Where I got the goods:
The vase was a score from HomeGoods
Embroidered linen napkins and matchbox are from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture
The decanter is from a local Phoenix store, Trouve
Pillows are from Kitson
I had this nice vintage chair I picked up a while ago. My plans to fix, paint, and reupholster it, never ended up happening. My husband had recently been using the chair at his desk. Once I decided I didn’t want to makeover the chair, I thought to re-purpose it instead. I have a lot of “fashion” jewelry that I forget I have, because I don’t see it. One day, I looked at the caning on the chair and thought it would be the perfect way to display my earrings.
THE EASIEST WAY TO BEAUTIFULLY DISPLAY AND EFFICIENTLY ACCESSORIZE YOUR OUTFIT AT THE SAME TIME.
FAB.
THOSE ARMS ARE A GREAT SOLUTION FOR TANGLED NECKLACES.
We needed some furniture for our new condo, so we bought this china cabinet/buffet at an antique shop. Sanding this monster was the worst thing I’ve had to do in my life. I guess that’s a little dramatic, but it really was quite awful. Then we got to painting.
I left the doors off the top piece because I wanted it to look more open. Now it’s home to our dishes, linens and other dining accoutrements.
The great thing about 4th of July decorations, is that they don’t necessarily have to be boxed up right after the holiday. So, I had the idea to make a wall hanging of an American flag that I could use all year. I wanted it to look a little different, so I thought to incorporate old neckties in the design.
Neck ties would be the perfect element to add uniqueness, variety, and a prep-school vintage flare to my flag. Goodwill and eBay made my hunt for the perfect red ties very easy. I collected so many ties, my plans expanded to include a second flag. The Union Jack flag was a quick decision; it’s such a recognizable symbol, it’s beautiful, AND I could use the same materials and ties as I would for the American flag.
I chose a gorgeous and consequently, very expensive blue velvet and a moderately priced army duck canvas(cream color) for both flags. Oh, and I used some sort of white utility fabric for the stars on the American flag. I think the rich velvet and the simple canvas complement each other beautifully.
I really had to channel Betsy Ross for this one. I tried my hardest to keep the correct ratios and details of both flags, they might be a little off, but hey, who cares? They both measure about 56″ x 30″, give or take. I didn’t really have a full plan or even a half plan for this project. FYI- that’s probably a bad idea, I wouldn’t recommend it. Having only very basic sewing skills, I really didn’t know what types of issues could arise. I wasn’t trying to be unprepared, I just didn’t think it would be so difficult or time consuming. I worked on these flags for over a week straight, after I had all the materials an idea of the size I wanted them to be. Basically, I planned on posting this on Wednesday and it’s clearly not Wednesday. I made a lot of mistakes and learned as I went. They were a huge pain in the ass, but I’m really glad I did it!
Everyone, have a safe and happy 4th of July!
The two finished pieces I will show you today, I purchased at the end of 2011, so their makeovers have been a long time coming. The dresser, I purchased at an antique store in Mesa and the mirror, at the Cave Creek Thieves Market. I’ve been a little adventurous lately, so I figured I do both pieces in two colors. Since I wanted to achieve an old layered look for the dresser, I even used a little crackle glaze.
I chose: French Linen and Old White
The only thing I found out about this, is that the people I bought it from, purchased it at an auction. It’s very primitive looking; it’s held together by dowels – not nails. I thought it was pretty awesome and it was only $24. And it’s something you can’t buy at Restoration Hardware!
I fell in love with the carving at the top and the pressed glass.
First, I painted two coats of French Linen, then painted the top and the inner trim with Old White. I aged it by using AS dark wax.
The color was fine, but I knew I wanted to get rid of the glossy finish. I randomly applied the crackle glaze and waited for it to dry. I painted the Old White parts first, then I painted the drawers in the French Linen. It’s actually a mixture of 2 parts French Linen, one part Old White. After the first coat, there was too much paint showing through, but was fine after the second coat. I wasn’t going for a “super-defined” crackle look, I just wanted it to look a little aged. With some patience, I achieved my desired look. I used clear wax, mixed with a dab of dark wax. I also painted the hardware and key holes in Old White.
