Antique cupboard refinished

I bought this cupboard on eBay and despite being quite old it was solid and needed no major repairs, it did need a new lock. I use Watsons Brass in NSW for all those tricky locks with no keys.

After giving it a good wash with sugar soap, I lightly sanded it back to add grip. 

Using Websters Chalk Paint Powder and Taubmans Swedish Blue I gave it 3 coats to fully cover the cabinet.

I lightly distressed using a wet sponge sanding block. I gave the inside of the cabinet several coats of Dulux Limed White and sealed with a water based varnish. 

I felt the cabinet was a little flat so I used Miss Mustard Seed White Wax to give some definition and depth. I very lightly dry brushed the wax onto the wood and wiped off any excess along the way

I like to use a large paint brush for getting into the crevasses. I load the brush and push into all the nooks and crannies

The white wax gives a washed out vintage look and I will definitely be using it again. It does give the cabinet a denim look very unique and different

Treasure Hunting

I went to pick up some eBay buys yesterday and met an amazing man who is a collector, furniture maker, ceramicist and artist.  

He had lots of finds in his garage and I was tempted with quite a few things. I had a lovely cuppa and had a conversation about all things recycled, vintage and rustic.

It is lovely to meet someone with the same view of life and enjoyment of it.

Old sea chest

Macintosh style chairs 

Tip shop finds

I went for a visit to the tip shop today. It is pot luck whether you find anything, today it must have been my lucky day. I found this almost new bakers shelf.

It will look good on the deck with some pot plants and candles for those warm evenings 

Dont you just love French Markets. I am going to the UK in June and I may just take a trip over the Channel to have a browse and spend !!!

I have just finished this cute little cabinet, It would be ideal in a bedroom, bathroom or hallway.
I purchased this from Debbie a facebook liker of mine. It is solid pine and very well made with dove tailed joints.

I haven't been blogging much lately, facebook seems so much easier. I know sorry for everyone who loves to read blogs, I do too. Anyway I will now be posting much more frequently with projects and photos of finished pieces.
I have just finished an antique meat safe, that has been given a completely new look. Someone had put in the lead light glass previously, so I gave it a fresh look using Websters and a Taubmans Swedish Blue. On the inside I used Dulux Limed White. This is one of my favourite whites. I ask for it to be mixed in the quarter strength which give a lovely muted tone.
I added a washed out French Style stencil to just add depth and interest to the piece.
It really is wonderful to be able to give new life to furniture that may have otherwise been thrown out.
Before the advent of refrigerators in the home, people kept meat and other perishables in a meat safe this kept the flies away from the food. The sides were usually made from punched tin or mesh. Most meat safes had long legs to keep it off of the floor and away from all the creepy crawlies!
   

Tapioca desk

Do you like the colour? It's Dulux Tapioca  mixed with Websters Chalk Paint Mix. I've given it a shabby distressed look and if course finished with wax.

The top has been stained in Walnut and finally waxed.