The Junk Nest

White Painted Antique Farmhouse Chair: Before + After

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 20:35:00 +0000

Once again, I'm amazed at what a little paint can do. This little antique painted chair looks like it's been this way for many years. And the stencil just gives it that finishing touch. It goes perfect with my farmhouse bathroom and that is where it will stay!

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Rustic Farmhouse Bar Stool Redo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 17:47:00 +0000

I’ve had these bar stools for over a year now and have looked at them everyday thinking, “I should really redo those bar stools this weekend”. But something else always comes up and/or I’m just tired and would rather relax. But right now I do believe I am “nesting” and everything I have been wanting to get done is in the works. Including a DIY redo on the bar stools.

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Electrical Wooden Spool DIY Patio Table

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 16:18:00 +0000

Thrifty, easy and cheap are a mainstay concept around here. As long as it’s cheap and ends up looking cute, I’m all for it. Take this patio table idea for example. We had gotten a ton of these (for free) for our wedding three years ago. We kept a couple to use as outdoor tables. And while leaving them au natural is awesome, I decided to stain the one we wanted to use for our backyard patio.

Older Posts

Farmhouse Kitchen Table

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 16:17:00 +0000

I cannot believe it’s been over two years since my last post. (WTH???) I swear I’ve been meaning to update this blog, it’s just that somehow time got away from me. I do have some blog post material lined up from those two years… one being some kitchen updates (DIY of course!) and an overall house before and after.

With the two year MIA stint came some new updates in our lives as well. I can’t wait to share what has been going on, but I will leave that to future posts! In the meantime, I have a cute little table redo to share with you.

Enjoy J

Older Posts

A Bedroom Update with Closet Curtains

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 15:01:00 +0000

I am STILL in the process of putting the finishing touches on our bedroom. The last time I had posted about it, I had just added some really cheap window treatments to the windows. They are holding up really well. You can read about that here...

What I had been fighting with, was what I was going to use for closet doors. When we moved in we took the doors off the closets because they were weird and bulky. (We actually used those doors for matching his and hers work-space in our garage.)

I've always loved the look of curtains on closets. So I went with the same curtains I used on the windows.

Older Posts

Washi Tape Fridge Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 13:00:00 +0000

I'm horrible with photos. Especially the school pictures that come home each year. I'm just not big into having a bunch of framed photos laying all over my house. But I wanted to do something with my daughter's school photos.

So I got a bit creative with washi tape and a piece of drop cloth.

Older Posts

Valentine's Day Wreath - Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 15:25:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! It's 9 degrees (feels like -11) here in Wisconsin :( A couple of minutes ago it was snowing. But I'm determined not to let that get in the way of a nice day with my hubby!

I promised I would share a tutorial on how I made my own Valentine's Day Wreath, so that's what I'm here to do today. I actually got the idea and instructions for this wreath from Linda @ It All Started With Paint. You can check out her tutorial if you like. It's a bit more detailed. If you want a quick overview....keep reading...

Older Posts

My Valentine's Day DIY Wreath

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 17:06:00 +0000

Back before I had this blog -- and waay before I did anything DIY -- I never had wreaths. They just seemed like a waste of money. Fast forward a few years -- and I still think they are a waste of money.

They are almost free if you make them AND much more personal.

I'll give you a tutorial once I have the time to write the post. Until then....I wanted to share my cute DIY Valentine's Day Wreath with all of you.

Till next time....happy VDay crafting!

Children's Chore Chart - Using Bottle Caps

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 15:48:00 +0000

For as long as I can remember, I've struggled with having an efficient chore chart for my daughter, Devyn. I've tried everything from popsicle sticks in a jar to hand written charts. But they just didn't stick because a) they weren't visible enough or b) I got too busy to keep updating them.

Through trial and error, we have found that having them VERY visible for everyone is key. And it has to be something I don't have to create every week.

One of my favorite projects is with bottle caps and magnets. So I asked Devyn and she thought it was a great idea to use bottle cap magnets for the chart. She even helped make them with me.

I printed off a bunch of chores on a regular sheet of printer paper. Cut them out using a quarter for the template. And modge podged them to the bottle caps. We added magnets to the back and stuck them on the fridge.

Devyn came up with the great idea to use washi tape as the dividers and popsicle sticks for the titles.

The top chores are voluntary and worth $. The bottom are chores that have to be done throughout the week. When she finishes them they go to the "done' side. This way, we can all see her progress and she knows exactly what is expected of her.

It sort of looks like a christmas present with the red washi tape. Don't you think?

Sharing @:
Funky Junk Interiors

Window Treatments On A Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:25:00 +0000

Well, I'm home from work today with the kiddo. It is supposed to get down to -36 degrees with the wind chill. The hubby braved it....I hope he makes it home ok tonight. He has a 45 minute drive.

Anyhow....

One of my recent projects has been our master bedroom windows.

Our bedroom has lacked those "final touches" since we moved in. I knew curtains would pull the room together -- even if they weren't $200 plus dollars. I'm sorry, but I just can't justify paying that kind of money for something that just hangs there. But that's me.

I did a quick google search on "DIY Curtains" and "DIY Curtain Rods" and came up with a ton of ideas. In the end, I did something completely different.

Here is our room "before" the curtains. (Not the actual before before. I will post that soon!) I could have probably tidied our bed a bit, but that didn't happen. The room just looks bare and a bit bachelor. Wouldn't you agree?

I went to Target and found cheap Cafe Rods for $3.00 a piece and sheer curtains for $5.00 a piece. I thought sheer would soften the room a bit without making it too girly. I wanted my husband to like the room too :)

I even hung the cafe rods myself. Normally I have my husband do that stuff for me, but I figure I need to start doing these things myself :) Plus, he gave me his old power drill after he got a new one. Probably a little hint.....haha.

For just under $20.00, our bedroom finally looks pulled together.

Excuse the dog. He doesn't care if he photo bombs or not.

I have more decorating to do in this room as well as adding curtains to our closet doors. So stay tuned for another reveal! This room is like night and day from what it was when we moved in.

The Best of MY 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:27:00 +0000

What a year. I'd like to present a ton of awesome project roundups for you....but the year wasn't spent on as many blog posts or DIY Projects as I would have liked. Instead, I spent the entire first part of the year gearing up for our wedding day. It was super awesome....and definitely the best part of my 2014.

Soon I will post more about this day with a roundup of everything DIY. It's just hard to post about things so personal....but I'm going to try to let loose a bit more in 2015 :) Promise :)

7.4.14

After the big day....of course...there was our honeymoon in Myrtle Beach. Totally awesome.

We went with my bff and her hubby. They are native's to Myrtle Beach and they showed us a good time :)

Then there were a couple of DIY projects after all of the wedding/honeymoon stuff settled down...

Chevron Painted Floor

Diamond Painted Coffee Table

It was definitely a year to remember.

So here's to a project/blog post filled 2015!! I can't wait...there are so many things I have planned :)

DIY Chalk Painted Dresser...A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 16:57:00 +0000

I can't believe it's been three years since I painted my first dresser, using DIY Chalk Paint. Three years and not only do we still have this dresser, it is one of the most used pieces in our home. See back then, I had no idea how much I would love taking something ugly, and unloved, and turning it into something beautiful for our home. At the time, we just needed a dresser for our bedroom and didn't have a lot to invest in it.

And today I still use the same DIY Chalk Paint method on most everything I paint. It's proven to be a great paint medium (and a ton cheaper than store bought chalk paint). It has never failed.

OK, so here is a the original BEFORE....

Not bad.....if you like that sort of thing. It wasn't MY sort of thing. But the details are so beautiful. To be honest, I haven't come across a dresser like this since. Not for the price anyways.

Like I said, we needed something extra for our bedroom. When my husband and I were first dating and moved in together, we needed more storage. We have since purchased our own home but we still have this dresser.

Here is the AFTER in our old apartment (bad lighting and decor.)...

And the AFTER AFTER in our own home, three years later. No touch-ups have been done and it still looks great :) Maybe better.

Stay tuned for another reveal on our master bedroom makeover.....on a budget of course!

Sharing At....
That DIY Show Off

Domestically Speaking

DIY Book Page Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:14:00 +0000

Happy Monday friends! I hope you all had a great weekend. Just a couple more days and Christmas will be here! Are you excited like me? This year, I have this week off of work so I am trying to get a ton of things done around the house. BUT I wanted to share a DIY christmas project before Christmas is over!

I'm in love with ANYTHING that is crafted from book pages. If you come to my house, you will see that in almost any room you are in. Why would I not incorporate it into Christmas as well?

One year we didn't have an actual star for our tree, and I made a topper out of book pages....but....I broke down and bought a real star. It just isn't the same without one.

And there you have it! DIY Book Page Ornaments :)

I hope you all have a happy and safe Christmas!

I Painted Our Bathroom Floor....CHEVRON!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 17:00:00 +0000

I painted our bathroom floor......CHEVRON. And I love it. It's so unique and a real conversation piece. Not only was it under $100, but it was easy too!

Now, we could have went out and bought new tile and tiled the floor. That would have been a really good choice. Probably a better choice all around, but I wanted to do something different. Something that might have a slight WOW factor. And something a bit less expensive.

It turned out better than I expected, considering I had never painted a bathroom floor OR created a chevron pattern ... in my life.

I did a lot of research online, looked at a ton of DIY painted floors, read about how it was done...and then did it my own way. haha. Everything I was reading advised to use floor paint. And nothing mentioned a protective clear coat. I paint furniture and other things, and I know that a final clear protective coat is a MUST for high-use areas.

The before picture....ah. It's not the worst bathroom. But keep in mind I'm working with the floors and walls that were in the house when we bought it. We replaced the vanity, toilet, and tub but I had wanted to keep the walls because I thought they had potential and the floor was ok to live with for awhile. Fast forward a year and a half and I'm ready to get something done with the walls and floors.

So the floor had to be first. Here is what I did....

I roughed the floor up with a sanding block and wiped it down good. Then I rolled on two coats of white primer and sealer. Just your basic Kilz...nothing else. Super easy.

I was already enjoying the transformation. If I had liked it enough, it could have been left white.

But I had my heart set on chevron.

I will admit, taping the chevron pattern was the worst part. I had never tried this and was a bit nervous, but by the end I was declaring myself a chevron professional.

I applied two coats of regular Behr paint. NOT floor paint or anything special, just regular paint.

After the two coats had dried, I took of the tape. As you can see, some of the white paint pulled up with the tape. This was the area I had been standing on while painting the strips. I freaked at first. But a small roller and more white primer paint fixed it right away.

I applied two coats of polyurethane for floors. This was my biggest mistake because it turns white into yellow. The can says it's CLEAR GLOSS...ha!!!

I would advise against it unless you are painting your floor other colors and not white. Although the poly is protecting it really well. If I could do it all over again, I think I would use a clear lacquer instead.

Sharing At:

That DIY Show Off

Domestically Speaking

Funky Junk Interiors

VMG 206

DIY Painted Coffee Table

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 17:13:00 +0000

Do you have a coffee table that has seen better days? I did. A few months ago, I painted our old coffee table white and distressed it a bit --- but the end result wasn't all the greatest. And it just didn't mesh well with the rest of our living room.

It wasn't the worst coffee table in the history of painted coffee tables....

But I wasn't inlove with it --- nope.

So I did what any DIY'er would do. I fixed it.

I taped off a diamond pattern with painters tape. And then I sanded all the diamond shapes. This whole project literally took me about 20 minutes.

It's not new, but it will work for awhile.

Blog Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 23:21:00 +0000

I'm posting this in hopes that someone might know how I can fix my blog. Blogger is of no help.

I have no idea what happened, but if you are reading this you can see my blog is totally jacked up. Almost all of my photos have disappeared, and every time I log on I get an error message.

I've enjoyed blogging here while I have, but if years of blogging can go down the tubes in an instant with no way of fixing it -- I have to rethink this whole blogger thing.

I mean -- wow -- years of posts just gone and blogger can only say "this is a known problem" try clearing your cache or searching online for a solution? The laptop I'm using is brand spanking new. I have not been online enough with it to have my cache clogged to shit.

Grr....

Please help....someone!
(I knew I should've went into the IT profession......)

Bathroom Light Fixtures in Metallic Glaze

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 16:24:00 +0000

After using metallic glaze for the first time on a pair of side tables I sort of wanted to paint everything in my house metallic. The wall lights in our bathroom are old and outdated. But they have a neat look to them that we kind of enjoy. We thought about replacing them, but we thought they might add a little character to the space.

And....they were the perfect little victim's for my metallic glaze craze....

Here is the after.

Light

And of course the dreadful before...

Not bad. I think the metallic glaze helped jazz them up. You cannot tell they were ever gold.

Painted Side Tables - Using Metallic Glaze

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 15:36:00 +0000

Hey ya'll!

Guess what I did for the first time? Painted furniture and used a metallic glaze. Yep...I did.

And being this was the first time I had used a glaze, I was extremely nervous. More nervous then I would have been if these side tables had been my own. But nope...someone was waiting for them to look amazing when I was done. oh boy...

I painted both of these side tables entirely black and then used a metallic glaze on the body and the legs.

I was a bit skeptical at first, not really knowing how these would turn out, but this will definitely be something I use more frequently in the future. They turned out lovely.

DIY Chalkboard Book Shelf

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 12:00:00 +0000

This little book shelf was actually a mistake. From the beginning, I had no clue what to do with it. I almost threw it away.

But a couple of coats of chalkboard paint on the top and ASCP on the rest, I knew it was the perfect little book shelf for my daughters bedroom.

Choosing The Right Protective Finish For Your Painted Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 13:05:00 +0000

Choosing the right protective finish for your painted furniture (or any other) projects can be tough. I muddle through this choice with each and every piece of furniture I paint. So I know that those just starting out might find this one a bit daunting. Especially if you have nothing to go on.

I've had trial and error with a few different types of protective finishes and each one brings something different to my project. So I've made a list of my favorites in order of how much I use them. I hope this is helpful!

#1 - Minwax Lacquer

For long lasting durability and ease of use, this one is by far numero uno on my list. If you are painting a table or dresser that is going to get high use, this is the one you want. I have not had a dresser get scratched or scuffed yet after applying this lacquer. Just brush on with a cheap brush and that's it. No sanding required. It DOES smell horrible though. So use in a well ventilated area.

#2 - Anne Sloan Soft Wax

I love this soft wax. The problem is that most of the stuff I paint gets high wear and tear and this finish will scratch. For things that do not get a ton of use, this is perfect. It gives of the most beautiful shine that no lacquer or poly can. You just wipe this wax on with a rag or brush on with a paint brush --- let sit for a minute and then buff off. It takes a bit longer than applying a lacquer or poly, but I swear you will fall in love with the end result. I used this on my black dresser and loved loved LOVED how it turned out.

#3 - Minwax Polyurethane

Minwax Polyurethane is a great protective finish for your projects. In fact, this is the most used product I've seen in DIY blog-land. It is similar to Minwax Lacquer in application however they do recommend you sand between coats. I never do. This product is tough but not quite as tough as Minwax Lacquer AND will turn your white furniture yellow over time. My DIY Chalk Painted Dresser is finished in this and is also turning yellow. I think it adds a bit of character.

#4 - Rust-Oleum Clear Enamal Spray

This spray is the best thing ever for smaller projects. I use it on my chicken wire frames religiously. It gives a nice shine and protects really well. I did try to spray a dresser with this one time and it was a disaster - I would not recommend it.

Also, it's good to know that you don't need a protective finish on all your furniture! If it's a piece that is never going to be used I would absolutely not worry about it.

Also, if you are wondering about what type of paints to use you can read my post about that here along with how to get a smooth paint finish here.

Have a great weekend :)

TJN Projects You Loved In OCTOBER

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:18:00 +0000

October starts the first "TJN Projects You Loved In..." series. I'm excited to share with you the projects that everyone loved the most each month. And what better month to start this then October! Oddly enough, there are no Halloween projects here....

#1 - How To Get A Smooth Finish On Painted Furniture

#2 - DIY Chalk Painted Dresser

#3 - Red Painted (and stained) Dresser Redo

#4 - DIY Wedding: Simple Table Confetti

#5 - How To Turn A Ball Jar Into A Soap Dispenser - A Tutorial

What project is your favorite?? Is there anything you would like to see more of? I would love to hear your feedback! Any and all comments are welcome :)

Linking to these parties......
The Crafty Blog Stalker

Where Did October Go?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 21:10:00 +0000

I can't believe it's the last day of October AND Halloween already!
The good news about today -- it's 60 degrees -- which means warm trick-or-treating tonight. The bad news is that it's been raining all day and by the looks of it -- will continue through the night :(

With October out the door...one thing I wish I would 've had time to do this Halloween was make these cute Halloween bats! I'm kicking myself....

(source)

A Miss Mustard Seed Dresser

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 13:47:00 +0000

This week has gotten away from me. It's already Thursday -- and I'm not prepared for today at all. I'd really like to crawl back into bed....but then there's this thing called a job.

Anyhow...Miss Mustard Seed caught my attention big time with this Apron Strings dresser. I wish I lived closer to her because this would totally be in my house right now....

New Craft Room Storage Dresser

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 11:04:00 +0000

Well everyone, I finally finished a piece of furniture for my craft room. Remember when I found these babies on craigslist a couple weeks ago ? The tall one was "choosen"....hahaha.

I'm so happy with how this turned out.

I laid down to take a picture from a different angle and when I focused, I saw....

my little buddy Duncan. Little guy follows me EVERYWHERE.

So anyhow...this dresser replaced a plastic storage unit that I had been using for all my craft supplies since I started crafting. It holds much more than the plastic unit did -- so yay for that! Plus it makes the room look a bit more "put-together".

I used an off brand white paint for the top and sides, chalkboard paint for the drawers, and then put a glaze over the top and sides. I didn't use a protective finish on this. I didn't need to with the type of use it's going to be getting.

Soon enough, I will do a craft room reveal for you guys. Stay tuned....

Linking to....
Cropped Stories
Elizabeth & Co
My Romantic Home
Miss Mustard Seed
Redoux Interiors
French Country Cottage
Jennifer Rizzo
The Crafty Blog Stalker
Funky Junk Interiors

The Type of Paint You Should Use On Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 12:48:00 +0000

Last week I talked about getting a smooth paint finish on furniture. If you missed that post -- you can get caught up here. But what type of paint to use is also worth knowing. When I first started painting furniture, I was unsure of the type of paint I should be using for the best finish. I've used many different paints and here is a recap of what I've learned!

The important thing to know is that ANY paint will make your furniture come together a LOT better. Whether it's name brand paint, off brand paint, or a combination of both. The end result will be similar.

For example, this black dresser was painted with a Behr paint. It was $35 a gallon. I also used a paint sprayer (and added water of course!). Turned out nice right?

Then there is the antique white dresser done with my homemade chalk paint. I combined an off brand primer, off brand paint, WATER, and painted this one by hand.

The end result was great on both. The difference? Price! As I mentioned, the Behr paint was $35 a gallon. I had actually bought the paint to do the doors in my house and had extra leftover. I would never buy a $35 gallon of paint for furniture projects...shish what were you thinking!

The paint I used on the white dresser was found in the Oops section of Walmart. I can't remember what I paid for them, but I never pay over $5.00 for Oops paint...so I would say under $5!

What is Oops paint you ask? It is just what it sounds like. The paint associate at Walmart...or Home Depot (or whatever store carries paint) mixes the paint wrong or a customer changes their mind. These stores are just trying to make a buck off of the paint instead of trashing it. I found out about Oops paint online. When I first set out to purchase some, I just asked the paint associate at the store were it was. They know exactly what you are asking for.

Some examples.....

I love all the paints I've ever bought (name brand or off brand) and never had any application issues with any of them.

It is OK to mix different paints together to create your own. My antique white dresser - as mentioned - was painted with a combination of white primer, a beige color paint, some Plaster of Paris, and of course....water. It doesn't matter what type of mixture you put together, the end result will look fantastic. What is really important is what finishing product you use!

I will talk about finishing products next week so make sure you check back to get all the deets.

Have a great weekend everyone!