1940s China Cabinet Makeover

Today I completed the china cabinet project I started this past Tuesday. I already have two 1940s cabinets in the dining room but could not pass this one up for the price. It was nicked up on the bottom edges and had a few scratches but had lovely wavy glass in the top and was quite sturdy. I bought it with plans of painting it and putting it in the front entryway.

I have recently been reading about chalk paint and how expensive it is (and not available just anywhere). It is available in an antiques town about 20 minutes away from me, but I am pretty tight when it comes to that. Instead, I decided to make my own using one of the many recipes I found on others' blogs. The recipe I ended up using was: 5 tablespoons plaster of Paris + 5 tablespoons water.....mix well. Then add about two cups of satin latex paint (without primer). I used the $24.99 Olympic. Mix slow but thoroughly.

Before I made anything up and started painting, I used painters' tape to tape off the glass and the areas I did not want to paint. I then lightly sanded with a fine-grit sponge sander (I had one already from sanding patches on walls). The finish was so "slick" on this piece, I wanted to make sure the paint had something to bite. Normally, you do not need to do this when using chalk paint.

I used a small cabinet roller for the large portions of the cabinet and a small, average quality paint brush for the tight spaces. I used a free makeup brush for the very smallest areas. ( I always to this even when painting a room....they work great for tight spaces and nooks and crannies.)

I gave it a second coat the next day.

On the third day (today), I distressed lightly with sandpaper and then used Johnson paste wax to cover the entire piece. Forty minutes later I buffed it out.

Now, I need to find a dresser for my daughter's new place.

Above are the "before" and "after" pics. I painted it right there in the entry way after putting newspapers under it and putting an old sheet down for a drop cloth.

I left the inside back stained, because I plan on putting antique English ironstone finds in there. I have also ordered a "puck" light for the inside top.

I have a set of wooden candlesticks that I want to paint and distress as well, just not white. So, I'll have to stop at Lowe's tomorrow and see if they haven't any "oops" paint. If not, I'll buy a sample jar.

Winter Blues Begin

The holidays are over and it is time to put all the decorations away and get ready for the winter blues :( I do not like the long period between now and spring break. This year I have my Etsy shop and more vintage/antique hunting to keep my spirits up, though.

Speaking of Etsy, I am looking forward to listing a load of springtime goodies including yellow depression glass (cups, saucers, plates), embroidered floral napkins and tablecloths/scarves/runners, vintage children's and adults sewing patterns, and of course more china. I hope to be able to restock my cache of the popular 1940s tablecloths in the upcoming weeks, as well. I am also always on the lookout for unique vintage items on my adventures down country roads and in county auction houses.

In the spring, I have high hopes of turning our master bathroom into a French-meets-American farmhouse abode. I am on my way with the pre-existing pale pink basin inset in an antique dresser and matching pale pink toilet and shower stall. You know what they say, "When life gives you lemons......" The floor is a medium to light color wood (put in the 1920s I think) when the room was added to serve as a bedroom. There is wood trim, crown molding, and bead board that was installed in the early 1990s when the small bedroom was tranformed into a 3/4 bathroom. I am hoping this is going to be an "easy" makeover. We'll see.

I've added some photos from the Christmas holidays below. I didn't take any of the inside for some reason but hubs took plenty of the outside after our first big snow. Thanks for reading and remember to visit my Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/AmeliesFarmhouse for gifts for yourself or someone else. If you do not see something you are looking for, ask because I just may have it.

Picture taken before the candles were put in the windows!

Denver enjoying his fireside spot in the family room.