Emily's Server: Milk Chocolate to French Linen.

Emily is a past client for whom I've done some sewing projects…

She's been admiring some of my furniture makeovers from my blog, 

and I was thrilled when she contacted me this week 

to ask if I could help her with a piece of furniture.

Here it is:

 It's a very functional cabinet with drop leaves on either side. 

Great to use as a server…

or in an office where you might need more work surface area.

Unfortunately, the piece was painted in a very shiny 

very brown very ugly finish.

 Doesn't it look like it's been dipped in milk chocolate?

Not a very professional paint job I must say….

lots of drips, and globby paint 

that's pulled away in the cracks.

 The top has lots of interesting dings and dents.

This is the thing about glossy paint: 

It highlights EVERY imperfection.

But no worries, 

I'm going to use all those drips and dings as texture…

to simulate age.

 Step One: Sand down the high gloss finish.  

I like using my little mouse sander because I can get in all the little cracks.

But dilemma!!!! Out of mouse sandpaper….

and I'm too lazy to go to the store..

So I just traced the mouse sander base on the round sandpaper,

cut it out (this also sharpens your shears!)

 And there you have it, 

improvisation 101.

 Worked great. 

Back to the furniture:

Here is the piece after sanding.

 Next, I taped off the hardware, 

and painted using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in French Linen.

One coat won't do it……..

Here it is after the second coat is almost dry. 

See how much more coverage you get with the 2nd coat?

This 2nd coat "grabs" the first one for a nice thick, flat finish.

(Be sure the first coat is completely dry, or the 2nd coat will just

take the first one right off…)

 After painting, I distress sanded all the edges, 

and waxed,  and added dark wax in the crevices

and knicks.

 The chocolate base coat actually works great 

because it simulates woodtone peaking through the paint, 

just the effect I was going for.

 Here it is all buffed,  arms stretched wide...

At ease.

Ready for transport.

Ready for holiday serving!

Thanks, Em!

Virtual Holiday Shopping at SheShe's!

Yep, it's that holiday season again.

You know, the one where you're pulling out your hair 

trying to figure out WHAT TO GIVE???!!

Are you up against the wall 

with no ideas for that special, unique gift??

Hmm….I have an idea.

Take a virtual shopping spree with SheShe!

I can deliver in the Charlottesville or Richmond areas.  

I'll even gift wrap (unless it's a chair or something!)

So just sit back, 

pour a glass of wine or eggnog, 

and finish that holiday shopping

in the comfort of your own home!

Ready?

Here we go:

 Portable morale booster: 

 Just place this frame over your mirror 

for an instant confidence boost!

(This might be nice for the work gag gift exchange, 

but please, men, DON'T GIVE THIS TO YOUR WIFE! 

Or you'll have a very very sad Christmas.)

$25

 Leash holder with mini chalkboards above each for names…

(This one has two leash holders, but

I can make customized ones with exact names, 

different number of holders, etc.)

$50 for two holders

$60 for three holders

 "This Little Piggy Stayed Home" plaque 

with porcelain pig head and cast iron coat hook.

$45

 Pottery lighthouse bird feeder on rope. 

(Lift top to add birdseed.)

$45

 Little red wall shelf with parisian art and bee.

$45

 Vintage 70's child's rocking chair 

with new paint job and cushions.

$55

 Vintage end or coffee table (Split top lifts up for storage beneath.)

 Side rack for magazines.

Distressed teal finish

$65

Small items:

Cast iron hand: $35

Yellow large candleholder: $25

Teal vase: $25

 Reinvented vintage wall letter holder

with fun new categories;)

$45

 Little tower jewelry box 

with decoupaged birds.

$35

 Vintage glove forms dated with numbered wooden stands.

White (has repair on one finger) $55

Black - thinner but rarer - $65

 Little grain sack covered stool 

with industrial pipe legs and casters. Rolls.

$75

 Burlap peanut sack covered foot stool. 

White distressed finish with blue stars.

 $75

 Wall moose coat rack:  three cast iron hooks and shelf.

$65

Small antique brass urn.

$50

 Graduated tiered corner 5-shelf unit in green and white.

$75

SheShe Garden Angels!

Meet Poppy, Violet, Edelweiss, and 

Miss "Welcome to my Garden"

Handmade/painted by moi,

and covered with protective coat 

to withstand the elements. 

$29 each

 Petite grey chenille arm chair 

in white distressed painted finish. 

(Back is same fabric as matching pillow.)

Very comfy.

$275

 Vintage hifi cabinet I upcycled into a bar/serving station.

(Or it could be used for an entertainment center.)

Perky distressed green paint finish.

 Top lifts for serving drinks, add an ice chest, etc. 

Butcher block shelves.

SPECIAL: $165. WHAT A DEAL!

(No I can't gift wrap it!)

 Colorful nude original artwork (found) $65

Framed crow print: $35

Frenchy bench with wonderful wood carving.

Distressed white finish.

Holiday special: $199

Large oval ottoman with feet.

Aqua/cream ikat fabric,

pewter oversized nailhead trim.

Holiday special: $199

 Wow, now THIS is a pu pu platter!

Perfect for the holiday entertainer!

Multi-tiered rotating levels with triangular dishes.

All carved wood.

Made in Vietnam.

Holiday special: $50

 Small two toned distressed chest on legs. 

Two drawers. 

Fun valve knobs.

$135

 Great oversized chinese style lantern with nautical art: seahorses, fish.

Perfect for the beach house! 

Just add a dangling lightbulb kit.

Holiday Special: $50

 Bust of David.

$55

 Old clock housing repurposed with equestrian needlepoint.

$35

 Another vintage child's rocker. 

Distressed teal paint.

Numbered back slats. 

$45

 Old muslin coffee sack 

becomes art in distressed blue frame. 

$45

 Antique tiger oak mirror frame 

memo fabric board with flower tacks.

$55

 Set of four turquoise cafe chairs 

with ralph lauren floral seats.

$150

 Two drawer end table/nightstand.

Distressed two tone blue and linen paint finish.

With little cast iron bird knobs.

$75

I hope you have enjoyed 

"Shopping at SheShe's."

Oh, and remember - this works both ways!

Does someone need to give YOU that perfect gift?

Did you just find it?

Just send 'em this link!

Inquiries? Questions?

sheilafox@aol.com

804-402-4370

(Do remember that most of these items are in my retail booth and are one of a kind.

If you want it, let me know so I can put a "SOLD" on the item until I can pick it up.)

Now...wasn't that fun?

Thanks for looking.

French Commode Transformation: How to make a chest look like a beautiful antique!

Ah, yes, just before the holiday, 

today I was able to crank out a couple more pieces before the rain cometh.

This was a client's piece that she wanted me to paint…..

 Yes, probably hand painted but not in this country….
The owner was over the "flora and fauna"motif.

A few finish issues……..

 But it has nice curves, nice pulls...

I painted the base in two coats of 

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Gray.

I also painted the pulls in Pure White.

Here's what it looked like with the painting finished.

 

Here's what it looked like with Wilma laying claim…

(she has a great time checking out
all the new and different items that are constantly

coming through the SheShe ranch.)

Today, I moved it outside and added waxes: 

First clear, and then I used

some dark wax on a small chip brush 

to lightly "hit" all the intentional brush strokes

and imperfections, edges. etc., 

to really bring out all this great texture.

and to simulate age.

I did the same with the pulls:

Added dark wax to get in the nooks and crannies..

Here you can see the dark wax treatment a bit better.

See how you can highlight all the imperfections 

to make the piece appear time worn and antique?

After bringing it inside (just in the nick of time, I might add,)

and after the wax was dry, I buffed it to bring out a lovely sheen.

Parlez vous français?

How "she she!!!!!"

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!!!

Don't forget to support your local small businesses this Saturday!