Saving the Planet with Paint and Great Tools

A couple of weeks ago I heard a staggering statistic. Nearly 10 million tons of household furniture finds it’s way to our landfills every year. 10 million tons! It’s hard for me to even wrap my mind around that number. It gave me renewed appreciation for the DIY community and our emphasis on up-cycling and reusing old pieces. As it turns out, we are doing more than just expressing our creativity and creating beautiful spaces, we are also doing something good for our planet. 

So last week when I was wanting to test a new paint sprayer I decided to paint a dresser I’ve had sitting in my garage. 

About 5 years ago I purchased a mid-century set of dressers for my son. We’d recently moved and he was home from college for the summer. We needed something to hold his clothing. He was very much into creating a bachelor pad, with clean, modern colors and furnishings. These dressers were solidly built with dovetail drawers and mahogany veneer. The clean lines were perfect for a coat of black paint and new, shiny chrome hardware. 

Ugly! But it has potential!

5 years later, one dresser sits in my daughter’s room, unchanged from the way I purchased it. The other, also unaltered,  spent some time with my oldest daughter but made it’s way back to my garage several months ago. 

I dusted off the cobwebs, pulled it from the garage and got to work. 

(Please note this contains  links by which This Place I Belong can profit and some items were provided to me free of charge. However, I never recommend a product I don’t believe in.)

First, I cleaned it with A Maker’s Studio Furniture and Cabinet Cleaner. This removes any dirt, grime, old wax or residue from dust and cleaning products. This is important because I had no idea what this old dresser had been exposed to. 

Next, using wood filler, I filled a couple of spots where the veneer was missing then sanded them after the filler had dried. Because I intended to use A Maker’s Studio Rescue and Restore Paint and it will stick to anything that would have been the extent of my sanding if the existing finish had been sound. However, the finish on this piece was chipping up in several places. I simply hit the bad spots with the sander. This took less than 10 minutes. 

At this point, I should have been ready to paint. However, my brief sanding had taken the finish down to the mahogany veneer in several places. It’s been my experience that when painting mahogany from this era, color will commonly bleed through the new paint. For this reason, I decided to prime. Initially I was going to spot prime the exposed areas only, so rather than use the new sprayer, I just grabbed a brush. 

I used the Specialty Wedge Brush from A Maker’s Studio. This microfiber brush is amazing! It lays down a beautiful finish with no brush marks. When it was all said and done, because I’m a little bit crazy and sometimes don’t know when to stop, I’d primed the entire dresser with a quality, water-based, stain blocking primer. 

But alas, I still experienced bleed through on the top where the mahogany had been exposed. I coated that spot again. And again. And again. Still, I had that ugly brown mark bleeding through. If you read my post on primers, you might be wondering why I didn’t use the shellac based BIN primer since I touted it as the absolute best. Good question. I had some water-based primer left from a project where low odor was desired, and I was out of BIN. Because I’m impatient, I decided to use what I had rather than make the trip to the store to buy BIN. 

After four, unsuccessful coats, I decided I had to have BIN. Bin comes in regular paint cans and in spray cans. For small things like this, the spray can is the ultimate in convenience.  I sprayed that obnoxious dark spot and like magic, it disappeared! Finally, I was ready to paint. 

I have a paint sprayer I use when painting large projects, like barns and whole houses, but I don’t pull it out very often. I simply don’t like cleaning it. So, unless it’s a large project, I typically reach for a brush or roller. 

Still, I was excited to try this little guy. It’s the HomeRight Finish Max Super Sprayer and the good folks at HomeRight sent me one to test. 

I used A Maker’s Studio Weathered Shutters Rescue and Restore Paint. This is a chalk-based, matte paint that does not require wax! You can wax it to achieve different looks, but you don’t have to. For me, this is a huge benefit. I only had 1 – 16oz jar of the Weathered Shutters paint and I was a little concerned that it wouldn’t be enough for the entire dresser. That little jar covered the entire dresser with about 20% left over. 

For use with the sprayer, I diluted it with water by 20%. The sprayer came with several different tips and a chart showing which tip to use depending on the desired finish. I wanted a fine finish so I used the green tip. 

After I’d poured the paint into the sprayer, I realized it might have been a good idea to test with water in order to get a feel for how it works. Oh well. It was too late so I just started spraying and hoped for the best.  It was great! It laid down a beautiful finish and was so easy to use. 

I was a little frustrated because the spray pattern was fairly narrow. I wanted to be able to cover more with each pass. When the piece was finished and I was cleaning the sprayer, I discovered a little wheel I’d previously missed. That wheel allows you to control the width of the spray pattern. My impatience got the best of me again! If I’d taken the time to read the instructions before jumping right in, I would have known about that feature and saved myself some frustration. 

I loved using the sprayer, but the clean-up is what hooked me. It was so, so simple. I just pumped water through it then used the little brush provided to make sure I removed all of the paint from the little crevices and it was done, making this one of my favorite, must-have tools. 

When the paint had dried, I moved the dresser into my dining room to finish it.  That’s when I really noticed the smell. Rescue Restore Paint is infused with essential oils. It smells wonderful, and it wasn’t long before the smell filled the entire dining room. For days I found myself drawn to the dining room simply for the smell. 

I used the Floor Tile Traditional Mesh Stencil from A Maker’s Studio and Blessed Rescue and Restore Paint to add some interest to the piece. By the way, for a limited time, the Mesh Stencils are all 50% off! The stencil used on the dresser is only $9.00 and some are as cheap as $5.00.

Because I didn’t like the shape of the original hardware, I’d intended to change all of it. When I couldn’t find anything I really loved at Hobby Lobby I just used the Blessed paint and painted the original hardware. It turned out much better than I expected and I really liked the result. 

 

The dresser is still sitting in the dining room. It smells heavenly so I’m not in a big hurry to move it out and we are trying to decided where it should live. Three of my daughters are currently pleading their cases, each vying for the dresser that was once forgotten, abandoned and covered in cobwebs. It’s amazing what a little paint, a little time, and great tools can accomplish. 

Rising From the Destruction – When a Tenant Damages Your Rental House Part 2

It’s been a couple of months since the tenant vacated the rental house. If you missed that story, you can read about it here. Though I’ve had a lot of irons in the fire and progress is slow, work is progressing and it’s starting to feel like the end is in sight. The goal is to have it on the market by October 1st.

To date, the following work has been completed:

  • All trash and debris was removed and disposed of
  • The house was cleaned, cleaned and cleaned again
  • Exterior trim was painted (though we still need to touch up in places)
  • Much of the interior has been painted
  • Kitchen cabinets and appliances were removed
  • Bathroom sink and toilet were removed
  • Bathroom wall paper was removed
  • Wood floors were sanded and refinished
    Normally, this would be the LAST thing I do, but in this case, it was completed very early in the remodel. The flooring guy is good, which means he’s busy. It just so happened that his family’s camping trip was postponed, creating a little window in which he could do these floors. If I’ve learned anything doing this kind of work, it’s to be patient and flexible!
  • New flooring in the basement
    We used vinyl planks. Because they are economical, easy and quick to install and waterproof, they were a perfect choice for the basement
  • Steps were sanded
  • Holes in walls were patched
  • Active water leak where the dishwasher used to be was addressed
  • Grass was planted in the front and back yards
  • New kitchen flooring
    We used stick down vinyl tiles with grout. They look really great and install easily. Still, I would not have chosen this product if it weren’t for the radiators.This house still has the old, cast iron radiators and a boiler. I LOVE them. They create the softest, nicest heat without drying out the air.  But, when it comes to flooring they create a real headache.Thicker flooring would have required me to remove the radiators. The added floor thickness would have required adjustments to the plumbing that supplies the radiators. Not even my plumber wanted to touch that! So, vinyl tile!
  • New flooring in the main bathroom
    This room got the vinyl tiles as well for the same reasons.
  • Broken glass was replaced
  • Broken window frames were repaired
  • Swamp cooler was replaced
    If you’re from the arid Western US, then you’re probably familiar with swamp coolers. If you’re climate is humid, you may not have ever even heard of a swamp cooler. Swamp coolers are a very efficient method of cooling in dry climates. Essentially, a fan blows air over pads soaked in water, lowering the temperature up to 20 degrees.I love this method of cooling. It’s simple, efficient and economical. It also adds a little moisture to our dry air. As an added bonus, unlike the refrigerated systems that require all doors and windows to remain shut,  it works best if a window is cracked just a little bit.
  • New ceiling fans were installed
  • The kitchen received new cabinets

Master bedroom. I left some wall paper in the closet because it’s original to the house and I like it.

Master

Master

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3 – Notice the missing window! It’s been repaired and needs to be reinstalled.

Bedroom 3

Kitchen floor

Kitchen in progress

New kitchen cabinets. I used 42″ uppers rather than the standard 30″. They look so much better with the high ceilings.

Dining room. I could not get an accurate photo of the wall color. It’s much more similar to the color of the kitchen walls.

Looking from the dining room into the living room.

The bathroom is coming along

If that sounds like a lot, it is, but it’s not quite finished yet.

  • We still need to install the kitchen countertops.
    I’m trying to decide between granite, quartz and good ole’ laminate. There’s actually a laminate, available over the counter at Lowes, that looks great! But, for only $900 more, I can get granite or quartz.Granite or quartz would definitely be more desirable for buyers, but the laminate would allow me to finish the kitchen immediately. That definitely has some appeal!Ultimately it comes down to value. Will the addition of the granite bring enough additional money upon the sale to justify it’s use. That’s the question I’m trying to answer.In some houses and areas, it most certainly would, but I have to take into account this area and the buyers likely to purchase this house. Honestly, I’m just not sure. I’ve reached out to my long time friend and realtor for some insight.
  • The backsplash needs to be done as well as some tile work around the stove
    The tile around the stove needs to be replaced. The old tile is in good condition but just doesn’t match the design.
  • Some of the kitchen walls still needs some patching and paint touch ups.
    Initially, I’d planned to put in two additional cabinets so we didn’t repair that wall. When I got the cabinets into the kitchen, it just felt too crowded. Now we need to go back and deal with that wall, as well as some areas around the cabinets
  • The bathroom vanity and toilet need to be installed
  • A new floor will be installed in the laundry room, after the painting is finished
  • The third floor still needs some drywall work and paint
  • Stain needs to be applied to the steps, then sealer
    I’m planning to stain the treads and paint the risers.
  • There’s still quite a bit of trim that needs to be painted
  • One bedroom needs carpet
  • Basement walls need patched, the paint touched up, wall paper repaired, trim added and the red wall painted
  • A couple of  the windows we repaired still need to be painted and reinstalled, and there’s quite a few other windows we still need to paint.
  • The back door needs replaced
  • The rail at the back steps needs to be welded. My 16 year daughter offered to do it for me! I’ve never mastered welding. The fact that she can do it is just about the coolest thing ever.  Someday when I master Instagram that will be a #proudmama
  • There’s a dozen little things, like hanging a mirror in the powder room, curtains in the living and dining room, and replacing the front door knob. At the end, it’s all those little things that make me want to pull my hair out! 

It’s the final stretch, but the end is in sight!

 

 

 

Introducing … The Lake House!

Lake Beckwith

A few weeks ago, I told you I’d be starting a new project for a client. I am so excited about this project and equally as excited to be working with the homeowner. Amy is a beautiful, strong lady and it’s my privilege to be able to create an inviting home for her and her daughters. 

Though the house is not located on a lake, I’ll call it “The Lake House” because a picturesque lake lies just to the west. 

Here’s  a peak at the list of things we’ll do to transform this house:

  • Upgrade the electrical service
  • Remove a wall to create a great room.
  • Move the kitchen
  • Create a new laundry room where the kitchen used to be
  • Remove an existing bathroom, a walk-in closet and another closet in order to combine two bedrooms and create a larger master bedroom
  • Creat a new master bathroom and a walk-in closet
  • Convert the garage into two bedrooms (after leveling the garage floor)
  • Build a new detached garage
  • New exterior and interior paint
  • New roof
  • All new flooring
  • New appliances
  • Some new lighting
  • New hot water heater
  • Update the existing bathroom

Whew!

It’s a big project, but I’m confident we will create something amazing for Amy and her family. Keep scrolling to see the progress. Just keep in mind, it gets worse before it gets better! 

See this wall? It’s nearly gone. The drywall has bee removed and the electrical wires that used to be contained within the wall have been disconnected.

Below is a photo of what it looks like now. The framers will remove the 2 x 4 framing  and support the expanse with a beam. An engineer calculated the load requirements and specified the size and type of beam as well as the necessary support posts.

While we’re at it, did you notice the floors? The carpet was removed, then the floors were thoroughly cleaned, cleaned again, then sealed with BIN primer. This house had strong pet odors, but that stuff is amazing. I recently wrote about it here.

Here’s another view of that space.

This is what the kitchen looked like when we started. This space will be converted to a new laundry room and the kitchen will be moved.

This is what the old kitchen looks like now.

The master bedroom and another bedroom were separate by a bathroom, a walk-in closet for the master bedroom and another closet. These walls were removed to enlarge the master bedroom. The plumber will finish removing the old plumbing visible in the photo below.

This is a picture of the smaller bedroom, looking into the closet. Obviously.

And this was taken from the same bedroom, looking into the space where the closet used to exist.

The green arrow points to the smaller bedroom. A new bathroom and walk-in closet will be created in this space. The blue arrow indicates the former location of the smaller closet. The old walk-in closet is indicated by the red arrow, and the black is pointing to the former bathroom.

Finally, this gives you an idea of what this will look like when it’s done. In the second photo you can start to feel how open the main living space will be.

If you’re wondering what’s next, the plumber will demo the old plumbing, the electrician will start the service upgrade and we are waiting on the framers to come and create the new walls. The exterior is being painted now and the new roof will go on in 10 days or so. So often, with construction, we just hurry up and wait, or start and stop. Much like raising children, it develops patience!

Next week I’ll give you an update on the Adam’s house rental. It’s really coming along and should be able to hit the market in just a couple of weeks!

12 Cheap, Fast and Easy Paint Projects using A Maker’s Studio

Happy Fall! 

I know! Fall does not officially start until September 22nd, but there’s something about waving goodbye to August that makes me feel like it’s fall. It puts a little bounce in my step because fall is my very favorite season! I love them all, but if I had to choose only one, it would have to be fall.

I love the transition from summer grilling to slow cooked comfort food. I love the way the air starts to feel and smell differently. I love the colors, the apple harvest and the decorations. I just love fall! 

I can’t wait to jump into fall decorating and when I do, I’ll have a couple of new items recently created using A Maker’s Studio products. 

(Please note this contains an affiliate link by which This Place I Belong can profit. However, I never recommend a product I don’t believe in.)

Remember a couple of weeks ago I told you about A Maker’s Studio and the amazing paint and Mesh Stencils that can help fight human trafficking? (If you missed that, you can read about it here.) Last Monday, we had a paint party. Actually, it was paint and wine, along with some fresh fruit and cheeses. I’m not sure which my youngest daughter liked more, the painting or the snacks, sans wine, of course. 

In preparation for that gathering, my mom and I decided to create a whole bunch of art. I thought it would be good for people to see what’s possible with these products. I also thought it would be really great for me to work with them and see how they actually perform. 

I’d ordered a whole boxful of goodies, so for a few hours last weekend, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. My mom bought some pieces and frames from Hobby Lobby and I  visited the local Habitat for Humanity store. 

Here’s what we created! 

I love the simplicity of this little picture.

I’d never gilded anything before so I was excited to give it a try. I love how this turned out. I could have used more size, (the glue that holds the gilding to the project), and the gilding would have been more solid, but I wanted this look. It just feels older, more like an antique to me.

I purchased an old cabinet door from our Habitat for Humanity store for $2.00. It’s made of pressed board and had a plastic veneer that was peeling. I pulled the veneer off, lightly sanded a couple of spots that were rough, filled and sanded the holes left by old hardware, then sealed it with a spray polyurethane. After that dried it was ready for paint. I used Rescue Restore Paint for the background, followed by one of the Mesh Stencils and ChalkArt paint.

This was the first little project I made at the Haven Conference in July.

My mom purchased this little piece of wood at Hobby Lobby. Rather than making another wall hanging, I stained it with A Maker’s Studio Gel Stain, used the Deer Stencil, attached antler drawer pulls left over from another project and created a cheese tray. This would make a really fun gift!

This was part of a wooden wall from my parent’s kitchen. It was removed during renovations. We glued two pieces together then sanded the backside. When that was finished, I stained it with Gel Stain and allowed that to dry. Next, I applied a black wash  made by mixing Preaching to the Choir Rescue Restore Paint with water. After applying it and waiting for it to dry, I applied the Mesh Stencil. I really love this piece and love that it was made from wood scraps.

This was a picture frame that my mom purchased at Hobby Lobby. We just painted the backer board after staining the frame with Gel Stain.

This wooden Hobby Lobby piece was stained with Gel Stain before the Mesh Stencils were applied. When the paint dried, we stapled the silk flowers into place. Did I mention that I love fall decorations?!

This solid oak cabinet door from Habitat For Humanity only cost $1.00. One dollar! I simply filled the holes left by the knob and painted. The Mesh Stencil fit perfectly on the raised panel. So cheap and so easy!

Hobby Lobby sells canvas boards for just a few dollars a package. We painted the canvas with Rescue Restore Paint then washed with Metallic Silver ChalkArt paint. The wreath in the middle is one of the  A Maker’s Studio Clear Stamps. I used part of a Mesh Stencil to write  “Love”. The hanger is a partially finished piece of bead work from my mom’s craft cabinet and we used old buttons to attach it.

 

My youngest daughter created two t-shirts using Rescue Restore Paint and letter Mesh Stencils. The “Elvis” was a practice, on one of Grandpa’s old t-shirts. Sometimes he’s the premier Elvis fan. Other times he fantasizes that he IS Elvis!

This was her second attempt. The quote is from the tv show, Friday Night Lights. There are dozens of quotes that could go on t-shirts or wall art.

Last but not least, these are some of the projects created at our paint gathering. Didn’t they do a great job?!

After using the products, I’m just as excited as I was when I was first introduced to them. I look at everything in my house and wonder how it would look with paint and perhaps a Stencil!

You can see more creative and inspirational projects at A Maker’s Studio Facebook Page.

Of course, if you’d like to have a paint gathering, live or virtual, or learn how you can purchase these products at a discount, just let me know!

Happy Creating!