Faire Nouveau

This Page Has Moved On

2011-08-17T18:06:00.002-05:00

You can now find this blog at: homemalonenola.blogspot.com

Please re-direct yourself to that page so you don't miss out!

Introducing Home Malone

2011-08-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

I’m beyond excited to announce that I am a new vendor at The Creole Cottage (1817 Magazine St.) I’ll be displaying some of my larger pieces in the main section of the store, but sneak down the side hall to check out the rest of my items in the back

Since their inventory is running low, I’ll bring pieces over starting…TODAY! Make sure to check out the pieces labeled under my new business name – Home Malone.

Like me on Facebook as well - Home Malone

And one last thing... I will be changing my blog name to homemalonenola.blogspot.com

Be sure to make the switch. Become a follower or follow me by e-mail (you can subscribe by typing in your e-mail address on the top of the right hand column.)

--Kristin Malone

My DIY Defeat

2011-08-02T19:16:00.001-05:00

If the superstitions are true, I'm in for a lot of bad luck. We've all heard opening an umbrella indoors or a black cat crossing in front of you can bring bad luck. I really hope the one about breaking a mirror bringing you 7 years of bad luck turns out to be an old wives’ tale.

Being the frugal, re-purposing addict that I am, I bought a mirror at the salvage yard. For $1/ft², you can't beat it - or can you?

I figured if I can conquer the miter saw and router, cutting plate glass shouldn't be a problem. Boy was I wrong. It seemed indestructible. I got all the tools ready and followed all the instructions - but it wouldn't snap. Well, never mind, it did snap - right down the center.

Fail

I tried getting another piece from the salvage yard, but having learned my lesson the hard way, I brought it to a glass cutting house. I brought it home and as I’m getting it out of my truck - clipped it on my car door. You guessed it, cracked again.

Lots of bad luck.

After another mirror and another cut, the mirror ended up costing more than if I just paid for it brand new. I was defeated by a mirror!

Anyway, enough of my mirror drama...

I had an old door without the glass pane and 3 holes drilled in the side.

I used a hole saw bit to make 2 wood cutouts to fill the top two holes. I covered it up with an antique knocker I found at the flea market.

I chose a old door knob from my small collection to fill the last hole.

I installed the mirror in the door by removing the trim on the backside of the door. I replaced the trim with a pneumatic nail gun and 2 inch finishing nails.

I'm debating whether or not to put coat hooks on the sides. This would make a great entry-way coat rack/leaning mirror.

- Kristin

P.S. I added a new gadget! You can now follow me by e-mail. See the top right sidebar.

Sign on up!

Window Side Table

2011-07-27T06:53:00.002-05:00

I take pride in challenging myself to find different ways to make old windows into furniture. Like I've said before, I have a ~~small~~ collection of windows that sit in a corner. I walk by them everyday until I find the inspiration to turn them into something that's functional.

Originally, I had this table in my dining room...

Until this piece came along.

May Makeover Part II

The long table started out looking like this (but much worse.) It's from a pair of side windows for a front door that I found at the salvage yard. I sanded this down and stained it.

Awaiting a new project

For this table, I painted it and made a simple frame for it with 4 legs. I recently added a cream colored shelf for extra storage.

All it needs now is a good home.

Forgive me while I sneak in a shot of my new tea-light candle holders from Williams-Sanoma. I love the willow base for them.The best part is - they were on clearance!

Kristin

DIY - Refinishing Wood

2011-07-25T18:11:00.001-05:00

“Can I just refinish this one spot?”

A table my sister found while living in Germany.

I’ve been getting this question a lot.

And, yes, you can refinish just that one spot, but I can’t promise that it’s going to look any better than it did before.

It’s difficult to match stains since there are hundreds to choose from. And even if you have the original stain, it can fade over time.

If you care about the piece enough to remove the water-stain or overall wear on a piece, you might as well go all-in. Just know that it can be messy, and if you don’t have all of the materials already, the costs can add up.

Here is one piece I did the other day. It’s a base for a china cabinet hutch, so only the edges need to be refinished.

1. Start with a stripper and a paint brush, working in small areas. Make sure to have chemical resistant gloves – the heavy duty ones.

2. Remove the old varnish and stain with a metal scraper for the large, flat areas, steel wool for the large round edges, and a small wire brush for the details.

3. Sand the wood. I use a 120 grit and finished with a 220 grit. Wipe it down with a soft cloth to remove the sawdust.

4. Apply a wood conditioner. This preps the wood to allow an even absorption of stain and limits streaking.

5. Apply the stain (I use a sponge brush.) Let it sit for 5-15 minutes and wipe off the excess. If you want the stain darker, keep applying the stain until you get the desired color. You have to let the stain cure for about 8 hours.

6. Apply the varnish. I use the Minwax Polycrylic. The more coats you put on (2 hours apart) the shinier the surface. Use a 220 grit in-between coats.

From May Makeover Part II

Instead of a varnish, you can use a finishing wax for a “soft luster” or just leave the wood with its natural finish.

Wax Finish from The Finish Line

If you’re a beginner DIYer or you’re doing a one-time project, here’s the breakdown of what it will cost you.

Materials: (all are estimated with tax)

Kleen Strip Stripper: $12

Chemical Resistant Gloves: $9

Paint Brush: $4

Steel Wool: $3

Small Wire Brush: $1

Sandpaper: $6

Dust masks: $5

Cloth/Rags: Free if you’re using an old shirt, but a 1 lb bag runs about $5

Wood conditioner (only comes in a quart) $10

Stain: (pint size) $4

Sponge brush: $1

Polycrylic or finishing wax: $10

------------------------------------------------------------ Totals to $70

These will be useful for other projects, but you will need them for this project:

2 saw horses: $30

1 sheet of plywood: $10

1 small sander (least expensive runs around… ) $40

------------------------------------------------------------ An extra $80

So if you’re doing this for a one time project, the costs are $150 plus your time committed to this project. Always ask your handy friends if you can borrow their cool tools and supplies, I’m sure they’ll be glad to help!

This article is also has great information: http://www.ehow.com/how_4473123_refinish-furniture.html

Hope this helps!

Kristin

Salvage Chic

2011-07-24T11:54:00.000-05:00

I've got a closet, workshop and carport full of items that are leftover from other projects or awaiting inspiration. I joke that it's starting to look like Sanford and Son - but in all seriousness, it's getting bad.

I've got a tire to make the collection even classier! That's not for a project - I'm just driving without a spare.

Every now and then I'll shuffle the items around so it will look like I'm doing something with it, but the project list is getting longer. Since this isn't my "real" job, my time is limited to nights and weekends. I'll force myself to pass up a good deal on something I love because I'm running out of space.

Extra seating in my dining room. ; )

I enjoy the simple projects that I can finish quickly even though it might take weeks before I figure out what to do with it.

I had an old window sash that didn't have any glass panes in it and some leftover chicken wire from my garden. I also had some seafoam wood stain from the oops section at The Home Depot.

A little sanding, staining and staples made this an easy afternoon project.

I used sisal rope as the mounting hardware.

I stained the clothes pins the same color as the frame.

A chicken wire window frame.

Sorry for the horrible staging on this photo. If the new owner (you know who you are) could send me a picture of this frame in your super-stylish kitchen, it would be much appreciated! :)

Also, It's only been 2 months since I've started my blog, but I reached 1000 all-time page views on Friday. I know this is a small number compared to some other blogs, but it's encouraging to know people are reading! Thanks for all the support!

Yours Truly,

Sanford

The Finish Line

2011-07-17T21:07:00.003-05:00

It's so refreshing to complete a project that's been "in the works" for, what seems like, forever.

When I have people over to my house, I bring them around to show them my pieces. I love being able to say "I made it." I hate having to add, "But it still needs a little work." I know it's not necessary to point out the flaws, but I feel like I'm reminding myself - "Finish it, Kristin!"

I made this huge drum light fixture for my dining room using a combination of steel strapping, polystyrene, contact cement, spray adhesive, fabric and fishing line. It's definitely a statement piece.

It adds a warmth to the dining room when lit as opposed to the original, very modern, steel light fixture. I kept the original fixture as a mount for my drum shade.

It's been almost a year since I made it, but I never got around to putting a bottom shade on the drum. The direct light felt like an interrogation room instead of a dining room. But the new bottom shade finally completes the project. No more disclaimers. It's d.o.n.e.

I also completed a piece for a client.

Before

Overall, it's a very nice piece, but the old stain had a green tint to it.

The client wanted a raw wood finish - which is a look I love.

I disassembled it into pieces and created what looked like a crime scene for furniture.

I stripped it, sanded it, applied a wood conditioner and a finishing wax.

I like the fact that it's not polished. The extra time to strip the varnish showcased the beauty of the wood.

Another piece done and looking forward to returning to its owner.

-Kristin

Eclectic Funky

2011-07-16T09:11:00.005-05:00

I love finding new words to describe things. Simple words can resurrect and image from dull to vibrant. Or they can leave you in a tizzy.

When I saw an ad on Craigslist titled "Eclectic Funky Wooden Chair," I was intrigued. I mean, wouldn't you be a little curious to see what an eclectic funky wooden chair looked like?

Well, this is what I saw when I opened the ad:

Eclectic? Yes, I suppose.

Funky?

Absolutely. In every sense of the term.

I can promise you that this cushion was not repurposed.

The seller told me this furniture was left in a house they bought from a Sherrif's Sale. She showed me around the house to see the rest of the antique furniture for sale. On the fireplace mantle was an old photo... similar to this:

While I was taking the cushion off the chair, an old seam ripper fell out. I just imaged the life of this lady living Uptown in this old house - sewing in the "eclectic"chair.

I could also picture her sitting at this gorgeous secretary.

Don't expect me to paint this. It would be a crime to cover it with anything but a little bit of Pledge.

But, the funky chair needed paint - and a good scrubbing.

And another coat of paint.

And a new cushion!

Finding fabric for this chair wasn't as easy as I thought. It was difficult to find a something that complimented the square edges of the chair and the round patter of the caning.

This fabric had enough geometric elements to tie the piece together.

The rust color pillow helps make it eclectic -and a tad bit funky - the good kind of funky.

-Kristin

The Thrill of What I Do

2011-07-11T22:32:00.001-05:00

You know that nervous feeling before turning in a final product - the butterflies, the angst, the final critique of your work? Not to mention that nagging question after you put so much work into something– Is it good enough?

Well, that was me yesterday – and pretty much every time I refinish a piece. It’s not that I question the quality of my work, I just hope the new owners share the same love for the piece that I have.

This picture was the first introduction to my latest work: Three separate Craigslist-finds that, together, looked like they belonged to the Adams’ family.

The worst part was finding an original cream paint with a champagne gold trim underneath. Why? Why? Why would you spray over that with black lacquer? I can’t explain it, but it really frustrated me...

...but I got over it. And I kept working on it.

And kept working on it.

And painted it. And waxed it.

And fell in love with it.

When I arrived, the clients helped me unload it. With a grin, the wife tapped her husband on the arm and said, “Look at it, B! From what it used to be…”

We put it in their living room - and it was home. The walls, the fireplace mantle, the light fixtures – they all welcomed it.

The anxiety finally turned to excitement. It all adds to the thrill of what I do.

Kristin

Child's Chair

2011-07-08T19:30:00.001-05:00

A rustic yet soft finish is my safe, go-to option when I refinish furniture. But when I was redoing a
child's chair, I wanted to break away from my usual finishes. I wanted color.

Originally, this yard sale find was dark, dirty and broken. An old stuffed bear was sitting in this chair, next to a table of old shoes. The seller offered the bear as part of the package, but I declined - maybe a little too fast because she seemed hurt I didn't want the stuffed toy.

I repaired the broken arm by cutting off as little of the split wood as possible.

Using a new piece of wood (cut at the same angle) and a Dremel tool, I formed a new arm for the chair.

I primed it with a coat of white.

And finished it with a coat of Oops paint.

I had some fun fabric that I've been dying to use. I paired it with green ribbons for ties on the back.

Even Eeyore approves!

Kristin

4th & Long

2011-07-04T20:08:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th!

Long, 3 day weekends are the best for projects. I've got plenty in the works, but not all are fully completed.

I spent a lot of time removing laquer from a piece I'm doing for a client. Removing laquer is easy, but when you're doing a large piece, it becomes messy and tedious.

I start with a light sanding...

...and poured some laquer thinner in a plastic cup. I used a 2" paint brush to apply the laquer thinner. As you can see, the laquer will start to remove immediately. Chemical resistant gloves and rags are a must.
I worked in small areas, wiping off each small section as I went.

This is what the end product will start too look like. If there's paint underneath, you'll need paint thinner and a metal scraper to remove it.

I'm also working on building living room furniture. My inspiration: 4 window sashes + 8 spindles + 1 pile of hardwood = 2 end tables and 1 cabinet.

I'm hoping to turn them item into this...

Please notice how technical my drawings are! : )

I hope to post my finished projects this week!

Kristin

Sideboard Storage

2011-07-02T09:13:00.003-05:00

After inheriting a few items, some of which I'll never use, I wanted to display them in a way that reflected my style. They might not be worth much in monetary terms, but the sentimental value is priceless.

Since my house doesn't have too much storage space, I've been diligent enough to build my own storage spaces. Hence the workshop cabinets from one of my first posts.

Each time I go to the salvage yard, I tend to pick up a window sash- which has turned into a small collection. Two were in great condition and had unique hardware.

I took a few days to build this piece. I painted the inside with a few soft colors I found in the "Oops Paint" section. A mixture of elegant glasses and colorful ceramic items highlight the reclaimed wood and window sashes.

I used two different colors of reclaimed wood on top for some contrast.

I love the simple lines of this candle holder made from a wine barrel. Repurposed art has so much character.

Kristin

A Painted Desk

2011-06-26T22:11:00.002-05:00

I accomplished a lot this weekend, but one more day would have been so much better.

I bought this desk a few weeks ago and it was ready to be updated. The dried glitter-glue in the drawers was a tell-tale sign that it belonged to a young girl.

It was a little beat up and worn, but some sanding and priming brought it a long way.

I primed it with a coat of Paris Grey.

The color was closer to a soft blue. I buffed the piece with dark wax and it brought out a natural tone of grey.
A simple project that brought this piece a long way.

Kristin

Cane Chair

2011-06-25T19:47:00.002-05:00

On one of my early-Saturday-yard-sale-hunts, I stopped at one that had many chairs stacked in a pile. They looked like they were left there for years, waiting to become a bonfire.

I asked how much she wanted for the chairs, and she responded, "Make me an offer." Oh, why do they say that? I know what potential some of these chairs can have, so I usually offer more than what they intended to sell them for. I just gave her a nod and snooped around the yard a little longer- still circling around the chairs - inspecting them, picking at the peeling paint, putting some weight on the frame to see how sturdy they were. Finally, she came back and offered me a price - thank you! She practically gave them to me. I left with 5 total chairs and enough cash to go find another yard sale.

By the end of the day, my yard ended up looking like I was having a sale myself.

I had never replaced a caning on a chair before, but that's what Google's for, right? This chair wasn't too bad off, but it still needed a lot of work.

Since the seat of the chair was loose and torn, I pulled out the cane webbing and the reed splines. I used needle nose pliers to remove the brad nails that secured the reed in the chair.

I put wood glue in the joints and used clamps to tighten the joints to make the chair less-wobbly.

Once the glue dried, I painted the frame white. I went to a fabric store and bought the replacement cane webbing and reed. Not all fabric stores carry cane webbing, so call before you go. I cut the webbing to about a 1/4" larger than the crevass in the chair. I soaked the webbing in hot water for about an hour to make it more pliable.

Let it dry out for about an hour. Its okay if it's still damp when you install it; as it dries, it will make for a tighter fit on the chair. I used a chisel to push the webbing into the crevasses and the ream acts as a shim to hold it in place. Apply wood glue before inserting the reed.

I also used brad nails to add an extra bond for the reed. I painted only the ream to cover the brad nails. The last step was to apply a finishing wax with a rag to seal the flat paint.

Don't be afraid to try something new. It pays off in the end.

Before

After

Kristin

Making a List

2011-06-25T16:14:00.000-05:00

   Now that there are more and more projects (the main reason I've been MIA this last week), organization and motivation are a must.

   I'm a list person. Usually on Friday afternoons I make a list of everything I have to do and dare myself to get them all done by Sunday night. And I take dares very seriously - my mom dared me to become a vegetarian when I was younger and I didn't give up until 10 years later!

   Plus, there's nothing better than scratching the items off the list! On one of my lists was to figure out what to do with a mirror I had. I found it on Wal-Mart's clearance section years ago and now I don't really have a place for it anymore. The frame is is nice, but I already have enough mirrors in my house.

I have seen many people make chalkboards for their homes, and this was a perfect size for me.

I cleaned the glass and taped off the edges.

I sprayed several light layers of Rustoleum Chalkboard Spray Paint, letting each layer dry before applying the next coat.

Let the paint dry and set for at least 12 hours. Although the paint may be dry to the touch, it hasn't hardened enough to start writing on it yet. (I found this out the hard way.) Once it had dried, I hung it in my "workshop" in a spot where I can see it every time I walk in to the room. I enjoy the constant reminders.

Now I can check this off my list! I love that feeling!

Now, back to my list!

Kristin

Parisian Picture Frame

2011-06-19T22:08:00.004-05:00

A trip to Paris last November had me searching each arrondissement for a vintage map, but my search came up empty. A few months later, my boyfriend surprised me with one for our anniversary. It was in need of a frame - one to compliment the map and add more character.

This weekend, I finally got around to making the frame. I picked up some reclaimed wood (and some window sashes)...

...and laid out the wood in a pattern for the frame. I marked spots on each piece of wood so they would match-up later.

I set the plate joiner to 0 (the size of the biscuits.) This is used to bond two pieces of wood together.

Match up the pencil marks with the red mark on the front of the joiner.

The joiner will plunge a blade in the side of the wood. This will create an opening for the biscuit. With a little wood glue and some clamps, the wood will have a strong bond.

Once all the pieces are bonded together, cut them at a 45 degree angle with a miter saw. The frame will start coming together. You can use the biscuits in the cut angles as well to fuse the frame.

I used Minwax Polycrylic finish to varnish the frame. The polycrylic made the frame darker and brought out the deep browns and reds in the wood. I lost a lot of the soft colors I had before, which I was hoping to keep.

I went to Lowe's and had a piece of glass cut to size. I also cut a matting board from Michael's to finish off the frame. And after all that work....

C'est très jolie! Oh how I wish I was back in Paris!

Kristin

Flea Market Finds

2011-06-17T17:39:00.003-05:00

I used to go to flea markets only to find exactly what I was looking for. If that's your approach to flea markets, you won't have much success. I just didn't have enough DIY influence to see past the neon green side-table or the yellow velvet accent chair. But now that the intimidation has subsided, the possibilities are abundant.

It was a Friday afternoon and I was browsing among the sea of furniture and knick-knacks. Most of the vendors weren't even at their shops (which makes it impossible to bargain, much less buy anything!) but there was one man sorting through his mess of a shop. An obstacle course is the only way to fully scope the place out.

I barely saw this chair among the rubble because it was being used as a stand for a huge chandelier.

After a few jumps over some old rugs, I was able to look it over and it was in great shape.

And as I pulled it out to safety, I also noticed this....

An Antique Miter Saw. This was an impulse purchase, but it has so much more character than my new green and black miter saw.

I'll never use it, but I like even more knowing that it didn't cost much.

But back to my chair...

My chair obviously needed a seat. I used some leftover plywood from the workshop cabinet I built and traced the outline of the seat.

I used my jig saw to cut out the seat pattern. The pattern was used to cut out the foam for the seat.

I used batting to secure the foam to the wood and used a canvas fabric for the seat.

I used Annie Sloan's Paris Grey as a base coat and used a dry brush of Old White on top.

A finishing wax helped give the chair a soft finish.

I love making furniture functional again!

I have PLENTY of projects this weekend! I know I won't be able to finish them all, but even a few completed projects will satisfy me!

Kristin

Bedside Tables

2011-06-15T22:06:00.004-05:00

When I moved into my new place a few years ago, I was adventurous enough to build my own bedside tables - and by build, I mean stacking moving boxes filled with books and other non-essential items. It takes talent to balance a lamp at just the right angle of a drooping box top!

It wasn't until a few months later that I found a liquidation store that sells used furniture. Recently, it's been described as a place where hotel furniture goes to die, but the furniture has potential, options are endless, and the prices don't hurt either. These were a little rough looking, but I liked them - not to mention they were the perfect size.

It only took me 18 months to finally realize they needed a little updating. I went to Home Depot, picked out my paint, and by the end of the week, I could barely look at them anymore.

I first removed the knobs and lightly sprayed them with Rustoleum Metallic Satin Nickel...

And after removing the doors, drawer and lightly sanding down the tables, I painted them with a green base coat, using a dry brush technique around the details to accentuate them.

I topped with a coat of Behr Paris Grey.

I rubbed a dark brown tinted faux glaze around the accents to give it an antique look.

Not all furniture is meant to die in a liquidation warehouse!

Kristin

My First Salvage Find

2011-06-14T19:20:00.007-05:00

The first time I went to the local salvage store, I had no idea what I was going to find. All I knew was that I wanted a door to make a headboard for my master bedroom. My ability to see past dingy wasn’t as fine-tuned as it is now, but the first thing I saw was a dingy carved door.

$80 was a steep price for me, especially for a salvage yard door. But it was better than what I was looking for. I was sold.

I spent a few nights sanding, cleaning and staining the door. It was almost ready to mount on the wall, except the bottom of the door needed about 6” chopped off to make it even with the top – so I borrowed a circular saw from work. . I set up a guide using a strip of wood and some clamps to get a straight line.

Measure the distance from the blade to the fence to ensure you're cutting at the right spot

At this point, I had just gotten my compound miter saw (best for cuts less than 10” long) from amazon.com and was hesitant using that. You would have never guessed I was nervous after seeing my excitement the night it arrived – here’s proof – apron and all!

January 2010

With hesitation, safety goggles, and one eye shut (like I was watching a horror movie) I put the circular saw to the door and started cutting. About 10 seconds later, it was over - and I had a straight line! Victory!

Since the door is solid wood and HEAVY, I used my miter saw to make French Cleats (pieces of wood cut at a 45 degree angle that provide a sturdy mount for heavy objects.) I found this image online for the best diagram.

From www.newwoodworker.com

I sanded the saw-cut until it was smooth and put on a few coats of stain, I chose not to varnish it because wanted a rustic, country feel.

I love the character of my headboard!

Kristin

May Makeover (Part II) and a Thank You

2011-06-13T19:16:00.002-05:00

First off, thanks for all the feedback. It is VERY much appreciated! Per several requests, I plan on revisiting some of the techniques I use during my building phases and provide detailed tutorials for those who are interested. I also plan to create an Etsy account for pieces that are ready to find a new home. Stay tuned!

Now, back to the good stuff…

When I bought this piece, it started to fall apart as soon as my boyfriend and another guy lifted it up it to move. The top was worn with deep scratches and there was water damage throughout. My boyfriend said, “Uh, hun, are you sure about this?” I just said, “Keep going.”

This is a "during" shot, I apologize for not having a "before" shot.

The packaging tape used to hold a make-shift drawer together was a nice touch as well.

But the Hallmark calendar card from 1970 I found in the frame actually was a nice touch.

I made replacements for the warped drawers and cabinet linings with 5.2MM hardwood. The warped linings were used as a template and a jig-saw cut the pattern.

I had to break apart the dovetail joints on all sides of the drawers with a rubber mallet in order to replace the lining. (I used a rubber mallet to prevent denting or splitting the wood like a hammer would.) Some clamps and wood glue bonded it all together. The drawers now slide in and out instead of jumping from side to side.

Sometimes, my clamps aren't large enough for my projects, so I link them together as shown.

The cabinet lining doesn’t droop anymore either. I sanded the rough jig-saw cuts with a sander to remove the splinters and to also help the board fit in the grooves.

After a lot of sandpaper, wood glue and elbow grease, it started to come together. I played around with a few color combinations while I was working to see what would work best.

I wanted a 2-toned piece in order to show the quality and richness of the wood top, and planned on painting the base all cream to accentuate the details, but it was getting late - the finishing touches were going to have to wait until the next day.

My plan was to finish painting the frame cream and put it up for sale…but I moved it into my dining room before heading to bed.

She was the missing piece for my dining room. The colors help tie the whole room together. And so much work went into this piece; I couldn’t bear to let her go! In sum, I’m sorry to say, this one’s mine.

May Makeover

2011-06-12T16:31:00.002-05:00

I’m thankful that I don’t judge based on first impressions.

This chair was posted as “Pretty in Pink.” Eh, not so much...

The fabric was so awful that I stripped it off the night I brought it home.

The next night, I sanded down all the wood, primed it with a base coat of a soft aqua and topped it with grey paint I sealed it with a wipe-on poly to add a soft sheen to the frame.

I reupholstered it and finished it off with some decorative trim. This was my first reupholstery project! It took some time to get it right, but it was worth it. With much hesitation, I posted it for sale. At least it went to a good home.

Kristin

A Rusty Rose Garden

2011-06-12T09:57:00.003-05:00

My weekly trip to the salvage yard doesn't always pay off. I go and the inspiration just isn’t there.

This trip was quite the opposite!

I was in the process of revamping a guest room and I needed a headboard. The walls were grey and the bedding was an Oatmeal Linen fabric - Target's Simply Shabby Chic.

I had found some wood based/linen shaded lamps at Marshall’s and a pair of soft grey wood and iron bedside tables at T.J. Maxx.

So the room was in need of a rustic, yet chic headboard to bring the room together. That’s when I came across this rusty mess of iron work:

The width was perfect for the full size bed. I got it home and scraped it down with a wire brush and vinegar - and then I realized I should have gotten one for a foot-board. I rushed back over to the salvage yard and as I walked up to claim my treasure, a man says, “I’ll take them all!” I pleaded with him for just one more, but he wouldn’t budge. Some things happen for a reason, I suppose.

Defeated, I went back home and continued working. I think all the Rustoleum fumes made me forget about my defeat…The roses also made me feel better.

I used a total of six ½” square hook screws secured in the wall studs to prop the headboard against the wall. And as a bonus, my “work-table” that sat on the sawhorses ended up as artwork in that same room.

Kristin

Almost There

2011-06-11T19:40:00.002-05:00

After 2 long days working on the cabinets for my "workshop" I was ready for it for it to be done!! But I still had 3 days left.

One of the most useful tools I’ve used when I build is the pocket-hole jig. It allows you to drill at an agle into the wood to make a sturdy bond. What I love about it is that any DIYer can handle it. You just need a drill and this small, inexpensive gadget. I would also recommend using the pocket-hole screws. They have worked the best for me to keep the wood from splitting.

When building the face of the frame, lay the frame on the ground and place ALL of the cabinet doors on the frame to make sure they will all fit and all the doors will swing open at the same time. I only did this with half the doors and it cost me some headaches in the end.

I used painter’s caulk in the seams before I primed to make the piece look, well, seamless. Smooth out the bead of caulk with your finger (wear latex gloves) and sand any lumps after it dries. I used a roller to smooth out the brush strokes and a paint that matched the trim in my house. I used a can of frosted glass spray paint to hide the tools in my “fancy” workshop.(I'm still working on the quality of my frosted glass)

Everything is secured to the studs - the bottom cabinets, the base of the cabinet and about 10 points inside the cabinet as well. She’s not going anywhere. I’m thinking of putting open shelving in the open space at the bottom and perhaps a pull out table top for more working area and desk work.

And Before...

Some girls need custom cabinets to store their shoes, I need one to store my tools! ;)

The spice shelving works perfectly for what I need.

Kristin

A Motivational Factor

2011-06-10T22:09:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, in order to become organized, you have to tear everything apart and put it back together. And when an organization project takes you 5 days to complete, the mess becomes a motivational factor. Here's the proof:

The starting point (which every project should have) came from a craigslist post. Someone was selling pull-out kitchen spice shelves. They’re too small for laundry bottles, but just the right size for quart sized paint cans and other knick-knacks. I found doors for $8/ea and they were in great shape. The square edges didn’t match the beveling on the cabinet doors, so I used a router with a roman ogee bit so the look would be uniform.

After taking measurements, I started to put it all together. I have never used building plans, but I’ve had plenty of practice on smaller pieces to know how to troubleshoot before the problems occur. Measure Twice, Cut Once!

Here is the beginning of the frame work. I like the character of reclaimed wood, but I felt safer with sturdy, new wood.

Kristin

Something Tangible

2011-06-09T22:48:00.000-05:00

I've always had creative ideas and have always loved working hands-on. But, it wasn't until about a year and a half ago that I pulled the trigger and decided to turn my ideas into something tangible. My first project was inspired by a couple of shutters and four spindles at a local salvage company.

For a short while, I was a fabricator, working mainly with plastics, but my carpentry skills were far from extensive… and that combined with old, cracked wood makes for a table that is stable, but not too sturdy. But its been good to me.

I have several other pieces that I’ve built or repurposed since then. Each one takes me through the trials and errors, but each one gets better (and sturdier.) By now, I can tell you that shortcuts do not save you time! Spend the extra time and do it right the first time.

Now that my “hobby” is becoming more of a full-time job on nights and weekends, my mud-room/workshop turned into a mess! After my boyfriend casually mentioned something about the landmine of power tools on the floor, I figured it was time to do something – and that something was yet another project.

Here’s a sneak peak of that project…

More to come tomorrow.

Kristin