Saturday, August 6, 2011

Pay Dirt!!!



Today was almost as awesome as you could get. I found the motherload at a community yard sale. I stole bought a solid wooden chair, sturdy oak table, 2 unstained wood panels, 2 small wooden shelves, an unusual, ornate printing block, 2 silver platters, 2 mirrors with beautiful ornate frames, a brand new lantern cord, and an oak chest of drawers, all for $41. Plus, I sold my French chest of drawers and a French sign. Plus, I picked up a dry sink in excellent condition right up the street for *FREE*. It only needs 2 nails, and of course, some chalk paint, so I was tickled pink, or Old White, or Paris Gray. I have my work cut out for me, and I'm SO looking forward to it. 
The dry sink:
The chest of drawers:

This needs a little sanding, minor hardware tightening, and waxing of the drawer runners. Then, I can go to town.
Half round table (which is currently mixed in with everything else):
Wooden shelf, which was expertly dovetailed by a cabinet maker, who told me that he lives right around the corner and has lots more where that came from, and that he'd cut me a deal if I was interested in more. Did I just just die and go to Craft Heaven???
Here is the latest project.

I am so into keys lately. I just love 'em. I've been feverishly designing and love using them in my furniture decorating. This is an original.
I painted the board white, then put the vinyl key on top and painted over it with Martha Stewart Geyser. I decided it needed something on the border, so I cut out words in French and applied the vinyl.

  

I can't stress enough how important it is to center your design. It would be a real bummer if you placed your vinyl on crooked or off center. Of course, I would never know about that. Once your vinyl is in place, you can't pull it up and re-position it unless God was looking down on you with even more Favor than he already does.


This is also extremely important. You must burnish all of your letters. This keeps the paint from seeping underneath, thus messing up your intricate design. Once you've burnished it, go over it again just in case.

Now you're ready for the fun part. Paint it. I tend to use a dryer brush because I don't want the paint to seep under the part that I forgot to burnish.
  
This is the second really fun part. Pull up your vinyl, taking extreme care not to let it fall back onto your letters. Also, remember that the paint may still be wet (I like to do this before the paint is totally dry so the paint is a little bit more forgiving). I like to "collect" my vinyl as I go by crumpling it up in one hand.

 


Then, carefully pull up the letter inerds. Remember that your paint may still be wet, so be careful.





 I just love how intricately you can make a design with vinyl. It gives it such a delicate look. 
And, here's the finished project, complete with some mahogany and oak Briwax. Do you like it?

Thanks again for stopping by. I'm thrilled that you all like my stuff! Fondly, Tami
Today, I'm linking to:
Dittle Dattle
Coastal Charm 
Handy Man, Crafty Woman 
Beyond the Picket Fence

16 comments:

  1. Tami, you do such amazing work! I am in awe... I wish you lived close to me so I could just turn you lose in my house and let you redecorate everything I have! :)

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful projects!

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  2. your shopping abilities are astounding. I LOVE furniture (although I'm forcing myself not to buy any more) and those are GREAT pieces. And you can't beat the price.

    Your work is beautiful.

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  3. Tami,

    Beautiful work and your shopping finds are just unbelieveable! Have fun with them!

    Hugs, Angela

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  4. I just love a good bargain! Thanks for sharing.

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  5. WOW!
    I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU.
    YOU MUST SHOW US YOUR FINISHED PROJECTS.
    MEMA

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  6. First - the thrifting gods were watching over you. You are reminding me to clean out my van in case I find a treasure on the street. How great to meet a friendly cabinet maker of quality goods.
    Second - love your project and thank you for the tips and details. I am into all things "key" right now.

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  7. I sure do like it. And I really like your term "letter inerds." LOL

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  8. Wow, you hit the Mother load as my kids call it. Great job and great price. Lucky you! I would love to find deals like that.
    angel hugs
    Debby

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  9. Wow, what a bargain you got, and I love your designs! Saw you on linky party, now google friend following. Hope you will pop by and I would love it if you followed me too, Karima x www.karimascrafts.com

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  10. so jealous!!! me and the thrifting Gods are not getting along this week! lol how do you like the chalk paint? thanks for partying with me!

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  11. You made out like a bandit! I wish they had estate sales and neighborhood sales like that where I live.

    I'm your newest follower.

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  12. Tami, these are excellent tips, except, I read so often, these days about "Vinyl lettering etc" but how does vinyl letting work ? Are there some vinyl sheets ? Do we need a separte machine to make the letters ? How exactly does it work ? Sorry to sound rather ignorant. But here in Dubai, we dont get any of those.
    Naush

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  13. That was pay dirt! Yes, I am one to put vinyl on crooked and off center! Great tips!
    Debbie

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I love hearing what you have to say!