from shabby to CHIC

Some DIY on vintage furniture can be quite rewarding.  I found a new product that is reminiscent of the metallic paints from the past I have come to know and love.  The painted metallic finish seems to fall out of favour every once in a while until someone creates something spectacular and the trend is back on.

I found this vintage piece at the thrift store and just knew I could turn it into something spectacular.  I wasn't exactly sure how but I was feeling pretty confident.

Before shots.

I took the time to sand it down with soft sanding blocks.  They were the perfect grit for the wood and they reached into awkward areas and the spindles were a piece of cake to sand.  A damp rag removes any sanding dust.

To make the painting process a little easier, I took the table apart and painted it in sections.
A good quality 2" bristle brush is essential.

It is also handy to have a smaller 1" brush for the tight spots.

This is the product I found at the local paint shop.  I found it easy to work with and even though it took several coats to cover the dark brown, I did not need to prime and the end result is spectacular.   What do you think?  I am now working on a stand-alone magazine rack.  Once I finish it, I will post more photos.

And the After shot.  I love it! 

Decorating the Dr.'s Office

When Dr. David Hammond of Glover Road Chiropractic here in Langley sent me an email over a year ago, I honestly thought it was spam.  He was telling me he had found my business card in his new office and wanted to see some more of my artwork.  Sounded a little suspicious to me (only because I've been approached on numerous occasions via email by scammers about my artwork) but soon enough I figured out that Dr. Hammond was the real deal.  He really was interested in my photographic art.  I met with David at his office and we discussed art.  Much to my surprise, he wanted me to give him some decorating tips along with my art consultation.  Well, not being a designer, I was a little nervous.  My first thought was, can I pull it off?  My second thought was, surely all these years of watching HGTV is finally going to pay off.  Well, like most things I tackle in life, I jumped in with both feet and started sharing my ideas.    Turns out the decor part was far easier than I had originally anticipated.  There would be no painting, new furniture nor decor items.  Re-arranging his office was more like the game plan.  Here are some of the before and after shots.  I'm still waiting for a plant in the waiting room for some organic presence.  My suggestion for moving the diplomas out of the reception area to the blank wall in the hallway has yet to be completed but overall, I think the space looks pretty great.  Small changes DO make a difference. 

Before





After





After





Before





After

Before, that bulletin board was such an eyesore.



After, a nice black and white canvas print
and some vinyl lettering, what an improvement.



Check out the ugly Electrical panel to the far left.
My favorite project was to create a magnetic board that
served as a cover and
promotional piece.

Here it is, it turned out so great.  Had my art shop make up a frame, my sign shop a
vinyl reverse lettering cover for some galvanized steel and voila
a magnetic board covering up the ugly electrical panel.
Thanks to 3M products this cover is just velcroed to the wall
and is easily removed when necessary.

No one would ever guess there is an electrical panel behind this.











Oh no, I have MPD

MPD stands for Multiple Passions Disorder.  It is the clinical dx for any one who can't decide what they love to do most in life.  I am over 30, okay, way over 30, and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up.  I love to create, craft, design, build, help, showcase, produce, redesign, rebuild and reproduce, oops, did I really say that?  I always know what "my bad" is but what is "my good"?  Maybe I will enlist the help of my blogging world friends.  I can showcase a new project every time I blog and get a vote, what do you think? Google Sari McNamee, go ahead, its pretty safe.  I love being an artist, I love selling my work around the world and making friends online with fellow art admirers.  I love creating for others, things like baby blankets and bibs and of course Mocha Mitts (more on those later).  I also love helping out with fundraising, for organizations such as my kids' school, the local hospital foundation, the Canadian Br. Cancer Foundation, among many others.  I love collecting vintage goodies, repurposing items and shopping at thrift stores. 

Maybe I am analyzing this way too much.

Maybe for now, I will just spread my wings, be curious and ride the wave. 

Until next time, when we discuss MFD.