How to Achieve an Aged Look With Paint

  An easy way to achieve an authentic aged look with paint!  A couple weeks ago, I picked up eighteen metal industrial file drawers from an online auction.  They were a great price and I loved that they were full of rusty patina and character.   I wasn't planning on restoring or updating them, but after being inspired by green file drawers I knew I had to paint a few green.  I didn't want just any green though, I wanted a green that had depth, looked aged and fit the industrial style of the drawers.  Lucky for me, it's super easy to get an aged look with paint and antique wax.  I did love the original rusty character of the industrial drawers, but the idea of cleaning them up and adding a pop of color had me too excited to leave well enough alone.   ...

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How to Repair Damaged Dovetail Joints

The easiest and quickest way to repair damaged dovetail joints. Have you ever found yourself excited about a great piece of used furniture only to be totally bummed that it was damaged?  Furniture damage can be frustrating and overwhelming if you're not handy, but don't let a little damage deter you from buying great quality, used furniture.  You never have to pass up another great piece of slightly damaged furniture again.  Many repairs like  fixing damaged furniture corners , replacing or repairing chipped veneer and tightening or repairing damaged dovetail joints are super easy and require minimal skill and effort.          ...

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Week Eight Kitchen Update: Drywall, Paint and Countertop Shopping

Week eight kitchen expansion and first-floor renovation update of our little ranch style home.  It's been a while since I've shared a kitchen update, but honestly, there hasn't been many drastic changes since the  week two renovation update .   Demolition, installation of the new window, framing and electrical work happened pretty quick.  Everything came to a crawl and sudden halt when it was time to move the HVAC and install the new hardwood floor.  Unfortunately, the flooring contractor strung us along for almost a month then went MIA.  It was completely frustrating, especially since it was someone both myself and my contractor knew.    Thankfully, we finally have the HVAC issues wrapped up, drywall has been installed, taped and mudded, the new triple window has been painted, the walls and ceiling primed and the new hardwood floor is getting installed as I type!    Here's how the kitchen looked a few weeks ago when it looked more like a construction z...

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Let's Go Shopping: Favorite Summer Decor From Walmart

Get ready for summer with affordable and stylish decor from Walmart! Have you checked out the summer decor at Walmart ?  I'm in Walmart almost every other day picking up something the family needs and I almost always take a detour to check out their outdoor and summer decor.   I have to say, I've been blown away by their great selection of plants, pots, patio decor and entertaining accessories.  You know I like to keep my decorating affordable, hunt for deals and save where I can.  I have no problem splurging on something that I really want, but being thrifty in most areas of decorating allows me to splurge every now and then.  Walmart is definitely one of those places that helps me stay on budget and save on plants and decor.  ...

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Amazing Furniture Makeovers Book

Happy Launch Day to Girl in the Garage for her book Amazing Furniture Makeovers!!! You guys, my friend Jen from Girl in the Garage wrote a book and it's awesome!  It's full of 25 amazing furniture makeovers with detailed step-by-step images and instructions.  It's packed with gorgeous makeovers and useful information that is guaranteed to help you create custom pieces out of thrifted furniture.  You all know I love hunting for and transforming used furniture , so I couldn't let her launch day pass without sharing her amazing book.   Jen's also offering a great giveaway to celebrate the launch, so be sure to stick around and enter at the end of the post. ...

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Dollar Store DIY: How to Make Hobnail Milk Glass

Create the look of authentic hobnail milk glass with simple Dollar Tree supplies!    Happy Monday!  Sorry for the unexpected radio silence last week.   After working on painting the kitchen, dealing with renovation issues  (we're on week seven if anyone else is counting) and traveling almost daily for shop inventory I was exhausted.   I just needed a short mental break, but I'm back today with my monthly Dollar Store DIY !  I've always been a fan of white Fenton Hobnail milk glass.  It's been around since the 1950's, but its raised knobs and classic appearance have definitely been gaining in popularity.  Flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores and auctions are great places to find deals on Hobnail milk glass, but if you like the look, consider making your own faux milk glass.    A couple Dollar Tree supplies and common household materials are all you need to make affordable DIY Hobnail milk glass for cheap! ...

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