neldaream

Flea Market 10/24

Shopping for the flea market last week was hard because we had rain. The best find of the week was this wonderful big toolbox. 

The best part is that it is cantilevered.

Just think of all the art supplies this guy would hold.  Maybe it won't sell and I can take it home.

Even Tristan likes it.

I signed up to have a booth at The Fancy Flea market in Lakeland, Florida next month.  My friend, Debbie, told me more about the market yesterday.  It will be much larger than I'd expected.  I hope to get some art done to mix in with the antiques I sell.  This big tool guy will definitely go with me.

Party Lights

This was last week's find.  Can you tell what they are?  Party lights!  Can you tell what they are made of?  Tin cans! 

As you know, I love turning trash into something beautiful and useful.  When I saw these party lights at a flea market, I got so excited.  Someone was VERY clever and creative in thinking of this upcycled product. It looks like they were cut with a torch.  There is a hole in the can bottom to accomodate a light, and the "ribs" cut into the can can be bent to give it a more round shape. 

They look perfect with vintage industrial or rustic decor.  Now, all we need is the party.

A Whisper of Autumn

Everyone at the flea market yesterday was so exhilirated by the COOL weather.  We actually had to wear long sleeved shirts in the early morning.  We haven't done that here in Florida since January.

Of course, by noon it was 83 degrees, but most of the vendors were closed by then.

It was such a good day.

Chalk Paint Frenzy

This is the post where I apologize to you for neglecting this blog for so long. I am sorry about that.  Life has been so hectic the last few weeks.  I have been working very hard to prepare my space for the Labor Day holiday.  Our garage has become a paint workshop.

After reading the glowing testimonials on several of the DIY blogs, I had to try Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  I painted three large pieces including this French buffet.  My experience with ASCP is that it wasn't really that much easier to use than regular paint, HOWEVER...the end results are wonderful, indeed.  I especially like the way the Paris Gray and Old White transformed this vintage piece.  Many of our customers today were complimentary of it.

After all that hard work, I must admit, it is hard to sell a piece like this.  Maybe it will sit there for a long time and I will get to bring it home.

One thing is for sure; I will definitely be using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint again...just as soon as I can save enough money to buy another color.

Painted Lampshades

I am experimenting with an idea this week.  I have two lamps that need to go to my booth at the flea market.  The lampshades on both these lamps are rather yucky, yet they are the perfect shape and size.  So, not wanting to invest any more money in the lamps than necessary, I am experimenting with painting the shades.

I originally thought of using plain acrylic paint, but then I found this textile paint that stays a soft texture.  It was really nice to use although the fabric on the shade sucked it up very fast.  Thank goodness for a 40% off coupon at Michaels. 

Here is the first shade on the refurbished lamp.  I really like the look of it, however, when I turned on the light there were lots of places where the paint was thin.  So I am going to give it a second coat of paint.  I hope that fixes the problem of patches of the light shade showing through.

Have any of you ever painted a lampshade?  What product did you use?  Do you have any tips to share?

Candle Lamp Remake

I found these cute little lamps that would be perfect as night lights.  I love the shapes and the gold leaf finish on them, but I hate the glaring white candle stick on them.  Time for a re-make.

First comes a good cleaning.  A paintbrush makes a great duster for carved detailed areas.

My big idea was to cover those white candle tubes with vintage paper.  I was not worried about risk of fire with the papers because the bulbs in these lamps are very low wattage. Of course, French text always looks good, but what about using some music on them?  Hmm...I like both patterns. 

My assistant was no help with this dilemna.  It's a good thing he only works for cookies.

Finally, I decided the lamps were detailed enough without adding in the pattern of the music.  I think the more subtle text compliments them more.  Time to get out the ModPodge.

Starting in the back, I applied the ModPodge to the candle, then wrapped the book page around it.  I overlapped the seam about a half inch in the back.  When the bubbles had all been worked out I brushed a coat of Modpodge on the outside of the covers to seal them.

It was a quick and simple make over, but I think it made a big difference in the lamps, don't you? 

A Basket of Flowers

This cute little sewing basket traveled to the flea market with me several times.  I couldn't understand why it didn't sell.  The inside is so cute.

It has that perfect shabby appeal.

Perhaps it is the fabric on the lid.
I took the tag off intending to donate it to the local thrift shop.  Then I had an idea.

What would it look like with vintage flowers on top?

LOVE vintage millinery.

Yep.  I like it much better.

What do you think?

 

End Table Make Over

The living room makeover continued last week with a table project.  I found these two end tables at Good Will for $10.00 each.  I actually liked them in wood tone, but the tops were damaged and they looked a bit too 70's cheap as is.  So I decided to paint them.

At first I thought about doing them in bright yellow, but then I decided to go with dark gray.

After priming them, I sprayed them with Krylon paint in the color, Classic Gray.  It took about 2.5 cans to cover them completely.

I liked the color, but decided to play up the detailing on them by glazing them.  I used a technique found on this blog.  I had just recently found some Ralph Lauren Faux Glazing Medium on clearance at Home Depot.  I mixed it with a bit of black acrylic paint to make the glaze.  At first I tried just winging it, but the glaze was drying faster than I could work it.  So, I went back to All Things Thrifty to watch the video instructions.  OHHHH!!!  She uses a wet cloth to wipe away the glaze!  It made all the difference.

I really like the way they turned out, although the color on them sometimes looks more blue than gray.  The finish reminds me of pewter.  I hope to incorporate some industrial elements into the room eventually, so I think these will blend well with that. 

We haven't had matching end tables before, but I really like them.  I like the balance and symmetry they add to the room.  It's also nice to have a drawer handy beside the sofa; journaling supplies in one and candles in the other.

What do you think?  Do they look blue to you?  Do they make my butt look fat?

 

Eureka

After watching The Nate Berkus Show and cruising blogland I am inspired to redecorate our family room.  Tristan, as always, has been so helpful.

As I started to take pictures for this post, I discovered he has been trimming my ivy again.

The little stinker.  I hope he doesn't expect a bonus when this project is completed.

I read somewhere that when you begin expressing your authentic style through your art that it somehow finds its way into your wardrobe and your home also.  That seems to be the case in our home.  I have slowly begun transforming the interior from country French to a more modern look.  I have found some pieces I really love at Good Will and Salvation Army.  Now, I'm at the point where I want to add some color.  I have been thinking of adding some gray, mustard, and paprika.  Hmm, that seems like a good way to "spice it up."  Sorry, I can't resist a pun.

Saturday morning I scored at another thrift shop.  I found two great mid-century modern chairs that I just knew would be great in this space.  And they are paprika color!

They were only $25.00 each.

They need a little minor tweaking, but I couldn't wait to show them to you.  I will touch up the stain on the legs and staple the undercovering back in place on the left one.  They are covered in that wears-like-iron nylon upholstery fabric that was popular in the 60's.  I just love the clean lines of them...and the color.

Then a trip to Home Goods turned up these pillows which are perfect for tying them into the neutral space.

What do you think?  Is it a good start to adding some pizzaz here?

Treasure Chest

It's about that time again; time for a big studio reorganize project.  I know there are things in there that are not being used anymore.

There is a dresser with drawers full of who knows what.  Today I decided to start the clean out there.

Looking through all this stuff can sure get a person inspired...

or confused.

Okay, some of this stuff is just too cool to get rid of.

Maybe my studio assistant can help me decide.

Then again, maybe not...