The dresser table transformation phase 3

So with the table portion nicely coated and in its curing stage, it's time to work on the tri-fold mirror. My original intention was to turn the mirror around and spray paint chalkboard paint (yes, it comes in a spray for a nice smooth covering!) and fill the other two side mirrors with cork board. After a long search for a cork board that was both thick enough and big enough to fill the frames. I also intended to use a special artists spray paint that coats such porous materials without a hard 'shell-like' coating so that it remains usable and pinable. BUT, after hitting the restore, I found a great office fibreboard that filled the bill. But paintable? Nope. Wouldn't work with the artists spray and look clean and refreshed. So my studio partner, Catherine, suggested fabric. And what a great idea it was! We chose a designer fabric from Toronto, a large houndstooth woven - not printed - upholstery. It turned out fabulous!

The drawers got a Louboutin inspired colour - which will be 'hidden' in the desk until you open the drawers. Liking the crystal knobs and thinking this is best way to go.

The dresser table transformation phase 2

After much prep, here is phase 2 of the dresser table. I don't like to paint with a paintbrush as you don't get that quality looking smooth finish. So I opted for a new primer and paint in one spray paint by Krylon. A tough acrylic which coats beautifully to a lovely glossy shine. I use my airbrushing skill and technique to evenly coat the wood and take the time to put on 3, even four coats, days apart, to allow for proper drying time between coats. It then sits to cure for 30 days to harden the paint before putting in drawers or remounting hardware. Next phase, the trifold mirror!

The dresser table transformation phase 1

I've had this antique dresser table for nearly 20 years in the garage, waiting to be refinished, the same fate it had from its previous owners but just never happened. After such neglect in a damp garage, this poor peice of furniture needed quite a bit of work, including stripping the veneer and some pretty serious warpage to fix, but still a surprizingly solid peice ('They don't make 'em like they use to!' comes to mind). Paint had already been stripped as much as possible when I first got it, which in hindsight would have saved the veneer from the damage incurred by condensation over the years. But voila! After much elbow grease and patience, this is its state thus far. From a faint possibility to possible potential.

Cracked and peeling veneer stripped, wood filler sanded as smooth as possible but left a few dents and chisel marks as I love the idea of the stories they could tell from the abuse it might have endured over its 92 year lifespan. It was once in high fashion, circa 1921, New York State, when Americans would travel a fair distance to Jacksonville NY to the furniture 'Fair' to get high quality, high fashion furniture (more on that in the next post).

Come back for phase 2 to see how it's coming along!

Antique dressing table gets new life as two side tables

You don't see too many dressing tables in use anymore in modern decor but that doesn't mean you can't modernize it for today's needs in the home. This once single dresser table was missing the mirror component so what do you do with it? You cut out the middle peice to separate the two ends and voila! A pair of bedroom or living room side tables complete with drawers for storage. You just have to add a fourth leg in the inside rear of the cabinets to complete them as individual, free-standing peices of furniture. Paint as you like, refresh the knobs or add new ones and you've got a great pair of side tables that will last for years.

Surveyor's tripod and clamp lamp

There's been a big trend on the lighting scene to incorporate old and vintage items into creative lighting options, from mason jars and hats to giant balls made out of string and paste to create a lampshade to all sorts of found objects to make a unique free-standing lamp. 

My favourite this past year is the surveyors stand, or tripod if you will, used as a base. This style looks great in large open spaces and funky lofts. I have neither, but wanted to try this out for myself after finding a great tripod at a quaint antique store. 

What I needed, however, was a pole that would act as the mid structure of the lamp in which I could thread my wires and would hold the lighting fixture and lampshade and still look cool. So, the restore provided me with lots of ideas and after I found this sawed-off clamp with great bright red clamp components, I knew I had to make it work!

So after much tinkering and thought and trips to the local hardware store to check out lighting fixture component options, here's the end result:

Silverware box gets a makeover

Old silverware box gets a makeover

There are lots of ways to recycle old furniture and items if you just think outside of the box. Speaking of which, here's a fun update of an old silverware box I did at the studio with acrylic paint, photocopies of old cards and some artistic skill. The inside was stripped of its old velveteen and replaced with some heavy duty felt for a new and improved lining. A fun and decorative peice for storage!

DIY projects in the works

The weathers been great for one very important DIY chore and that is spray painting! When you have 22 degrees Celsius, adequate sunlight And a very mild breeze, that's the ideal combination for smooth finishes.

Cold paint cans can clog and paint can 'spurt'. Too hot and your paint might not go on evenly and dry too fast to give you that smooth finish you desire, especially with metals. Always read those cans for best use of the product, because they're not all the same!

This electroplated tea set had stained look patina that was etched and could no longer be brought back to its former glory despite all the great products I the matket. So a special high-heat Tremclad paint is your best bet not just for aesthetics, but usability too (painting the outside only!).

Tremclad high heat paint for barbecues is ideal. It comes in black and white, matt or high gloss and they've just introduced silver to their line of high heat paints. Why high heat? A metal container filled with boiling liquid would cause other paints - even if cured - to blister over time. I've tested mine for two years now and it's still perfect, no wear or loss of paint. 

So salvage grandmas teapot from the attic and start using it again with an updated paint job.

Supplies needed:

Painters tape

Tremclad high-heat spray paint

Small wire brush for cleaning

White vinegar for cleaning

After a good scrub with vinegar and brush to get into the nooks and crannies of the pots spout and handle, tape off handles, any trim and inside of pots (fill with a cloth or plastic bag and tape over top. Following directions on can in a well ventilated area, start by spraying underside of pot to get full coverage under spout and handle. Turn over and spray the rest, using long smooth strokes, being careful to spray past the pot as you go left, then past the pot as you go right. This will ensure even coating, no globs. Make sure you stay a good distance away! Too close and you'll end up with nasty drip lines.

Allow to dry to the touch, about 20-30 minutes (times may vary). Remove tape. Let dry for a full 7 days before using, allowing the paint to cure (harden) for best results and durable finish.