America's Favorite Pastime

My favorite pieces of furniture are dressers and sweet little unique side tables and nightstands. Each one stands on it's own and probably comes with a great story to tell.

This piece was made by the Bagby Furniture Company in Baltimore, Maryland. The company was founded in 1879 and was housed in a historic brick factory which is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. So that's where the story began for this little piece!

Megan worked on this nightstand during our marathon painting weekend. She thought it should be in a little boy's room - a little boy who loves baseball. That could have something to do with the fact that she is a newlywed married to a college baseball coach. She watches a lot of baseball!

She chose the color combination of Mariner Blue and Bedford Gray from the Martha Stewart line at Home Depot. Perfect for a little boy!

Megan and Liam also brought me a "bag of something" on their visit. I couldn't wait to see what was inside. Everyone knows that I like collections of things, usually displayed in a big wooden bowl. Even the simplest things, like rocks or seashells make me happy. ... What is it about a group of something that makes them special? ... This time I got a collection of baseballs!

Don't they look good displayed in a wooden bowl?

Thanks Megan & Liam!!!


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Computer Desk or Farmhouse Table

I picked up this computer desk at a yard sale last weekend. It's definitely not old. The front drawer flips down for a keyboard. But it is solid, very large and in overall perfect condition. My first thought was to paint it black and simply use it as a computer desk. But because of it's size and great lines, it really reminded me of a farmhouse table and I thought I'd play with that idea.

I was already sanding when I remembered to take a before picture. Sometimes, projects sit for a while. Sometimes, they jump right out of the car and I can't wait to start.

After sanding and priming, the entire piece got two coats of Sherwin Williams Newport Blue.

Then the top got an additional coat of Sherwin Williams Luminous White.

That looks better already - love the color combination!!

I did a light sanding on the top only. My glazing mix was a combination of my favorite Valspar Clear Glazing Mix and some leftover light blue paint. I applied the glaze with a sponge brush. This time I tried rubbing it off with a soft painting pad. That worked fine, but I think using a soft cloth is just as easy. I always have a bucket of water, a damp cloth and a dry cloth ready so I can adjust the glaze as needed. It's really just a matter of finding the look you like.

And finally, the top got a coat of Minwax Paste Finishing Wax because I love the silky feel. And the bottom got two coats of Minwax Polycrylic to protect the legs from getting chipped by chairs sliding into them.

I think this new desk now has a nice aged look. It could still function as a fabulous desk or be repurposed as a farmhouse table. ... I just need to get it out of the garage quickly as my husband is already using it as a work table!

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Soft Gray China Cabinet

I picked this china cabinet up at the Goodwill a few weeks ago for just $20. I got lucky because it had just arrived and had not even been priced yet. It had a matching buffet, but it seemed like the drawers were glued shut. They just wouldn't budge. I even went back the next day because I kept thinking about it. By then, several handles had been broken off and there was a woman trying to pry a drawer open with a butter knife. Next thing I knew, she broke the drawer front right off. I'm not sure what happened after that, but I was just happy to call this piece mine!






It was really in very good shape, inside and out. And I knew a fresh color would make a traditional piece like this look new again.

The prep time always takes longer than you think.

I chose Martha Stewart's Bedford Gray for the exterior and Glass of Milk for the interior. I liked the subtle color contrast. And it's neutral enough to let pretty dishes really shine.

I really should have more pictures of the painting process because I spent a lot of time on this project. I followed up the paint with a light distressing and a black glaze. Then I finished it up with a coat of wax.

This was my first project with glass doors, a bit tedious. I was going for subtle, so I painted the bottom handles to match the cabinet, but I added a pretty new black knob to the top.

I needed some extra muscle to help move this piece , so I ended up taking the "after" pictures as it was starting to get dark. I think you get the idea.

It was fun to take on a large piece, but definitely took a little extra time and patience!



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