Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Painting Obsessions!

Hello Ladies!  Happy White Wednesday (a day early, of course!).  It's no secret that I am in love with white, cream, and all shades in between!  I've been busy lately painting just about everything in sight (no surface is safe with me!), and wanted to show you my latest creations that I have placed in my Etsy shop.  Sorry, I was so anxious to begin my makeovers, that I neglected to take before photos of most of these!  I vow to do better next time!  I am especially thrilled with the way this chalkboard turned out! She began life as a Syroco type framed mirror, and the mirror had seen better days, so I replaced it with chalkboard!
 I could hardly wait to paint formerly brown frame white!  Love, love, love!
 And here is another frame that I rescued from boringness!  (ok, is "boringness" really a word?)Once brown, it held a very faded and dated print.  I love the woven insert, and I think she is much happier in her new life as a pretty chalkboard!

 Did you know that chalkboards are all the rage as wedding reception decor?  Yes, they are! So with three oval openings, I just couldn't resist the "Mr. & Mrs."!
 I really love all of the beautiful details of this frame!  This is one where I remembered to take a before shot, which you will see a few photos down.
 Cream paint, distressing, and Ralph Lauren antiquing glaze, and oooh, la, la!
And here she was before.  Not terrible, but definitely in need of some sprucing up!
 I just love the key motif, so I was really excited to discover this vintage Syroco wall plaque, just begging for me to take her home!  Nothing that a little Heirloom White and antiquing glaze can't solve!
 Look closely at the key.  It is wearing a crown!  How cool is that?!


 I was especially thrilled with the way this vintage shelf (which was marked made in Italy on the underside) turned out!  It began as a slightly gaudy gold (luckily I remembered to take a photo before her makeover!).
 I really love how the paint and distressing bring out all of the wonderful details of this piece!  Tres magnifique!
 See, I told you she was a bit on the gaudy side!  I get such a thrill whenever I find pieces like this.  Even hubby has been on the hunt for Syroco for me to transform!

 Well, gotta go do some more painting!  What have you transformed lately?
I am linking up with the following tres magnifique parties!
Faded Charm White Wednesday

17 comments:

Tete said...

Ok- when warmer weather gets here, I'm going to painting everything is sight, too.
So- what have I transformed today? Dirty laundry into clean laundry. So far!
Hugs- Tete

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

You look all ready to paint the world white ... one piece at a time! All your pieces go from being ugly ducklings to beautiful swans with the swish of your brush!

Kaybe said...

I have a few of those gold shelves packed away. Thanks for the good idea.

Shabby Cottage Studio said...

A woman after my own heart! Give me cream paint and glaze and I'll transform anything that comes my way. I love that idea of chalkboards for wedding decor,..a new idea to me. Guess I don't go to many weddings anymore. LOL

Musings from Kim K. said...

You do such beautiful work. I love that oval chalkboard idea. My glue gun has had a workout lately but I haven't picked up any brushes in a long time.

NanaDiana said...

You did a really nice job on those, Donna. BTW..what do you use for your chalkboard surface? Are you covering the mirrors, etc. with chalkboard paint or cutting out a different backer? Or is it a trade secret?

I hope your hubby doesn't stand still too long or he will be painted, antiqued and put in the Etsy shop for the highest bid!;>) Hugs-Diana

Sandi said...

LOVE it all! I especially love the Mr. and Mrs. frame. Too cute!
I have a whole pile of things for hubby to spray paint white for my booth...whenever he gets at it. lol
Hugs~

Donna said...

Wow! You're good!! Love the chalkboard items...so useful!!

Leo said...

Donna - they came out great!!! Your stocking up your shop!!!!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I'm always amazed how things are transformed~ they look great! The only thing I've transformed~ I dyed my hair...no more dark roots LOL!

Cindy Adkins said...

Amazing transformations, Donna!!! Oh my gosh--I love everything!!!
You are amazing!!!
XO

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

The frame with the oval openings is really cute! What a difference a coat of white paint can make huh? Especially on that gold shelf!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Loving your whites today! Especially the Mr and Mrs...how cute is that!!

Erin said...

Fabuluous transformations Donna! I love the Mr & Mrs sign, it is all terrific, but that's my fave!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna,
Nothing is safe from your white paint and paint brush! LOL! White always looks so much better than that awful gold. Wonder what decade that was when we used to love this stuff. Ick! I hope we never go back to it.
I am lovin your chalkboard and the wall shelf, very pretty. Your paint jobs look awesome.

hugs
Sissie

Blue Ridge Altered Art said...

You have been very busy and have made some lovely transformations. Thanks for sharing. ~~Sherry~~

shannon i olson said...

nice! I love the Mr. and Mrs. idea! I have some things that need painting, but it is so cold and snowy out. hmmm guess I have to break out the brush and bucket and do it old school. :)