Tinker Around

Welcome to my blog. It is full of basic projects and tutorials for things that I have done and feel like others out there would benefit from learning too. Be sure to take time to leave me a comment. Thanx, Pam

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Furniture I Painted

I am really running behind of blogging...so I wanted to just post some pictures of some of the furniture that I have painted lately.  IF you are interested, just leave me a comment or send me an email.  giftofgabsave@hotmail.com and be sure to put blog furniture in the subject line.





 Love those legs!!! Measures 53"x15" and is 25.5" tall. Asking $100. for this sofa/front entry table.




These remind me of the tables my grandparents had! The top partial table measures 10.5"x15.5" Then the bottom main table part is 23.5"x14". The table measures 24" tall from top and 15.5" from the bottom. I am asking $40 each or $75 for the pair.




Jewelry box #1 - Top is 5" x 9.5" and is 11" tall. All hand painted, will be shiny after sealer goes on. Asking $25
SOLD for $20




Jewelry box #2 - top is about 5" x 9.5" and is 9" tall. Asking $22 




Asking price is $150. Tag on bottom of table says it was made in Italy. About 43" across, 17.5" deep, and 29" tall. 
  Sold for $100                  



11.25" x 20" and is almost 22" tall. All hand painted and sealed! Asking $75




10" x 12" and 16.25" tall. Asking $35.  SOLD FOR $30.




19.5" square x 24.75" tall. All hand painted, very shiny after sealed now. Asking $65




This end table is hand painted and sealed. Measures 16" x 23" and is 24" tall.  Asking $45.
Sold for $45.


This one was $150.  I accepted $130 and it is sold!!!





Jewelry box #3 - 8.5" x 12.5" and is 34" tall overall. Hand painted and sealed to a fine shine on top.
SOLD for $100



40" across the front, 18.5" deep counting the handles, and 30.25" tall. This dresser/ buffet is solid wood, hand painted and sealed. I am asking $195 


Ok. that is it for now, hope you have enjoyed seeing what I do on the off days of my life.  I love to paint and teach several classes.  I have beginners all the way to folks that have been with me for about three years or so.   It is my passion, a way to get lost and just relax!  I do two or three shows a year in our area.  If you look up JJPearce in Richardson, Texas....I can usually be found in their Pacesetters show each year.  Stop by the large front room by the fireplace and introduce yourself.  My furniture doesn't usually make it to a show, it is just so heavy.  I like to get really sturdy pieces that will hold up over time.  
See ya in a couple weeks...or so. 
-Pam




Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Old New Hall Table

Do you all remember the flat backed, curved front table that I got a little while back?  Let me refresh your memory a bit.


There it is in all it's glory.  I paid $3 for it at a yard sale out in the middle of no where.  They had ripped the veneer top off and didn't have a clue what kind of a gem this really was.  I tend to see things in a finished and restored state when I am shopping.  In that way I am lucky.  My husband doesn't always see things that way, but he is still very supportive.  So, I am still very lucky and blessed.

Ok, so you see all those gouges in the top?  That was the first issue that had to be taken care of.


I tend to make due and use what I have on hand.  So instead of going to the hardware store and getting some wood filler, I just used this Wallboard Joint Compound that I had leftover from a flooring project.  Used a flat edged tool and slathered it on.  After it had dried, I took some sandpaper to it.  Then, filled in any areas that were still messed up.  Sanded again, and then took a brown paper bag to it.  Yes, I often sand with a brown paper bag, it is smoother than the finest grit of sandpaper and I can get it free at the grocery store.  I just ask for paper from time to time, instead of taking in my grocery bags.  Free is always good!

Now, you have to take a tack cloth, again I just use an old damp towel (it is free and available!) and go over the entire piece to get all the dust off.  I know that you shouldn't sand inside, I just always do!  lol.

I went to the art room and started pulling bottles of paint that I though would resemble the look of the cherry wood finish, or whatever that is.  Took an old clean lid from a cool whip container and put the paint out, and took a paint brush and did my top.


What do you think??  I know it isn't perfect, but it is much better than it was and I still have more to add.  I also did the bottom, and put the legs back to the original black.  Now, what to paint on it, I just have a hard time leaving stuff alone.  So, it goes to the side of the room til I figure out what is next.  You have heard folks say that certain things talk to them.  Well, I have gotten to where I can hear certain things (or maybe God is just helping me out a bit!) lean towards certain patterns to be painted.  

So, anyway, with all the lines and such, a Tree!  Why not, they seem to be popular right now.  Had to go get out some more paints and do a very bright background.  A tree sure wasn't gonna show up really well on brown.


Looks really, Really REALLY bright doesn't it?  I have come to realize that I don't judge my project til it is out of my head and on the surface.  So...stay with me.  I think you will be surprised.


Had to put something down on the bottom, so I drew some leaves and you got it...went back for some more paint colors from my stash in the other room.  





It still just didn't feel finished.  I wasn't happy with it yet.  So, I went online to find a saying or something that I could paint around the curve of the front.  This is what I came up with...


Now, that I am happy with!!!  I still have to take a wet rag to get off all my chalk lines from writing out the words, nothing worse that free handing it and finding out it isn't centered.  The chalk will come off easily.  Then I have to seal the entire table and it will be for sale.

So...go out there and look with new eyes!  I have two more end tables that I am currently working on, and maybe I can show you those soon.  They were not nearly as involved as they were in better shape to start with.  

Let me know if there is a product that you would like me to try out or share how to use.  I wonder how many folks read these blogs, but I do like writing from time to time...so I will be back.

-Pam

Friday, April 20, 2012

Shopping the Antiquibles Antique Mall

Happy Friday!!!  What better thing to share today...a shopping trip!!!  I went with friends this last week to one of my favorite shopping places  *drum roll here*   


A portion of an antique store is devoted to Barbara and David Hays' 7,000+ dog-related collectibles, accumulated since 1967.
Address:
94300 I-35 N, Waco, TX
Directions:
4 mi. north of Waco, I-35 Exit 345 east side of Frontage Rd in Antiques Mall in the back.
Admission:
Free.
Hours:
Daily 10 am -6 pm. Closed Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving. (Call to verify)
Phone:
254-829-0120



And now, I will let the pictures speak for themselves!  Needless to say, we spent quite a while here.  It is a great day trip from Dallas area.  Be sure to wear comfy shoes, and it does get warm in there with all the walking and shopping.  They are great about coming and emptying your arms while you shop though, and that is awesome!  So, without further ado...
























Did you have fun seeing all this??  And it isn't even a drop in the bucket of everything there!!  Want another idea of how BIG this place really is...


Yep!!!  I had fun!!!!  When you go, be sure to tell them that Pam with the blog sent you!  Have fun and feel free to leave comments below!  See ya in a couple of weeks!