One Ugly Buffet

In the last week we have had Summer, Fall & Winter here in Michigan. Just last Monday my Mom & I were painting in my driveway in beautiful Sunny 75 degree weather. Now as I look out my window at my driveway all I see is a windy rain/sleet/snow mix kind of day. Yuck! That's Michigan weather for you. I guess I'll have to go back to painting in the basement.

Early in the spring this year a family member gave us a Dining table, four chairs & one ugly buffet. Thanks Scott & Rhonda! They were elated to find someone to take it off their hands. This is not the most attractive dining set on the planet.  It's from the early 80's, maybe even the mid 70's. It's that very heavy, chunky real ornate style. This always looks better painted. We started with the buffet. Here is a before picture:

This is my Mom giving it a good cleaning. This buffet has a "Marble" like stone top that was very scratched & dull. Just look at those enormous handles. What were they thinking? They look big enough to open a twelve foot door! They are almost Gothic looking. We removed them & filled the holes, I figured anything I replaced them with would have to look better then this.

After a good cleaning we gave it two coats of Old White & two coats of clear wax. I wanted to brighten/lighten up this heavy look. Once the painting & waxing was done we had some primping still to do on this piece.  The top was scrubbed & polished clean. We went to Hobby Lobby & found the perfect knobs to replace the old Gothic ones.  Here is the after picture:



Available at Sassy Fabrics (V Trading) in Grand Blanc, MI



So much better! We distressed it to enhance all the detail. Here is a shot of the "Marble" top:

The inside got alittle attention too.

We decoupaged the inside of the drawer & the shelf...

This has become my go to alternative to contact paper. I love how it looks. It's a graphic of a Vintage French script from The Graphics Fairy. I printed it on stock paper & cut it to the size I needed. I've used it recently here on a desk we finished last month....

and on a mirror/key holder organizer..



Available at Collette's Vintage & Antique Mall in Burton, MI



This one I added some other graphics on top of the script. This is in our booth at Collette's Vintage & Antique Mall.

When I first seen this buffet I thought to myself "That is one ugly buffet". Now with a new paint job & hardware I think the buffet turned out beautiful. We also painted the table & chairs but I'll show you those later. The chairs need major upholstery work. 

I hope you enjoyed your visit. I love to read your comments. Have a Happy & Safe Halloween.  Dee



His or Her Desk & A Thank You

I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything, I guess I needed a little break. But now I'm back in the swing of things.  Last month I went to an Antique Festival in Midland & found a very unique desk.  When I walked into this tent I spotted this desk from the backside & I could only see a corner of it, but I could see that it was different. So I walked around to the front of it & fell in love. It has such unusual lines.

I am so proud of myself, I actually remembered to get a before picture (even though I had already started painting it). You can see how the front curves in, even at the bottom. The style is both masculine & feminine. I decided to try & paint it neutral so it would appeal to both. 

After a good sanding & cleaning, I started with Paris Grey on the top & body.  The details got a coat of Old White & the recessed areas are painted black. Now it was time for a graphic. I went to my favorite place for graphics The Graphics Fairy. This is what I went with:

I love that the subject is masculine yet the script is feminine.

Did I mention this desk came with a chair? Well it did & here is a picture of what I did with it. I painted it Old White & put a graphic, I found at Etsy, on the cushion.

I used the original hardware & one of the best things about this desk is there are casters under it so you can just roll it to wherever you need to.

Here's a nice shot of the sexy curve....

I even decoupaged the inside of the top two drawers.



Available at Sassy Fabrics (V Trading) in Grand Blanc, MI.



I love how they look together. The perfect His or Her desk!

Now I would like to take a minute to say Thank You to Beckie at Roadkill Rescue. She featured my coffee table I found on the side of the road last month. You can read about it here. I just love this site. You can submit your roadside/repurposed treasures & if she likes it you'll be featured. I love the inspiration you get when you see what other people create. There are so many talented people on that site! If you've never heard of it, please check it out. You will be addicted just like I am. Thanks Beckie!!!

My mom & I are back to work again, so I should have plenty to write about in the very near future. As always, I love to read your comments. Thanks for stopping by & have a great day! Dee