Pinterest inspired project!

So, I finally took a break from other people's projects to finish up this one that I've been dying to do!  Here is what you'll need:

-old window or large frame
-cardboard (backing for photo)
-spray adhesive (I used elmer's brand)
-photo
-staple gun

First off you'll need to choose a photo, one that you won't mind being gigantic! lol  I choose something that wasn't a straight on face shot because I wanted it to seem like you were actually looking out a window and seeing a scene outdoors.

Save it as a black and white photo, then put it on a flash drive and take it to Office Depot/Office Max.  Tell them you want an Engineers Print on gloss paper. (Mine was 24" X 46", they can only go up to 24" wide)  I then trimmed my photo down to the size I needed to fit my window.  The print only cost $10!!!!  What a deal!

Cut your cardboard to the same size and spray adhesive on cardboard then very carefully place print on it smoothing center to outside avoiding wrinkling.

I used a staple gun to attach it to my window.

And TAAAADAAAAA, you have a beautiful, interesting piece of art!

China Hutch

Found this beautiful (and very solid I might add) piece at an estate sale.  I couldn't wait to do one of these.  I've been drooling over these on Pinterest for over a month now!  So here she is!  The color is a pale gray with a pop of terra cotta orange.

Can we take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous original hardware, OK continue on! :)

Back by popular demand, another slate buffet.

I was really pleased with how this transformation turned out.  Just goes to show what a little TLC can do for an old beat up piece of furniture.

Learn to transform your hand-me-downs into a piece of furniture you'll love!

“Painting Furniture 101”

October 13th 10 am - 4 pm 

$95.00 ($45 deposit & remaining $50 due day of workshop)

Using chalk paints you will learn painting, aging, and distressing techniques. You will also learn how to properly finish with wax to create a  durable, gorgeous finish.  I will teach you how to customize your finish on your furniture with tinted wax , as well as tons of furniture painting tips and tricks to save you time and help you become more efficient in your creative process.

Workshop includes instruction and furniture painting tips and tricks.  I will be available to answer any questions you may have as you finish your piece of furniture with CeCe Caldwell’s Paints & Waxes.  Classes are limited to 5 participants, so everyone gets one-on-one instruction!  I’ll provide a catered lunch, snacks, and drinks. 

 *Workshop fee includes all paint and supplies.  You simply show up with your piece of furniture, wearing your painting clothes, and be ready to have fun!

Please bring one piece of furniture you want to beautify!  Small pieces only because space is limited.  A chair, end table, or night stand would all be great choices.  Please feel free to message me if you have any questions.  Hope you can make it!

To reserve your spot please send a private message to Hand-me-downs by Hanson’s Facebook page.  Space is limited so if you are interested hop on it!

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Cash or checks only please.  Cancellations up to 14 days prior to the date of the workshop will be able to attend a future workshop date. 

"Oui Madam!"

She lived happily ever after!  I loved the detail on this china cabinet, very french country.  I had to take her a color that would show off all her loveliness.  I choose a vintage white with the slightest hint of grey and some dark wax to add some character and age.  I did take more pictures of the whole process this time.  Enjoy!

Before:  

I use an old cloth and windex vinegar and wipe the whole piece down and let dry completely. 

 Remove all hardware and paint with brush (I did two coats).  I use a chalk paint that requires no sanding or priming.  My kind of paint! :)  More about the paint here!

Let dry for at least a couple hours.  Then apply clear wax to entire piece, remember not too much!  Less is more, wipe away any excess as you go.  Let wax cure for at least 30 minutes.  Then I use a piece of light grit sandpaper and begin distressing the edges and detailed pieces.  Wipe down with clean cloth.  Then I go back with a dark wax in creases and detailed areas to add more character and age.  Wipe with cloth to remove excess dark, work kind of fast so you don't get too much dark wax on the piece.

After wax has set for a couple hours you can go back and buff to desired shine.  

Here is the final product!

If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comment section below.  Thanks!

Black Beauty!

Finished this lil lovely last night!  I don't usually go dark with furniture but for some reason this buffet just looked so masculine and what better color than Slate with gold gilding.  I picture it with a glass of scotch on it and Frank Sinatra playing in the background.  Hmmmm, I think I even smell a cigar burning. OK, OK I know I'm crazy.  I find myself doing that all the time, I try to mentally place where each piece would go and each one has it's own little back story.  :)

Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!

Dining room table and chairs

I was flipping through the pictures on my phone I stumbled upon these pics from a year ago!  Neal and I were visiting Wichita (living in KC at the time) and helped our good friends re-finish their dining room set.  Granted these are not the best quality of photo's but you can get the idea.

BEFORE

AFTER