Creating a Unique Vintage Mirror

This vintage mirror needed a little bit of help looking its age. So, I took the mirror apart and worked some magic! First, I used paint stripper on the back of the mirror. It has to sit for about 15 minutes so I then started working on the frame. I sanded it down and wiped away all the dust. I painted the frame a teal color and let it dry. Then moving back to the mirror to remove the stripper. I removed most of the paint, leaving small patchy areas untouched. I then sanded certain areas where I wanted to remove the "mirror" effect ( it would look like a plain piece of glass). I chose two different shades of gold acrylic paint to add to the age. I used a sponge to apply the acrylic paint to the glass. I LOVE scrapbooking paper, it can be used for millions of things! I used it to create the words behind the glass. You will have to work with the paint, re-sanding and then paper until you create the desired look. Going back to the frame I sanded down the teal paint a little and then added some glaze. When that dried I once again.. sanded. The four gold circles at each corner are metal pieces I took off the bottom of a chair. I painted them gold and while still damn hammered them into place so the hammer would leave a mark in the paint. I seal the frame with poly before putting it back together. The best part is as you move around the mirror you can see all the effects and still see your reflection!

Fairy Tale Furniture - 1930's Secretary Desk

Happy snow storm! I mean, Oh Darn! Haha! As the snow moves in I finally get to sit and take a break. Well sorta, I still have a boyfriend and needy cat that require my attention. I believe a snow storm serves a reminder that we all need to just sit back and relax once and a while. Mother nature is now granting us, (hmmm, some of us.. sorry folks) a day of TLC. So I decided to catch you up on this exhausting but yet unique piece I have been working on. It's a 1930's Secretary's Desk. When I first laid my eyes on it I thought ... "Did this just appear from a fairly tale?" I swear it was something Cinderella would use to store her belongings. Mermaid Skeleton key and all! So, I had to have it. Boy oh boy I didn't realize the work I had coming to me! It didn't look like it was in such bad shape but it need more TLC than I thought. Here take a look for yourself...

Beauty right!? Well, there were layers and layers of paint and poly on this beauty and oh yeah dust and grime! Piece by piece I took this Secretary's desk apart. Shelves came out, doors came off, and hardware was stripped. It took hours with a belt sander and my little mouse (for cramped areas, or corners). Most pieces just need a good wipe down but there was way too much dust left on this desk. So instead I took my hand held vacuum and cleaned the dust and dirt that covered the desk.

 There were a few spots that needed some repair before I could attempt to go further and paint. So I took out the wood glue and clamps and patched up the cracks and crevices to restore the former glory. With all the spots that needed fixing I had to let it sit and dry overnight just to sand down the spots AGAIN the next day.

 

Then I finally got to paint! YAHOOOOO! I wanted to create a vintage distressed look since it fit the piece so.  I first used a primer and then I chose a sky blue (which I wanted to show as the base color)and over that a nice light grey. The inside I decided to keep all blue for a simple but yet elegant look. This is where painters tape came in.

Since this piece was so old I wasn't able to get all new hardware. But it also wasn't in bad shape. I scraped off some of the old paint and (Thank You Nicole Curtis!!!!!) used an old crock pot to remove the rest of it. I used a little metallic spray paint to restore a new look to the hardware. So now as I put the shelves back in, doors back on, and hardware screw on I only had one last step left... distressing the outside. This process actually sounds pretty simple but it was a lot of hard work and a lot of time. I had to allow ample drying time after every coat that I had applied. So after this snow storm passes and all the snow melts... ha ha OK well I guess when its cleared up... I will get back to the studio and finish the most exciting part of this whole project! Check back to see the final piece all done and looking beautiful again!

SHABBY CHIC VINTAGE CHAIR

AFTER:

 

Sanding, sanding, and more sanding!! Layers later.... I was able to start the first NEW layer of paint! I was inspired by the fabric chosen and began with an Apple Green as the base color. and for the top coat I chose a Smokey Blue. I distressed the chair using sandpaper and some steel wool. The cushion was added for comfort and finally the chair was completed with two layers of Poly!

BEFORE: