Chevron Ruler Bedside Table

Before:

After:

This little gem was a pretty significant transformation.  Her shape had such grand potential, but goodness she was covered in some decade's experimental fashion. Stripping her down was the first step like giving her a good grand rinse; let's clean you off and see what we're working with. Once I determined that I wasn't crazy about the top, I knew just what that stack of antique rulers were going to be used for.

I made up my own stain and knew that I wasn't positive I wanted it all monochromatic, so I stained the top, and tested out some white-grey on her midsection. Unsure of my decision, she sat in the corner for a month or so while I determined to paint the whole bottom, the drawers, legs or no legs. Finally I determined to go with the white but dip dye her little legs the same stain color. From the photos it's difficult to see the stained legs in the shadows.

And I settled on these fancy 'key-lock' like pulls from Anthropologie to finish her off.  They add an extra element of class that she didn't need, but adorns her oh so well.

Chevron Black and Gold Dresser

Picked this little gem up and wanted to add a little extra class and pizazz. After sanding her down, I taped off the sides and liked the raw wood color to paint chevron. I loved the original knobs and so wanted to try and maintain them and work around their style. The top 2 drawers were lined with a unique print paper. I really like the size and think it would be really sweet in a little boy's bedroom or to don a corner room and display your gold trimmed fancy bar necessities. 

Chic Chevron: Coffee Table from scratch

Step 1: get some wood from an old wood pile:

 

Step 2: Begin to make some 45 degree cuts.

 Step 3: Attach the pieces

Okay well that's not your step-by-step how to, obviously; but, I thought it might be nice to include a few photos from along the way.  I went one Saturday to pick up some wood from a local cinematographer who had at one point refinished his gate.  I very lady-like picked out a few boards that I found a bit of life still in and loaded 'em up.  This project took a few curve ball turns.  I originally had a whole different vision in mind, that gradually took on a different face at every step.  I was pretty thrilled to get to use a miter saw, particularly because it made the cuts so quickly and with such precision.  The problem I continued to run into, and will continue to if I persist to use discarded materials, is the boards were 1. old 2. warped 3. varying sizes and depths.
This as you may assume can create a few problems when you are wanting some fluidity and smoothness to your pieces.  I also came across the trouble of needing the table to be sturdy.  I rebutted with the thought that I am not making furniture for people to stand on and dance upon (though I wouldn't be fully opposed).  I failed to recognize the naturalness to sitting on the ledge of a coffee table while chatting with someone on the couch.  Needless to say, I wanted my project to withstand a decent about of wear and tear.  And withstand it she does!
I tried to create some legs that could portray a bit of modernity and simplicity to offset the detail and interest of the top.  When all put together, while very modern, it was a tad too short for my liking.
So I screwed on some hefty casterwheels which complement her whole image quite nicely.

I am consistently surprised at how varied my responses are to these projects as they develop.  How often I am thrilled and inspired, and at many times frustrated and in disgust, only to consistently see a thread of potential and hope. Their finished projects rarely disappoint.
So many alterations and adjustments, hours of sanding and refining. What glory to behold a beauty that could never have been realized without the vision and labor of another.  Again, I am in awe.

Shabby Chevron Desk

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 After:

 

I have been meaning for sometime to try a chevron pattern on a piece of furniture.  I got this desk and wasn't wild about it and figured it'd be the perfect option to do a little experimenting.  I was quite pleased with her end result.  The actual chevron portion took a little extra time.  I tend to forget how much math is necessary to do a job well.  

It took some deliberating on the knobs, but I am quite happy with the orange pop of color to off set the neutrals.  She'll make a happy little perch for someone study up next to!