Greetings fellow procrastinators! So, did you finish your project? Today is the day to link up your after photos and show off what you finished (or didn’t finish, for that matter!). Don’t worry, we won’t embarrass you too badly if you didn’t do your project. (Here were the before photos if you want to see who had good intentions, LOL!)
As I told you all last week, my project is finished (don’t look too closely, I had to do a little touch up and I haven’t quite finished but ALMOST!)! Hooray! It was a way bigger project than I really felt like tackling but I guess that is where the procrastinator part came in, I have had this cabinet for years and years. I never liked the tone of wood but I knew it had a cute shape that would be perfect as a painted piece.
This cabinet actually originally belonged to my sister many years ago and I couldn’t get her to take it back. I tried to give it back when we moved up to Washington, really I did. She just wouldn’t take it! But once she sees how cute it is now she is going to be GREEN with envy, I know it. Too bad for her.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
I am so glad I painted it! I really wanted to get this done because I am SO behind on decorating things around my house. I knew that the weather would not last so I forced myself to get out there and do it.. I used the last four warm sunny days to paint and it has been a bit rainy, windy or too cool ever since! I intended to get new hardware on it, but after looking around I couldn’t find anything that I liked that would fit, so I decided to just leave the original pulls on and maybe age them a little at some point.
As I mentioned, this project took about four afternoons to complete (only spending about 2 hours or so on each day). It was a lot to paint, since I not only had to paint the outside of this piece but the inside of the pull down desk which as you will see below, has a lot of cubbies and things to paint.
So how did I do it?
I tried out my new favorite paint, Caromal Colours! Caromal Colours is a sponsor of The Inspired Room. Remember I told you about Caromal Colours back when we talked about making a gilded pumpkin? My friend Patty sent me a distressing kit so that I could try painting my cabinet! I used the Country Living decorative finishes in two shades plus a toner to get the richer, aged look.
I started out with putting on a coat of colonial blue, then a chipping coat (which didn’t chip anything, it just sealed in the first layer of paint) followed with a coat of bayberry, then I sanded it lightly with my electric hand sander to distress it a bit, and finished it all with the toner.
This paint is not like any other paint I’ve used before. It is very thick. The entire time I was painting I was SURE I was doing it wrong. You can really do it any way you want, stipple it on with a brush, brush it on, whatever works. I did more of a brush stroke but I think next time I will just “moosh” it on! The first coat will look messy no matter what you do, but that is OK! In the end, it all came together and looks like an old painted piece full of character.
I think it is the toner that really pulls it all together. You can see what a difference the toner made as I started to paint it on the two doors…the one on the left is before and the one on the right is after the toner. I know I’ll use Caromal Colours again, I can think of so many projects for this paint!
If you want to see a video of a project using Caromal Colours, my pal Kimba put one together awhile back so I wouldn’t have to {grin, thanks Kimba}.
Don’t have access to Caromal Colours paint? You can find lots of tips for painting furniture right in this e-book! This is an affiliate, but I only recommend things I believe in and you’ll learn from this book!
So how did things go for you on your Procrastinator Project?
I’m so excited about all the cool projects you were working on! Go ahead and link up on MckLinky directly to a procrastinator after (or progress) post. Any other random posts will have to be deleted since this is a specific kind of party — no party crashers. Then link back here to The Inspired Room so your friends can come see all the other projects, okay? If you don’t have a blog but you worked on a project, feel free to share in the comments!!
Have fun and visit as many AFTER posts as you can! And leave everyone a little comment love, will you please? Thanks for being a part of the fun and making me feel like I was not the only one out there working on this!!
If you’d like to try this paint on your kitchen cabinets, check out this video before and after of kitchen cabinets! It is very inspiring!
To order your own Caromal Colours paint kit, click on the button below and Patty’s website will explain how to order it!
Hi, I'm Melissa. This is where I share inspiration for creating a simple, authentic and beautiful home.
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wow wow wow. it looks 19800297% times better. fantastic job!
sarah h.´s last blog ..Silver Side Table
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Oh, wow! You did such a fantastic job on that piece. It’s absolutely gorgeous!!
Well, I only came across your blog today for the first time. I’m disappointed that I missed out on the beginning of the Procrastinator Party!! I definitely fit the description. And I’ve got so many projects in the works!! I think I’ll go ahead and link one that I just finished yesterday. Since I didn’t get in on this in the beginning, if that’s against the rules, feel free to delete it. I’ll look forward to the next one.
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating´s last blog ..Before & After:: Chest of Drawers
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It looks very nice! Good job. I just used Caromal colors on a piece of furniture (before the Procrastinator’s Party ~ although I would have qualified!). I loved Caromal colors -really great. How does the chipping work? Did you use it to get a more specific color? I just used a base coat and then the toner. Just curious. I have some cabinets in mind to paint next. Thanks!
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Melissa @ The Inspired Room Reply:
October 19th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
The chipping creme was more of a sealer, I think. It allowed me to sand the green paint a bit to show more of the blue without sanding off the blue!
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Patty Reply:
October 19th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Great explanation Melissa. The chipping creme will prevent the top paint color from bonding to the bottom paint color. When its all dry you can sand the top green paint, like she did, and reveal the blue color underneath. If you didn’t use the chipping creme, then the green would just bond to the blue, and you would sand and sand until you went right down to your wood. You can STILL do that, in areas, as well – that gives an added distressed element…
Patty´s last blog ..You Know It’s Sunday, I’m Not Who I Was
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Your project turned out great! This PARTY was such a great idea… you should do one more often… I just might get more projects finished!
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This has been such a great event! We all need to be “inspired” don’t we?! I’m all linked up!
I love your finished product. You sister will be arriving soon in a truck to reclaim this terrific piece of furniture! Don’t let her have it!
Do another procrastinator event after Christmas! OK?
Blessings,
Jayne at mysongwithin
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ABsolutely gorgeous! I just painted a desk today with cubbies like that and I think I was close to going postal by the end. I was just looking at Caromal colors today on your site. I redo so many pieces of furniture that I think I”m gonna have to break down and get some. I’m fascinated! Your desk is just too beautiful. Great job!
peace.
cindy´s last blog ..A Tale of the Miserly Enchantress and her hutch.
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Melissa @ The Inspired Room Reply:
October 19th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Thanks Cindy. Yeah, those cubbies are brutal to paint.
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I love the finish on that secretary. So interesting! I’m going to have to give that a try for one of my pieces. Where did you purchase that paint? Thanks!
Missmustardseed´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at
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Melissa @ The Inspired Room Reply:
October 19th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
There is a link to Patty’s website in the post and she has info on how to purchase! If you use her code PattyH you get discounted shipping too!
Thanks!
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Rock on sisters! I planned on joining you with a -huge- embarrassing project… my work room/alleged studio. Unfortunately, I injured my arm (at a most inopportune date and time)… so I’m down for the count. I am not giving up, I’ll just be a lot later than the rest of you. I was too embarrassed to show my “before” picture anyway!!
Warmly,
Sheila
Sheila´s last blog ..Objects of My Desire! (A few things I -heart).
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Melissa @ The Inspired Room Reply:
October 19th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Oh too bad! So sorry that happened! Hope your arm feels better soon!
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Love that color, Melissa! Beautiful!! Thank you so much for hosting this party. It was very motivating and I hope you will do more in the future. It is so fun to see what everyone has done. Thanks again!!
Joanie@The Bright Side´s last blog ..mission accomplished!
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Oh wow! Great job. I love how it turned out.
I’m afraid that I procrastinated my project pracrastinator project. I can’t wait to see everyone’s links though!
AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottage´s last blog ..Can I Paint My Shower Door Surround? – Experiment Results..dun, dun, dun
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Hi Melissa! I love the color you chose~it turned out lovely! Thanks for kickin’ my buns in gear again to finish a put off project
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Thanks again for hosting the Partay!! After seeing my photos I am thinking I need a new camera….any suggestions?
BTW, your cabinet looks very similar to the finish I did on my kitchen cabinets 5 years ago! Very soon I will post the photos:) I think I said I would 3 weeks ago! Geez, what a procrastinator!
Tamera´s last blog ..Time’s Up: Laundry Room Reveal
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Wow, Melissa. I love it! It looks absolutely wonderful! I may have to try Caromal Colours, too.
Thanks for hosting another Procrastinator Party. Any time you do one, I’ll be there! It’s nice to have a plan and a deadline.
Shannon
Shannon @ Silver Trappings´s last blog ..Procrastinator Party – The Reveal
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I wish I could be posting saying I got off my keester and tackled a project… but not going to happen!
I love it Melissa! The character of that cabinet is so lovely – it looks so much more like an accent piece now – where as before it didn’t have much of a presence… does that make sense?
I need to go blog about you now, lol!
Patty´s last blog ..You Know It’s Sunday, I’m Not Who I Was
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It looks Great! This is my first time participating in a blog party. I definitely had fun, thanks for hosting. I didn’t finish my projects yet, but I hope by tomorrow.
Janet @ This Family Is Sweet ´s last blog ..Procrastinator Party – Preview of Project Plus a Bonus
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Project Procratination? I’ve never heard of such thing… Just kidding, this is the story of my LIFE. It looks great! I love the way the paint turned out. Thanks for the tips.
~Camberley
The Bella Girls´s last blog ..Taking “Timeout” Through Music ~ 3
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It looks just wonderful, love the color! I should have participated, I recently finished a coffee table that has been neglected for nearly 15 years. How is that for procrastinating?! Janell
Janell Beals´s last blog ..My Search For A Table Leads to Custom
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That’s really neat! I’ve never heard of that paint before. I will have to look for it. Thanks for hosting this “party”!
Shirley Corwin´s last blog ..After Procrastinating! The Cellar
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I like that finish! Pretty color! I am nearly finished with my project! Thanks for the link up!
Carolyn´s last blog ..Procrastinator’s Party – After
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Yours is GORGEOUS!!! Very well done! I have a chair in that exact color from my grandma’s house. I think your distressing and undertones are perfect. I love it!
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The cupboard looks EXQUISITE in the green!! Nice work, well done!!! Now to tackle my own … hehe ….
Gena´s last blog ..Strawberry jam anyone?
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I loved this party. I had my shelf in the garage for 3 years, thank you for inspiring me to get it out and sorted. We dont have that paint in the UK though!!
TheMadHouse´s last blog ..Making a start on the Christmas Presents
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I love it Melissa, looks really great, no wonder your sister would like it back now
I would have to get rid of my husband if I wanted to paint anything , he sees it has a problem , he cannot stand painting wood…and I see it as “why live with something you don’t like and is outdated and his not really wood, just old orange wood!!
anne´s last blog ..Thinking PINK…
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Your furniture turned out beautifully! I know that took a lot of time, but the results were worth it. I love painting and distressing furniture, but I have never used those products. I will have to check them out. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas. Your blog is beautiful!
Blessings,
Traci
Traci Hutcherson´s last blog ..Easy Bulletin Board Project and a GIVEAWAY.
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it looks fabulous!!!! I have an armoire that I want to pant a color very similar to that so that it coordinates with my couch but isn’t too matchy-matchy. You’ve inspired me. Sorry I didn’t play along this time. We have one. big. project going and all the little stuff is too much for me to think about right now. I am going to love going to everyone’s links though for ideas when this is done.
Thanks for the inspiration, Melissa!
Emily@remodelingthislife´s last blog ..Black Bean Lasagna
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That turned out great, Melissa! I love the color. I finished mine and am linking up to the party. This is a great idea, but next time I think I’ll tackle something small ~ really small. : )
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That cabinet turned out GORGEOUS!!!! I bet painting all those cubbies was a pain in the neck…I’ve seen furniture similar to yours go for sale on CL wondering what it would be like to a paint them.
We finished putting up trim on five of our six windows. No trim on the doors. I worked my behind off getting that trim sanded, primed, sanded, painted. It only took a few minutes to actually put it up! My After post will be a little late (maybe I can have it up tonight). I hope that’ll be okay…my room is a mess due to another project I’m working on. Need to get that finished before I can do any After photos.
Astrid´s last blog ..Fall-ified Window Boxes
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Okay that hutch is just awesome. The paint color is to die for. I just love it. Thanks for hosting such a wonderful party!!
Maridith´s last blog ..Procrastinator Party- FINISHED DESK CHAIR
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Awesome! Too bad I procrastinated joining the procrastinator’s party!
Annie @ astonesthrowfrominsanity´s last blog ..Don’t Get Your Panties in a Bunch!
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I love it!! I’ll be coming back to this post when I’m ready to paint my hutch!
Abbie´s last blog ..Procrastination over!
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Oh, Melissa, it’s G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S.! I loooove the color you chose. I’ve been dreaming of trying Caromal Colors ever since Kimba tried it. I’m gonna have to break down and get some for my large computer armoire. Thanks for hosting a great party, next time I’ll get my act together in time!
Kimm at Reinvented´s last blog ..Totally Terrific Tassel Giveaway
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It looks great, i can’t wait to try it with some of my furniture…LOVE the color!
Stephaine @ Geezees´s last blog ..Kitchen and Stock Art inspired by latest kitchen decorating DIY , and dont forget to take my Poll !
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Wow! I have many older pieces that need something character. I was afraid to try something like this but I may just give it a go.
Jackie@Lilolu´s last blog ..Inspirational Quotes
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you did a great job on that cabinet! your sister will definitely want it now. and you made me think of about 3 things that will need some CC love as soon as i finish painting EVERY room in my house! : )
thanks for the gentle nudge on our procrastination projects! this was fun.
happy tuesday,
rachel
rachel´s last blog ..flea market favorite!
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It looks great! I love the character it has with the painting technique you did. Kudos to you, she is definitely going to want it back now!
~Michelle
Michelle´s last blog ..Procrastination Project Completed!
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Your piece looks absolutely stunning, we just love the color and the finish! We just added our link, twice! because we made a mistake the first time…sorry!
clara & marcela´s last blog ..Food for thought….
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Looks fabulous!!!
Annie@A View On Design´s last blog ..A New Take on Heritage 20mins from Perth
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Could you please share what paint colors you used?? I have a piece that is nearly the same color that I purchased, but I am trying to duplicate the color to paint my armoire to match! Thanks for all your inspiring ideas!!!
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Thanks for sharing your project with us Melissa! I get the sense reading your blog that your life is crazy right now, so please know that we out here in blog land really appreciate your hard work.
I recently finished a small project with my dining room, so if anyone is interested, check it out!
http://eileenbwilson.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-new-candelier.html
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What a wonderful transformation!
Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home´s last blog ..How To Make Sauerkraut
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Looks Great! I need to try the Caromal Colours.
I am hoping Valspar will want me to advertise for them after they see my dining room re-do! (wishful thinking!)
Trish@TheOldPostRoad´s last blog ..Dining Room Re-Do!!
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Oh, how wonderful this turned out! You did a great job!
Maybe I should have signed up for this – I have things I need to do.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Shelia´s last blog ..Gargoyles of Notre Dame
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Thanks for the inspiration! My husband actively participated in the re-do of our family room a few years ago. I miss the colors of my blue and celery green denim sofa and chair; he loves the rich brown leather. Now I know how to keep him content and make myself happy- paint a few of our wooden pieces! I am going to start with a side table that develops rings from drinking glasses, no matter how many coasters we use.
Thanks again!
Eleanor
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Love the party!! Wish I had been home to do a project myself!!
As I was perusing the finished projects, I saw some great organizing. Melissa and friends, does anyone have some good ideas about how to efficiently organize a kitchen corner cabinet? I have tried a few baskets and it works okay. Maybe someone has discovered what should go in that cabinet besides odds and ends storage that would make it work better… baking center, canned goods??? It just seems that mine is a hodge podge, collects clutter and never really stays organized because I can’t find a good system.
Thank you!!
denise in NC
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Your paint job looks great! I love the way that paint turned out…I’m going to have try it out on something around my house. Thanks again for hosting this party! It was lots of fun, and definitely gave me the kick in the pants I needed to get my bathroom makeover rolling along. Can’t wait to see all the finished projects!
Cara´s last blog ..Bathroom Makeover Update, Procrastinators’ Party
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Melissa, it’s GORGEOUS!!! And guess what?! I’ve still got my procrastinator project sitting on the porch…untouched. OY!
the BLAH BLAH BLAHger´s last blog ..CONDO2CASTLE: Do Not Fall Prey to Castle Envy
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I love how your cabinet turned out! The finish is great! Thanks for hosting the procrastinators party, because if you hadn’t, I’d still be looking at all that wallpaper!
Jamie´s last blog ..The Dining Room walls
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It is freaking AMAZING how different that piece looks painted! It went from totally dated and nothing special to something I would buy in a heartbeat! Great job!
Katherine @ Grass Stains´s last blog ..Before & after: The den
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This came out BEAUTIFULLY. You did a great job. What a difference it makes, too! That piece has a whole new lease on life now! Fabulous, fabulous job.
I’m still trying to pull out of my procrastination enough to even sign up for one of my gazillion projects needing to be done…. oy.
xo Isa
isa´s last blog ..Snorkling… in the backyard?
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Exquisite! What an excellent outcome. A little paint can change everything!
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Wow, what a change! That turned out really well Melissa-very cool! Thanks so much for this challenge, it’s been fun!
~Amber T.
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Amazing! I love the change- and that’s such a pretty green! It’s been a fun challenge-hopefully I’ll have after pictures posted at the end of the day-my project is done though!
Gina´s last blog ..Refreshment
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That came out great! Love the color and how it changed that piece dramatically. Good job, now you’ll want to paint more things.
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality´s last blog ..My Sister is a Craigslist Addict
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That’s great!!Even the hardware looks so different. I had to triple take…
BEAUTIFUL!
Leah´s last blog ..Party’s over.
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Well–nice job (and it really took some work—but when you figure the finished product you came up with it was worth it). I was inspired to particapate around 3:30 today when I read two other bloggers that were doing some cleaning up!
nannykim´s last blog ..procrastinator party
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Beautiful … she will be green with envy!
Sharon´s last blog ..Progress being made
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gosh, I am such a nob. I posted my done. (well, done for now.) on the before. BTW you all did such a great job!
cathy´s last blog ..Master Bedroom Not Done. Yet. But Progress.
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Oh, that is SO pretty!! You did excellent work here!
And – I either totally procrastinated or either didn’t have time to get my Procrastinator Project done…Yeah, one of those two. =-) But I still plan on doing it – - ONE of these days!!
Amber´s last blog ..Custom Vintage Chic Signage~!
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Love it!! Great job!
Misty´s last blog ..Procrastinator’s Party Completion!!
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That paint added a LOT of character – very cool!
I worked so hard on mine but it just had too many steps and too many drawers to paint and sand and put poly on.. and it seems like I messed up with the poly so I have to sand it off and paint it on.. (cry)
It’s my first time painting furniture, so am trying my best! I won’t give up… still working on it.. thanks for the push, anyway!
Elisa´s last blog ..The Forgotten Room
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first of all i would like to say thank you for having this party!! i think you need to have one every month…*wink*
secondly…i love the transformation of your furniture…love the way the paint looks!
Alissa´s last blog ..studio makeover
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So. Much. Better. Your secretary has much better character now that all that distracting wood grain is out of the way and the color is beautiful. Thanks for this post, Melissa. I was unable to participate but know I’ll enjoy seeing all the projects.
Tracy´s last blog ..If I Ruled the World. . .
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That looks _so_ much better! My mom did something similar with a garage sale desk, it turned out great.
Condo Blues´s last blog ..I’m an Outlaw, a Craftin’ Outlaw That Is
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This is so gorgeous, Melissa! Fantastic job!!!
living with lindsay´s last blog ..Teach Me Tuesday: Easy Additional Seating
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Melissa! That is amazing. Good, good work. Thanks so much for hosting this little party. It’s my first, but I’m definitely hoping there’ll be more!
Sara´s last blog ..Procrastinator’s Party: The Reveal
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I love it! The finish came out beautifully and the distressed effects are great. Sorry I missed the party but I will be at the next one… I have several bolts of fabric calling my name!
Jess´s last blog ..Inspiration: Red Rocks
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Wow. I love that paint and can’t wait to try it. That blue/green is my favorite color. Your last picture though looks beige so it must be the light from that camera angle. Does the paint always leave brushstroke marks in the finish? I don’t like brown wood so I paint everything. I know you are really going to love this piece as you gave it new life and that is what refinishing is all about. Wow.
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Melissa @ The Inspired Room Reply:
October 21st, 2009 at 9:46 am
It is just the lighting, the cabinet is definitely green (not beige!) with some blue underneath. The brownish tone is the toner giving it the aged look.
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What a great redo! The color made such a big difference!!
Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog´s last blog ..How Much Does Your Hair Cost You?
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All the photos are inspiring, and I think one of my favorites is the dining room/library combo. My challenge is that my dining room is quite small so I’m wondering if I can sneak in a row of shelving without making the room shrink too much.
Great stuff, as always!
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Wow….that’s just amazing. It was sort of frumpy before, but it’s stunning now!
Blessings,
Spencer
Spencer´s last blog ..Yipppeee! I’m Finally Feeling Ever So Much Better!
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i know i am late… but my project took much longer than i had anticipated! (isn’t that always the case??) but thank you so much for holding this “party” – i am excited that i got something DONE!!
loved looking at a lot of the other projects – nicely done, ladies!
laura´s last blog ..when you look up "procrastination" in the dictionary….
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I missed the party.
But, if anyone is interested is seeing my “afters” come on over.
Jess´s last blog ..Procrastinate Much?
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