Will Paint For Cupcakes!

I just discovered that I will paint furniture for cupcakes!




Our friend Julie came to Elizabeth & Co. in search of a piece of furniture for a very specific spot. She was browsing around and fell in love Megan's Paris Grey Vanity/Desk. The size was just right and she loved the character and the details. The little wheels made it a little higher and that was perfect too. She also loved Megan's technique of painting the drawers a different color. But Megan decided that she couldn't part with this one and she's using it as a desk in her new apartment.

But luckily for Julie, I just happened to have the dresser that matched the vanity (they came out of a barn!) and it was sitting in my garage just waiting patiently for a makeover and a new home. And the extra storage made it a perfect fit for Julie.

Even in it's before state, this was just one darn cute dresser!

Following Megan's cue, Julie wanted to go with a light gray/dark gray color combination. She chose two shades that she already had on her walls - Benjamin Moore's Chelsea Gray and a color from the new Pantone line of paint from Lowe's in Goat. After a good scrubbing, a little repair work and a thorough sanding, the entire piece got three coats of paint. But at that point, I just was not sure that I was loving these two colors together. Something just wasn't right. Then I knew exactly what it needed - a little black glaze to tie it all together. I went back to my tried and true favorite, Valspar's Clear Mixing Glaze with a little black paint mixed in. I write about this often. It just might be my very favorite paint product! Just brush it on with a sponge brush and wipe it off with a soft cloth. It comes out perfect every time!

I finished up with a light distressing and a few coats of poly. Julie liked the original hardware, so we just went with black.

Ok, now I really loved it!

Isn't she pretty? And the colors really do work nicely together!

And I'm so glad that Julie loved it too!

She loved it so much that a few days later I found this piece in my driveway.


It is the center section of a very old drop leaf table.

The supports are actually a really nice detail, don't you think? I love the way they create a pretty little apron.

I painted this one in just the darker gray color - Benjamin Moore's Chelsea Gray.

Wouldn't this make a great sofa table?

But Julie had another plan. A really big plan. She's a girl after my own heart, chasing after a dream. She's opening her own restaurant! J Cafe is coming soon to downtown Westminster!

And here's the little table in the entry.

And my dresser is in the dining room. How cool is that! And are you peeking around the corner trying to see you more of J Cafe? Don't worry, I took lots more picture!

And yes, I really will paint furniture for cupcakes. Because these carrot and cream cheese cupcakes are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Oh Julie, they are sooo good!!!

J Cafe officially opens next week. I'll have more pictures and all the details next time. Plus a review of the chocolate cupcakes too! Oh yum!!! I wonder how many different flavors Julie makes? I'll get back to you on that!

I'm linking to...

I Heart Naptime Sundae Scoop

It's So Very Cheri

Make the World Cuter Monday

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday