Repurposing An Antique Chifferobe

When I saw this beauty at a local thrift store, I was immediately drawn to the legs.  Empire is a favorite style of mine, and I haven't seen too many chifferobes from that era.  Easy decision....we brought it home.

I wanted to come up with a more modern purpose for this piece.  Since most every home now has closets, I knew there could be a better use for it.  The door made it pretty easy.  I envisioned it becoming a chalkboard....and what better place could this be used than a kitchen or a mudroom?  Perfect!  Lots of storage and a place to drop your keys, purse, etc.  The inside of the wardrobe side is just the right size to hang jackets, hats and bags....or serve as a broom closet!

I thought about refinishing it, but since the veneer is not perfect, I saw it in a chippy light.  I went straight for my Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint stash and with Dean's suggestion, I chose Grain Sack.  SO glad I did!

Can't you see this greeting you as you come in your door?

So much storage!  The inside was brightened up with a coat of Lucketts Green.

I LOVE the chippiness!  See how it actually makes the missing veneer look fabulous?

Though I'm pretty sure these are not the original knobs, I left them wood for a nice contrast.

I just love the farm fresh feel this has now - and its new purpose!

 I didn't have time to properly stage for the pictures.  Dean was able to help take it to the shop this afternoon after work and I finished it right before he got home.  It was a mad rush and a cloudy day, but I did the best I could. :)  

I truly love using Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paints and all of her products. Speaking of that, I will have some EXCITING news in the next couple of days!  Woohoo!

This piece is now available in our space at R&R Antiques in downtown Fredericksburg.

'til next time!

Linking to:

Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday
Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Masterpiece Monday

Primitive Child's Cupboard Makeover....With Milk Paint, Of Course!

We had the most beautiful day today!  Clear blue skies, light breeze and tons of sunshine...  The perfect day to get more done from my pile.

Here's one that I picked to do this morning.  I bought this really cute vintage child's pine cupboard last week and knew exactly where it was headed.  The pine was o.k....but it lacked color.  I did some research and it seems that royal blue was a common color back in the day - and so was milk paint.  That made it super easy to decide which paint I would use.

I chose Miss Mustard Seed's Flow Blue (no surprise there!).  I love this rich blue color and it was perfect for adding a little something extra to the piece.

One coat was all it needed.  I left the backboard alone to add to the primitive feel.

I sanded it down to show the texture and wood.

Then used Hemp Oil to finish it off. 

The color now makes the piece pop!

It will be heading to the Lucketts Spring Market with us in just a few weeks.  Time is flying and I still have so much more to do.....

'til next time!

A Little Bit of Heaven - Visiting Miss Mustard Seed

This has to be the best birthday present ever!  As an early gift, my hubby gave me the day with the fabulous Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed herself!  I got up extra early this morning and drove a few hours to just outside of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to attend her Milk Paint 101 class.  Even though I've used her paint for several years, I learned a LOT!  And just to absorb some of her geniousness, even for a couple of hours, put a fire back in me that I've been missing for a little while.

I can't even begin to tell you how super down-to-earth and sweet she is!  I've met her a few times in the past at Lucketts, and she recognized me as soon as I walked in the door!

The class was small and it was fun getting to know the others.  She made every one feel special and spent so much time helping us.

After class, I took a few pictures around the studio.  I was too enthralled during class to snap any of the action, but here is some of the goodness she has there getting ready for Lucketts.

Can you say PURE GORGEOUSNESS????

Yes, a little bit o' Heaven! I've linked all pictures to her website.  If you have not visited her blog, yet - you are missing out on something special!

'til next time!

The Lucketts Spring Market - Another GREAT Show!

Wow....you know how you feel when you eagerly anticipate summer vacation for a long time - and when it's over, you suddenly feel like there's a new found void in your life?  That's exactly how I feel this morning.  We have been working non-stop for months getting ready for the Lucketts Spring Market, as well as The Vintage Home Market just a couple of weeks ago.  I do have some shows lined up through the holidays, but for the next month, I can take it somewhat easy!  Yay.

As far as Lucketts, I can say that it was a FABULOUS show and we had a great weekend.  Luckily, the trailer was a LOT lighter coming home. :)  There were some challenges with parking and traffic, but it didn't stop the crowds from getting in!  We were blessed with gorgeous weather this year as opposed to the rainy weekend last year.  Unfortunately, there were heavy downpours on Thursday which made for lots of mud, but it all worked out to be a great weekend!

Here are some pictures of our tent this year:

This cow painting is probably the one thing I shouldn't have let get away. :)  I love her...

As you see in this picture, the line Saturday morning was very long!!  Notice the pond?  That is actually supposed to be the parking area...  There was a lot of rain last week....

I didn't get a chance to walk around and take a lot of pictures, but here are few on our row. 

I have to admit that one of the highlights of the weekend for me was finally getting a picture with Marian Parsons - aka Miss Mustard Seed.  I've spoken with her several times over the years, but this time I was able to catch her Sunday morning before the crowds ascended upon us.  I tried to convince her mom to join us, but couldn't get her to.  They are both just the sweetest!

I learned a couple of things this weekend....  First, use sunscreen (notice the v-neck sunburn?), and I am allergic to hay.  My eyes itched and swelled all weekend...but hey, it was better than having the furniture sitting in mud!  One of the trade-offs of doing outdoor shows, but oh so well worth it.

Now, a couple of days of rest, then back to working the booths!

It's Almost Here!!

The Lucketts Spring Market will be here in 3 days!  We've been working overtime and we're running out of room in the trailer! 

This is going to be a FABULOUS weekend and I'm especially excited about Sunday's Hometalk meetup with the legendary Donna from Funky Junk Interiors!!  Not to mention that Marion Parsons (aka Miss Mustard Seed) and Karen Watson (aka The Graphics Fairy) will also be there....I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it!  

 

We'll be setting up all day Friday and I'll post some "sneak peek" pictures Friday night.  We're going tomorrow to our space in Fredericksburg and grab some more items to load up.  That space has definitely been suffering over the last month, but I have some great plans for it after this weekend.  More to follow! 

 

If you go to Lucketts this weekend, please find us in the Field of Gold and say "hello"!

 

 

 

 

Thrift Store Chairs and more MMS Milk Paint

 

When I get the chance, I love hunting through thrift stores!  I almost always come out with something in my possession.  A few weeks ago, I scored this fantastic and VERY sturdy pair of chairs.

 

 

 

By the time I got around to taking the "before" picture, I had already started taping it up.  These are heavy oak chairs that had a faux tiger oak grain paint - but the backs still had the original leather in fairly good condition and I wanted to save them.  The paint had stood it's time and the chairs needed a facelift.

 

No question, the seats were nasty. So, I tore off the filthy material (which I did outside!) and replaced all of it from the webbing to the burlap seat covers. I eyeballed the nailheads and as you can see, they didn't come out too straight....those little things have minds of their own. However, I really like the way it turned out with the rustic feel of the chairs. 

 

 

 

 

I chose to use Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint in Shutter Grey for this project. I went back and forth on the color for a while. At first, they were going to be white with a toile seat, but these just have a more masculine feel. Since I just received my MMS paint in the Shutter Grey, I thought this would be the perfect first project in that color.  After removing the seats and before replacing them, I painted away.

 

 

 

 

The paint did it's job and chipped up very nicely!  I sanded it in some places for a little more distressing and love how it turned out. I put a little MMS dark wax on the carving and gave the chairs a couple of coats of clear wax.

 

 

 

 

All in all....I think this turned out to be another great transformation!

 

 

Susan

 

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We're Going to be Vendors at the Lucketts Spring Antique Market!

First off, I must get better about blogging!  Since we closed the store, I've been wandering around in a fog, but I am happy to say that the fog is finally lifting!  I am learning how to deal with my time and getting the things done that I have wanted to for several years.  It's taken me some time, but I think the "mourning" period is finally over.  The shop is doing great at it's new location at R&R Antiques, so I can't be anything but happy!

Another push is that we just found out that we are going to be vendors at the infamous Lucketts Spring Antique Market!  Excited does not even touch how I feel right now!  The best of the best show here and to be even the smallest part of it is such an honor.  I can only hope that I can measure up even a tad. 

My hubs and I went last year for the first time.  Talking about having a pure adrenaline rush.  Everywhere you look is the most beautiful sight!  The talent of the vendors is amazing, not to mention being at the most fabulous antique store in the state of Virginia!  The Old Lucketts Store is a feast in itself.  Three levels of amazing finds, and the Design House.....WOW!!  I love this place and could get lost for hours on a regular day.  During the market weekend, the grounds transform into a candyland for antique and design enthusiasts. 

A glimpse of last year's.

From Miss Mustard Seed's booth....hello!  :)

May is just a few months away, and I almost feel guilty sitting here at 1:00 in the morning typing and not getting something ready to go!  I have my work cut out for me and it is the best feeling in the world!

For more info, check out this link! 

http://luckettstoreblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/on-to-next-big-thingspring-market.html

Susan

The Color that is French Enamel

I must say that I went outside of my comfort zone a bit with my latest project.  I generally stick to lighter colors, but I was so drawn to Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint in French Enamel.  The blue comes out quite vibrant. 

I've had this 1970ish dry sink for a while waiting for the lightbulb to go off. 

I finally pulled it inside from the FREEZING garage to do something with it....and there staring at me from my paint stash was this blue....so, off I went.

As usual, I get so involved in the job that I don't take pictures during the process...I'll have to talk my hubby into doing it for me (with me doing the final editing!! )

The paint went on rather smoothly. After applying a second coat after about 30 minutes or so, I let it sit overnight for a good chipping experience.  Let me add that overnight for me is from about 3:00 - 8:30 a.m....sleep is not my friend!

As soon as I got up, I grabbed my sanding sponge and went to it!  I put on a couple of coats of clear wax and she is done!

I love how the copper liner pops against the blue!

 

 

 

 

 

We took this to the shop over the weekend and as we were bringing it in, my other MMS piece was going out!  :) 

Have I said lately that I love this paint? 

Susan

 

 

 

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