French Inspired Pillows

I have finally tried the Citra-Solv Transfer method, making two French themed pillows.

I found extremely helpful tutorials and tips at The Graphics Fairy and 2 Vintage Sisters.
Citra-Solv was hard to find in my area, I ended up ordering it online.  
It also took a few tries to find a toner based printer that worked - my local Kinkos printers did not work.  I found an old copy machine at a local grocery store - it worked perfectly. 

I used some vintage fabric pieces that I had in my fabric stash. 

Both images are from The Graphics Fairy. 

  

The pillow forms were old pillows I had around the house. 

 

This image transferred a bit blurry on one side - but I don't mind.  I think it adds to the vintage look (hopefully).  

I was very happy with this method and will definitely be trying other projects. 

Linked up to The Graphic Fairy's Brag Monday.

Weekend Thrift Finds

I hit up several estate and garage sales this weekend, and found a few things.

Brass Pocket Change dish.

A set of Pinochle card from the 1930's.  It has a linen cover, and great graphics.

A bridge score keeping pad.

It sits inside a brass clip board.

Brass golf club bottle opener. 

And a lovely little silverplate strawberry fork.  

Linked up to Apron Thrift Girl's Thrift Share Monday!

Barstool Redo

This was my first attempt at distressing furniture. I read up on techniques on Miss Mustard Seed's blog in preparation - it was very helpful.

I started off with these 1980's style barstools.

First step was to stand them and then paint them a creamy white. I used a sample I received from Valspar - Blizzard Fog.

Next step was to paint the design, using a stencil. Once it dried, I used a dry brush to paint a bit of white over the design to make it look a bit more worn.

I then sanded it again, hitting the spots that would get the most wear - the edges, the bars along the bottom.

Then I used Dark Walnut Stain, brushed it on then wiped it off with an old rag.

Last step was to seal with a couple of coats of Minwax Polycrylic (water based).

Linked up to Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Friday.
And  Primitive & Proper.

Jewelry Chest Find

I have been looking for a jewelry chest for a while now, and I finally found one at an estate sale for a decent price. I was hoping to find one that was a bit older and a bit bigger, but this one will do. I think I will paint it.
I plan to keep my silver collections in here.

This little art nouveau style dish is a souvenir of the Little Mermaid Statue in the bay of Copenhagen.

A few old books.

And some interesting silver pieces.

Two of them are monogrammed, including the tiny salt spoon.

Now that our weather has finally taking a turn for the better, I'm hoping to finally find some good garage sales this week!

Linked up to Thrift Store Monday, hosted by Apron Thrift Girl.