Sunday, May 31, 2015

Painted dresser...love, love, love

Here's the dresser I painted!  


I used chalk paint, but not the known chalk paint.  I did some research and found a DIY recipe.  I mixed up a quart of yellow latex flat paint with 10 oz plaster of paris and 5 oz water to make up chalk paint.  I mixed the plaster of paris with the water to dissolve all the lumps. Added the paint and mixed well. I cleaned the dresser with a hot soapy water to get all the dirt and grime off.  I bought this dresser about ten years ago at a thrift store.  I could never decide whether to restain it or paint it.  My brother used is for a few years and then it's been sitting in my garage for another year.  I have the space for it in my bedroom so it was time to make a decision....paint it is.

Before



Brushed on first coat

Working on 2nd coat
After the second coat dried I used a roller to do the final coat.  It took away the crush strokes you get when using chalk paint.  I ended up using all the paint.  Next I put on a layer of clear Minwax and I really didn't like the clean looking finish, so I added some brown tint (raw umber paint) to the wax and also sanded edges to give it a worn look.  I put on a layer of brown wax and let it dry and used a old tshirt to polish the wax and it's came out perfect!  I love the finish.  I put the original hardware on & I couldn't be happier with the outcome.



Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Seed bead inspired

While I watched The Voice, big fan of Sawyer Fredericks, who by the way, WON!



 I have been stringing seed beads onto waxed linen cord making bracelets and necklaces.  This has been addicting!  Some I've crocheted and others are strung on with no pattern.  Taught myself to make a sliding knot closure and I love the adjustability that offers.  Big thanks to (Youtube DIY videos).   I've been going through my seed bead collection so the options are endless.  The other thing is making some really cool charms and going through my collection of charms and add ons.  Like I said the options in design are endless.


Saturday, May 16, 2015

Getting inspired

Did I tell you I've been taking on-line painting classes?  I love it.  Have you considered taking an art e-course?  I've learned so much and it gets the paint brushes in my hand.  My brain goes on overload with ideas of what to paint, inspires me so much to the point that I can't sleep and all I want to do is paint!   I want to make paintings of my dogs, of my family, artwork for my pendants, I'm inspired to paint more Latino themed artwork for my jewelry.  I want to fill my newly painted walls with my art!! I want to use all kinds of paints, mixed media, fabric and wallpapers....see what I mean my brain goes on overload!

Painted furniture?

I have two pieces of furniture I've decided to paint.  I know most would say never paint wood furniture.  Actually, one piece I built as an entertainment cabinet for all our electronics years ago.  It's painted a deep purple and I'm considering painting it a pale pink and aging it.  It's used as a linen closet and sits at the end of a hallway.  Pink just sounds cool and should go nicely with my newly grey painted walls.  The other piece is an old big dresser I got at a thrift store 15 years ago.  It's a dark wood and it's going to get a coat of vintage yellow paint.  I'll take a before and after photo of each piece.  I have tons of painting projects going on this year...some small, some big.  What's your thoughts on painted furniture?

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Avery's 1st Birthday

I was asked to help with Avery's 1st Birthday Party.  Avery likes Minnie Mouse, that was the theme.  I made the banner in the background using a Minnie font and I found the banner template on Pinterest.  I searched Pinterest for cake ideas and boy are there ideas!  Tons of them!!

Here's the cake I made.  I used round ramekisns, which were the perfect size.  I cut the tops off to make it flat and I made it three layers, vanilla, chocolate, vanilla.  I frosted it with white buttercream frosting, which by the way is the best ever frosting ever!  Dropped some sprinkles on the top and the cake looked awesome, if I say so myself.


I was able to catch this great great close up photo of Avery!  She's adorable.