March 29, 2012

{Shabby Shutters}

$80

I am just loving how these look in my house. I am hesitant to sell them!

I found them hiding in a thrift store corner ~ they looked absolutely brand new... I painted them Cloud White from Ben Moore and heavily distressed them. They are finished on both sides with slightly different relief detail, so that makes them sort of reversible!

They are tall and beefy without being super heavy. I really LOVE how they look on a mantle ~ they totally pop!

They each measure approximately 


43.25" tall (to top of the curve)
15.75" wide


I think I might be okay if these don't sell... :)


I am working on a big commissioned right now project so that has slowed me down a little bit. I will post it soon ~ it is a table with 4 chairs and a gorgeous hutch! I am pleased with the results so far and I am almost done. I think they will go home this weekend...

March 14, 2012

{Rosebud Mercantile Part 2}


If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will know that this past December I had the privilege of putting a selection of my pieces in the Mercantile at the theatre in Rosebud, Alberta. That was Part 1... and makes today Part 2. The Spring Show starts this weekend and I made the absolutely beautiful drive out east with my husband Tim. He is off work this week and decided to come with me and also loaded my vehicle for me this morning (that's love baby). Getting all of this stuff into my SUV is no easy task but he managed to magically make it all fit. I was also able to work on my knitting homework without getting (very) carsick ~ it is a straight road, thank goodness. The knitting is probably worth a separate post ~ let's just say that I am not skilled at the needle arts and this project I am working on will take me FOREVER to complete. I might get kicked out of knitting school.


So, back to Rosebud...


I just wanted to share a few of the pieces that I brought out there today.

Chevron Striped Nightstand with Flower Glass Knob.
Pale Avocado and Florida Keys Blue.

Black Shabby Ladder. Love this for displaying funky stuff.

Trying out a bit of a different technique for a BookPage Wreath. I tea-stained a paperback first. A bit of a shabby feel.

Oval BookPage Wreath with Berries and Green.

Square Music Sheet Wreath with Willow and Green.

Large Illustrated BookPage Wreath. I made this from discarded children's books. LOVE the way it turned out!

Small Shabby Leaner Ladder.

Lovely pair of side tables with drawer in Florida Keys Blue.

Super Shabby White Pressback Chair. I love these old chairs as a side table... so much character!

I also included a few wired frames and dry erase frames as well as some other tables and a bookcase and other little charmers that are looking for a new home.


Val and I worked together to get it all set up in the newly renovated space. I am so pleased how it all came together.

I am so pleased with my lovely corner of the Mercantile. There is a sweet gift shop around the corner as well with some very charming looking items. Cindy was unpacking a lot of goodies this morning...


Val is also installing a few large art pieces from local artists in the Mercantile as well as in the Gallery just down the road. It is worth the stop in to check it all out!

March 10, 2012

{Sunshine Cabinet}


I love it when I get repeat business! It is a good sign... 


I recently did the black and white rustic table and chair makeover for Pam. She had another treasure in her garage that needed some extra attention. It was such a great piece ~ in need of some loving and not in pristine condition, but just really cool.

The top portion sits on the bottom desk section. I just loved the stained glass, but it didn't really pop as a feature the way it could. It had a little water damage and was warped in a few places so a rustic treatment seemed like the way to go.


The plan was for it to go into her 13 year old daughter's recently repainted bedroom. We chose some colours to go with the decor and I stirred up the paint!

I painted it Pale Avocado from Benjamin Moore on the outside and Ivory White on the inside of the shelving area. I wanted to be sure that the glass became the best feature!

The shelves are quite narrow so will be good for display items and smaller books.

I kept the original wood finish on the interior of the desk to add some interest and also because it would be really difficult to do a good job painting in all those cubbies!


Pam wanted to change the hardware on the drawers to something a bit lighter and prettier so I found some inexpensive crystal pulls at Home Depot. Look at the sparkle!

There are some pretty stamped details under the drawers and the legs are an awesome rope style.

The front of the door to the cabinet reflected the same design feature.

I sprayed the existing keyholes with a gloss white and distressed them a little bit as well. 


I think that this will be a great character piece for this teenager to have in her room and could potentially follow her as she moves on to college and beyond. I love the result!

March 3, 2012

{Sky Blue Dresser}


Nicolle had this old dresser that her mom had found years ago at a garage sale. It had been in storage for a few years since then and needed some tlc in order to be useable again. She brought it to me and I was amazed at the great condition it was in. Totally solid and the drawers worked beautifully ~ the finish was badly damaged, but other than that, it was lovely!

Nicolle is working on creating a bedroom for her almost 9 year old daughter. In a brave parenting move, she let her decide what colour she would like to have the dresser, and she said she wanted it the colour of the sky. After studying paint chips, we narrowed it down to Benjamin Moore's Cayman Blue.

To keep it light and pretty, I sprayed the mirror a gloss white and replaced the drawer hardware with a selection of vintage pulls that also received the gloss white treatment. 

It looks so light and pretty and I think it is a great starting point in this young girl's new space. The gentle distressing keeps it from looking too "blue" and showcases some of the charming curves and details in this little dresser.

I also lined the drawers with my new favourite wallpaper, but in my rapture, I neglected to take a picture, so you will just have to take my word for it!

I just love doing these sweet little pieces. The kids who get them are so excited and really appreciate the opportunity to be involved in the decision making process. They seem to love the idea that their new furniture has been customized just for them... It is so gratifying to have such happy customers!


My work space is really full right now! I am working on a lot of custom pieces, but am trying to squeeze in a few things to sell as well. In 2 weeks the new season in Rosebud starts and I will be putting another instalment of items in at the Mercantile there for the spring! I love doing that ~ it is really fun to get a few special things together to offer in that very unique place.


For the past month I have also had the opportunity to have some of my BookPage Wreaths, Jewelry Frames, Dry Erase Memo Frames and TeaCup Pedestals for sale at Refind Clothing and Decor in Olds. If you are in the area, I recommend making a stop there. Kristen has some really great consignments as well as fantastic upcycled clothing, hats, purses and art. She is doing great work! I guarantee that you will find something interesting to take home with you.