Cape Cod Lobster Crate

I picked up this authentic lobster (pronounced ‘lobsta’ in this neck of the woods!) on Cape Cod last summer. 


WARNING:  The only ‘after’  picture that I have is not even worth showing because the lighting inside the shop (or my less than spectacular photography skills) completely messed it up.  Ditz!

First I washed it by spraying it down with bleach and then I attacked  it with my mouse sander.  I liked the “Lobsters” on top but the fisherman’s initials on the side had to go. 

My mighty Mouse sander to the rescue.  It was a glossy enamel red paint so it took some elbow grease but where there’s a will……

 

Dry brushed with white paint.

Installed some wheels…..

….. and this is the only ‘after’ish’ photo.   I added hinges to the top for easy opening.  

I went back a couple of days later to get a pic but it had sold!

Cheating with Martha - Room Divider Redo

On my thrifting adventures one of the things that I am always on the look out for is pretty fabric.   It can be sheets, shams, curtains, whatever.  Sheets work especially well because they’ re usually wider than most fabrics. 

It was on one such adventure that I met up with Martha.  Yes, Stewart.


I found this beautiful pair of curtains with a buttery yellow  background and cabbage roses from the Martha Stewart collection.   I didn’t have a plan for it then but it was definitely coming home with me.   Then inspiration hit.   An old room divider needed attention.  (Ooops.  Forgot to take a ‘Before” of the divider.)

This is where the benefit of recycling fabric comes in.    There is always at least one hemmed edge that can be used.  I sewed a seam on one end and used Velcro to create a pocket for the dowel to go through.  It might be cheating but it sure saves time.   A hem, seam and Velcro on the other end.


Recycling fabrics is a “good thing”.
This is furniture....'ish, right?   At the risk of being banished, I'm linking up for Furniture Feature Friday and Sunday Showcase.

Sunday Showcase

 

Upcycling Old Cabinet Doors

A few months ago while scouting a local salvage yard (a la Sanford & Sons kind of salvage yard) I came across a trio of old, crackled cabinet doors.  Crackled to perfection.

So, up first.   The first door was upcycled to a frenchy sign.  No sanding and I left the old hardware intact.

Painted, stenciled, distressed and sprayed with a clear spray.  I bought the stencil from http://junkinjunky.blogspot.com/.   (SOLD!)

Door No. 2.  (I feel like I’m channeling “Let’s Make a Deal”)  took a different route.    I painted them both at the same time but I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do.  A few days ago it struck me so I gathered some supplies.

Mason jars, adjustable metal clamps, L-brackets and tools.

Attach L-brackets and clamps.

Insert jars & fill with sea glass.

I love the crackled patina on these doors.

Tomorrow I’ll pick up a few flower stems and off to the shop it goes.

The Desk with Currrrrves!

Sometimes I do dumb things!  Like now.  Most people forget to take before pictures.  Oh no.  Not me. 


Here’s the after.  I only took one picture thinking I would get another the when I go into the shop this week.  Dork.  Not possible.  Sold today.

Sooooo…….unfortunately the “befores” show the details more than the after.

Lots of swirls ‘n curves…….and missing parts!

Previous repairs had to be rectified I would say.   After the repair, my job was made a little easier with this…..

THE…BEST…PRIMER…..EVER!

I’ve used several others (and I won’t get into names) but this one is hands down the best coverage.  Rarely runs (and when it does…. definitely “operator error”).  Covers well.  As a matter of fact, I ran out of it when I was doing a project recently and only had another kind on hand so I literally sprayed 1/2 of a drawer with each.  The proof was in the pudding.   Same piece, same weather conditions, same hand….no comparison.

So this is it…….

Shabby Sideboard

The weather has been sooooo good to us!    I picked up this small sideboard over the holidays....

 Gotta love pieces like this.  Nice solid wood and no veneer!  NO veneer = No repairs to do!  Just a little clean up and it was good to go.

Primed and finished....lickety split.

 

P.S.  Now this may sound stupid to some but.......others will understand.  I brought this piece in on January 13th when I worked.  On the 19th the shop called to say that it had sold and was already gone.  First reaction "Yay!".  Within a few seconds that thought turns to "Oy vey!  Do I have anything else ready?  My stuff is all over the place!".    Luckily I did.   Due to the "Priming Extravaganza" that took place in December when the weather was so balmy.

The French Chair

After a little spa time…….

FOR SALE

 SOLD

@ Bernat Antiques

Here it is all exfoliated, moisturized and wearing new duds.  Oh the powers of paint!   And a little elbow grease!