Annie Sloan Chalk Paint meets Mad Men

You can take the piece out of the era but you can't take the era out of the piece!

I acquired this lovely thing when a client dropped off it's 'big sister' to be refinished as part of a custom order, (pictures to come). This dresser was no longer needed so I asked if I could have it; I don't think I've ever been so excited about a transformation! (I say that, but it's truly how I get about most pieces I'm about to refinish)

I knew I wanted to keep the body and drawers of the piece neutral and distressed and let those stunning old brass pulls take the stage, but the apron and legs underneath - so mod, right?! - I was really stumped about what color to use. I almost went with Greek Blue by ASCP; it would have been a beautiful contrast and fun snap of color. But, in the end I really wanted to keep the piece classic and elegant and chose a soft grey - there's plenty of fun in the shape as it is!

SOLD

The low down:

-Piece painted in Old White by Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (two coats)

-Lower apron and legs painted in Paris Grey by ASCP

-Distressed using medium grit sanding sponge, (my favorite distressing tool)

-Sealed on clear soft wax by ASCP

-Original drawer pulls kept in tact

~ Gettin' groovy Chelsea

This post was originally featured under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

Life happening: Our week in pictures

Before I share some highlights from our week I am so excited to report that the buffet I refinished last week with the funky drawer fronts, (that looked like shipping crates), won a weekly refinishing contest I entered this week!

Here is the post I wrote on the piece,

and here is the blog I posted it on! Thanks, Christen!

And here's what went down this week:

Flower accessories from all the blooms Shire picked.

If you are local you need to meet my friends at the Great Harvest Bread Co. Locations in Vienna, Herndon, and Ashburn. We go for a free slice almost every week...and of course come home with a loaf, (or two if I am on my 13th loaf and get a freebie!). Fun stop for after the gym...

My kids cannot walk past a bike rack without doing this...

I could not do what Mason is doing, (blue shorts), if you paid me. Oh, to be young. Anyone else lose major flexibility after pregnancy? 

Scrap fabric hair wraps.

HAPPY first day of SUMMER!

~Chelsea

This post was originally featured under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

Decking the deck

Last weekend I went on a date with Matt...to our deck! I wanted to have a fun date-like evening without actually getting all prettied up and paying a babysitter. But, to make it feel like a legitimate date, I decorated our deck to give it a cool outdoor cafe vibe. 

Since I wasn't sure how night pictures would turn out, I took a few when there was still a good bit of sunlight left. Since it is staying lighter longer, I wanted to bring some color to our deck before the candles and white lights worked their magic in the dark. Using some construction paper and twine from past projects, I made a little flag banner. Not too perfect - I didn't trace my triangles or hang them the same way. Just on the right side of imperfect how I like it. :) It's already rained on my banner since the weekend and while it softened the colors just a bit, the banner is still in tact! Think I'll keep it around through the 4th of July at least!

I wrapped some mason jars in floral wire to create handles and then filled them with small unscented votives

White lights, my disco ball from Home Depot, (one of their Christmas items), and gold beaded garland from the dollar tree, (used in one of my kids' crafts last season). I like anything shiny near white lights for added sparkle! 

 I like the look of smaller, intimate spaces within large open ones. I pulled up the wicker chair, added a few throw pillows to the built in bench, and a colorful little side table, (with a bucket of Root Beers underneath), and made a cozy little 'nook' on our deck for chillin'.

And when the sun went down, everything glowed!

(I roped a rag garland that Shire and I made a while back using scrap fabric over the banister - also still in tact after our rain)

The darker it got, the better it all looked. We played Jenga, Rummy, (twice), and Golf, (twice) - I lost every single game. 

Did you know cigars repel mosquitoes?! And I hate mosquitoes.

Sitting under glowing white lights, playing our favorite games and listening to our favorite tunes - a perfect date with my guy if you ask me.

Thank you for reading!

~Chelsea

This post was originally featured under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.