Puttering

This photo has nothing to do with the rest of the post, I just couldn't resist the picture (or the pun).

Say hello to my little friend

This post is actually about puttering.  That's what I call it when I'm doing a little of this, a little of that around the house or yard: puttering.  So here are a little of this, a little of that about my recent projects.

First up, a  "recent" furniture redo.  I actually did this months ago, but forgot to take after pictures and post about it.  This is one of my Grandma's china cabinets.  She had several; this was the biggest and most ungainly, so least likely to find a new home within the family.   But I thought it would fit in pretty well in my dining room with a little makeover.

Before:  Those handles are the big 80's hair of furniture.

I chose Fusion Mineral Paint because it wears well and requires little prep (that's always a bonus for me).  Also, I just wanted to try it.  I've done furniture projects with milk paint and chalk paint, both store bought and homemade, so I guess trying different paints is kinda my thing.  I liked this paint; it was a bit pricey but easy to use and to clean up, plus no VOC so I was able to paint this piece in the house.  I've already bought a new color to use on another project (coming soon!)

I thought I was going to go with something colorful for the interior, but when I saw this (Christmas!) wrapping paper I changed my mind.  The glass on the right side was broken, so Craig took the unbroken left side to a glazier so they could cut a matching replacement.  I replaced the ornate knobs and pulls with simpler ones.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out, and because my sideboard pieces were black it feels very cohesive.  Best of all, it is another piece from the original house that gets incorporated into the new one (and it is filled with dishes from both mine and Craig's family).

Close up of the wrapping paper lining.

Puttering on...

Instead of helping Craig build a fence weekend before last, I was putting my love of wine to good use.  I can't take credit for the idea but I can certainly take credit for the corks!  Add a piece of old plywood and an old wooden handle that I scrounged from the barn and voila: a seed planting tool.  I immediately put it to use starting radish, garlic and sunflower seeds in the newly-fenced garden.

Perfectly spaced indentations - just drop the seeds in and tamp the dirt down.

My last piece was from last weekend, and it was another chance to try a new product.  We've had this lovely little table for many years and it really needed some TLC.  I'd been putting it off because stripping and refinishing it would be so much work.  Then I read that you can apply Danish Oil to restore a finish and decided to give it a try. 

Before 

It needed some love all over, but the top was the real problem area.

Now, the instructions recommended starting with a bare surface, but I had read on the internet (so it must be true!) that you could go over an existing finish to even out scuffs and discolorations.  I decided to only sand the top down because it was in the worst shape.  If the rest of the table didn't turn out well I'd just have to bite the bullet and sand it all down anyway.  I'm happy to say it worked out beautifully.  After sanding the top down, I applied 4 coats of the Danish Oil (in a dark walnut shade), waiting about 30 minutes between each coat.  Basically you just keep applying it until the wood quits absorbing it.  I only did one coat on the rest of the table.  Then I let it dry for a couple of days before applying a coat of wax to the top only.  The wax is overkill because the oil is protection enough, but I'd like to keep that top looking nice for a good long time!

After

Feeling the love!

Before and After

I'm calling the Danish Oil an unqualified success, and I'll definitely try it again for some future puttering around.  

Have you tried any cool painting/staining products or techniques?  I'm always looking for a new project - let me know!