Happy Halloween, Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year......
OK, so now I've made up for all of the holidays I've missed since last posting on this silly little blog of mine. I've been a very busy girl and don't even know where to begin to bring you all up to date on what I've been doing.
You may remember me posting about our basement flood....YES, it did flood. No, it is not fixed yet and NO nothing is covered by insurance...we did managed to get everyone situated into bedrooms so my kids are no longer using my dining room as a bedroom. That is a HUGE relief but, I did have to "give up" my office/craft room for the time being so that has certainly cut down on my "crafting" but the painting side of my business is going strong.
In June I moved into a space at Merchant Square in Chandler. I was sharing this space with a dear friend of mine and it was wonderful. We both were doing so well that we decided to each get our own space. So I kept the larger one and Tana moved into a little bit smaller one just a few booths down from me. I took over this space on my own in August and have been staying very busy just trying to keep it stocked. Here are a few pics of some of the items I've recently had in the shop.
The shop is a great place to be able to display and sell all the things that I craft and paint. If you haven't been down there yet, you really need to go check it out. There are over 100 vendors and some pretty amazing things down there.
Besides being busy working on things to take down to the shop, I have also been doing a lot of custom pieces for clients and also selling quite a few pieces on Craig's List. Here are a few of my recent projects.
This blue desk has been one of my favorite projects so far. When I found this thing, it didn't have its legs attached and was in really bad shape. It was definitely a challenge but I absolutely love the way it turned out.
This sage green dresser was alot of fun to work on too. When I picked up this thing, it was the typical 1980's laminate oak...a little paint, and some fun waxing techniques and this beauty was ready for her new home. My client that bought this piece is using it as a entertainment center for her TV.
This gray piece was definitely one of those pieces that I struggled with. Shall I say, I had buyers remorse. I purchased it along with several others all in one day and I hadn't really had a good look at it until I started to work on it....but the good news was that it was solid wood and all the drawers were dovetailed and in good working condition. So, I sanded the top down, primed and painted this beast in a great gray color and then used a oil based lacquer and made it really sleek and shiny. I also painted those purple lamps and added some really cute shades and this baby sold in only a few hours after posting it on Craig's List.....I guess the lesson learned that day was that you just never know what some people are looking for....
This blue piece was part of a set I purchased and let me just tell you, this thing was HUGE!!! Not only did it weigh a ton, it was really long and had just the most beautiful detail. I painted this in a great color I found at ACE on a "free paint Saturday" called "King's Canyon" and I love the way this one turned out. After I painted it, I used a wax technique and it completely changed the look of the paint. I love it and so did the client that I sold it to. She is using it as a "Buffet" in her dining room.
I certainly am staying busy, but then again I really don't know how NOT too stay busy. I guess if I'm not painting or crafting, I would be doing something else....I'd love to hear about any furniture make-overs you've done...drop me a comment. Have a great day...painting away!
Love,
Kris
I've found over the last few years that I've been re-doing furniture that you really have to have an "eye" for ugly things...well, ugly things that you can make pretty again. If you are out and about looking for furniture to re-do the chances that you are going to find something that is in perfect shape are fairly slim...so if you are thinking of maybe trying to re-do a piece just make sure you are open to the "ugly ducklings". Personally that is where I find the most "reward" in finishing a project. Take a look at some of these "Beauties" I've brought back to life.
This piece was certainly NOT a head turner. But with a little paint, I think she cleaned up real nice.
