Some projects I make come together so easily, it almost seems as if they create themselves, and then there are the other projects – the ones that get made kicking, screaming and fighting me every step of the way. This was one of those kicking and screaming projects, but I’m so glad it didn’t get the better of me and I finished it.
I didn’t take any before pictures, but as soon as he removed the top from the stand, I envisioned it becoming either a chalkboard or a memo board, or something like that. I really thought it was going to be an easy project, so I gave it a few coats of paint on the front, but that turned out to be the only easy step of the project.
I wasn’t all that excited about the idea of turning it into a chalkboard, so I spent several days pondering what to put inside the opening. I had several things that I could have used, but none of them were “it” for me. A trip to the thrift store yielded a sheet of metal that I was fairly certain would fit behind the opening. The owner of the thrift store didn’t have it priced and didn’t even know she had it. I unearthed it from behind a pile of stuff – it was meant to be found by me, I think.
I’ve had the adorable rusty tin cup for several years, and although I wasn’t really planning to get rid of it, it seemed to be a perfect fit for my project, so I attached it to become a pen/pencil/paintbrush holder.
Above the tin cup was more space to use. I found this in my workshop. I had previously painted it with chalkboard paint and listed it in my shop, but it didn’t sell.
More digging in my workshop yielded a rusty old funnel. I show it as a string dispenser here, but if this item is used in an entryway, it would make a great charging “station” for a cell phone, by bringing the cord up from the bottom of the funnel and putting the cell phone inside it.
A few coat hooks were added above the funnel to hold scissors, keys, etc.
The other project I made from the table salvage is this sign. This beautiful piece was originally attached on the front, between the side drawers.
I didn’t create anything with the wheel from the machine, because it is perfect as wall art just like it is.
All of the above pieces have already sold, but these 3 drawers from the table are available here.
Now, I have a totally random tip for you. If you like that aged, rippled paint look, like the wood on Antiques sign I made has, I can tell you how to get a similar look. I discovered it by accident a few years ago.
First of all, this only works well using spray paint, but you can use it on wood and metal. So, can you guess how I got the paint to do this?…
If you guessed that I spray painted this wood outdoors, in really cold weather, you are right!
Several years ago, I was spray painting some brass candle holders outdoors in the winter (so I wouldn’t kill my family with the fumes) and the paint puckered up like crazy. At the time, I thought there was something on the brass that caused it to do that, because it had never happened before. A few weeks later, I was spray painting a gossip bench in my basement and it was really cold down there, and the same thing happened. That’s when I realized it was the temperature that was causing it.
It won’t necessarily happen uniformly on whatever it is you are spray painting, but that’s what makes it look more naturally aged. You can leave it like that, or distress over it with sandpaper a little, to let the color beneath the paint show through.
I haven’t tried it yet, but I’d like to try to get this effect using a freezer, since cold weather only lasts a few months, thank goodness! I’ll let you know if I try it and how it turns out.
Blessings,
Angie
Angie, I adore every piece of art! Wow! How creative are you! I love old sewing drawers! I can sell every time!
Happy New Year,
Bonnie
You know I couldn’t wait t see what your aging technique was. Cold weather is the key…cool! Love when it as simple as that!
Love your art project–it is awesome and useful. That paint technique I have gotten several times when I don’t want it–thanks to living in Oregon. I guess I need to learn to embrace it 🙂
Great ideas,love the Antique sign.
I love your magnet board thing. I’m the same with old things. I find them, keep them, don’t want to use them on something I’m going to sell, but then something will come along they’re perfect for… and thats that!
As for the freezer/spray paint thing… I can’t wait to try it! LOL
Your creativity is astounding! I love that little cup attached to the organization board!
Pure brilliance!
I love what you did with that old piece! And spray painting in the cold…I did that the other day on styrofoam balls, outside in frigid weather. I thought the paint gave that look because of the material the balls are made of. I can’t wait to try it on wood to get the same look.
Debbie 🙂
I just passed up an old sewing machine a few weeks ago and now I wish I hadn’t. I absolutely love what you have done with it!
Adina @ Simply Country Life
Wow Angie! The sewing table top turned out SO cool! I love all of the pieces you added to it. They’re a perfect fit! You amaze me!
I love your unique work center!
There will never be one just like it.
And thanks for the paint crackling tip
It’s -37 here, think that’s cold enough for crackling?
You are so darn talented!! I love the idea of using a funnel for a string dispenser …with the scissors above it…Wow!!! of course I pinned it. 🙂
You always inspire me…Thank you so much!
Denise
Look at you and all your wonderful stuff! I’m charmed! Found you thru a link on Facebook. Your spray paint tip is interesting and I’ll have to try it. I got that same bubbling effect when I sprayed clear acrylic sealer onto spray painted glass. I was able to save the piece by making it grungier. Here’s the link…http://makethebestofthings.blogspot.com/2010/08/craft-fail-and-save.html
love that Antiques sign
and the cold weather spray painting tip
i never knew paint would do that
but very cool
also
wanted to let you know
that Fridays Unfolded
is back in business
and i would love for you to stop by
and link up!
Alison
Nancherrow (formerly Stuff and Nonsense)
I love that!!!!! too bad it sold already….sheesh all your stuff goes so fast. lol
Debbi
–yankeeburrow
Loving them all Angie. Thanks for sharing the spray paint tip. We don’t get that cold in Florida so I might have to try it using a freezer as well. Good Luck with your walking, You Can Do It!!
Everything you make is so creative Angie. I don’t think you’ve met an item you can’t make useful. Happy New Year and thank you for always inspiring me.
I love this! I want to go find one now and do a copycat of your beautiful memo board!
I don’t believe I have seen perfection like this in a LONG time! You are seriously talented! I pinned and I dream………
hahahaha….. Thanks so much for sharting.… 🙂
Have a happy weekend; hugs x, Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
Love your ideas, thank you! Do you have an idea for repurposing the center drawer from a sewing cabinet?