Pier One Side Table (antique store find $19.49)

 

 

 Ok so once again I forgot to take a before picture of the side table . Oooops! So, this time I intervened at just the right moment to stop my bf from sanding the piece down for me because he's bored ! Seriously? Hands-Off! The sanding didn't take that long except the drawer will NOT come out .... yikes this is my first challenge. OK, if you can't beat 'em  , join 'em :) I sanded as much as I could around the drawer as I didn't want the break the piece .

I am really enjoying making my own chalkboard paint... except this time I jumped in with both feet and didn't read the instructions . Ooops too much plaster of Paris ... way too thick and lumpy .Ok, BREATHE , just add water slowly and remix ... work with it as best as possible cause I have to re-sand it while it gets the antique look anyways .

 

Tada! First coat of chalkboard paint . This color was from Valspar but I have no idea it's name since I was a MISTINT for only $2.50 . Seriously ? Love it .

While waiting for the paint to dry to give it a second coat I went to watch my PVR's reality shows .
Finally ! I get the second coat of paint done.. PHEW! Tidy up , and always remember to WASH your paintbrush or like me you will be buying a new one tomorrow to finish the job !

DIY Love Hate relationship with Pinterest

Well this is my first blog ever and I wanted to share my personal experiences with DIY projects from Pinterest .  I hope you learn something new , get a giggle and shed a tear or two throughout my journey .

I must say Pinterest sure makes everything look so easy. Someone like me who is a tactile learner  needs to have step-by-step instructions. I have been obsessed with antique/vintage furniture and décor for as far back as I can remember . OMG! It's outrageous the price that SHABBY CHIC décor actually sells for. I thought I should try to create my own , How hard can this be? WRONG! Ok, listen , if I ever figure this out I will have the most beautiful home I have ever dreamed of .

Step 1: Browse through Pinterest looking for all kinds of DIY ideas.
Step 2 :  Spend the afternoon garage sailing, thrift shopping and online shopping .
Step 3:MISTAKE #1 Jumping  in with both feet and your eyes closed ( I have always been impatient)
Step 4 : Before  starting  anything, my advice is to do as much research as possible to leave minimal room for error
Step 5: Gather all your materials from the start ... many of my projects get started and then I end up frustrated and giving up on the idea .
Step 6 : If everything else fails up until this point , walk away take a deep breath and regroup!

 

I love the designer "Shabby Chic" look , it's so elegant yet rustic all in the same breath.  My research has lead me down the path of "chalkboard paint" . Of course , a trip to the hardware store revealed how expensive chalkboard paint really is .If memory serves me correctly , I think 1 pint of this speciality paint is $25-$30 . Seriously , I am a mom of 3 . I can not afford that . Pinterest shows you that you can DYI Chalkboard Paint. Perfect ! Again , how hard can it be? *Eyes Rolling*

It was a dark and stormy night.  Really, it was.  One weekend, I was home on a Saturday night in my pajamas, contemplating the idea of creating my own colored chalkboard paint, while  half-heartedly watching a movie.  This is the suburban life I lead. 

All of a sudden I had an idea.  I remember thinking , "What if this doesn't work ?"

  What about a DIY version in any color I could possibly imagine?  I remembered that Martha Stewart had published a recipe years ago for homemade chalkboard paint, but I had never tried it.  When I went to find it online I couldn’t.  That dark and stormy night had killed my internet connection. Ok, back to Pinterest pictures I have saved to my IPhone. I am a skeptic unless I can see that something actually works .

Chalkboard Paint Recipe :

1c water based paint

2 tbsp. plaster of paris

1/4c hot water

First , combine the paint and plaster of paris until well blended, Add , the hot water slowly . Once completely mixed you are ready to use. 

 

It took almost 15 minutes to pick out a shade of "yellow" I wanted . Finally, 15 minutes later I had decided . "Lemongrass" by Valspar . Even when I second guessed my color choice I always went back and chose the same one. Ok , I give! This is my 1st color .How exciting ?!

Ok , checking THE LIST of supplies , decent paint brush . Got it . I couldn't find my last product needed to complete this DIY project. Soft wax ( either dark or clear). UGH !

12 different home improvement stores and I am beyond frustrated. Did you know wax and furniture polish are NOT the same thing? Ok , I checked on EBay ( my go to when need be) , OMG again !

Mixwax is selling for almost $55 . (including shipping that's not the point) only available in the |USA

Back to square one. Pinterest has a DYI  recipe -soft wax for furniture . This sounds easy enough until I actually started looking for the ingredients.

Waxing your wood furniture protects the wood and gives it an unparalleled luster and depth, but some commercial waxes contain chemicals, and scents, you might not want in your home. Make you own homemade furniture wax that’s nontoxic and smells delightful with this simple recipe.

 

Ingredients:

• Beeswax
• Paraffin
• Oil (almond, coconut, walnut, or olive oil)
• Vanilla or lavender essential oil
• Preparation:
  
  1. On the stovetop, slowly melt equal parts beeswax and paraffin in a double boiler, under close watch. For one project, you might start with 1 ounce of each. Both waxes are flammable, so don't heat directly on the stovetop without the double boiler, and don't use a microwave.
  2. Once the waxes have reached a liquid state, slowly stir in 1.5 cups of oil per ounce of wax. Adjust the amount of oil next time if you prefer a harder or softer wax.
  3. Turn off the burner and let the mixture cool.
  4. As the mixture cools, stir in 5 drops of vanilla or lavender oil per ounce of wax.
  5. Pour mixture into a container with an airtight lid. A wide-mouth glass jar is best, but plastic will work too.
  
  Application:
  
  1. Using a clean, soft cloth like a cloth diaper or old t-shirt, rub wax into the wood using circular strokes.
  2. Let the wax dry for 30 minutes or so.
  3. Using a second cloth, buff to a shine by rubbing in the direction of the wood grain.
  4. If applying to raw, refinished, or especially dry wood, try three thin applications, 8 - 12 hours apart.
  
  Well , my project is on hold again until I can find all natural bees wax or get lucky and find this commercially made product .

•   

LOL leave it up to me to forget to take a BEFORE picture.




The first coat of paint is done. Not too bad , that took about an hour and I didn't get that much on me .
The next step in the "Chalkboard Paint" process requires wax .... hmmm I still haven't found it

 

I borrowed some Minwax from a friend's hubby who is a cabinet maker , tested it out on the side of the shelving unit and NOTHING. Ugh! It's too light. Back to the store tomorrow . Although I really enjoyed using my palm sander ( I got it for xmas a few years ago).. LOL gotta love power tools!
I love the beginning stages of the distressed look ... stay tuned ...