Pretty Little Table

I've been on the look out for a pretty little table and I finally got my hands on one!

I tried to resist painting it turquoise but...

I love it's pretty little claw feet.

And the pretty scallop detail around the top of the table.

It's just so... pretty.

You can find it for sale in my Etsy shop.

Happy Weekending!

Dumpster Finds

Another dumpster find! No kidding. Seriously, if you want to find some free furniture that needs a little TLC check at your local apartment complex's dumpster at the first of the month. You'll be surprised what people throw away just because they don't want to lug it up and down stairs, into a moving truck and into their new place.

I found this twin headboard and footboard. They had a few nicks and dents and needed a lot of sanding but after the first coat of paint they are already looking brand spankin' new.

I'm on the hunt for some finials to top off the posts and I'm painting them in Martha Stewart's Aegean Blue.

I will post pictures once they're completed.

What's your best dumpster find?

Crushing on a Lamp

Since my husband stole me away from my single life a year and half ago my only crushes (besides the one I have on my hubs) have been on home decor. I'd like to introduce you to my current crush.

Don't mind her she's just being Modest. ;)

I found her at the flea market and I basically stole her from the seller. It was the end of the day  and the seller dropped the price 40%.

Here's a negotiating tip and something to keep in mind when buying old lamps. First, ask what the price is and then always ask if the lamp works. The seller knows that it's risky for you to purchase the lamp if it doesn't work. They will almost always drop the price for you to take some of the risk out of the purchase. Also, always, Always, ALWAYS go at the end of the day on the last day. 30 minutes before they close is best. Use 20 minutes to scout out the items you want and then return to buy when there's about 10 to 5 minutes left. You will get the best price possible this way. Sellers at flea markets want to sell and they will drop their prices dramatically at the end of the day.

I liked that this old lamp had interesting glass, was in good shape, had little crystals drizzled about the leafy bobeche, and it came with a lamp shade.

So, I headed to Joann Fabrics to get inspired by some fabric for the shade. I found this floral pattern. It's something I've had my eye on for a while and this was the perfect project for it. Plus, I already have coordinating paint.

I painted all the brass parts of the lamp Norway Aqua by ColorPlace. The same color I painted my Armoire.

Then I wrapped the fabric around the shade which was a little tricky because the bottom of the shade was wider than the top. I did a little manipulating and secured it to the shade with hot glue. Also, I added a grey ribbon for trim on the top and the bottom.

Ooh La La!

Painter's Block Mirror

You know that scene in the movie He's Just Not That Into You where Jennifer Connelly finds her husbands cigarettes? He had been lying to her about smoking again on top of cheating on her. She finally flips out and I'm sure most of us were thinking, Finally! She's mad! It's about time! And we start to cheer her on as she starts cursing and throwing his clothes down the stairs. Well, there's a beautiful ornate white mirror hanging on an exposed brick wall that she grabs and slams on the ground. It bursts into a million pieces and she heads down the hall sobbing to fetch the broom immediately to clean up the mess.

Well, I love that scene and that mirror. I've wanted one like it since I first saw the movie 2 years ago. I finally found one in a second-hand furniture shop a week ago and it was only $20. My husband bought it for me as an early Valentines Day gift.



As you can see it is very gold which I am no fan. However, it seems that if you are shopping second-hand and you want something beautiful and ornate in design you will usually find it in gold or brass. Who cares? You can paint it any color you like! I did. I painted it several colors and I'm still experiencing painter's block.

First, I primed it.



Then I painted it this pale aqua color.



It wasn't what I wanted so I decided to white wash it which is just watered down white paint.



Still not happy with the results even though I enjoyed the white washing technique. It looked too beachy for my taste. So, I painted it this dark blue-green color and distressed it a bit.



I like it but I'm still unsure if this was the color I really wanted. I'm going to sleep on it and see if my painter's block lifts in the morning.