Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Whitening, Assembling, Refining - Before and After Projects


For over a year now, it seems I have been on a quest to turn every single item in my home white! 


While that may seem to be the case, the truth of the matter is that there are PLENTY of items in my home that are wood, red, black, green...you just haven't seen them yet. 


And furthermore, I LOVE the white stuff. I'm not finished yet. 
I love that white paint unifies a variety of mismatched items.

I love how it can accentuate details by revealing shadows.

White is clean and unpretentious. 


This shelf certainly looks sweet with a coat of shabby white, home-made, faux chalk paint. 


N'est-ce pas?


And these wooden components come together nicely...




...to make a large faux finial. Que pensez-vous?



The plaster of Paris recipe does not sand as well as the real ASCP, but you can achieve a similar look for a fraction of the cost. 

This finial is in the running for a place on the upcoming 
pre-spring mantel. 

As are these brass candlesticks - distressed to disguise a couple of bad spray paint jobs.



I love how the teal blue is peeking through, along with the original brass.


Which reminds me...

Sometimes revealing our past mistakes - even showcasing them - makes us more attractive. 



When we can't tell which side is up, our perspective is  skewed. 



Stripping away our outer finish can be a tad painful, 
but the end product is well worth the pain and effort.

Word for the Day:
Isaiah 48:10
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.


Possibly Linking With:

Sunday

Sunday’s Best
Creative Bloggers Party Hop
Sunday Show-off Link Party
Nifty Thrifty Sunday
Monday

Metamorphosis Monday
Mod Mix Monday
Just a party with my peeps!
Make it Pretty Monday
Tuesday

Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Cowgirl Up!
Cowgirl Up!
All Star Block Party
Tuesday’s Treasures
Be Inspired
Twice Owned Tuesday
Wednesday

Blissfully White Wednesday
Share the Love Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wed
Wow Us Wednesday
Penny Pinching Party
What’s it Wednesday

Thursday

Under $100 Link Party
Transformation Thursday

Thursday Open House Party
Share Awesomeness Thursday
Time Travel Thursday
Treasure Hunt Thursday
Home and Garden Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Thursday Favorite Things
Friday

Feathered Nest Friday
Friday Redoux Link Party
Frugal Friday
Inspiration Friday
Free For All Friday
Rustic Restorations Weekend
Fabulously Creative Friday
Frugalicious Friday
Delicately Constructed Friday
Flaunt it Friday
Weekend
Saturday

Saturday Nite Special
Get Schooled Saturday
Show and Tell Saturday


16 comments:

Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles said...

Well, you've definitely got the distressing technique down! Great pieces, and putting together that finial? Genius!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

I love the white too :)--your transformations look wonderful! I too love to make my own chalk paint. I just can't afford the real stuff and really don't find it to be any better.

Christine @ Rustic-Refined said...

Love it, great job! Seeing how good everything turned out is going to make it harder for me to pass up items at the the antique and thrift stores!

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

love this post! ...and nice job on your painting, sanding and distressing!

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

It all looks gorgeous Revi, and I want to see some photos of it all put together. You did a great job!!

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

It really is hard to believe that white paint could make such a dramatic change, but it sure does!

Liz @ Quirky Vistas said...

Beautiful post and insights. And I just love every single one of these pieces painted white and distressed. I can't believe those finials you came up with using the various pieces. You have such an eye. I too noticed how sweet those candlesticks are with the color peeking through. Paint on metal is such a cool old look. You are definitely getting the most bang for your buck using homemade chalk paint!

chateau chic said...

Paint is a great way to unify odd pieces. Love how you tied all that process in with the way the Lord refines us! Can be very painful at times.
Mary Alice

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

White paint truly is amazing isn't it? Love the candlesticks!

Donna Wilkes said...

I always love the look of your pieces. As for homemade chalk paint, try non-sanded grout instead of Plaster of Paris. The finials are great!

Trisha said...

You are so talented. I love the distressed look.

Ricki Treleaven said...

I love how the blue is peeking through, too....so cute! Great projects!

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Just saw the news! Are you snowed in? 17 inches???
xxx, T.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Revi, Every piece turned out wonderful! Thanks for sharing your projects at the Open House party.
xx, Sherry

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

I have been painting alot of things white lately too Revi. Love how the other colors or stains show through the white. Great job on the faux finial! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Tammy said...

White definitely gives everything a fresh clean look. I like how you distress them otherwise the white would be blah, but you give each piece character. I really like the blue peaking through on those candlesticks too :) Thank you for sharing at Rustic Restorations Weekend!