First, let me start off by quickly addressing my last post. Judging by the comments I have received, it was not an enjoyable read for many of you, and for that I apologize. If you want further clarification on what I was trying to communicate, I encourage you to read through the comments. My intention was not to be unkind, and I don’t ever want reading my blog to be a down spot in someone’s day.
With that said, I also want to say that I am a normal person. I get frustrated, hurt, defensive, and insecure just like the rest of us. I also have been known to speak my mind a little too openly on occasion and say something that was inappropriate or poorly thought through. When writing this blog, my goal is always to share my most real self, and I hope in that sharing someone is taught, encouraged, or entertained.
This blog isn’t just a business for me, but is also a personal outlet, and sometimes my writing will be more of just my free-flowing thoughts rather than a presentation. The risk with trying to be authentic is that the bad comes right out along with the good . . . but I find the rewards of authenticity greater than the risks.
So, I commit to my readers to continue to be authentic, and in return I hope for grace when the ugly shows up along the pretty. I really am humbled by the thought that anyone takes the time to read what I write, and I so appreciate the interaction and comments that come from my readers.
Moving on . . . I wanted to show you all super quick makeover I teased about last week on my Facebook page.
Selling painted furniture is all about the before and after. Well this one took a bit more time being a “before” until I could turn it into an “after. This little art deco nightstand has been in my big boys’ bedroom for about a year, waiting for a makeover. I waffled back and forth on painting it either navy, white, or gray, so much so that I eventually just gave up and left it as is.
When I saw this color of Fusion Mineral Paint though, inspiration finally struck:
It’s called Champness, and it is a soft but saturated blue. It dries a little darker than what it looks like in the jar, and I knew it would be the perfect color for the nightstand.
I did some very light sanding on the nightstand to try and smooth out the places where someone had previously stripped its paint. Honestly, for a nice smooth surface I should have gotten out my orbital sander and sanded it much more. But for a $30 nightstand that I am keeping for myself, I was happy leaving it with some bumps on its surface.
Two coats of Fusion’s Champness, and a good overnight’s drying got me this:
I apologize for these grainy pictures–the light in my boys’ room is just terrible! But I hope you can get the idea of how cute this little guy is now.
I think the blue is the perfect accent to their gray walls, white beds, and navy curtains.
I didn’t distress it at all because I wanted to stay true to the art deco look.
The handles had always bothered me, but I love now how they contrast with the blue.
I left them as they were–their patina is perfect.
And again, because I used Fusion I didn’t have to do any waxing or top-coating of any kind. Once the paint fully cures, it should withstand the wear and tear of my boys just fine.
Another fun thing to share with you all . . . does anybody remember earlier this year when I shared my plans to DIY my kitchen? As a part of my long-term design I want to collect and display some vintage kitchen tins, and I showed a photo of some French kitchen tins on Etsy I was obsessing over.
A week or two after my post I noticed that the set had sold, and I had a very brief thought “Maybe someone bought them for me?” But I convinced myself that was a ridiculous thought and set about looking for a different set.
Well, last night some friends from our church showed up with an early birthday gift for me. As I unwrapped the box, I saw that the package was shipped from France–and I immediately knew what it was.
Yes, the lovely French tin set is now mine. I can’t believe it. I think it may be the most thoughtful gift I have ever received, and it was totally unexpected.
They are even more lovely in person than they are in photos.
And the note that came along with the tins from the seller in France (along with a tiny Eiffel Tower) is just as charming.
I’m motivated now to keep working on painting my kitchen cabinets so I can display these beauties properly.
A gift I will always treasure from some very dear friends. It’s a birthday to remember.
Linking up to: Silver Pennies Sundays
Tara Doering
Wednesday 1st of April 2015
Happy, Happy Birthday!! I love your tins, what a great surprise! Things like that happen to good people!
I did want to clarify, I wasn't offended by your previous post. I just wanted to say from an estate sale employee, the other side of what may have been the thoughts and not all estate sale people are the same. ;) I love reading your blog and what you have to say. Writing your blog and having feedback is like having a conversation, only it's in text. I think because the tone, the inflection, the interaction can't be seen or heard, things may come across differently then the intent.
Melanie
Wednesday 1st of April 2015
Thank you Tara, that is so sweet. And I think you're wonderful . . . I agree it can be challenging to get across what you are trying to say in a text format. I have a policy with friends and family that I don't discuss anything serious over email for that reason :) The whole purpose of a blog is to share thoughts and opinions, and so I really do value the feedback that comes along from readers, whether they agree or disagree.
chris aka monkey
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
mel happy birthday to you and many more, the night stand is killer love it and the color..... i went baCK AND READ THE COMMENTS AND I TOO AM SORRY THAT THEY TOOK OFFENSE.sorry about those caps hit the wrong button... any way i hope it doesn't discourage you from being real because that is what i like about you and i certainly don't have to agree all the time, so please take it with a grain of salt xx
Melanie
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
Thanks Chris for the birthday wishes :) And I appreciate your encouragement. I'm not discouraged at all, I enjoy having the interaction and expect that not everything I say will be 100% ok with everyone. I do want my intent to come across clearly though, and maybe it didn't so well. Anyways, water under the bridge :) I love the nightstand color too, it really does look perfect in their room. Have a fantastic rest of your week!
teresa
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
This is one paint job that I love. Just beautiful. The gift brings back so many memories of the younger years in Belgium. My mom had a stoneware set very similar.
Melanie
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
Thanks Teresa, I appreciate it! That's interesting about your mom's stoneware set. Did you spend your whole childhood in Belgium?
Susie @ The Chelsea Project Blog
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
Wonderful story. You express yourself beautifully. Please don't ever change for the critics. Sadly, there will always be critics. Meanwhile....I need some of those tin buying friends. LOL.. Look forward to seeing them in their redone kitchen.
Melanie
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
Thanks Suz, and yes, everyone needs good friends :) I need to get my act in gear and work on this kitchen though!
Cynthia - Clockwork Interiors
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
Love the nightstand--It reminds me of a little safe--I'm sure your boys will enjoy it! And Happy Birthday!
Melanie
Tuesday 31st of March 2015
Thanks Cynthia, and yes . . . I can see the little safe :) My middle child has totally taken over the one drawer and stuffs all of his "treasures" inside of it, so a safe is an apt description.