Gray Distressed Table

Hello blog world... it has been a while, and no bloggin on vacation so no updates. Mediterranean Cruise...way too much fun! Two days of sleep to recover :-)
Goofed off for two weeks so time to get my project on...

Golden Oak dining room table, beautiful in it's day but now Gray is the word.

Distressed gray in a brick courtyard... oh yeah!

Table is ready, brick is purchased, now to get to work. Will take pics as the project progresses.
Happy Bloggin :-)

Toy Containment Center

This is the AFTER....

Not a conventional toy chest for a 4 year old, but I think he will like it.
All the essential have their place:  TV/DVD, book shelf is on the other side, the side you can see is chalk board (that's chalk hanging from a string), all of his DVD's....

Every surface that comes into contact with a sliding object like a basket or TV, I sprayed it with truck bed paint so it won't scratch. That's the plan anyway.

Do the chalkboard signs look like left over baseboard...that's because it is. Left over from my kitchen renovation.

Sending love to all the bloggers I follow...without you I would be sitting around waiting for my next issue of Southern Living magazine.

This is the before:

A craigslist find...I searched for a good little while to find the right size and shape for my little one's room. An old entertainment center upcycled for a new toy holder. I removed the glass front door (not good for a four year old) and the weak backing. The once popular honey oak color goes bye bye and the new satin black and tan with chalkboard accents come to the forefront. 

Maybe it's time to begin working on the table I see in the picture....lol. 

Practicality wins...

I admit... I am probably the world's most practical person. I ask for and get DIY projects for all special occasions. One of my favorite Christmas gifts is my under the counter wire pull out racks. How much do I love these, well enough to take a pic and load onto a blog, lol.
They were a cinch to install and make life so very easy! How in the world did I ever live without them.

Foyer all dressed up for the beginning of Summer.

This beautiful hall tree is the first piece I bought for my new home. It really chose me, because I never stood a chance once I found it. I just love that it fills a nook in my foyer and allows for extra storage. It's one of my faves. 

This Bench will Look Great in My Dining Room

http://images.hayneedle.com/mgen/master:LHD442.jpg?is=1600,1600,0xffffff

Dining room table was left behind at our rental property and I fell in love with it!! It was kept outside and used for a spray paint base, a base for a charcoal grill, and a place to repair chains ( as there is a large impression in the table top). 

First step was to clean using Murphy's oil soap and whew was it dirty! Second, I used a paint stripper to remove the spray paint and embedded varnish. It took three applications and a wire brush but I did remove almost all of the spray paint. I did not fill in the "character holes" left by the chain repair and what-ever else was done to this poor piece of furniture. Next, I used "Ebony" stain, three coats, applied with a clean towel and I did not remove any of the excess. There was none. Lastly, I applied three coats of a satin poly. I do love this piece! I could not have gone to a department store and purchased this size piece with the perfect color that I have now!

The color is actually the darkest ebony, not the walnut color...hope you enjoy :-)