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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!

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Boring Wood Stools Get a Makeover With a French Accent

Hi everyone, how was your Christmas?
I hope it was a wonderful one!
With the new year, most of us seem to have that
"out with the old, in with the new"
yearning.
So with that, I thought I'd share with you my latest transformation, a project that I just completed for DecoArt
Actually, rather than out with the old, I wanted to take it one step further and
keep the old, just make it better!
So, here is a sneak peak at my new-old kitchen stools!
And here is what they used to look like!
Pretty boring, right?
Well, I was about to get rid of them and purchase some new ones.
I am so glad that I had a change of heart!!
Before I share with you more, I'll back up a bit and mention that we're planning to renovate our kitchen.  Yeah!
We'll be getting new counters.  I decided rather than get rid of all our cabinets, as they are still in very good shape, that I'll paint them antique white, and add some new hardware.
We do plan on splurging a bit and replacing the island, which you see below.
Ok, more on that later!
Here is what I did to give my stools a French accent!
After painting them all with DecoArt's "Lace" chalky finish paint (my hand's down favorite color of theirs!),
I used their image transfer medium to add these fun graphics, found over at the Graphics Fairy.
(gosh, I think I'd be lost without the Graphics Fairy!!)
I was pretty nervous about trying the image transfer method.  I'd attempted to a few times several years ago, using the Mod Podge method, with pitiful results.  But, back then I made the mistake of using copies from my ink jet printer.  You really need to use laser printed copies in order for this method to work. 
Trust me, I found this out the hard way!!
So, I took my graphics to Staples and had them make laser copies (since we have an ink jet printer at home), the cost was super cheap.
If you are using graphics with words, just make sure you use a mirror image (flip the print backwards)!
I followed DecoArt's directions, and I must say I am happy with the results!
It was pretty tedious, and not a project that you can rush.
This graphic, an advertising sign for a French candy and pastry shop, is my favorite!
Now that I'm getting the hang of the transfer method, I can't wait to try it on something else!
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I used Deco Art's "soft touch varnish sealer" as a protective top coat.
Please ignore the unsightly metal pipe in the photo below!  It will be hidden soon by our new larger island!
Actually it's the gas line to my new gas stove, which I love cooking on!
We'd had an electric stove for years, and I never liked cooking on it.
I still can't believe how different the stools look!  I really do love them now!
So my challenge to you is rather than just going out and buying a bunch of new stuff
(to replace the old), try looking at what you already have and see how you can transform it in some way.
It's amazing what a little paint and tlc can do!!
Disclaimer:  I'm compensated for my projects for DecoArt, but all of the opinions here are my own!
Linking up with Creative Country Mom for Flea Market Fridays

18 comments:

Trisha said...

Those turned out great Donna! The French images are perfect for a kitchen and I can't wait to see your makeover! We are doing our master bathroom right now and I hope to be done soon so we can move onto our kitchen next. Have a Happy New Year!

~Trisha

Susie said...

Donna, I have to say, everything you make over always looks so much better. I can hardly believe those are the same stools...they just look so much more expensive. I love them. I want to wish you and your husband a peaceful healthy new year. xoxo,Susie

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Now how cool and chic is this transformation Donna!!! Love them ...makeover, oh how you're speaking words of excitement.
xoxo,
Vera

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

WOW - they look terrific. I just gave away 2 ugly stools and look what I could have done to them. You never cease to amaze me with your talents.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, I did with son and granddaughter Kelly and my grand=dog Skittles.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year my dear friend.
Love
Mary

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Beautiful transformation, Donna! Fun technique...Thanks for the tip about getting laser copies from the copy shop!

Rose L said...

It is nice when you make a lovely thing from something not very nice. Now you will enjoy them!

Bente said...

That was a great transformation, Donna. Love the stools.
Wish you a happy and peaceful new year.
Hugs from here

Jan Hermann said...

What a fabulous transformation! Love it!

Happy New Year...
Jan ♥

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Really cute!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, wow you sure gave new life to your stools. Love them in lace and the graphics are some of my favs. So excited for you and your kitchen Reno. Happy New Year!! xo

EL RINCON DE CHELO said...

Que preciosas te han quedado!! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!!!! besos

Debbie said...

Oh my goodness, Donna! I LOVE the stools! They look wonderful! How exciting for you to be transforming the kitchen into a new place to gather, and prepare meals in. Can't wait to see what you do next!
Happy New Year!
Debbie
xo

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna,
I love, love, love your french image stools!
One of these days I'm going to try transferring onto wood, but I've had some fails. I'll look up your method and give it a try.
I'm excited for you about the kitchen remodel. Can't wait to see.

Happy New Year and hugs,
Sissie

Musings from Kim K. said...

Oh my goodness. The transformation is absolutely amazing. You are so darn talented. I can't wait to see what other fun projects you have in store in 2016! Happy New Year!

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I love the buckets in your header. I really like them painted. So charming.

handmade by amalia said...

I'm a bit late with my blog reading but I'm glad I finally arrived to see these stools. They are so pretty and, yes, tres chic.
Amalia
xo

john said...

Love these Donna !
Gail x

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

A coat of paint does make a huge difference! I just love your stools. I am so afraid of the transfer method that I may never try it although I love the results. All I know is stenciling, which doesn't always come out right!