Saturday, July 27, 2013

Lining Up (more) Projects

I spent my Saturday looking at houses, painting an umbrella stand and watching two very cute and extremely entertaining little boys.  Intent on staying up until their parents returned home, I convinced them of the merits of taking early baths and getting into their pajamas BEFORE we did the popcorn and movie thing.  They liked the idea!  They picked the movie, The Last Airbender (?) and though it was predictable, it was age-appropriate and completely appealing to a creative and imaginative set of brothers.  I liked it too!

So about the umbrella stand...I picked it up at a garage sale for $2 a few days ago.  It's brass and in excellent condition, save a few spots of rust.  I decided to go for an off-white, while preserving the gold twine-wrapped handle.  After I sprayed it I realized that I hadn't cleaned it.  Oops...you know how dirt, hair and cobwebs look after they've been spray painted?  Yes you do!  I took the steel wool out to do what I should have done at the outset, rinsed it off and got ready to apply another coat.  But wait!  I'm kinda digging this distressed look!  I'm not too fond of the "chippy" thing, but the rubbed off paint really gave this an aged look that looked very authentic.  I ended up applying another coat anyway, but I am going to get the steel wool out again, this time being more deliberate with where I use it.  Another piece that I love and will probably sell, but won't want to.  I need a much bigger place.  Sigh.

My lucite bar cart needs a little repair, but it's still an amazing find.  Maybe my best yet.  The brass cart is ready to go.  I would love to keep it, but it seems unfair when so many people are out there looking for one that are actually going to use it for it's intended purpose.  I would repurpose it no doubt, since I rarely entertain, and it would be a shame to turn this fantastic find into a craft cart. I am completely stoked for the next few vintage markets.  I have stuff...good stuff...and lots of it.

Add in about five tables, several chairs and a dresser and I'm thinking I need a power sprayer.  But no, I'm going to get out the brush and the chalk paint and do it right.  If anyone is interested in a marathon DIY session, send me a message.  A full day of sun, low humidity and wind, and we could hammer this stuff out.  Truth is, I really don't know where to start, but the umbrella stand gave me a sense of accomplishment for today.

No comments: