Today I have a fun and thrifty furniture makeover to share with you. I know it's about time! I know I'm a sporadic blogger, so in between blog posts you can catch me on Instagram. I share quick updates there and you can see those photos in my sidebar. I'd love for you to follow along and join in on the fun!
@graceleecottage on Instagram
This shelf was given to me a while back. Actually I'm quite sure it was headed to the dump, so I saved it. I loved the size and detail and knew immediately it would be perfect for our kitchen. Here's a before shot right after my dad and I put it together.
As with most of my projects I really didn't know which direction to go with this shelf until I got started. I bought a small can of chalk paint from Walmart, but the color was way too bright for my taste, so I toned it down a bit with some white primer and gray latex paint that I already had on hand. I mixed all the paint until I had a color I liked. I've found that you can mix chalk paint with white primer and the paint still keeps the chalky look and texture.
Here's the look I had after two coats.
Next I applied white paint using light brush strokes. I was careful not to completely cover the blue. I used the same brush I used for the blue without washing the brush first to create a more subtle, blended look.
After this step I lightly distressed the piece and wiped it clean in preparation for the wax.
I used the same wax I use on all my furniture projects, Miniwax brand furniture wax in natural, followed by a light coat of antique wax (Waverly antique wax). I lightly massaged the wax into the paint using a flour sack cloth.
The end result:
Here's our shelf happily sitting in it's new home. I love the unique charm it adds to our farmhouse!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Have a BLESSED day!
