A Little Paint and TLC - A Dresser Make Over

My friend just recently moved into her new home and had a few pieces of furniture she was getting rid of so, of course, I jumped at the chance to score some new projects!  

Here is the dresser I'm working on!

Looks like a quaint little hand-me-down that just needs a tlc!

**Please excuse the iphone pics- too excited to use my camera :)

I used a citrus solvent to strip the finish. There are no harsh fumes and it smells like oranges - much easier to work with than harsh paint strippers or solvents.  Here are some pics of the stripping process. 

Just use an old paint brush to coat the piece with the solvent. Wait the instructed time - 1 hour up to 24 hours. Once your time is up use a plastic scraper ( pictured above) while wearing gloves to remove the finish. This process was super easy. There were a few places that needed more solvent, but I didn't have to use much elbow grease overall.

All the shiny finish has been stripped, sanded, and wiped clean! 

Some of the drawers needed a little tlc. The dovetail joints were coming apart and the drawer glides on the inside were loose. After fixing the joints and tightening the glides it was time to paint!

I did not use a primer - I even opted out of getting paint and primer in one because I wanted a distressed look and plan on sanding areas once painted.

I used Behr Oyster Pearl 780C-3 and Behr Nature Retreat 730F-5 for this project. 

Here is the dresser painted. I still need to distress, wax, and figure out what I want for hardware.  

Much less grandma's hand-me-down I think! :) 

I will post the finished product soon! 

Spring bulbs!

Going back through my photos I realized that I had forgotten my massive tulips that bloomed this year! When standing beside them, they were up to my thigh!!! Probably more than 2 feet tall!! You can also see the sweet daffodils I planted as well!  Here are some pics- enjoy! 

I bought tulip, hyacinth and narcissus daffodil bulbs from tulipworld.com.  I definitely recommend this site for bulbs AND great prices!  Check it out!

xoxo,

Amelia

Oh how I love digging in the dirt!

So, I finally have been able to work in my "yard"! I am not finished, but a lot has already been done! So far the hubby and I have planted a hydrangea, knockout rose bush, Gaura, hostas, red mother of thyme, and grace ward lithodora.  Of course some annuals- petunias, mini petunias, begonias, geraniums, lobelia, creeping jenny, and sweet potato vine.

Here's the proof!

This is Gaura, also known as, whirling butterfly. I am in love with this little beauty especially because she's a perennial! 

I'll posts pictures of the back "yard" and the finished product once it's all done or err when I'm happy with it!

xoxo,

Amelia

So...it's been awhile....

Life gets in the way of updating this lovely little blog.  However, I am going to try and post all of my craftiness from the past 2 years.  Lots of changes - new blog name.  New home and a new baby - within a month of each other - doesn't leave much time to sitting down at the computer to blog.  My little one is 13 months now and I feel like I have a better handle on how to multi-task.  Plus, it doesn't hurt that he can entertain himself for small increments of time.  If I begin to slack comment and tell me to get back to work!  Sometimes you just need to hear that someone misses you. :)  To follow are some items that I have worked on!

Signage for our entry! Burlap is amazing!

 

 

Hand painted Monogram pumpkin

 

 

 Making my own tree skirt. Lots of hot glue and burned fingers from the above mentioned amazing burlap. :)

 

 

 

O's 1st Christmas Tree ornament sliced from the bottom of the tree and painted by me!

 

 

 Christmas Signage!

 

 

 Little O's cookie plate for Santa

 

 

 The hubby helped build a bench into this nook in our entry.  The nook

 was practically begging for it!

 

 You like the chalk outline?

 

 

 

Almost finished.  We just need to add some unique knobs, style the shelf and artwork for the wall.  Hopefully we can finish it up soon!

 

 

 

 

Starburst mirror in progress... 

 

 

 Starburst mirror finished along with my hand painted curtains, handmade pillow and trunk converted to side table...whew!

Close - up of the pillow

 

Congrats Banner for an Engagement Party - I'll post close ups later.

 

 

 "I'm One" high chair banner with tutu tray skirt.

 

 

 Birthday Bash Invite                                                  Mommy-to-Bee shower invite

 

 

             Look Whoo's turning One! invite

Some of lil O's  birthday décor - Tissue paper fans - post more later:)

 

 

 Canvas wrapped in burlap and stenciled. 

 

 Hubby and I made the frame.

 

 

Upholstered Pallet Coffee Table

 

Once I get the rest of the pictures sorted I will post more with how-to's! Enjoy my mess!

 

So for now, too-ta-loo!

 

Simple and Chic

While perusing the endless database of wedding bliss that theknot.com has to offer, I came across some pictures that made my heart pitter patter with glee! So, I decided to share them with you to see what you think.

Don't be shy - share your opinion!

These pictures make me want to get married again and again just so I can change my color palette each time.

enjoy :)



This cake is to-die-for! *Simply Chic*

I love this idea if you are having a seated dinner. Looks like they simply wrote with a paint pen the table numbers and names of the guests for each table. My friends know that I adore worn looking items and re-purposing them in a unique way.

This is a simple bouquet of Angel's Breath. The way that the photographer captured in a slight blur the delicateness of the bride's hands, and of the flowers just makes me smile!
*Pure and Simple*

These are only a few (I saved a ton more)!

As I mentioned before let me know what you think!

xoxo