Paris Gray Coffee Table

I am constantly on the lookout for furniture to repaint and redesign.  I came across a couple of tables on Craigslist, which I will say is not where I find most of my furniture.  In order to buy the table I really wanted I had to take the coffee table also.

Pretty beat up, but solid piece with clean lines.

before

I painted the table with Paris Gray....ASCP with a dark wax finish...

  I think the table could be used in so many different designs....from contemporary, cottage, traditional, and beachy.  Currently it is only one of two pieces still for sell.

after

I think the eyesore coffee table turned into a painted beauty!

Kim

Henredon Chair Makeover

I have an obsession...I admit it...I love chairs!  I came across this chair at Rosie's Mercantile in Mebane, NC, and I was in love.  I had visions of how cool this chair could so be! It's a classic, and it was made by Henredon Fine Furniture...

before

before

 Was I looking for a chair...of course not! But, I had a plan, and my plan was to get this chair, paint it, have it reupholstered! I sold the chair in our loft, moved one of the chairs from down stairs up to the loft! Yes, that is how I do it folks.... there's not much that stays the same around here.

The pictures do not do the chair justice...It has caning on the sides....in excellent condition...has down cushions.  I spray painted the chair a semi-gloss black...picked out a neutral fabric in gray/creme stripe to be upholstered.  I wanted something that would go with my decor, and be very versatile for whatever room it could end up in.

waiting for it's makeover

After

front view...after

after

Yep, I'm in love!  It looks great with my creme sofa. She's timeless & classic, and comfy too!

Kim

Provence End Tables

before

I picked up this pair of end tables recently...they are in great shape, heavy, beautiful details.  I thought they had a French style to them.  So I decided to paint them Provence with a dark wax finish.

I must say, while I like the look of dark wax it can be a pain to work with...but, I love how they turned out, and how the color totally changes.

after

I think they were a great find, and I just love picking and painting furniture!

Kim

Design color for 2013

Happy New Year!

If you're like me you've been busy traveling, putting away the Christmas decor, and starting to organize for the new year ahead!  Today I got back to the studio, and started some new painting projects I will show soon.

As many of you know the color for 2012 was Orange, and the design color for 2013 is Emerald Green.


In 2012, we had energy-2013 is about prosperity.  So in the world of colors, Pantone says goodbye, Tangerine Tango, and hello, Emerald. It's the color of growth, renewal and prosperity.






I picked up Annie Sloan Paint "Florence" when I was in Charleston this past summer, and these were some pieces I painted:

 May we all take time to Grow, Renew, and Prosper this coming year!  I hope it's your best year yet!

Kim

Merry Christmas

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isa 9:6

Have a Merry Christmas,

Kim

DIY Gift ideas for the Holidays...

I love to share a little something with my friends and neighbors at Christmas.  I found this recipe on Pinterest and knew it was one I wanted to try...

salted caramel almond pretzel popcorn
(adapted from Shutterbean)
I’ve made this again recently (Oct 2012) & the recipe turned out wonderfully. I was able to get the caramel golden brown with high heat & patience. Once it’s golden, add in the cream and stir well before adding in the marshmallows. Pour the caramel quickly over the mixture and work very quickly as the caramel is super sticky. Press firmly into a buttered dish & voila, I was able to get squares! Good luck :)
12 – 14 c plain popped popcorn
3 c coarsely chopped small salted pretzels
1.5 c toasted almonds, roughly chopped
2 c sugar
kosher salt
2/3 c heavy cream
2 c miniature marshmallows
Butter a 9×13″ pan and set aside. In your largest bowl possible, dump in the popcorn, pretzels and almonds and toss so that everything is evenly mixed.
In a large saucepan, melt the sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a half cup of water and bring to a boil. Boil until the mixture turns into a golden caramel shade – about 8-12 minutes. Remove from heat and pour in the heavy cream – watch out, mixture will splurt! Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
Pour caramel over popcorn and use a wooden spoon to mix everything together – work quickly because the caramel firms up quick and then you’ll have to use all your arm strength to pry all the tasty bits away from the bowl. Maybe next time I’ll try buttering down the bowl. If you try it, let me know if it works out. Dump the mixture into the prepared pan and press down on using slightly damp hands (helps to prevent stickiness), so that popcorn mixture is completely pressed into pan. Sprinkle with flakey kosher salt and let cool. Cut into bars or break mixture into delicious clumps. Otherwise, just enjoy the sweet, sweet crumbles and watch yourself turn into drooling, blubbering Homer Simpson. Look away because it isn’t pretty.

source: http://everybodylikessandwiches.com/2010/11/chunks-of-temptation-salted-caramel-almond-pretzel-popcorn/

I have to say it is very tasty!  At Michaels I found these adorable chinese boxes on sale for .59 cents, and thought they would be perfect for the popcorn!

I placed the popcorn in baggie to keep it fresh.  It fit perfectly.

I had picked up these Merry Christmas tags earlier at Hobby Lobby, and couldn't believe it...they matched perfect.  I just added some jute twine.... and there you have it a little something to give away!

I also needed a gift idea for a dinner party, and decided I didn't want to take the traditional bottle of wine.  Our friend loves gardening so I thought I would share a start of paperwhites...

I bought the paperwhite bulbs at Lowes you can also pick them up at Target, Walmart.  I planted them in a silver container, and I always add some Reindeer moss (I love the added green color) I placed cellophane around the entire container,and tied a apple green silk ribbon around it.

Added care directions with a tag...

Thank you on a chalkboard tag...

Picked up this champagne glitter ornament at Walmart for $1 and added for sparkle...

Beautiful hostess gift....that will bloom through the Holiday season...

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

Kim

Outdoor Christmas Decorating

Living now in a town home we have limited outdoor space...I have a covered stone front porch, and added a little Christmas to it...

Front porch entry

Front door wreath

fresh garland with lg bulb lights...lighted shrubs

lanterns by the front door...with battery candles (remote control)...added ribbon & greenery & ornaments

live greenery with added berries

I had this large jar I got thrifting this summer for .25 and added lg clear bulbs ( these sell at Pottery Barn for $50)

back porch...I have white lights on a holly shrub I have in large planter...wreath on storage door with zebra ribbon

Regardless of the size of space your working with, you can create festive & beautiful surroundings.  I love lots of sparkle at Christmas!

Thanks for checking out all the Christmas decorating going on around here!

Have a Blessed & Merry Christmas!

Kim