Thursday, November 10, 2011

In the Beginning

In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth.

In the beginning, I created nothing. I copied.



I consider myself to be a slightly crafty, slightly handy, slightly buildy (probably not a word) girl. I am a bad cook, a good mom and a copycat.

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.



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12 comments:

  1. Love your flair! And Miss Mustard Seed does rock... Following you both!

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  2. I 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!

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  3. And the rest of the story is....... your latest creation is one of the best painted pieces of furniture I have ever seen.

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  4. I'm impressed! Plus, you're funny:) Keep at it so I have someone to copy - I mean inspire me! Lookin' good.

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  5. It'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

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  6. I 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! :)

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  7. Hey Chrystal...Sharon and I just awarded you a blog award for your amazing site! Check it out at www.vintageshabbychicks.com Julie

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  8. I'm glad you've found your voice--it's beautiful!

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  9. This piece is gorgeous- wow! I'm just getting started on blogging myself- you are an inspiration!!!

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  10. Just finding you in fall of 2014...love your work and your style!

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