End Table Roadside Rescue

I found these two wood end tables on the curb which I am officially calling "Roadside Rescue". One of the drawers was missing a knob, but other than that they were in perfect condition. Of course the dark wood was too drab for me so I spruced them up Samantha style.

Before:

 After: 

 

 I used an anchor stencil I drew several months. The anchors required four coats of paint. I found some old brass knobs I had from another project. I spray painted those glossy white. These endtables sold for $75 for the pair.

Bookcase re-do

I found this solid wood bookcase on Craigslist for only $25! It's so difficult to find solid wood furniture these days so when I find a piece for a good price I grab it! 

I used a high hiding white paint:

I used some leftover blue paint for the inside of the bookcase. 

Always let paint dry for at least 8 hours (overnight is preferred). Then take a sanding sponge to the piece. I used a polyurethane matte sealant. 

Thrift Store Find Makeover

The second I laid eyes on this seahorse figurine at Goodwill I knew I would use my handy dandy spray paint collection to make it fit my coastal house decor perfectly! Two coats of blue spray paint later and it's done! I love it! 

Shabby Chic Bedroom Set

I helped a friend re-do her bedroom furniture. I'm super bummed because I didn't get a before picture. The original furniture was white and it had an almost laminate texture to the whole thing, which worried me because I've only worked with solid wood in the past. I attempted to sand it down, but quickly realized I wasn't getting anywhere with it because it was laminate furniture. I was nervous because I didn't know how the distressing part would turn out or how well the paint would hold onto the laminate.  

As you can see we painted the tops of the furniture brown and the base of the dressers a blue/turquoise. We painted the knobs and handles the same brown color as the top. Next came the part I was most nervous about.... Distressing. This was a stop and go process because sometimes whole strips came off from the drawers due to the laminate. There were times we had to repaint a drawer because too much paint came off. We used matte Shellac to seal it, putting three coats on the tops of the furniture and two on the drawers and sides. I think the furniture turned out great!!! 

Inspired by this picture:

 

 We were inspired by this picture above. Those pieces were solid wood, but I think we came pretty close to achieving the same look. For more information on the above picture click here.

Shabby Chic End Table

I'm always looking for solid wood pieces that I can buy for cheap and re-do. I got this end table off Craigslist for $20. It's solid wood and very heavy.

After sanding it with an electric sander (which I have to say is the best invention in the world) I started painting it. I used eggshell paint that I had lying around the house from previous paint jobs. I let it dry overnight and sanded it using a fine grit sandpaper block (also a great invention). I sealed it using a shellac in matte that I bought at Lowes. I love how it turned out. I gave it to my friend as a housewarming gift for her beach-inspired apartment.