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