In the beginning, I created nothing. I copied.
On April 1, 2011, I discovered blogs. Miss Mustard Seed to be exact. Hook. Line. Sinker. And just like that, I was in love with furniture painting!
On approximately April 2nd, my husband and I had a "discussion" about our household budget. Ever had one of those? Not pleasant, but necessary from time to time. Unfortunately, on April 1, I had already found some furniture on Craigslist that needed me to attempt not to destroy it. A Drexel dresser, mirror and chest for $150! Curvy, yummy.
I remembered Miss MS saying that she had investors, and asked my husband if I had a investor, would he mind if I started painting furniture. I think he might have laughed at me, but he said fine. My "investor" lives down the hall, he's 13, miserly, and a 20% return sounded good to him! Woo hoo! I was in business!
Inspired by (doesn't that sound better than saying "I copied"?) this dresser from Miss Mustard Seed, I started painting using ASCP. I learned a lot painting this dresser. Like, why using a belt sander to strip the top of a veneer piece is a very bad idea.
*Professional tip 101. An ice scraper is not the same as a putty knife.
Live and learn. It turned out ok. Not amazing, but alright.
I learned from this. And grew a little. And copied some more.
And then... I started playing a little more and listening to myself and learning what my own style of painting and decorating is. I am still figuring that out and... Loving. Every. Minute.
Linking to these parties:
Welcome to The Shabbiest Chick! My name is Chrystal and I am the happily married wife of one, and mother of four ~ all boys! I live in The House of Testosterone. I am passionate about my family, my home and coffee. I love to restore and recreate, taking the old and giving it a new life as a future heirloom. Come along with me, but grab a paint brush, we've got work to do!
Posts
Love your flair! And Miss Mustard Seed does rock... Following you both!
ReplyDeleteI love your creativity in finding an investor! I started out pretty much the same way. We like what we see and copy it, then learn and grow along the way. Your makeovers are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAnd the rest of the story is....... your latest creation is one of the best painted pieces of furniture I have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed! Plus, you're funny:) Keep at it so I have someone to copy - I mean inspire me! Lookin' good.
ReplyDeleteIt's soooo addicting isn't it? And, you never find the same thing twice so always have a chance to reinvent yourself! BTW...I like the hutch the best! Nice eye. www.knottooshabbyfurnishings.com
ReplyDeleteMuch better than alright! It's really lovely!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! Get out there and BE BOLD!
ReplyDeleteI really like reading your blog! It is so fun to read and you've got a great sense of humor! I have started on refurnishing my own trash to treasure furniture and I, too, have done stuff like using a window scraper for a putty knife. I am glad I am not the only one who makes mistakes. I feel as we learn we get better and better at mastering the techniques. I will be coming back here again! Good read! And great furniture! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Chrystal...Sharon and I just awarded you a blog award for your amazing site! Check it out at www.vintageshabbychicks.com Julie
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've found your voice--it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis piece is gorgeous- wow! I'm just getting started on blogging myself- you are an inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteJust finding you in fall of 2014...love your work and your style!
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