Monday, September 9, 2013

M.I.A but not really

Too much going on as always. Sometimes I long for a quiet peaceful life and sometimes I crave the hectic one I already have. I like being busy, just not to the point where there is no room to fit in creating and the things I enjoy become a burden or a stress.
Having said that, I announced on Facebook last night that I need a little time off and a little time to regroup and reevaluate. So, the first thing to go is Etsy for the time being. That has been my biggest stress. No time to create, photograph or list and if by some miracle I managed to sell something then when the heck do I ship it!! Too much!
So, I'm not sure where all this is going. I know I will sell off some of my stuff and at least keep my favourite stuff to create for my wholesale accounts. I don't want to quit altogether, I just need to see what I need to keep and what I need to let go.
I have been doing some creative stuff. Working on fixing up some older furniture and reselling it.
This is the piece I started with. Bought it secondhand, made it a little more sturdy, sanded the top and stained it dark. I love dark stain! I wanted to do something different with the legs, so I covered the top and spray painted them ivory. It took about three coats to get it just right. Once the last coat had dried for about an hour, I added a coat of stain and wiped it off. The stain mixed a little with the paint because it was not 100% dry. It gave the legs a really antiqued look. I spattered a little stain on the legs to make it look even more rustic. I just love how it looks finished!
I added three coats of poly to the top so far and two to the base. It needs just one more on the top. Love it!! This one is pre sold already so I may have to make myself another ;)
Right now I have about a half dozen pieces waiting in the garage for just the same treatment so hopefully the weather holds so I can do a bit more.
Keep stopping in, I'm not completely gone, just taking a short break. I will hopefully be able to share a few more fun projects or experiences soon...
Marie

6 comments:

Ann Schroeder said...

I will be interested to see where your journey takes you, so I will stay tuned in! I love what you've done with the table! I grew up with parents who were always stripping and refinishing furniture. I love to see the transformations.

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

This is just gorgeous Marie! I wish I had your talent! You take care of yourself..you are always in my thoughts!

Keith@ Vintage Crab Jewelry and Crafts said...

Very pretty piece!

lunedreams said...

Oh that is GORGEOUS!!! I LOVE the changes you made. The legs look really authentically old, that is difficult to do well. So elegant with the dark stained top. You have a wonderful eye for furniture! And clearly a gift for adding an aged look to something. Sometimes a lateral move to a different kind of creativity can be very renewing and refreshing. I hope your enjoyment of this project was as great as its beauty!

Martha said...

The table is just beautiful! I can't wait to see your next project.

Colleen said...

Just stopped by to check on you. Love, love, love what you are doing. I got hooked on Annie Sloan Chalk paint last year & had so much fun recreating old, worn out pieces. Also took to Pinterest & made my own chalk paint. Thought you might want to take a look: http://www.anniesloan.com/
So excited to see that you are taking care of yourself. Hugs, Colleen