Saturday, October 29, 2011

French Inspired Transformations

Warning ~
French inspiration ahead!

I've been painting like there's no tomorrow.

Well...I hope there's a tomorrow.

I've got more painting to do!



I've been working on some poor, ugly ducklings
for my friend, Georgina.

She owns Doster Emporium ~
a vintage grain elevator/lumber mill
she turned into a fabulously quaint antique shop
- full of trinkets and treasures -
with a very interesting history behind it.

The Doster family has owned it for over 100 years.
Georgina knows all of the history behind this beautiful old building,
and gladly gives tours of the building and it's beautiful surrounding property.



She's been giving me pieces of furniture and odds and ends to paint
so that she can sell them on Craigslist this winter,
as well as in the Emporium when it opens again in the spring.

(Or you can call her and she'll gladly open up the shop for you!
1-269-664-3231)

We plan on being vendors at the Allegan Antique Market at the May 2012 show
and will be taking a lot of my painted and her unpainted furniture with us.
Debbie will be coming down again and bringing some of her sweet things to sell, too.

Oh yeah, baby....
we're going to have the best booth there!

So....this is what I've been busy working on in my studio disaster-of-a-basement.


Project #1 was a historical desk that had beautiful French bones,
but was stained a very strange orange color.
Orange?   
Really?

I failed to take a 'before' photo of it.
You wouldn't have wanted to see it, believe me...

But this is how she turned out with a little ASCP-love
and a couple repurposed porcelain knobs that used to be on my kitchen cabinets.



ASCP in "French Grey" with "Old White" accents

Project #2 was a very old ho-hum rocker/glider.



Yikes!  Is that straw...or HORSEHAIR....?

With a little ASCP in 'Old White', Clear Wax, cushy new foam padding, and a piece of drop cloth,
it morphed in to a delicious French rocker/glider
with a faux grain sack seat.



I'm kind of getting into this reupholstering thing.

I love ripping into those old seats to see what's under there.




I loved the way she turned out,
and almost considered keeping her...

I used FabricMate pens for the first time on this drop cloth seat.
Those things are sweet!  
Very easy to use and much more realistic looking than fabric paint.

I didn't even have to use the painter's tape.
I just lined up my yardstick and drew stripes with the chisel tip.



Project #3 was a lonely looking, boring dining chair
(which I started painting before I remembered that I had to take a 'before' photo for you).



She morphed into a luscious French side-chair
with a faux grain sack seat made from more drop cloth ~
and yup, another FabricMate pen.


ASCP in "French Grey"




Are you still with me?

Ok, then.....

Project#4:  Can you say ~ "ugly pea-green mirror"?



Pea-green.  Really?
Good grief.
What are these people thinking....?

It was lovingly transformed into sweet French chicness.




ASCP in "Old White" with a drybrush of "Paris Grey".



Yes, believe it or not,
there's a Project #5.

Next up was an old gold frame that I whitewashed with ASCP in 'Old White'.
I added a French script piece of scrapbook paper,
swished a little chalk paint on the cardboard backing peeking out behind the large photo,
and inserted a couple vintage photos Georgina had at the Emporium.






The brown resin frame you see behind the picture
was just drybrushed with more 'Old White'
to create a pretty patina.




The old vintage oval mirror tucked in the back
was dressed with 'Old White' and a little distressing.
It's a beautifully made, heavy mirror. 




And last but not least,
a plain, old wood sconce was turned into a
sweet, Nordic inspired sconce
with a pretty blue tea light
(that smells like the ocean).


ASCP in 'Old White'


A little paint + a little layering of color +
a whiz of a palm sander + a rub of wax +
a lot of elbow grease buffing to a satiny sheen =

French inspired transformations
perfect for your home.



Like what you see?

Look for these treasures (and MORE!) at Doster Emporium 
 on Facebook.
We'll be listing them on Craigslist very soon, too!

(or just give Georgina a call!) 



 { Hugs }





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Just click on the buttons!


♥ And a warm welcome to my new followers!
Thank you for your comments! 
They are ALL read and ALL treasured! ♥






79 comments:

  1. Wow Laurie you have been busy!! It all looks so great! xoxoxo Rachel

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  2. Oh, it's all so lovely! If only I lived closer! I'd be at your sale in a heartbeat!

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  3. Great transformations.
    I think that fabric pen is great!

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  4. Oh, I love the desk, but my favorite is the chair! Everyone knows I'm a sucker for pillows and pink, so those beautiful accents drew me in. You'll have no problem selling the "new" pieces at all!

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  5. Hy - wonderful accessories and a lot of work done!
    Love it! Hugs, Barbara

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  6. Lots of work with beautiful results! Very clever use of that paint pen!

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  7. You sure have been busy! I love the way you've transformed these pieces. And, the fabric mate pen is genius! Beautiful job :)

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  8. Those are ALL beautiful transformations Laurie! You do a wonderful job ~ I especially love the rocker, so pretty!!

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  9. Well done! I thought the tip about the faux grain cloth was amazing. The best thing was the mirror frame and the little desk!!

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  10. OMGosh, Laurie! You have been on busy chick! No wonder you haven't been out and about hen-pecking me as you usually do! I love everything you have done. I'm betting that first piece was a devil with all those spindles to paint. And I love your just a tad of distressing that you do..and that you don't go too overboard on it.

    I have never heard of those little fabric pens...uh-oh...I see a trip to the store coming up for me. I wonder if they work for quick stencil projects too? (without too much bleed)

    Hope you have a wine-filled...er..I mean...love filled day~ xo Diana

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  11. Laurie, Wowwwwwwwwwww! You're awesome~
    We've been painting away on projects too, and like you, we keep forgetting to take befores.
    Can I just say, I love the paint pen~
    Such a great idea you've come up with and the drop cloth.
    I also am in love with the ornate frame at the end, how gorgeous!

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  12. Oh my gosh you have been a busy gal!
    All of those turned out wonderful!!
    I totally want to try the pen ~ what a
    great idea!!

    xoxo
    Lori

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  13. You have been busy !! it looks great !! enjoy a happy weekend...love love Ria...xxx...

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  14. You are unbelievable, Laurie. These projects are fabulous. I couldn't even begin one of them. I wish I lived close by to visit the mill and go to the show in May... xo

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  15. Everything is lovely! Sorry, my quick scan didn't see you were an award free blog and I nominated you for Versatile Blogger. Just ignore! ~ Maureen

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  16. All of your project are just gorgeous, Laurie! They are all my favorite!

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  17. You HAVE been a busy lady!! And you are so good at this. If I came to your booth I would be hard pressed to just pick one or two things to buy!! I love everything!! Those pens look neat...I still have a ton of drop cloth left and was thing of making some runners and napkins. Do you get them at a craft store?

    Happy Saturday!!

    XO,
    Jane

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  18. Great saves, Laurie, I'm going to have to look for those pens! xoxo

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  19. Great job on all your projects! I really love the first one.
    Take care,
    Carolyn

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  20. Wow! You have been busy. I like how you took the glider and made it so much better.
    Lisa

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  21. What else can I say, but, "Heavenly!".

    Great job - and please give all your fur babies a pat for me ;o)

    Linda
    beachside cottage

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  22. oh my...you have been busy! everything looks great! did you know that annie sloan has come out with a true white? i am thinking of getting some....perhaps i will have your energy for painting furniture after my art show. right now that is all i can focus on. that mirror certainly looks better than pea green...i remember that green being in style, funny how things change...like the seasons.
    happy sunday,
    erin
    xxoo

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  23. Love all the new things you have been painting! Not sure how you are finding all that energy, but you need to bottle it and spread it around!
    I have gotten fall house cleaning done and we are waiting for harvest to be over to get to the major things. Have a great weekend, Laurie.

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  24. Beautiful! Everything, is really beautiful I love the frame with the french script. Great job!

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  25. Laurie you have been busy and with such beautiful results!!
    Love all your beauties..what great transformations!
    You go girl!! Lol

    Deborah xoxo

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  26. wow just how many hours do you have in a day ???? I love all your projects...toooooo nice ! that's a good idea about the pen..I have been wondering how to put some stripes on some serviettes and now I know what I need...thanks inspirational, whirlwind, busybee ,lovely lady !
    Gail x

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  27. I adore that desk! All so beautifully done! Hope you're having a grand Sunday! Toodles, Kathryn

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  28. Gorgeous transformations, Laurie!
    Is that Cabbages and Roses fabric? So pretty!

    XOXO,
    Anne

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  29. Your furniture makeovers are gorgeous...your sure to sell out.

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  30. Hey busy little lady, these are gorgeous!!!! I LOVE what you did with those chairs and the drop cloth. You gots all kinds of talent. :) You must be getting low on paint, you might have to take a visit to the Lakeshore. :)
    xoxox

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  31. It still amazes me what a little paint can accomplish.....and lots of elbow grease.
    Thanks for the tip on the fabric pen.

    great job!
    x
    Carole

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  32. You gave each and every piece a simple elegance that I'm sure so many people would have never thought possible. I must get my hands on some of that ASCP in French Grey, it goes so beautifully with those sprigs of lavender. And the Fabricmate pen, such a great tip. How thrilling that must be to complete such gorgeous transformations! xo ~Lili

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  33. seriously gorgeous, laurie! bravo.

    michele

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  34. You sure have been busy! When I go on a painting spree like that I usually walk around for days with splotches of white paint on me and in my hair:) It amuses my husband!

    Everything looks amazing but I especially LOVE the little desk!!!!

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  35. All I gotta say is YOU ROCK! Love the items! Your friend may not want to sell them!

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  36. What beautiful afters in every piece, you're a busy pretty lady. You did a great job, let me tell you! Just dropped from Metamorphosis Monday. Happy Halloween. Hugs, FABBY

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  37. Hi Laurie,

    I LOVE all of your french inspired transformations - just BEAUTIFUL! :)

    Thank you also for stopping by my page & leaving such a kind comment on my post. :) It's greatly appreciated.

    Take care and have a great night!


    Hugs,
    Jessie

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  38. Laurie oh Ms. Laurie - I just really always enjoy viewing your blog. You are just such a huge inspiration to me...just your energy and all the gorgeous pieces you create. So amazing my friend!
    -Marie

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  39. Wow, these all turned out great! The mirror is my favorite because of the great shape.

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  40. Love your transformations and thank you for the tip on the fabric pen!! I have never heard of it!!! Visiting from NTT

    Carol

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  41. Wow Laurie...you have been busy! I just love the beautiful grey desk and that fabric pen is so cool...great job!!! ~Deb~

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  42. Laurie, you are an artist! Beautiful job on EVERYTHING! Just improvements! Oh, love Jim Brickman in the background....my fav pianist. Linda

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  43. Oh I love all of your projects. I really appreciate the tip on that pen. I will go buy one. I assume I can find it at Hobby Lobby or some place like that.

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  44. Oh, these are all great pieces, Laurie! My favorites are the mirror and the framed antique pics... beautiful!
    Oh, and I wouldn't call it an obsession as much as an... oh darn, two more of our kitties are pregnant... sort of thing... LOL! But, they are so darn cute when their kittens, we can never get rid of all of them. They're all fixed now though, thank goodness... LOL!
    Glad to see that your shop venture is going so well for ya! :)

    xoxo Jo

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  45. Whoa! you are getting REALLY good at this Sis!
    It won't be long, and you will have your own shop...I just know it.
    Great pieces that were transformed into lovely treasures.
    Great work!
    Smooches.

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  46. Wow, those are quite the transformations! Just beautiful. I especially love the framed pieces. I found you via House in Roses and I just love your blog. I am your latest follower. I would love for you to stop by and consider following me back as well.

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  47. Gorgeous! Love them all.
    Jeanni

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  48. Well, you've been busy, busy, busy. Love your finished products.

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  49. I love your creativity and the way you keep the look authentic. That floral pillow caught my eye...very charming. Your blog header is gorgeous too..

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  50. You have been busy, but everything looks so wonderful! Thank you for sharing your creative process... I've really enjoyed this post!

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  51. you sure have an eye for turning the not so good into the very fab! great job :)
    blessings,
    aimee

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  52. Laurie,
    Oh wow girl, you are having way to much fun over here! I so wish I had some of your great finds it would have me painting my heart out :)
    You have transformed these soulful pieces giving them new soul :)

    Love the mirror, you have inspired me to get out and find a few pieces to paint!

    I am getting started on creating for the holidays, Christmas :)

    Blessings
    xoxo
    Dore

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  53. Holy Moly Laurie you have been busy!! Love all of them! And I thought I had fun with paint everyday!lol!
    hugs,
    paula:)

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  54. You have done an excellent job on all your painting projects, I am sure you will be very successful at the market. Thanks for sharing, keep them coming! Diane

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  55. looks like you have been crazy busy! But they all turned out so fantastic! Brilliant rather.

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  56. You have been so busy! I will have to try that fabricmate pen...looks great. My fav is the grey chair with grainsack seat with pale blue stripe! The ASCP grey looks just like the stone grey spray that I use. I have yet to order some Annie Sloan. I don't really care for re-doing furniture...it is a gift you know! I wanted to let you know that I got the grey throw blanket from Target. It is actually a twin size blanket and is only $13.99! That is why I bought it. I love it so much I went back and bought another. We like that it is larger than a throw blanket and it is not too heavy. It comes in a lovely beige too which I was tempted to buy also.

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  57. Very nicely done. I love ASCP - nothing is safe now, it all wants some painting. I'm following.
    - Joy

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  58. Those are some awesome makevovers! You have been painting like there's no tomorrow! Love them all and glad to find a new product, thanks for mentioning the paint pen.
    Debbie

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  59. Hi, I'm with an online vintage dress boutique called Shabby Apple (www.shabbyapple.com) and I adore your blog. Shabby Apple offers affordable, stylish attire perfect for a day at work or play, or a night on the town. We would love to partner with you and offer your readers a 10% off coupon as well as the opportunity to giveaway a piece of jewelry from our collection on your blog. Please check us out at www.shabbyapple.com and let me know if you are interested.

    I look forward to hearing back from you soon!

    Thanks,

    Chelsea Wakley

    cwakely@shabbyapple.com
    (this is only open to US residents, if this is not a possibility please let me know)

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  60. Hi Laurie,
    Love all the transformations, you are a busy lady!! The more I see grey painted furniture the more I want some!! Love the mirror:-))
    Hugs,
    Bella

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  61. you have been busy! everything looks so beautiful.

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  62. You are one busy lady! Everything is fabulous and beautiful!!! thanks for sharing with us!
    XOXO
    Kristin
    http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/
    (I'm having blogger issues)

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  63. Woman!! Wow have you ever been busy!! LOVE that ASCP white w/ french grey!!! Oh my goodness!!! You are amazing! But we already knew this about you didn't we?? :)

    xoxo,
    Shellagh

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  64. Great projects - love all the pretty frames!

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  65. lovin' it here ... hope we can meet soon

    newest follower

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  66. Each project is just lovely now! I love everything you painted! These are quite a transformation!

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  67. Very frenchy- and sweet! You adore ASCP and the results are really great for you- win/win.

    Thanks for sharing, cuz I found you at The Romantic Home's linky party tonight,
    ~Suzanne in NW Illinois

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  68. I'm stopping back by to say thank your for linking your lovely projects to Potpourri Friday!

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  69. I'm so impressed with your work! You've achieved some wonderful restorations. You WILL have the best booth!

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  70. I think I have a new OBSESSION, your restorations!!! Thanks so much for stopping by earlier and for your sweet note!!! I'm glad I know about "Heaven's Walk!" I'm your newest Follower and hope you'll "follow" me on your next visit!!!

    Aimee @ ItsOverflowing.com

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  71. Hi my lovely laurie!! you are so amazing!! did you have classes or lessons on painting etc? What an amazing talent you have!!! wish i could be able to pop in and pick up some of your pieces!!! love your little topiaries also! and your fabric painting! I have had some of those pens for a few months but have hardly used them! Hope you are well and your family too; sending you lots of love and hugs!! Laura xx

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  72. Hi I am a new follower! I love all of your transformations, particularly the picture frames! I am in love with ASCP - Paris Grey being my favorite so fun. Some day soon I'll post my transformations on my blog!

    Hugs,
    Jacalyn

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  73. Wow I love all the transformations. Everything turned out beautifully.

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  74. Laurie...amazing re-do's every one...and so humbling...you have a gift..I am so glad I found you I signed up to follow so I will be back...blessings
    Karena A Loblolly Life

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  75. Fabulous Laurie! I love the mirror with the dry brush of Paris Grey. Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  76. Beautiful! Thanks for stopping by at Our Adventures in Big Ole Texas. I'll definitely keep your link to use when I do my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint post :)

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Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie