I loved the shape of the cabinet I knew a little paint would spruce it right up! I painted over the hardware and then took a rag and instantly wiped the paint away leaving a weathered look.

I loved the glass knob she already had, and left that as is.

I painted the inside of the cabinet paris grey one of my favorite colors.

Here is the before and after!

New and fresh! I didn’t forget about the mirror, here is a before and after.

I get so excited finding a cool piece at an estate sale or thrift store because I can see the potential. I usually am giddy with a find and can’t wait to get home to get started on painting it to see what it will become.  I have found it’s just as exciting when that piece finds a new home, and someone else can feel that same way. I am starting small and have listed a few things.

At this time I am not planning on shipping, but if you ever find something you just have to have I can get a quote on shipping so send me an e-mail at lechicelefant@gmail.com. Click here to check out my new shop, and thank you all for your support! 
Until next time!

I, of course, love a challenge and brought the table home! After much brainstorming we decided the best option was to cover the leather completely. Off to Lowes we went buying a piece of 3/4 inch plywood, trim, and wood blocks. The table was too low so we wanted to add some height. We found these blocks that fit perfectly adding about an inch and a half of height to the table.  There was a bit of a gap between the blocks and the bottom of the original feet so we later filled it in with wood putty and then smoothed it out.

Since we were adding a wood top I did not want a blunt edge. The perfect solution was to add trim around the edge to connect the bottom of the table with the new wood top.

Then came liquid nails! It was generously applied to the top of the coffee table and then the plywood was added and screwed on from the underside.

The edges of the plywood were rough so we added a small piece of rounded trim.

Finally it’s time to paint! I mixed one part of old white and two parts french linen to create the coffee table color.

This was a little more work then just slapping on some paint but the end result was worth it. I love the table!  The details are shown off even more with the distressing and brightening up of paint.

My favorite part are the little little blue drawers.

I used Elmer’s wood filler, so far it has worked well it dries fast and sands really smooth. (I feel like I am in a commercial, I swear they did not tell me to say that! )

Then two coats of French Linen paint and the table looks brand new! It has already made its way to new home today!

I did a little sanding to smooth out some nicks and then two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White. I then covered the dresser with clear wax only. I decided to leave the hardware untouched because I love the little details of the pulls.

I always distress my pieces even if it’s just a little, I think it adds depth and character. 

Who doesn’t love a good before and after?! Here is a side by side shot.

This one was two small: Painted in Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue with a white wash.

This one had no storage: Painted Annie Sloan Paris Grey.

This one was just right: Painted Annie Sloan French Linen, with Old White for the inside cubby. I guess third times the charm!

BEFORE:

I had a hard time picking a true grey, as you can see from the different samples on the wall. I ended up with Stonington Grey by Benjamin Moore. Remy my cat is supervising the renovation process.

AFTER:

The accent color is teal, I tried to add in hints of the color where I could. These teal mason jars were an excellent thrift store find and perfect for storing bathroom essentials.

Target shower curtain, I mean how could I pass up that pattern!

Some teal prints of Etsy and $1.99 ikea frames make the perfect wall decor.

The vanity is from Lowes and comes in different pieces which is perfect for anyone who wants to customize their cabinets. I love seeing peoples home renovation projects, anyone else in the middle of one?

Seems crazy looking back going to Iceland in the middle of winter!

We had left over foccia bread from a local farm/bakery I hate having bread go to waste but after two days it was starting to get hard. Day old bread is best for crouton making.

Here is what you will need:

• Bread cubed into small pieces (I used four pieces of bread)
• Olive oil 2 tbs
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Minced garlic 1 tbs
• Any additional spices you want to add.

Preheat the over to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except for the bread in a big mixing bowl. Then add the bread and toss until all the pieces are lightly coated. Lay out onto a baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake for about 10 – 12 min or until they get golden brown. I used these for my chicken parm casserole which the top layer is croutons so I let these only cook for 10 min since they were headed right back to the oven. Here is the final chicken parm casserole with homemade croutons, so good!

Let me know if any of you try this!

I decided what better way to experiment then with another Craigslist find, this small accent table. It was in great condition but of course I had to paint it! I know the photo is horrendous there is no excuse!

I painted the table in Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue, what a beautiful color! I wasn’t exactly thrilled about the end result, I am still learning how to use the dark wax and I felt this piece came out way to dark. If anyone has any tips on controlling the dark wax please let me know!!

The best thing about this paint is you can always change it! So I read about white wash and thought I would give it a try.

Basically white wash is exactly how it sounds, white paint watered down. The process I did was take a small cup of water and then used Annie Sloan Old White and would dip my paint brush in the old white and then just a corner of the brush into the water.

Simply paint the piece in sections and before it dries wipe as much or little of the paint you want off. This is what you are left with:

I just love it, with the hints of white!

I think this option worked out well because the dark wax still peeks through a little bit but it’s not overwhelming. What do you guys think? Anyone else use this technique before?