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Nickelodeon and Elphaba

Today started out with a kickboxing class.  I’m fierce when it comes to a jab-cross-hook-uppercut combo and it feels great to be in the gym again.  If you follow me on Twitter, you’d know that I am making an effort to get back in shape.  Two years of focusing on my business have…well, not been so kind to my waistline.  So, I’m working on it and I’m really committed and motivated. 

Once the workout was done, the other “musts” on the to-do list were cleaning the basement, finishing my column for the October issue of Cottages and Bungalows and make this dresser Lucketts-ready. 

I really liked the paint color, but the top needed some help.  It was a slightly different shade and it had a strange texture on it…like something was set on it and left for years in the heat.  So, I decided to leave the base as is and strip the top.  A liberal coat of Citristrip followed by a wipe down with mineral spirits was all it took. 

Here’s where it got messy.  The paint and Citristrip made a mixture that reminded me of Nickelodeon slime.  You know…don’t say “I don’t know” or you’ll get it all over your head.  Any other 80’s kids out there?  Anyone?  Well, this slime got all over the floor, my pants, the back of the dresser…it was a mess. 

Here’s where I proved what a genius I am (not really.)  I worked with all of this slime and was too impatient to put gloves on.  My hands looked ready for the role of Elphaba.  You know?  “I wasn’t made for the rose and pearl.” Any other thespians out there?  It took about five minutes of good scrubbing to get them normal again.  Well, my hands never really look normal, but they at least weren’t green…although some may be holding on for dear life under my nails. 
I’ll show you how the dresser looks in a couple of days. 
Before I let you go today, I must apologize for not sharing a Milk Paint tutorial yet!  Ah!  I went on vacation and I’ve been trying to catch up and it slipped through the cracks.  I’ll get to it ASAP and also write a post comparing ASCP to Milk Paint, so you can choose which is right for you. 
One last thing…the winners of the Quote the Walls $50 Giveaway are Mignon and djmills!  Congrats!!

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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35 Responses

  1. I am so totally in the worst shape of my LIFE right now. 2 kids and a change in states has not been great for my bod. Im thinking I would like to find a cross-fit gym to whim my butt back into shape!

    as for the slime- that was my FAVORITE show back when. lol. and that paint goo totally looks like it. GROSS. why did it do that? Just because the paint was old? or does it always make a gooey mess, and you just got lucky with the green this time?

  2. Haha! It totally reminds me of Nickelodeon! And "Wicked"…what can you say about that?
    "She's a terror! She's a tartar! We don't mean to show a bias, but, Galinda, you're a martyr!"
    "Well, these things are sent to tryyyyy us."
    7 years in drama. I'm picking up what you're puttin' down.

  3. i wish i had a waistline. if it was more important to me, i might now. i love my distractions too much to stay focused for long. having 3 teen kids without licenses helps add to that pear shaping i own.
    anyways, i am so tickled about that dresser. my family had that same one only it had a marble top … i loved its curves and hoped to steal it someday. who knows, i may still someday. ….
    regardless, your random notes on elphaba and slime hit the wayback wheel. thanks again for the nostalgia.
    xow.

  4. I love that dresser and can't wait to see it complete! I am also waiting in the milk paint vs. chalk paint stuff….I love them both and definitely want the official MMS spin on them.
    Good Night….sweet "green" dreams….

  5. I love that green vintage paint! Can't wait to see how it looks with the new top.

    And yes, I know EXACTLY what show you mean! "I don't know" — slime! You're the only other person I've met so far that knows that I'm talking about when I quote that show. Sigh!

    ~Angela~

  6. Yay for me, I got both of those references!! Remember that weird, kinda fat cook guy named like Barf or something on "You can't do that on television"?! I looooved Wicked the musical, books were good too, downloaded a bunch of the songs to my ipod. Congrats on getting back into exercising…I love kickboxing (and my old days of Tae-bo with Billy Blanks!) because its like you're learning to defend yourself/fight and so it doesn't feel like exercise:) Have you tried Zumba yet? I just started a class and it is soooo fun, a really good work out. I feel like I'm auditioning to be a back up dancer for Justin Bieber or something! Can't wait to see the finished dresser!!!

  7. I JUST bought this same dresser, well almost the same, this weekend!! it is repainted and has a marble top. I CANNOT wait to see what you do with it ;-))

  8. Sorry about your green slime…my kids watched Nick back in the day and I have to say I hate it with a passion! LOL And don't even get me started on those Disney Channel shows…ugh!!!
    Can't wait to see how the dresser turns out.
    I'm off to bed, but I'll be singing my fav tune from Wicked now. ; )

  9. Oh, yes…the slime! Been there…and you are one brave girl to go without the gloves:)Mine were bright orange chemical stripper gloves. Sexy! Ended up with a serious load of old rags headed for the dumpster.

  10. "It's atrocious, it's obceeeeeeeeeeeeen! Like a frawny ferny cabbage, the baby is un-nat-ur-al-ly… GREEEEEEEEN!"

    I think this looks as wonderful as the wizard, however 🙂

  11. The dresser is Eastlake, I believe. Don't ya think? I love green, so I am happy to see you keep it. Slime. Ick!

    Aaaaaah, kickboxing. I was watching these women hit the bags and their trainers the other day and was envious of them. Oh to be able to get my frustrations out doing that, and to feel strong in that way. It would be wonderful. I can't though, cause I have a weak heart and just am able to manage 20 minutes walking on the treadmill, 20-35 minutes on a recumbant elliptical and then some weights (waaaant waaaant, Debbie Downer here!). Maybe one day, though, 'cause my bootie and BFYR (big fat yeast roll, as my friend says) could certainly use it! 😉

    Jenny

  12. Ewww…to the green slime!! But I think that dresser is adorable so can't wait to see what you have done with it. And next time…start out with gloves! Very important! Just as important if not more so than your waist line!
    I'm just saying…!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

  13. Fabulous dresser; I agree with the color too. It's great. The top is going to be gorgeous! I can't wait to see it!

  14. Ha, you crack me up! Better remember the secret potion for the "slime" so that you can make it again for Halloween. It could double for decoration and costume! Elphaba would be fun to dress up as! I love Wicked…my favorite show!

  15. As much as I am a voracious reader, I have not yet read or seen 'Wicked'. Just to make sure I googled Elphaba and found I could Elphaba myself using my Facebook picture!! Too funny.

    I totally love the green paint. I am a green person myself, I know many aren't. You have a green little stand that I just adore! I might have to see if I can match up this color with a current shade. It really is pretty. And can't wait to see it finished!

  16. Good for you Marian!! Losing weight is no small task! I find it to be harder and harder as I get older and older. But you can do it, kickboxing is a kick A workout! You'll be a lean mean fighting machine in no time!!

    P.S. I'm an 80's kid, love the 'slime' 😉

  17. I'm feeling sorry for myself this week, it's so hot here (107 right now) that if I go outside, I could sweat off a couple of pounds, so exercise does not sound much fun. But you go girl! Kickboxing rocks, good for your arms to.

    The color of that dresser is yummy, I hope you were able to salvage some of it, even if it just gets to peek through another finish.

  18. Marion…I had a thought looking at that green slime. What if you mixed sawdust with it? Would that make it easier to dispose of? Love the stuff you do. Looking forward to seeing the chest finished.

  19. Thank you so much for your inspiration!! I can't wait to start using the chalkpaint. I've used wax for years, but just over latex paints. The effect you get is incredible!
    Also, where can I download the letters that you use at Luckett's and that you featured in your wedding layout?
    Thanks!
    petra@maynespeaker.com

  20. Love that green color.
    I have a tough time scraping off old colors. I tend to fall in love with them as they are.
    Looking forward to the milk paint tutorial.

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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