Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Patience is a Virtue

Just so you don't think I've been doing nothing but laying around on the couch....



I tackled a small project that unexpectedly came my way.  Unexpected in the fact that I had not considered trying the painting/distressing practice on an old Windsor chair I've had for many, many years from my Aunt Dot.


It is a dark wood that I don't necessarily like and just never really fit into the house's vibe. Hah! Laugh if you will, but yes, my house has a vibe.  It's called "try a lot of different looks and see what sticks".

I tried to sell the chair at a flea market, but no one would pay what the chair is worth. I didn't want to just give it away, so I thought why not try to make it a piece of furniture I like? And with the furniture trends in certain circles veering towards the shabby chic/distressed look I thought I'd try that out with my leftover chalk paint.



The patience part? Well if you've ever painting anything with spindles and bars, it is a trying task.

With the help of the television droning on in the background, I gritted my teeth and went to it.

First few strokes brought panic - "what have I done?!?!?!"

After it was fully coated with the chalk paint, I hated it and really regretted the painting. The character of the chair had gone flat. Bland.

Got my sander out and started bringing out some of the architecture of the chair and started feeling a bit better about it.





It passed Bumby's inspection, but neither she nor I are totally happy with the way the seat turned out. 



 I was going for a worn look as if many seats and been seated in the chair.  I may redo that area.  Must confer with Bumby first.



Overall I like the look.  I feel that it "fits in" more here at Boston Manor.



And best of all, I will keep Aunt Dot's chair around and enjoy it's presence more now.


What projects have you been up to my good friends?
Have a great week!

9 comments:

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Hey! I like it!
I especially like that you distressed it. I worked on two chairs for the dining room table to go along with my 3 chair bench a made a few months back-- I did them while I was on blog-cation. I didn't distress them-- I figure that will come soon enough with the Littles running around here. I haven't posted about them yet.
But -- Like the after. You did a great job.
Now refresh my memory-- did you buy the chalk paint for that little chest and use it on your chair? Or is this DIY chalk paint... ?

-- Pat

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
I love the way this chair turned out.
The chalk paint seems like a good match to the style of the chair.
As well the small pillow goes nicely. It looks to be a needlepoint pillow?
I see Bumby thinks this is a nice chair for curling up in.
I recently brought in an old wooden rocking chair (31 years old)from the storage room, and Herbert and Arthur take turns napping in it. - there's something cats like about a wooden chair I think. :)
I am presently finishing a crochet sweater for the grandaughter of a friend, but am not quite happy with the result. I was thinking of posting it soon.
I agree, Ann - you have done a lovely job with this chair - and good that you keep the chair.
Brenda
Brenda

Unknown said...

I love it!! Everytime I paint something I wonder if I did the right thing. I painted something for myself today,something my stepfather gave me. Not finished but I'm loving it! Good job girl!

Chatty Crone said...

Nothing like that I can tell you. I would never do that I would be so scared! lol

I think you did a great job and it looks B E A U T I F U L !

sandie

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I really need to try some of this paint...it gives a really nice finish! I like that you distressed it, too! Spindles are a major pain to paint...that and shutters...ugh!

Mr. Connor said...

Looks great. Will try it out soon and see how it fits ?

Orlando Grandma said...

Interesting look. I always wonder where do you find the time and energy. Can't think back of how it was when I was your age I guess.l

The Thuglets said...

Great job on the chair! So...whats next?
Have a great week
Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx

Decor To Adore said...

A sweet seat indeed!

Mr. D and the Fashionista are looking at cars for the trip. She leaves in about 3 weeks. Gah! I can't remember when your girl arrives ???