End of Summer thoughts and another Annie Sloan Coco transformation...

Now that summer is over I am so excited to get back to work! I have so many posts to catch up on I don't even know where to start. It is almost impossible for me to put a coherent thought together in the summer that I don't even try. I just consume a ridiculous amount of white chocolate ice storms from Nordstrom's Cafe, take the kids to the bookstore, avoid a bathing suit at all cost and think of EVERY excuse NOT to play Candyland 'Just one more time!".

ahhhhh Fall is almost here...

I have finally organized and edited all my pics so they all ready to go. I went to an amazing Lavender Farm Festival in the Spring, Haven Conference in June (yeah..still haven't done that post, leave me alone!) and opened a new booth at High Street Antiques. My baby started kindergarten, I post-poned my surgery, was going to sell both houses, now keeping both but moving back into the one in Frisco. Lost 10 lbs, gained 15 lbs, started planning our Disney trip and completely renovated the Frisco kitchen for $1200...wait until you see the drastic results! I will review the Rust-o-leum counter top transformation kit, tell you how to transform your wood cabinets without stripping or painting AND defend my decision to send my kiddo to a private school (fists up..;)

Whew..lot's to catch up on!  Let's just start off easy with the ONLY furniture transformation of the summer. It is the first piece I put in the new shop and it sold in 2 days. I have a feeling the Plano mall is gonna' love them some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint!

The lovely before pic...dirty and messy!

Lot's of potential for sure

It was missing 2 of the pulls so I had to scramble

Isn't she purdy??

Love how the pumpkins brought out the Old White detail

details, details, details

I loved these pulls sooooo much that I really tried to find the originals...no such luck!

I still have almost a can of Coco left so don't be surprised if my next 3 pieces are the same color! I know boring.....but beautiful!

Again...So glad to be back in the swing of things! I hope you stop back soon and follow along with my ever so late updates on all my crazy doings!

I sometimes link up with these fun parties!

Primitive and Proper , Domestically Speaking , Savvy Southern Style ,DIY by Design , Not Just a Housewife , Restore Interiors, The DIY Showoff , The DIY Home Sweet Home , howtonestforless , coastal charm , todays creative blog , the kurtz corner , home stories a to z , carolyn's homework , Tip Junkie , shades of amber , Farmhouse Porch - Cowgirl Up , Miss Mustard Seed

Coming Up For Air....

This summer has been ca-RA-zee! I can't seem to get my act together no matter how hard I try.  I haven't even had a chance to do a Haven recap, write about having to reschedule my surgery or how we are about to sell our two houses. The kiddos are running me in circles and I am in a constant state of....'what the, what the..???!'.....like I said ca-RA-zee!!!

I have been able to do a tiny bit of painting. The back holds up for short spurts and I try and take advantage of those times as much as possible. I was in desperate need of something to put my tv on in my office/craft room. It needed to have a bunch of storage and HAD to be paris grey. Not to long ago I found a great, ugly, 70's dresser with a bunch of swirls on the front. I painted that one graphite with old white detail and it sold in a day. While combing craigslist I was excited to see a similar piece listed. Unfortunately my before picture was pre-mac and pre-hard drive failure so I don't have photographic evidence of it's ugliness but I am sure you can imagine it in all its orange wood glory....(sorry, for the pics..see disclaimer.)

                   

Pardon the shadow....I took a great photography class at Haven and adjusted my camera to Lord knows what settings!! I am probably the only person EVER that takes worse pictures after sitting through a photography session given by some seriously skilled photographers...

  

Some of the knobs weren't salvageable so I added some clear knobs...love how it gives it even more of a girly touch

The original plan was to keep this in my office. Why do I bother? I sold something quickly in my booth and needed a piece to fill the hole. So this is where this beauty now sits.  While my TV and a bunch of other crap sits on the floor. Oh well, such is life in the furniture biz!


Linking up with the great parties...

 The DIY Showoff , howtonestforless , coastal charm , Primitive and Proper , Domestically Speaking , Not Just a Housewife , Restore Interiors , The Shabby Creek Cottage , Miss Mustard Seed , Friday Feature @ Redoux

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint {Burlap Hutch-Old White}

I am so glad I love what I do. Although sometimes it is quite exhausting trying to keep up with things, I wouldn't change it for the world. I could never imagine going back into the corporate world and being a 9-5'er. I am so grateful that my husband has been able to provide for our family, allowing me to stay home with our crazy kiddos. I have to remember every now and then to show him some gratitude and to thank him for allowing me to do pretty much whatever I want with my time. So, this weekend his brother is in town and they are going to celebrate his 40th birthday. My hubby is somewhat of a beer snob. He loves all aspects of it..how it is made, what to eat with it, what glass to use and where it is comes from. This Friday we are getting together with a bunch of friends and having a beer tasting. Well the guys will be tasting and the girls will be yapping. Then on Saturday he and his brother will be heading to an all day beer festival here in Dallas. Good luck going to a beer festival the night after a beer tasting. We will see if those 40 years have caught up with him yet!  I think I will just sit back and watch the show.  Drink up Honey, you deserve it!

Well we all have our obsessions and my latest one, for sure, is old white & burlap hutches. I love making them, I love how the burlap adds texture and rusticness to what would otherwise seem like a simple hutch. This one is quite the biggin'! It is really a 9 drawer dresser with a random hutch added to the top. Once again, I wish I was in my 'forever' house. I really love this piece and will be quite sad when it sells. My hubby always laughs at me when I pout, just a little, after something sells but this one may bring the all out tears. I know, I know kinda' ridiculous to have a business selling furniture then being upset when you do. I never said I made much sense.  I, again, being the terrible and impatient blogger that I am forgot to take before pics. Again 70's , blah, orange, blah, scratched up, blah, blah, blah...

I had this idea to do burlap hutches for quite some time. I did get some inspiration from some crazy talented bloggers that I follow. Unfortuantely it was pre-Pinterest for me and I can only find one.  Kathie at a A Few Good Pieces did an AH-mazing job on this one!

Linking up with:

Monday

Debbie Doo's , The DIY Showoff , The DIY Home Sweet Home , Lines Across My Face, It's so very Cheri, Skip to my Lou-Made by You

Tuesday

howtonestforless , coastal charm , todays creative blog , the kurtz corner , home stories a to z , carolyn's homework , sugar bee crafts , my uncommon slice of suburbia , crafty confessions , Tip Junkie , shades of amber , Farmhouse Porch - Cowgirl Up ,

Wednesday

Primitive and Proper , Blue Cricket Design , Domestically Speaking , Savvy Southern Style , DIY by Design , Not Just a Housewife , Restore Interiors ,

Thursday

The Shabby Creek Cottage , Somewhat Simple , Beyond the Picket Fence , House of Hepworths , The 36th Avenue , Live, Laugh, Rowe , The Brambleberry Cottage

Friday

Miss Mustard Seed , Finding Fabulous , At the Picket Fence , Shabby Nest , A Little Knick Knack , 30 Handmade Days , Addicted 2 Decorating , Tatertots & Jello , Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage , Potpurri Friday @ 2805 , Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense , Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground , Friday Feature @ Redoux , 52 Mantels . Five Days..Five Ways

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint {Vintage Desk-Coco}

Yes, I did it again. Another piece in coco and old white. Things have been a bit crazy around here so I haven't had a chance to get as many posts done as I would like. I finally got my new silhouette cameo and have been spending any free time trying to figure out how the heck it works. Just a tad intimidated. I think the best thing to do is to just jump right in and learn on the fly. I scored some free pallets this past weekend and I am so excited to see if I can make some signs out of them. I will post my inspirations sometimes this week. There are so many crazy talented gals out there and I have been reading a ton of tutorials and how to's that hopefully, I can pull something off that is good enough to sell in my booth.  We shall see...

This desk is your run of the mill, beaten down, good bones, great hardware piece. Again another craiglist steal. I forgot to take pics of the inside of the drawers but I lined them with some super sweet floral patterned paper that matches the coco and old white perfectly.

                                             

Just added to my booth at Frisco Mercantile!

Linking up with:

Monday

Home Savvy A to Z , Making the World Cuter , Debbie Doo's , The DIY Showoff , The DIY Home Sweet Home , Lines Across My Face, It's so very Cheri, Skip to my Lou-Made by You

Tuesday

howtonestforless , coastal charm , todays creative blog , the kurtz corner , home stories a to z , carolyn's homework , sugar bee crafts , my uncommon slice of suburbia , crafty confessions , Tip Junkie , shades of amber , Farmhouse Porch - Cowgirl Up ,

Wednesday

Primitive and Proper , Blue Cricket Design , Domestically Speaking , Savvy Southern Style , DIY by Design , Not Just a Housewife , Restore Interiors ,

Thursday

The Shabby Creek Cottage , Somewhat Simple , Beyond the Picket Fence , House of Hepworths , The 36th Avenue , Live, Laugh, Rowe , The Brambleberry Cottage

Friday

Miss Mustard Seed , Finding Fabulous , At the Picket Fence , Shabby Nest , A Little Knick Knack , 30 Handmade Days , Addicted 2 Decorating , Tatertots & Jello , Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage , Potpurri Friday @ 2805 , Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense , Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground , Friday Feature @ Redoux , 52 Mantels . Five Days..Five Ways

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint {Vintage Chest-Coco}

I am always on the look out for anything with amazing detail. I can't wait to get a brush to it and add the perfection that is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. When I saw this little beauty on craigslist I about killed myself getting to the phone! My hubby thought something was wrong, I guess I shouldn't knock over one of the kids next time..;)(jk). Well as luck would have it I was the first one to respond!! Seemed like I always hear "You are next on the list' or "I will call you if they don't show up". (btw..they never call).  But this time it was mine and I couldn't get hubby in the car fast enough to go get it. It really is an amazing piece. A true antique. Heavy as all get-out..(where did that saying even come from??). The drawers needed some repairing but nothing my MacGyver of a father in law couldn't tackle. I decided on my new favorite color combo. Coco and Old White.

One of my challenges was trying to find matching eustacheons (my big new fancy word that I learned this past week;). MacGyver found the one that goes to the middle, upper drawer that needs the key to open, but I failed miserably when looking for ones for the other two. I could have ordered some online but I decided it kinda' gave it more of an antique feel without them so I just left it. If it doesn't sell I may add something, we'll see. I again really contemplated keeping this one for myself because it would be the perfect first piece for my front room makeover. I really do love it and still may do just that. I have to start on my house sooner or later..wanting to live in your booth can't be healthy.

 I know some people are just yelling at their computers right now.."How could she paint this gorgeous piece!!!" So sorry, but I just love to paint & believe it or not it really needed it.

                                         

Just look at this...

Great hardware too...

Here it is in my booth..

Not only was it one of my favorite pieces that I have gotten off of CL it was an amazing deal as well. I think I am trying to talk myself into bringing it home. Not that I need much convincing.

Linking up with:

Monday

Home Savvy A to Z , Making the World Cuter , Debbie Doo's , The DIY Showoff , The DIY Home Sweet Home , Lines Across My Face, It's so very Cheri, Skip to my Lou-Made by You

Tuesday

howtonestforless , coastal charm , todays creative blog , the kurtz corner , home stories a to z , carolyn's homework , sugar bee crafts , my uncommon slice of suburbia , crafty confessions , Tip Junkie , shades of amber , Farmhouse Porch - Cowgirl Up ,

Wednesday

Primitive and Proper , Blue Cricket Design , Domestically Speaking , Savvy Southern Style , DIY by Design , Not Just a Housewife , Restore Interiors ,

Thursday

The Shabby Creek Cottage , Somewhat Simple , Beyond the Picket Fence , House of Hepworths , The 36th Avenue , Live, Laugh, Rowe , The Brambleberry Cottage

Friday

Miss Mustard Seed , Finding Fabulous , At the Picket Fence , Shabby Nest , A Little Knick Knack , 30 Handmade Days , Addicted 2 Decorating , Tatertots & Jello , Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage , Potpurri Friday @ 2805 , Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense , Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground , Friday Feature @ Redoux , 52 Mantels . Five Days..Five Ways

                                                                       

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint {Farmhouse Table}

I love doing little table & chair sets. For the most part they are really easy and fast. They are in high demand in my booth and don't stick around for very long. I am quite boring with my style though. I tend to do the same thing over and over. Old white, walnut stain & burlap.

 I do have to admit I kinda' have a love/hate relationship with the whole thing though! I LOVE doing the tables, and absolutely HATE doing chairs!! Painting every nook, spindle and leg really numbs my brain (and hands) that I usually don't even do them. I usually stick the table in my booth and let the buyer fend for themselves when it comes to chairs. Sorry, just hate them that much. 

 I decided this weekend that I am going to change my 'attitude' and find a way to make friends with the whole chair make-over thingy. I went to home depot and spent $89.00 on a Graco Hand Sprayer..yes, I finally did it. So much for my vintagy, hand painted finish.  Maybe I could just spray the first coat and then use the brush on the second/third?? Am I a cop-out? I feel like one. I haven't given it a go as of yet but I have about 6 gorgeous cane back chairs just waiting for me to give them the once over with my new toy!

 I will have to let you know how it works with Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint. I sure don't want to waste any precious paint but I feel like what I can make up in precious time will be well worth it!!  I guess I forgot to take a before pic of the table but I am sure you can imagine the same orangy wood we all know and love.

                                                         Chair Before

Shot of the set in my booth @ Frisco Mercantile

                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                     

Burlap Chair

Cute vintage scale and rusty can...love using old vessels as vases.

It is going to be an amazing week here in North Texas and I am hoping to hit Canton (1st Monday Trade Days) on Thursday. Since I haven't been in a few months I have a pretty long list of 'stuff' that I need. Hopefully I can drag somebody with me, not as much fun junkin' by yourself!

 Hope you have a great week!!

Linking up with:

Monday

Home Savvy A to Z , Making the World Cuter , Debbie Doo's , The DIY Showoff , The DIY Home Sweet Home , Lines Across My Face, Skip to my Lou

Tuesday

howtonestforless , coastal charm , todays creative blog , the kurtz corner , home stories a to z , carolyn's homework , sugar bee crafts , my uncommon slice of suburbia , crafty confessions , Tip Junkie , shades of amber , Farmhouse Porch - Cowgirl Up!  ,

Wednesday

Primitive and Proper , Blue Cricket Design , Domestically Speaking , Savvy Southern Style , DIY by Design , Not Just a Housewife , Restore Interiors ,

Thursday

The Shabby Creek Cottage , Somewhat Simple , Beyond the Picket Fence , House of Hepworths , The 36th Avenue , Live, Laugh, Rowe , The Brambleberry Cottage

Friday

Miss Mustard Seed , Finding Fabulous , At the Picket Fence , Shabby Nest , A Little Knick Knack , 30 Handmade Days , Addicted 2 Decorating , Tatertots & Jello , Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage , Potpurri Friday @ 2805 , Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense , Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground , Friday Feature @ Redoux , 52 Mantels . Five Days..Five Ways

                                                                               

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint {Console-Paris Grey}

Again, I came across the ugliest 1970's television console/cabinet on craigslist. I can't help it I am love with ugly. I busted out the favorite paris grey and old white combo again. I have to get my 'fix' at least once a week! This piece sold pretty quick. I think it turned out pretty cute. Perfect for a little girls tv or a girly girls office

Like I said..UGLY...

Close up of the 'lovely' drawers...

Here is the piece in my booth..

Close up..

With spring break finally behind me I have a ton of projects to get caught up on. Lots more before & afters coming shortly.

Have a great week!!!

Linking up with:

Monday

Home Savvy A to Z , Making the World Cuter , Debbie Doo's , The DIY Showoff , The DIY Home Sweet Home , Lines Across My Face

Tuesday

howtonestforless , coastal charm , todays creative blog , the kurtz corner , home stories a to z , carolyn's homework , sugar bee crafts , my uncommon slice of suburbia , crafty confessions , Tip Junkie , shades of amber

Wednesday

Primitive and Proper , Blue Cricket Design , Domestically Speaking , Savvy Southern Style , DIY by Design , Not Just a Housewife

Thursday

The Shabby Creek Cottage , Somewhat Simple , Beyond the Picket Fence , House of Hepworths , The 36th Avenue , Live, Laugh, Rowe

Friday

Miss Mustard Seed , Finding Fabulous , At the Picket Fence , Shabby Nest , A Little Knick Knack , 30 Handmade Days , Addicted 2 Decorating , Tatertots & Jello , Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage , Potpurri Friday @ 2805 , Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense , Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground , Friday Feature @ Redoux , 52 Mantels . Five Days..Five Ways

.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint {Swirly Dresser-Graphite & Old White}

Wow, this one took some help from the troops! I actually had my sister and one of my besties to help with the details on these drawers. It was a little intimidating at first but when I saw it coming together I was really excited to see the final product. Another venture out into the country (free of meth labs this time;) led me to this not so pretty orangy 70's dresser. Super nice family had been using it to store 'stuff' in it and I was really pumped to get it home and start the tedious task of working on those frenchy swirls. Is there anything more dramatic than graphite and old white together..I think NOT! Took it up to my booth on Saturday and it was gone on Sunday.  It is going in to a little girls French themed bedroom. Love it when a piece I spend so much time on goes to the PERFECT home!

                                         Before..excuse my scale (don't ya love it though:)

French Swirl

Just the right amount of distressing and dark wax

Believe it or not I found her brother on Craigslist! A 6 drawer tall boy. I tried to get it but someone beat me too it. Just as well, I have a ton of projects going on right now and don't know if I have the patience for this much detail work. Plus my back is just now recovering! I am quite sure I will be having nightmares...errr...dreams about these drawers for a long time!

Hope you like!

Linking up with:

Monday

Home Savvy A to Z , Making the World Cuter , Debbie Doo's , The DIY Showoff , The DIY Home Sweet Home , Lines Across My Face , It's so very Cheri, Skip to my Lou

Tuesday

howtonestforless , coastal charm , todays creative blog , the kurtz corner , home stories a to z , carolyn's homework , sugar bee crafts , my uncommon slice of suburbia , crafty confessions , Tip Junkie , shades of amber

Wednesday

Primitive and Proper , Blue Cricket Design , Domestically Speaking , Savvy Southern Style , DIY by Design , Not Just a Housewife , Restore Interiors

Thursday

The Shabby Creek Cottage , Somewhat Simple , Beyond the Picket Fence , House of Hepworths , The 36th Avenue , Live, Laugh, Rowe , The Brambleberry Cottage

Friday

Miss Mustard Seed , Finding Fabulous , At the Picket Fence , Shabby Nest , A Little Knick Knack , 30 Handmade Days , Addicted 2 Decorating , Tatertots & Jello , Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage , Potpurri Friday @ 2805 , Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense , Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground , Friday Feature @ Redoux , 52 Mantels , Five Days...Five Ways