When I buy something, I rarely look at what it is…
I always look at what it can be. Take these two metal pedestals for example. Great shape, great material, lots of uses. I just hated the red “antique finish” on them. It was too…manufactured.
I painted them a flint gray and then rubbed on a black glaze.
They now have a zinc quality about them, which is much better than what it was. I have to fiddle with things. I just can’t help myself.
Just to give you a preview of what I’ve been working on lately, here’s a sneak peek of the piece of furniture I just finished and photographed today.
…hmmm…what is she up to?
32 Responses
Isn't that just the most
fun thing to do ! I love
how those came out and am
dying to see what you did 🙂
xoxo
Lori
Those came out so nice! I am really trying to start looking at things that way- it should be my new mantra- Dont look at something for what it is but what it can be 🙂
Oh my goodness, I can't wait to see what that painted drawer is. It is already too gorgeous.
Hmmmm indeed. Has a colonial quality….
love the pedestals! You are SO industrious… you must be doing something ALL the time.
They turned out fabulous. Great eye, as usual.
Denise
http://www.extremepersonalmeasures.com
I always love to see what you come up with – You're like the energizer bunny… 🙂
Love what you do, and am loving your photos just as much! I'm a Nikon girl myself, so I'm feeling your Nikon enthusiasm from here.
🙂
I think you are up to good things! I'm going to guess that this piece of furniture has something to do with you morphing into Donna at FJI?
Those metal pedestals look SO MUCH BETTER with the MMS paint treatment. I bet the pedestals themselves feel like they just stepped out of a salon!
Kimberly
I'm curious. When do you do most of your work? I'm always so amazed at creatures like yourself in blogdom. How do you manage to be working on so many large projects, not to mention little ones like these, and find the time to blog about them too? Especially with two kids? I have four (one a newborn) so I guess I don't really remember what uninterrupted time feels like – but I don't remember feeling particularly productive when I had just two either!
You are up to some genius! I have a good guess from that little peek…I've seen some pillows lately 🙂 that would match.
ok, i think i know! it is either a dresser or cabinet, but i think it is painted like a british flag. my friend meranda did one like that a couple years ago and it was my favorite piece she ever did, so it sticks out in my mind.
LOVE! Where did you get those compotes!?! Just what I am looking for, propping a dessert show and they would be perfect to display some sweet confections!
Can't wait to see what you have coming up….
I try to do the same. And yesss whatever are you up to? Can't wait to find out! Vanna
LOVE the new finish. I can see some suet cakes sitting on those. Can I borrow 'em? Hee hee. I'm looking for a compote to set one on. 🙂 Hitting GW tomorrow…TJ Maxx if all else fails. Do I see a little funky j in that sneak peek? Hmmm.
GREAT photos, btw!
They look fabulous, can't wait to see what else you've been up to.
Union jack or dukes of hazzard flag?
Would love to know more about this 'flint gray,' I'm on the hunt for a good gray. I keep missing the mark.
Looks like you are working on something amazing. Cant wait to see the finished product.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
You are a terrible tease for sure! Love the metal tiers! The finish is awesome. Well done!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Love those flint gray pedestals! Definite improvement!
Something perfect for a Gettysburg's home. A flag perhaps?
My best- Diane
Oh please tell me it is a dresser painted up with a flag! I just shared a link awhile back to a fantastic site that does dressers like that and as soon as I saw your sneak peak I thought it looks just like theirs!!
I hope it looks like this one! http://thefrenchprovincialfurniture.com/page/2
Hmm, what patriotic project are you up to?
Your Friend,
Deborah
you are fun! I just found your blog a week ago and I am already obsessed…it helps that you are in PA too so I know that this winter weather doesn't have you feeling blah….(im in hershey)
take care and can't wait to see that patriotic piece!
How fun! Can't wait to see the big reveal of the red white and blue chest. I always find inspiration when I stop by your blog:)
Thanks,
Megan
I love that you see the potential in things. Does that come naturally or is it something you've worked to develop? Sometimes I can immediately see how to transform something, but other times, I just have to bring a thing home and wait for it to tell me what to do with it. Some stuff never does speak and ends up in the back of the closet or the garage sale box. I guess that's the risk…
The pedestals came out great!
M*M*S:
Absolute perfect timing! There's a wedding in April…We're once again be smitten with the Brits!
P.S. Your technique and finish work is amazing!
*Lynne*
Love this colorful re-do! 🙂
i too love what you did with those pedestals! i so love metal of ANY kind, especially with a vintage zinc finish.
Don't you just love it when you spot some treasure – but then can really "see" the true beauty in it?? 🙂 Love the way these turned out, Marian! Very chic!
xoxo laurie