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, November 11, 2014

What a Difference Paint Makes

Hi everyone, how is your week going so far?
Today I thought I'd share with you some of my latest projects that I've created for my Etsy shop.
I love birdcages, and was super excited when hubby brought me home this beauty!
 This is one tall bird cage, standing at over 2 1/2'!  It didn't begin looking like this, though!  I'll show you the before in a second.  I really love the arched top and cute little wood finials, too!
It even has a tray that slides out at the bottom, so it could be used for an actual birdcage.
 Ok, here is the before!
It's amazing what a difference a little paint and tlc makes, don't you think?!
 I love the cute little door at the front:)
 I think it looks so much better in my signature creamy dreamy white!
 Another favorite recent makeover is this pretty vintage wood corner shelf.
You should have seen what this puppy looked like when I first spotted her!
 I just love the ornate cut work design.
This is another large piece, at over 3 1/2' tall.
 Ok, are you ready for this?
Here is what the poor thing looked like when I discovered her hiding in a corner!
Yikes!  Not only was she pretty dusty and dirty, but had probably the ugliest paint job I have ever seen!
What on earth were they thinking?  Someone had spray painted her bright red, just randomly, so you could still see the white beneath.  I am sure they thought they were being creative, but
what a hot mess!
 After giving her a good bath, I couldn't wait for the transformation to begin!
I could almost hear her shouting
"thank you!!!!!" as I was painting her a nice creamy white!!
Oh so much better, I think!
 Ok, I don't have a before shot to share with you for my next project, but I just had to share this pretty French cloche that I created!
After painting the wooden base, I then stenciled in dark midnight blue a gorgeous fleur de lis image.
Because what could be more French than that?
 I then added a cute tag that I created from chipboard, as well as a copy of a vintage French book page and a fleur de lis image.  Glittered, of course!
 It was alot of fun to create!
 Thanks for visiting today, now go out and find something to transform with a bit of paint and tlc!!

11 comments:

Trisha said...

Oh yes, paint is an amazing thing...if used the right way of course! Love your transformations and the dreamy shade of white! Have a great week!

~Trisha

Jan Hermann said...

Oh, yes...you have some mighty awesome transformations here - with PAINT! I love what paint can do for items that lack lustre! Good job!

Tete said...

Oh, did he do good or what? I love it! I have a thing for them anyway, but I would just love to get my hands on one like that. Enjoy it!
I am painting things I have had for years, you gave me the courage to do that, and I am happy with "new" things around here. Hope you are well and things are good with you. Been so busy around here, but harvest is finally over!

Susie said...

Donna, I like your make-overs so much more than the original paint jobs. You did well making the vignettes too. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

NanaDiana said...

Nice makeovers, Donna. I love that birdcage. My mother had a whatknot shelf exactly like that one. It was a deep mahogany color. I think my brother still had it at his house when he passed away. xo Diana

Okio B Designs said...

Your fleur de lis cloche is gorgeous! And thank goodness you saved that piece. Who on earth would randomly paint it red????

Jeanine

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Paint is an amazing thing! Love the cloche also! You always make the best frenchy things that make my heart sing!
hugs,
Linda

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

WOW, they look terrific. Love the bird cages. Your really did an a outstanding job with the lovely paint. I also like the little shelves. You are really on a roll with your lovely decorating.
Your husband did a great job on finding that tall bird cage.
Have a great rest of the week. Any snow your way? We finally have some cool weather yea.
Hugs
Mary

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, what gorgeous makeovers. I love that birdcage. Your hubby did good finding it! So pretty and detailed now that it's painted. Darling little corner shelf too and you gave it a new life in the new color.
Love your old cloche and your addition of the stencil on the bottom.
Yes, paint sure makes a beautiful difference!!
Have a great day!
Hugs

Musings from Kim K. said...

Glad you and your paint could come to the rescue, Donna! Fabulous transformations (as always)!!

Cynthia said...

Love the creations. That birdcage is a beauty

Cindy