Laminate Drab to FAB!

Here is my most recent project.

A friend offered me this oh-so 70's dresser and a matching nightstand for free.  In in 1972, this would have been something you'd dream of in the Retro Catalog.  Now, the owner would do anything to get it out of her house.  So bad to even drag it down a flight of stairs to her front door bad (she really did this).

Since the price was right and I had a little inspiration, I took the offer.  Tim was not very happy with my decision when we went to pick up the monster dresser.  I was a little overwhelmed with the size of this thing myself -oh boy.

So home we went and my mind started fluttering with inspiration.  Tim and I agreed on the color (BEHR Fashion Grey) and I went to work.

 

As I said in my prior post, do not use CHEAP paint.  If you do, the result will be cheap and you will not be a happy camper.  Here I used Behr paint and primer in one.

I lightly sanded the laminate on this and did the intricate areas by hand.

I was happy with one coat (see what good paint does) and picked out new hardware.  Ta-da, the final result in our bedroom.  Isn't free good with a little TLC??

Happy projecting you Treasure Hunters you!

My Trick to Storing Boots

Recently moving to Colorado from Arizona, I have acquired ALOT of boots (15 pairs to be exact).  So with my new found shoe envy came a messy closet.  I consider my boots to be an "investment" and hate how they would sit in my closet folded and crumpled.  I knew there had to be an easier way to keep their form without spending tons of money on those long bubble things to stuff in them. 

With my recent move also came lots of empty boxes.  I had a "light-bulb" moment and realized the answer to my dilemma!

Here is the quick and practically free way I store my boots.

1.  Cut cardboard to fit the inside of your boot.  Ensure the piece is a little wide so you can fold to create enough strength to hold the boot.

 

2. Form the cardboard inside of the boot so it will stand upright.

 

3. Store the boot without worries of it being smashed or folded over.  This is just too easy to do and makes your closet look nice :o).

 



 

 

Painted and Stained Wood

On a budget with a new home to fill up I have to get creative.  I bought an coffee table off Craigslist for $35 and was ready for my first project.

This was my first time doing anything with wood.  So after a lot of research this is what I learned:

1. NEVER buy cheap paint.  

2. It is easier than you think. (Really this is so true)

3. Painting is a great way to recycle old furniture.

Coffee table.  I know it was in good shape, just didn't work with my living room.

What I used: 

1. Sander (my husbands, or you can rent if you don't have one)

2. Valspar Paint and Primer "Cream in my Coffee" I actually bought the sample size for $2.98 and still have plenty left over for my next project.

3. Small can of Mahogany stain.

4. Paint Brush

5. Old Damp Towel

6. Sand Paper.  I used grain 150 and elected not to use a higher number for a smoother surface.   I like the "used" feeling the 150 gave.

Start by hand sanding the intricate areas the sander will not reach.  On the areas you plan on painting, you will only need to sand lightly.  If you plan to stain, ensure you sand down to the grain.

 I then stained the top of the table.  Make sure you do small long strokes for an even finish.  In this case, I only needed to do one coat.

I then painted the legs and tabletop side.

When the paint is dry.  I took some of the sand paper to sand areas on the paint.  This will give you the rustic effect.

Hope I was able to inspire you with a project.

Let me know how your project goes.

Cher

I'm Back :o)

Hi All,

I have been on a little "Hiatus"...no I'm lying its been a long one, 2 years almost. 

Since my last post, I have move to Colorado Springs, CO with my husband.  We bought a home a couple of months ago and want to share all my new found wisdom -ha!

I plan to change things up a bit.  You will see projects, tips, and idea's.

Glad to be back in blogging action!

Cher