already purchased the coat hooks for both and one will have a shelving unit attached to it.
So far I've made one with cubbies but I'm thinking about making the other a toy box style bench.  We'll see when time gets closer on the second one.
 I purchase a couple of doors on swap shop and I even have these cool little door knob and doorknob plates that will be attached as well.  And on my first trip to Lowe's I bought some beautiful molding that's going to be trimmed on the bottom and make it look complete!
It's hard to envision what these will look like right now, but I can tell you they are going to be stunning and just what someone will need for a show stopper in their front entryway.

Grabbing some gear at Lowe's


Starting the bench.


Awesome cubby style bench to put woven storage baskets in!

DAY 2

Okay, finally making some gains on the first hall tree, next post this beauty should be completed!


I made a template for the side structures, not only are they decorative but also serves as an excellent anchor for the back of the door to the bench seat.


And have to show you the new play toy dad got.  It's a kreg jig and makes this piece of furniture sturdy as sturdy can get.  Plus, you can't see the screws now...it's a win, win!


I told you the trim was gorgeous!  I can't wait to start painting!  We just cut the trim at a 45 degree angle to make the corner pieces.  The trim lines the whole bottom of the hall tree.


Just another view, still have to attach the other side anchor but ran into a bit of a snag.


I used a hardening wood filler (came in a yellow tin can) from Lowe's where the arrows are pointing to.  This door has been previously used as....well a door, so it has indentions and holes from screws that I didn't want to show.  By the time this baby is finished you will never even know they were ever there.


DAY 3


After a couple more nights of work here's where I'm at...
I got the other side anchor attached.


I cut out a circle with scrap wood to fill in the knob hole.  My son so graciously hammered that into place, and then I filled the rest in with wood filler.


And after about 15 minutes of letting that dry I sanded the entire thing.


And now it's ready for painting!  Got to love the goofy pictures along the way!  Covered in sanding dust!


Finally got to paint, I used the color Old White from Annie Sloan


Then a coat of clear wax followed by the dark wax.  Originally, I thought this would turn out more white...but after putting on the dark wax and immediately rubbing it off as I was going...it just soaked in!  I ended up putting on another finishing wax and buffing it which surprisingly did take off some of the dark wax but not much.


Then I began to add the hardware, I got the door knob and plate off of Etsy from the Shabby Store, https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShabbyStore?ref=l2-shopheader-name.  The coat hooks and base supports for the shelving unit I purchased at Hobby Lobby, they have an awesome selection of hooks and knobs!  They are all cast iron too, I purchased these anywhere from $3.99-$6.99 a piece.  Then, I stained and put a coat of polyurethane on the shelf.



Here's a side view so you can see the beautiful detail on the shelving supports.


I think the trim turned out pretty neat


And of course, for the end of every project the long awaited before and after photo!


 I was even fortunate enough to get a photo of the hall tree in her new home!


Sunday, January 18, 2015

Side Project....End Table

So I found this poor thing sitting out by my dumpster.  Actually a really nice end table.  Here's what it looked like before beginning.
And of course the part I dread...sanding.  It had some deep water rings in it and some paint and scratches on the surface.
Painted it French Linen (gray from Annie Sloan)
Added the clear and dark wax after "scuffing" it up a bit
And the side by side comparison...all finished.



Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Dining Table Restoration

DAY 1

Now that the holidays are over I can get back to it!  First on the list is this dining table and chairs.  Here's what we have to work with:

Well, you know the drill first steps are to get this top coat and stain off!  I used a stripper for the hard to access areas and my lovely step mom did an awesome job helping me sand the tops of the table (sanding is by far my least favorite thing in this world!).

Okay, so this project is soooo exciting for me because I'm trying something new!  I'm using Annie Sloan Chalk paint and wax for the first time.  It's been interesting playing around with it so far.  the top of the table is stained and so is the pedistal...the chairs will be painted gray.  More to come soon.

DAY 2

About 1/3 of the way through this project.  Wanted to show you what I've been experimenting with.

It seemed like when I took pictures it was hard to see the paint and wax, so on the leaf you can see where the clear and dark wax has been applied and to the right and left of it is just paint which is French Linen by Annie Sloan.
And this is the clear wax that I just put on with a cheesecloth.  And below is what it looks like when you apply it over the paint.  It makes the color a bit darker/richer and completely changes the feel of the finish from chalky to smooth.
Next step is the dark wax.  I've watched tutorials on where some let the clear wax dry overnight and others done.  For the table leaf I did let the clear wax coat dry over night but this time I didn't and I feel like it appears the same.



And my oh my what a little polyurethane will do to stain.  You can see my first coat of polyurethane on the right.
I put a thin coat of polyurethane on the table top and on the pedestal.  I am going to try to do a light sand in between 3 coats of polyurethane on the table top...supposedly giving a smoother finish.
And here's where we ended the day.

DAY 3

This will be the second to the last post about the dining table.  I'm getting a glimpse of what the finished result is going to be and I'm super excited.

I'm trying this new technique as far as a finished stained top to this table which consists of staining, followed by polyurethane, then sanding and repeating the process an additional two times.  Then finishing it off with Minwax's finishing wax to serve as a protectant.  I have to say I was a little nervous in sanding over top of this...all that work and it may not turn out...

And after sanding the first chair, I did the same thing as the sides of the table.  French Linen paint (2 coats)
And then the clear wax followed by the dark wax...and there my friends is a sneak peek at the final results.


DAY 4

So excited and happy this project is finally coming to a close!  First experience using chalk paint and wax and I have to say that I'm a fan.  Thinking about trying to make my own though, Maria did some research and thinks we may be able to make bigger quantities cheaper.  Here are some final photos of the dining table project.
Chair sanding....not only was it tough to sand them but painting them was a chore too!
Everything completed
And you have to appreciate the before and after photos!
Even Maria got going on her own project.  I wish I would have got a before picture.  But more fun stuff to follow her chair!  More updates soon!  Hall trees are getting started this weekend from a couple of doors that I picked up from swap shop.

And finally got to bring this pretty table home!