Doe Re Mi

Had been wanting to paint a deer as of late. Loved the square window I had on hand and slapped some craft brown paper and old hymnals for his backdrop: the woods and their melodies.

Country White Dresser

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It's been awhile. Finally getting somewhat settled and finding myself a new 'workshop' to create in.  Came across this gem in my old neighborhood and already had a customer in mind with a specific room/look they were going for. The detail in the wood etching on the front drawers adds a charm that compliments those fancy legs and casterwheels.  I kept the original hardware on there because I thought it grounded the distressed look a bit.

Sailor Blue Side Table

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I had recently found this Blue Milk Paint to be so subtle and rich and therefore was pretty excited to give an old vintage side table a fresh start.  This gem sat in the basement for what seems like the longest time waiting for the perfect knob.  I could have brought home a course of 7 different options, just sure it would be a smashing hit.  And each seemed to incompatible in some measure.

Finally 3 lovely Anthropologie painted knobs found their home on her drawer fronts.

She's up for sale: easily found on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/184725962/sweet-sailor-blue-bedside-table?

Freedom Blue Dresser

 

In lieu of the impending holiday, the name seemed fitting.  I have been itching to try out a new color and found a good opportunity to do such.  I recently met a woman who sells milk paint more locally here in Denver (I had been driving up to Boulder to pick the paint up).  Anyhow, I hope this supports her little local shop Casa Verde even just a bit!  They specialize in superior green building products; 'where every color is green.'  Anyhow, I branched out of my normal muted colors and tried for a BLUE. I had picked up these knobs a bit back and thought the blue would really contrast beautifully with the gold/brass. 

The name of the color is "Solider Blue" and I think it possesses a fitting sheen and stature, living up to the name! Quite a regal color paired with new subtle gold/brass knobs from Anthropologie. Per usual I adore the golden keyholes and that the top 2 drawers have an understated curve to give her a little extra character.

Dimensions are as follows:
42 inches wide
21 inches deep
34.5 inches tall

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Cafe Tableau

This was another of those moments that the vulnerability can take you by surprise.  I had this little table envisioned for a bit and found the perfect person to build it for.  I drove out to a town east of Denver out in the rolling hill country where the bus stops every few blocks to drop off a kid near their little ranch property.  I had no idea the country was a stones throw from the city. My friend had driven in truck loads of old barn wood from his parent's Nebraska farm. I picked out a few to fit my liking, and knew I had a big long board for the sides at home I had picked up at a home demo site.  Also, picked up an old dolly and screwed her wheels off to be used for a better day.
I am often surprised that I'm still surprised my projects can be so frustrating with the varying sizes, depths, and bends of an old piece of wood.  They are not perfect, which is precisely why I end up preferring them.
Anyhow, I worked on a time crunch for a birthday and popped this sleek baby out. Will continue to be in awe that the Creator would allow us to participate in co-creation. To envision and carry out.  To labor over and delight in another's enjoyment of it. What a gift.

Butcher Logged Sofa/Entry Table

On a run a few months ago, I stumbled upon some thick logs in the street and envisioned them as a statement top to a table.  I ran home, hopped in my car and went to go load em up.  They were in pretty bad shape to be honest, but true to my nature, I found a means to make use of them.  It has become somewhat comical and customary that in using scraps and old/discarded wood, there will assuredly be a few difficulties.  Not to mention, I like to (typically) find my tools at garage sales, which means they are not as reliable and shiny as could be found new at the store; thereby things may just take a bit more time for my projects.
Nonetheless, I put a few logs together, used up some unique boards, and you find an eclectic little new creation. I originally envisioned it to be a kitchen island butcher block, but as the measurements came in and the pieces were put together, she looked a bit too long and narrow for an island to me.
I stained her a good ol' vinegar and black tea and she found her way inside.
She's a bit bulkier and rough, and could stand to lose a few lbs, but she's all wood and no curves and I quite like her as she is.

Creme and Grey Dresser

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New dresser with glass knobs has already found a home!  I wanted to shoot for a 2 toned dresser that would somehow make the drawers pop! The cream and grey is a favorite color choice these days.  It maintains a subtle shabby chic look, but the stained grey drawers bring out the rusticity of the wood.

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.

Country Cottage Beach Dresser

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I was quite pleased by how this little one came out.  When I went to pick this dresser up, I noticed some vintage remnants of her original color and became quickly fond of the light blue and cream combo.  I searched around my paint options and while none of them actually was the true color, I began doing a little kindergarten paint mixing to try and match the color as best as possible.  While not often functioning, keyholes are a favorite feature of mine in a dresser.  I also loved the simple trim around the bottom 2 drawers that adds a dainty extra touch to her face.

Grandpa's Grizzly Bear found his way to Steamboat

Finished a little mountain bear for the Steamboat cabin. grrrr.