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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Fabulous French Provincial

Wow! Is it Wednesday evening already? This week is flying by. No complaints though since I am going to Tallahassee this weekend to visit my beautiful daughter, Miranda. Haven't been up there since March and I am so looking forward to it! I wanted to thank you all for such sweet comments on my built in bookshelves. A couple of you are no reply commenters, so I couldn't reply by e-mail. I appreciate all of the comments though and so did my hubby! We are still plugging away slowly but surely on the trim, so room reveals will be a while longer, but I do have a project to share today. 

I  bought this French Provincial dresser a few years ago at a thrift shop. It had a large mirror attached and two matching nightstands. The miror was removed and will be used in the master bathroom reno in a few months. I have been using the dresser in my bedroom, but I always knew I would use it as a buffet/sideboard in my dining room someday. Well, that day has finally come!  Of course it needed an update. Here is a before picture taken about a month ago. I love the lines on this dresser and the beautiful hardware, however, I did not love the aged finish on it. It just looked dingy to me.


So, of course, I removed the hardware, mixed up some chalk paint, gave her three coats, waxed her and reattached all her jewelry, and just look at her now! So much better! I was originally planning to paint the hardware, but opted not to. I love the gold and the patina is really pretty now on the bright white paint.


She is already filled, decorated, and sitting in the dining room. She looks gorgeous against the dark stained plank wall! Here's one of her vignettes.


Remember the aqua blue lamps. They look so pretty on the ends of the buffet.


 I found these gorgeous lampshades at Lowe's and returned the others to Wal Mart. These were only a couple bucks more and for the nailhead trim look, so worth it!


Here she is! Isn't she lovely? I am so pleased with how everything is turning out. 


Lately I have been working on school projects. I have been moving into a bigger classroom this week and boy, was it a mess! I am happy to say that after two 10 hour days, it is clean and a lot of my things are put away. I am hoping to finish it tomorrow and Friday. I officially go back to work Monday, so home projects will slow down a bit, but we will finish eventually! Since I got to move into a bigger classroom, I now have room for my desk chair at school. They of course provide us with one, but this is my personal chair and I use it at my small group table. With the problems I have going on with my back, this type of chair is more comfortable for me when I have to sit and work with the kinders. Anywho, I had recovered it in all black and white chevron a couple years ago, but after sitting in the shed for the past year, it was filthy! The back piece is similar to a pillowcase, so it was removed and washed. I took the rest apart and recovered the seat and arms with the fabric I had left from a desk skirt I had made to match the chair. It is 5 different fabrics sewn together. Very bight and colorful! Trying to use what I already had on hand to save money too! It turned out super cute.


Another little project was this one for my team. I found the tags online and ordered the bright colored pens for just over $2 a pack from Amazon. I already had the highlighters and ribbon, so this was a very inexpensive (and cute) back to school gift for my kinder team. I think they will love it! Oh...the background to the photo is a little sneak peek at yet another project that I will try to share soon!


Well, that's it for now. This was the summer of projects for me and I hope to share a few more soon! 
Hope you have a wonderful end to your week!

Until next time.....

13 comments:

  1. Oh, how I remember those 10-hour days! People should know teachers are not paid for those days. Off the soapbox and on to the beautiful dresser-to-buffet! Love the styling - I can predict lots of vignettes ahead for different occasions. Do I spy turquoise-y something behind the cute team gifts?

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  2. Whew! I am worn slap out Vicky! You have been so busy, all in a goo way.

    I used vision myself walking down Willie Mae Lane BAREFOOT and chatting with you about the many blessings in your life. Now, I'm afraid you might put a nail gun or paint brush in my hand!

    LOL...just kidding. I love your new side board and of course the desk chair. Oh how you could teach me a thing or two or three or...

    Can't believe you are going back to work (day job) on Monday! Wow, this summer really went by quickly.

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  3. Vicky the dresser turned buffet turned out gorgeous! I love love it! The aqua lamps and fantastic shades...oh my! Cute gift for you team also. You are so creative!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  4. Beautiful.. love seeing it all coming together. Great job and wish you all the best for the new school year. Our school year starts up in a couple weeks. Summer has went by so quickly. Blessings. -Tina

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  5. She looks remarkable, Vicky! She looks brand-spanking-new after you gave her three coats and all that good stuff - well done, my friend. And of course you know I LOVE those aqua lamps :)

    Thinking of you, sweet friend. You are a blessing to many!

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  6. Love the dresser makeover, and I agree that the lamps look great on it. Have a great visit with our daughter!

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  7. Wow, the new buffet looks great!

    Tania

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  8. Wow Vicky! Your dresser turned buffet is just amazing. I love how it looks against the plank wall.

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  9. You sure have been busy. The dresser is gorgeous and has so much storage too. Love the colorful chair and it really looks comfortable. Hope you enjoy the last few days of your summer vacation.

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  10. Love the dresser! And the chair, too! Oh my, the peek of the plank wall-stunning! Can't wait to see more! I beg yours loving it!!
    Can't believe school will be starting again soon. Enjoy the last days of summer vacation!
    Hugs and blessings,
    Cecilia

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  11. I love the use of the dresser for a purpose it wasn't intended for, and you did a fantastic job refinishing it! The lamps look great on it, everything is really coming together! The chair for your classroom is adorable, and is very fun and festive, perfect for a young classroom! Great job!

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  12. Hi Vicky! Popping over from Tuula's blog. I love your new buffet. It looks fantastic. You really scored on those lampshades. They are the frosting for your project. My son-in-law is a high school math teacher and I have to say what an eye opener it has been for me to see how teachers go above and beyond what they are paid to do. Looks like you are one of those teachers! I am one hundred and fifty percent sure that you will be their favorite! Cheers from your newest follower!

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  13. Hi Vicky, wow I love how you fixed up the dresser. It looks so pretty and I love the lamp shades too. I love how creative you are with fixing up furniture. Good luck with back to school. Wow I can't believe it's already here. Where did the summer go? Take care.
    Julie

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Thank you so very much for taking time to leave such kind words for me. Your sweet comments make my heart smile!
I always reply to comments by e-mail, so please make sure you are not a no-reply commenter! Blessings!

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