Sweet Pickins Furniture

{EAT} – letters from reclaimed lumber

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Wed, 30 May 2012 01:47:18 +0000

Even before i started my plank wall that i posted about yesterday, i had a vision of what i wanted for the little diagonal wall. It needed to be big, bold and make a statement! And i think that my new EAT sign def does! I love that its “In Your Face”, “POW“, “Look At Me“, “BOOYAH” – nothing subtle about this sign!

I looked online for some inspiration pics, but the only EAT signs i found were small – cute, but small. So, I needed to make my own. Lucky for me, i have some old lumber that was given to me by my shop neighbors for FREE (i love getting old stuff like that!). The wood is super chunky, old, perfectly gray and i have lots of it (and lots more projects planned for it).

So, i found the perfect sized plank in my stash and got to cutting it up. I didnt really plan anything out – i just measured my wall to make sure that i didnt make it too big or too small. My letters ended up being about 30 in tall, 22 in wide and 1 1/4 in thick and each piece of wood is about 8 in wide.

The only tools that i used was just a drill and a handsaw. I started with the T to get it it the perfect size and then just based my E & A off that one.

Then, after my chunks of wood were cut out, i just used simple little metal braces to attach the chunks together. I didnt glue them or anything – the wood has been outside, so i figured if the wood shrinks a little i can just adjust them. The little brackets are super cheap – they come in a pack of 4 for about $1.50

After i got all my letters done, which only took about a half hour, i gave them a really light sand just to make sure there wasnt any big slivers poking out. On my cut ends that were gonna be seen, i got my jar of vinegar wood aging solution that i talked about here and just brushed it on, it turned the edges a nice dark gray. I didnt seal or wax my wood, i just left it how it is.

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Thats it!! Super easy, only took about an hour from start to finish and it makes a huge impact! I love the chunky gray aged wood against the clean white wall – it just makes me happy!

Just to recap – here is the BEFORE – BEFORE….

The MID BEFORE….

And the AFTER…

I love the whole look of this pic – the blue, white and the gray – its perfection!

So, what do you think? Like it?! I LOVE it!!

Ive got a few other things planned for that space – moving that blue hutch and something else in ( i love it and will be keeping it, but its a little big for the space), and then im thinking about bringing in some more old doors to replace the 2 builder doors on that wall – cant wait!!

{Plank Wall} – Before & After

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Tue, 29 May 2012 04:59:17 +0000

Man, it feels good to do a little house project again!! It seems like its been so long since doing a little DIY project on the weekend, yet im always busy?!?! But, i love the way this turned out and its all done!

Ive always thought this wall in my kitchen should be a feature wall…i always felt like it just needed something. Ive painted it a hundred times in the past 5 years, tried stripes, tried a dark color, thought about painting it white…it just needed something…

Well, as long as i can remember i have LOVED the old houses with the old plank walls – especially the ones painted white. Makes my heart go all pitter patter

So – plank walls i will have!! I researched several different options for the right product at the right price. There are lots of ways to do this, but just make sure you take into account the thickness of the planks, the price, the amount of work to hang them, the ease of painting them, etc.

What i ended up finding was 4×8 sheets called utility plywood panels. They were only $11.55 @ lowes per sheet – super cheap!! And they are recommended for paint – so they were all nice and smooth (one side was a little smoother than the other).

I measured the square footage on my wall and ended up buying 5 sheets. I had lowes cut the panels into 6 inch strips (length wise, so each strip was 6″ x 8ft).

So, with my strips all cut lengthwise by lowes, i decided where i wanted my seams and cut my own strips in half just using my miter saw.

Then i just started putting the boards up on the wall. I didnt want my boards glued in case i want to take it down in the future (ya right!!), so i just used my nail gun and put a few nails in each one (i made sure to angle the nails to keep the boards from pulling out).

**I also gave each board a light sand before putting it up, mostly to smooth out the cut edges made by lowes – the dude insisted on cutting all 5 sheets at the same time, so some of the edges were a little gnarley – men…**

My only issue that i ran into was the crown molding on the cupboard, but it was easy to pop off – lots easier than trying to cut around it.

I left spaces between each plank, i didnt measure the gap, probably about an 1/8″ , i just eyeballed everything.

Of course with any home project that we do, my kids do a little time capsule and write on the walls! Zailee wrote something about “my awesome mom built this plank wall” – she is such a smart little girl

Then i filled all the nail holes and gave the whole wall a light sand before painting. I was kinda dreading that part, but it only took about a half hour.

By the way, on that corner wall, i have rounded corners and needed to cover up the gap where the planks meet. I found some cove molding @ Home Depot and just used it the opposite way that it was intended for – it worked perfect. I decided not to put any type of finishing molding on the ceiling or around the baseboards.

Ok – at this point i admit, i was a little scared!! It seriously looked like i just built and outdoor shed in my kitchen!

But, once i got it painted, i was in love! I love everything about it – the texture, the drama it brings to the room, how that wall is now finally a feature wall, the character it brings to the space, the white! Everything!

The painting wasnt bad like i thought it was gonna be. I considered painting the planks before i put them up, but i just wanted to get to work! Iwill be doing this project again and i will do it the exact same way. For the bigger gaps, i painted between them, but for the most part i didnt and you cant tell.

I used Sherwin Williams paint and did 2 coats. I had them color match BM Mascarpone and i used a satin finish.

I love all the white with the pops of color – totally makes me want to paint my house white!

So, i have already filled up that little diagonal wall with a little project yesterday from some reclaimed lumber. Its big & dramatic and i love it!! Come back tomorrow and i will show you what it is

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Sidenote – i will be starting my kitchen cabinet painting this week – so excited to get it done! I will be painting the cabs the same color as the new wall – i know it wont be a very dramatic change, but i def think it will make a big difference overall and will be more of the “classic white cabinet look” that im after. SO E.X.C.I.T.E.D

{Home & Garden Club} – with a giveaway!!

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Sun, 27 May 2012 23:59:21 +0000

I am super excited that i was asked by Cynthia @ Jordan Valley Home & Garden Club to be part of their Summer Soiree!!

If you live in Utah (or want to drive in for the weekend!) then this event is a must! Cassity & her husband Justin from Remodelalohic are going to be there teaching! As well as classes from Joy Bossi & Me! There will also be live music after the event from Sarah Sample.

Summer Soiree event includes:

Cassity & Justin from Remodelalohic

Justin is a landscape architecht and Cassity an interior designer so their mad skills are combined to make for some awesome home projects! Im sure everyone has seen their blog, and if not you must go check it out! They will be the keynote speakers for the event.

Joy Bossi

If you live in Utah you know who Joy Bossi is!! Joy is a Utah gardening expert, radio host and an author. Joy will lead a tour of the garden and discuss the design, maintenance and plant materials that are used. Plus, you can ask her any gardening question you want – i think i have a few!

Sarah Sample

Sarah is a critically acclaimed singer/song writer and will be performing out in the open garden during social hour.

And Me!

I will be teaching a class on all things painting. So finally, i will be talking about the beginning to the end in the whole furniture painting process – maybe one day i can get the info in writing and post it here!!! ;) Lots of locals have emailed me asking if i ever do painting classes – so here is your chance to attend one for FREE!

To register for the Summer Soiree & purchase your tickets – go here

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And the fun can continue even after the Soiree – the Jordan Valley Home & Garden Club is free to all members and will meet the 3rd tuesday of each month for a “brown bag lunch” class taught by local home and garden experts. The club will also include special tours throughout the year to local places of interest to club members. Anyone who enjoys do it yourself home and garden projects and design is invited to become part of the free club – i will be there for sure!

So, if you live in Utah (or will be here on 6/9/12) come and join us for the Summer Soiree! It will be a fun night with Justin & Cassity then the hands on classes with Joy and I and even some door prizes for some lucky winners!

GIVEAWAY

If you would like a chance for 2 free tickets to the Summer Soiree leave me a comment for an entry and i will announce the winner on 5/29/12 – you must be able to come to the event on 6/9/12 from6-9 to qualify (Located in West Jordan, Utah)

See You There!!

To register for the Summer Soiree, purchase your tickets & get more info – go here

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And FINALLY, i have finished up something in my house!! Seriously i still have Christmas decorations up in my entry and im working on other areas of my house!! What is wrong with me??!!

Here is a sneak peak of my project – i will be back tomorrow with the 411!

{Hello & a Couch} – before & after

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:31:26 +0000

Well, Hello!!! Sorry, ive been slacking on the blog posting again, its just so hard to find an extra hour in the day lately! Im rearranging my schedule next week and trying out a new “routine” hoping that i can get in some more computer time – so hopefully more posts are in our future

Anyways, i got this sweet couch and chair a while back and knew it had some potential. Luckily for me the guy next door to my shop does upholstery, and he did an awesome job!!

I wasnt a big fan of the original tufting and wanted something more casual. I just had it covered in a painters drop cloth so its super durable, and it looks like linen. Extra foam was added on the back so the tufting could be covered up.

The only thing that i had to do was paint the wood (Honeymilk by Valspar) and then add the little decorative trim to cover up the staples. I only burnt my finger about 10 times with the hot glue gun – maybe i should stick to painting?!

I am lovin that scalloped back!

How cute is that?! Its the most comfy couch ever – i have been taking some breaks on that couch while im at the shop – ssshhhh My client is coming to pick it up tomorrow – i hope she likes it as much as i do!!

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Did you notice the “hello” sign on my barn wood? One of my sweetest clients ever (Hi Leslie!!) asked me if i could cut letters/words like she had been seeing online. I never have, but didnt think it could be too hard. I dont have a tutorial for this, but basically i found a font i liked, had it blown up by kinkos, cut out the word then traced it onto some MDF. Then i just cut out the word with a jigsaw and painted it. This one is painted Sherwin Williams “Stop”. How freaking cute is this sign!! I am for sure going to make me one in yellow

If you want your own “Hello” sign,they will be up for sale in the Sweet Pickins Shop! (you can choose your color)

{New Listings & Updated Page}

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:47:02 +0000

I am dwindling down to the last of my unfinished furniture in my shop!! In fact, last week i only had a couple of pieces left and i got a few more over the weekend. When i moved into the shop about 6 months ago, i was stacked to the rafters with stuff to do! Now, my space is cleared out and looking pretty good!

I have a page on my blog to post unfinished furniture, and if you have ever checked there, its been empty. But, i finally managed to get some pics of what i have left to refinish. Lately, about 75% of what i refinish are custom orders so my own stuff gets pushed to the side, but ive get some pieces that im excited to work on!

Anyways, you can now see what i have thats waiting for its perfect color and perfect home! Just click on the Available for Refinishing tab on the menu bar. I will try my best to keep it updated!

And i just listed a few new pieces in the Sweet Pickins Shop – head here to check them out!!

{Old Door = Chalkboard}

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:48:33 +0000

Oh man, how i LOVE old doors!!! I am seriously a door hoarder!! But, im trying to start repurposing them to get them cleared out!

A couple of years ago, i took an old single panel door,painted the frame white and then chalkboard in the middle and hung it horizontally on the wall for my craftroom.

Seriously bad pic, but it was the only one i could find right now…

Then recently i took an old screen door, ripped out the screen and put in a chalkboard. I love the color on this one (intense teal by SW with a dark brown glaze)

If you have followed me for a while now, you know my old green door that i cut down to make a coffee table – still LOVE this one!! Since then, i have made several door tables.

Then, just yesterday i posted about a single panel door that i turned into a jewelry holder…

So, i took 2 more doors from my stash and turned them into chalkboards. Both are a different color and both are for sale in the Sweet Pickins Shop. I love these!! Would be perfect in a kitchen, playroom, family room or of course, a craftroom

I have lots more old doors and lots more ideas!!!!

{Old Door turned Jewelry Holder}

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:56:56 +0000

Ive been meaning to do a project for years that i saw in a magazine to hold jewelry – but i STILL havent gotten around to it!! But, i did think of another idea the other day that would be quick & easy, so i actually got to this one!

I started with an old single panel door (sorry no before pic) and painted it White Raisin by Sherwin Williams, my new favorite yellow. Then i distressed the door with an electric sander and did a very light dry brushing of white.

Then i found some simple white porcelain knobs @ Hobby Lobby and layed them out in 3 rows and then 3 matching hooks on the bottom. Im not really a measurer, so i just eyeballed everything, thats how i do things around here.

Then after all the holes were drilled and knobs screwed in, i brought it home and put it in my room. Im loving the yellow in my room against the white and blue/green walls. Ive been trying to incorporate a little yellow in my room for a while, so this is just the right amount of color. This could be hung on the wall, but im liking it just leaning.

If i were to do this again, i would probably add some more knobs because i have so much more jewelry! I still may go back and add some more…

Anyways, i love how it turned out and i love how much easier it is to see what i have!! Even though i hardly get to wear any of it…. i dont think jewelry goes well with paint covered sweat pants and t-shirts

I have tons of these single panel doors laying around, so if your interested in one of your own in the color of your choice, just email me!

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And i would love to say THANK YOU to all my new sponsors!! You can find their links on my sidebar – you can also upload your own button there to advertise with Sweet Pickins!

Christa @ Stories of a House has the best book on furniture painting!! Its a must read if you need some tips/advice on painting furniture,from the start to the end. Just click on the “Guide to Furniture Refinishes” to get your own copy of her ebook.

Andra @ Rubee Lane is opening an online boutique with daily deals delivered right to your inbox! Im super excited to see what she is gonna have!

And then my newest sponsor is Shabby Love. Im LOVING the pics on her site of her store!! I love her furniture painting style and will definitely be checking her site out often for some inspiration!! I love a good furniture blog

{My new FAVORITE color!!!} – & giveaway winner announced

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:39:51 +0000

I seriously cant get enough of this color!! I have painted so many things this new color over the last week or two! Its so fresh and clean and just makes me happy. I want to bring this color in to every room of my house…i’ve already painted and repurposed an old door for my bedroom in this color, i will be sure to show that soon.

So my new favorite color….YELLOW!! Ive had so much trouble trying to find the perfect yellow, and ive finally tracked it down. Its not to mustardy…not to gold…not to babyish…not to bright…just a perfect shade of warm, buttery, sunshiney yellow, all bottled up in a paint can. This perfect color is called White Raisin by Sherwin Williams.

Here are just a few things that ive painted this new yellow over the week…

Piano Bench…

Chair…

The cutest little scalloped side table…

And one of my favorites, a yellow desk with the funnest knobs…

What do you think? Have i found the perfect yellow?! I think i have

All these items are up for sale in the Sweet Pickins Shop…along with some other new listings, so be sure to check them out.

**Giveaway winner is Emily H.** – Congrats Emily, i will forward your info to Andra @ Rubee Lane so you can receive your prize!**

{Rubee Lane Giveaway} – GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:25:50 +0000

Hey everyone!! Im super excited to host a giveaway for my newest sponsor Andra from Rubee Lane! Rubee Lane is a boutique style site that offers new deals daily for great prices! Here are a few words from Andra…

Welcome to Rubee Lane!
Your one stop shop for wonderful boutique items. Each day a new item will be featured for 3 days at a discounted price. Each boutique items are hip/chic and unique; a little something for everyone to enjoy!
I have been hosting boutique shows in beautiful model homes for a little over four years. As my business began to grow, I decided to extend my business and offer wonderful items to shoppers nation wide. A portion of all purchases will go toward infertility treatments. Opening June 4th, 2012. Please go to www.rubeelane.com now and enter your email address so you don’t miss a single deal that will be delivered right to your inbox each day. Thank you and happy shopping!

Also, if you would like more information on selling your products on Rubee Lane please email me at:featureme@rubeelane.com

{sample of some Rubee Lane products}

Rubee Lane will be offering a boutique style basket filled with lots of fun stuff to one lucky reader!

2 Chances to Enter!!

1. Leave a comment here, then for a 2nd entry

2. Go to Rubee Lanes Facebook page, “like” it and then leave a comment there

Giveaway will close Sunday @ 9pm MDT. Good luck everyone!!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

{New Shop Listings}

Sausha @ {Sweet Pickins} — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:57:56 +0000

I just wanted to drop in real quick to let everyone know that i’ve added a bunch of new things to the Sweet Pickins Shop, lots of fun stuff!!

Im sorry for the lack of posts lately! Things are crazy busy and i just havent been able to sit down and do it. Dont give up on me!! Ive cleared almost everything out of my shop – that was my goal before i could buy more. I cant wait to hit up some garage sales