Distressing while moisturizing - what a deal!

I would like to introduce to you my new little friend, Vaseline. Yes, Vaseline. We actually go way, way back. As an unfortunate victim of very sensitive skin, I've been using the ointment since I was young for chapped lips, cracked knuckles...you get the point. As a Momma I've used it to rescue many a rashy little hiney. But, I never thought the oily substance would be one of my regular tools for refinishing furniture!

 

But, it's the truth. I've learned an awesomely fun new distressing technique and I couldn't wait to share it with you: Just rub Vaseline, (use your fingers, a brush, rag, whatever), over spots where you want to easily remove your top coat of paint. I like to focus on edges and corners in particular, and sometimes an unexpected spot or two along a side and on the top. Then paint over the piece like normal. Once your paint is dry, take a medium grit sanding block and rub over the entire piece. The paint will rub off quite easily in the spots where the Vaseline is.

 

 

I especially like this technique when I want to layer two colors. It makes it easier to distress letting the bottom color show through without worrying about rubbing through the bottom color to the wood. Does that make sense? I paint the base color on first, then rub the Vaseline on over a few spots, then paint on the second color. When I go back over with the sanding block I can reveal a few peeks of the base color without going all the way through to the wood.

 

 

 For this piece I made drawer pulls from strips of linen,

which I knotted on both sides of the screw holes.

 

{will be available at the next Chelsea's Garage sale}

 

This week I am trying out 3 different shades of one color. Hoping to have all 3 photographed for a fun 3 in 1 post on Friday.:) (This table is one of the shades!)

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

~Chelsea

 

 

Shutters?....Chic?!

Hi, hello, howdy :)

About a month ago I scored 8 old white shutters, great condition, just need to be cleaned. I think they were $5 for the bunch.

 

I excitedly scooped them up because they looked interesting and were so cheap...but then I got them in the garage and propped them up in a corner...and there they've stayed collecting dust ever since. Partly, they just haven't been a top priority to do anything with since I've had clients, (patiently), waiting for their pieces to be done. But, even if I had all the time in the world I think they'd still be sitting there. Why??? Because while I like the look of shutters as decor, I just don't know if my style is quite in 'that' direction. There's something about accessorising with shutters that seems to be too much of a step towards country cupboard for me. However, I like rustic - but I also like sophisticated, (which is funny since my home is outnumbered in toddlers to adults). So, I've done a little research to find some ideas for shutters that are clean and chic. We've all seen pictures of shutters being used as headboards, or as a place to collect photos and note cards, or attached with hooks to hang things from, or even anchored with legs and made into coffee tables. I can't imagine trying to set my glass of wine down on a shutter tabletop....(if you have one of these shutter tables, I hope I'm not offending you! Just being honest....). While all these ideas are very creative and lovely, they just aren't me. Without further adieu, here are some ideas for shutters I would definitely consider for my own home:

 

Simple and stunning propped up or hung against an empty wall in an elegant dining room. The contrast of the rustic shutters to the grand dazzling chandeliers is perfection.

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NOT a headboard, but rather anchoring a bed and attached with sconces. These are reclaimed doors instead of shutters, but large shutters would do the trick.

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Let's not forget about keeping it simple. Propping a single smaller shutter up against a wall on an end table can satisfy the aesthetic need for some height without sacrificing your walls with holes. Great if you're renting with restrictions on hanging things...or unsure about how to complete an empty spot!

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I love me some pop art! This is just super cool. I'd put this above a sofa, buffet, bed, in a hallway...easy, fun, and a great punch of color.

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Heavenly. This room divide is such a simple idea, but has so much impact visually. It anchors both rooms in a soft and romantic kind of way. This would be my first project if I lived in an open studio apartment. Great idea, too, for open floor plan homes. Create an entrance 'hall' if your front door opens up to a large room. Separate a living room from a dining room. Create two guest's bedrooms out of one with a shutter divide between twin beds, (oh la la, risque!)

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 And if none of these ideas appeal to you, there's always this:

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After searching image after image of ideas for shutters, I think I've found one to try. Stay tuned for how I use my stash!

 

Have any other ideas for shutters? Please share, I'd love to know!!

 

~Chelsea

 

Smokin hot knees

Hello there! After a few hours of finishing today's featured project, my knees were covered in this gotta have color.

What do you get when you take 3 mismatched pairs of wooden chairs and paint them all this smokin hot color?

A totally unique, one of a kind dining seating set!

 

I had the absolute pleasure of working with a wonderfully creative client who picked out the chairs and the color and left the rest in my hands. Can you believe that 2 of these chairs were minty green, 2 were white and the other two were a reddish wood, (it's no secret on here that I am horrible with knowing my wood types)? After hours of stripping, staining, sanding, painting, distressing, waxing and buffing....they are a unified collection.

 

I can't wait to see what fabric this gal picks out for her seat cushions!

 



Umm, I kind of love this! It was fun to try this seating set on around our table and see how it comes together. Maybe a future project?

I've had a lot of requests lately for dining benches. I've done a few so far and really like that idea, too! Any thoughts or opinions out there on dining benches? Please share!

~Chelsea