You know how a lot of my pieces are white or very muted? And a lot are layered and dry-brushed? All I mean is, as a painter, I get into a look and I settle comfortably under the covers. Hug a pillow and snuggle in for a while.
But every now and then, it’s nice to surprise yourself.
Let’s take a look at the before…
As I mentioned in the preview post, this tiffany blue was more florescent than fresh in person. It also had an almost crackly texture to the paint, which I thought even chalk paint couldn’t conquer (with no priming and sanding).
I gave it a try anyway…I used Aubusson Blue. It’s a new color, and I’ve had my eye on it since it was released on the site. Patty was kind enough to send me some along with my order before our giveaway.
It is SUCH a beautiful blue…kind of a smoky peacock…the kind of color that could be completely glamorous or rustic depending on hardware, etc. that you chose.
After two coats of Aubusson Blue, I waxed it with Hannant’s Clear Wax and one coat of dark. I’m thinking of fixing the bottom trim piece, but honestly, it doesn’t bother me one bit. I think it would sit happily in my little guy’s room as is.
Since I wanted the color and the top to be the standout features, I kept distressing very subtle…only slightly hitting a few edges.
I loved that original color peeking out under the deep blue…it felt very authentic and worn to me. And do you see the finish? Totally smooth over the crackly texture. Have I mentioned this yet?
I heart chalk paint.
While I was painting, I decided to strip the top to see what was under all that paint. As I began removing it after painting, there were some parts that stuck on a little more than others….but mostly? I was struck with the beautiful honey tones in the wood. I removed the paint that removed easily with the putty knife, and scrubbed the rest with medium-grade steel wool.
After I had removed all but flecks of paint, it hit me what the top reminded me of: old school desks. You know what I mean….the wood was a little dingy, a little honey, a little water damaged, flecking paint. And I’ll be really sad when I have to return these pencils to my friend, Layla. They’re sort of my favorite.
And once I had the look I wanted, my nostalgic walk down middle-school lane convinced me there had to be something on top. Numbers, type, something.
I would have stenciled it on. I really would have.
But I had the vinyl already…from the fabulous Shelley.
And it was already perfect. And easy to apply. Yep, I went with the vinyl. And LOVE it. After I applied it, I sealed the top with a coat of the Hannant’s clear wax to create a hand rubbed finish.
Dying to know what you think of this darker side of moi. This little guy will head to my vault at Troy Antiques.
I’m hoping to officially open this week…along with a million other things.
And for those of you asking, one of those things is to post Chapter 3.
🙂
*linking to Under the Table and Dreaming, Centsational Girl, Tip Junkie, Primitive and Proper, Miss Mustard Seed
LEAVE the bottom. unexpected perfection.
Thanks friend…got it. 🙂
This turned out great! I love the top with the numbers.
Thanks, Kristin!
🙂
shaunna
Pure perfection. I love everything you did with this. The colors and tones make this piece’s character shine through brightly. Love it!
Thank you, Miranda….I thought the color was right, too.
🙂
shaunna
This came out great. Love the deep blue color, with the under paint showing through. Just brilliant.
Thanks Al!!
🙂
shaunna
I love that paint color! I definitely need to get some chalk paint. I keep saying that…. By the way, amazon has some cool natural wood pencils and quite cheap, just over $2 for 24. http://www.amazon.com/Pentech-Triangle-Woodcase-Pencils-28150/dp/B000TUW9RI/ref=pd_sbs_op_1
Thanks, Sheila…ooh, and thanks on the pencils!!
🙂
shaunna
What an adorable little piece! The numbers fit perfectly, i love it when two thing line up unexpectedly. 🙂
Julie
Thanks, Julie!! I love the unexpected myself.
🙂
shaunna
Great job! I love the blue. And the numbers are a perfect finishing touch!
Thanks so much!!
🙂
shaunna
Shaunna ~
It came out awesome!! I keep saying that I am going to try Chalk Paint and haven’t done it yet but I love it !!
The top does so very much remind me of old school desks ~ Sweet memories 🙂
xoxo
Lori
Thanks, Lori! You’ve GOTTA try it. I’m thinking I’m going to do a cost breakdown post on it soon so it doesn’t seem so scary to purchase it.
Let me know if you try it!
🙂
shaunna
Oh I love that blue. Very pretty, and the numbers on top are adorable. I have an old school desk that I might have to try that on. Too cute!
Thanks, Cathy!! Let me know if you do!
🙂
shaunna
I love the update… the numbered design is so unique!
Thanks, Kristy!
🙂
shaunna
It’s simply stunning… love the colour, love the wood top, love the vinyl numbers!
thank ya, thank ya, thank ya!
🙂
shaunna
Turned out great! Love the numbers on the top! & color too! =)
Thank you, Nicole!
🙂
shaunna
Love-Love-LOVE it!!!!!! Nice work, Girlio.
Thanks, friend. I mean, Girlio.
😉
shaunna
Okay, this is ADORABLE! I’m seriously jealous of your painting skills. I need some of those, runnin’ through my blood. LOL.
The vinyl looks so cute too! PERFECT for the desk 🙂 You’re so creative! Thank you for the shout out!
~Shelley Smith
Thanks, girl!! You’re more than welcome!
🙂
shaunna
SUPER LOVE IT! I have been hearing a lot about the chalk paint!! Can’t wait to get our vinyl cutter machine in so I can put these good ideas to work! Thanks for a great post!! 🙂
Thank you, Paula! Try it out…you’ll love it!
🙂
shaunna
I am loving that color. It looks fantastic against white!
Thanks Sarah!
🙂
shaunna
Love the vintage style numbers! Looks fantastic.
Thanks Tanya!!
🙂
shaunna
Very cute numbers 🙂 By the way, did you ever finish your mother’s table? I was dying to see how it came out and whether you used the ebony stain. If so, do you dilute the stain? or have any tips? (I just tried the ebony stain for the first time… TOTAL disaster. hahaha. luckily, in furniture, all can fixed!) Thanks! and love you book!
Thanks Lindsay! I did finish it, just got to make the time to photograph it. I did use the stain…sorry you had trouble!! I’ll do a video post on that sometime…and thanks for buying the book!
🙂
shaunna
I can’t even describe how much I love this….the numbers on top are the perfect finishing touch! Awesome job!!!
I looooove it Shaunna, what a gorgeous color and result! Can’t wait to try out that Chalk Paint!!! How will you part with this treasure, it’s fantastic!
xo
Kate
Thanks, friend. I don’t know….hyperventilated a bit when I took it to my little space yesterday. 🙂 You have GOT to try the stuff! Hope you’re doing so well!
xo
shaunna
I love the color and I especially love the top of the piece!
Love the color of this! Beautiful.
That looks amazing! I love the blue color. Visiting from Centsational Girl. I’d love for you to link up to the Sunday link party at Addicted 2 Decorating!
Love this!! It looks amazing.. both the color and the cute little numbers are perfect!
I like this very much! I do love how the top looks, with the flecks of paint in there.
These are pretty collection of side tables! There are lots of options that will really suit different rooms from modern to traditional styles.
Great to find someone in Troy on blogland! I graduated from Troy a few years ago. Love your work!
Erin @ Dwell & Tell
http://www.dwellandtell.com
Birmingham, AL
Love this table. You do amazing work! I’m going to try that on an old school desk I have. Thanks for all the tips! Do you mind telling me the size of the letters and the numbers? Is your store in Troy AL??
Hi Terri! I’m not sure if the numbers were 3 or 4 inch…but they were one of the two. Yep, the store is in Troy! Thanks so much for your sweet comment!
🙂
shaunna