Friday, January 13, 2012

Using What You Have On Hand

I have all sorts of plans and projects spinning in my head for the new year. But my first priority is to catch up on unfinished projects around here and use what I have before I go out and buy more "stuff". I think all of us here at Elizabeth & Co. have echoed similar sentiments. I haven't been to the Goodwill, Home Depot or Lowes in weeks. As much as I want to buy some new furniture and try out fresh paint colors, I need to finish what I have on hand! And that brings us to today's project - a pair of cute little side tables that had been hiding out in my garage for a bit..


As you probably guessed, they started out brown and a little tired. But I thought they had a cute shape and they were a steal at a local church flea market. I love the spindles!



Do you remember the homemade chalk paint I mixed up for this cottage style dresser? It's a simple recipe of regular paint and Plaster of Paris that cost next to nothing to make.


Well, I had just enough paint left to give these tables a fresh new look.



No priming required, love that!


The color was a mix of white and gray, again using what I had on hand.



And just like the ready made chalk paint, this version adheres beautifully to hardware!





A light distressing brought out the details.



And a coat of wax finished them up nicely!


I now have a cute pair of tables, two less pieces of furniture and one less can of paint in my garage. I'm making progress! How about you? Do you have a stockpile of stuff to get through or do you need to go shopping?



Be sure to check back on Tuesday for highlights of our very first Be Inspired link party and of course party #2! Have I mentioned that we love our followers!




I'm linking to...



DomesticallySpeakingA Glimpse Inside



52 Mantels

HOG
Mod Vintage Life


The Girl CreativePhotobucket




Funky Junk's Sat Nite Special

Sundae Scoop Party at I Heart Naptime


Making Monday Marvelous at C.R.A.F.T.


Share the Love at Very Merry Vintage Style
Link
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

40 comments:

Cassie Bustamante said...

so cute! i love the shape of these table! and how nice that you have a pair!

Jemmmma said...

I love them! That's the exact style nightstand I am looking for for my master bedroom. I love the little cubby on the bottoms for books/tissues. Great color. I'll have to go back to the post about mixing up homemade chalk paint. Missed that one and I'm very interested. I just ran out of chalk paint and haven't ordered anymore. Thanks!

Allison@FabRehab said...

Great color and a fabulous pair! Way to use what you have!

Julia @ 551Eastdesign said...

Way to use what you have! When I have a stockpile I don't let myself get on Craigslist because it's so HARD to see something with great potential and not allow yourself to buy it!

Twice Nice said...

So pretty Sharon! I'll have to give your paint recipe a try. I made one with the unsanded grout and it turned out great, but boy was it rough at first. Deb

Jan@southernjunkin' said...

Cute! Love the style! How does the chalk paint wear or last? Do you need to rewax at anytime? I haven't used it yet but I like your mixture.
Thanks for sharing!

NanaDiana said...

Sharon, I have such a stockpile of goods that I am ashamed to even tell you how much I have. That is my goal this year- to use up...wear out...purge and organize. Looks like you have a good start. xo Diana

Renee said...

Love those tables! Great job!

Korrie@RedHenHome said...

I really only have two pieces of furniture in my garage, but it's TOO COLD to paint them! But I do have a stockpile of windows and cupboard doors that need SOMETHING done to them. Your tables turned out way cute! Keep working on that stockpile ;-)

Cyndi ✪ Blue Star said...

Sharon! These turned out adorable! Great job!

Ali Richardson said...

Ooooh, I love the shape and color of those pretty tables! Well done, as usual :)

Anonymous said...

I love these little tables! They are perfect and the drawer at the bottom is great for a stash of junk food or some rag magazines.

Unknown said...

They're great! And to have a pair is wonderful.

I've got to try some homemade chalk paint now. Question: do you have to use wax to seal it?

Dropping by from Funky Junk's party.

thistlewoodfarm said...

You are a genius! First you are using what you already have and second they look absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for the sweet comment on my blog!

Jennifer Spadaro said...

Very cute! And I feel the same way, use what you have first!

Our Hopeful Home said...

I need to have your resolve and just say no to thrift shopping! Goodwill always seems to be calling my name. I have been trying, though, to work with what I have on hand. Lord knows that will keep me busy for a while! The side tables are perfect. I need to make your chalk paint one of these days....

Kate Nyquist said...

these look fabulous! i like painting over hardware too.
visiting via Funky Junk! Kate x

Anonymous said...

what kind of wax did you use?

Heaven's Walk said...

Where would we be without GoodWill and good friends...??? lol! Love your sweet tables and your homemade chalk paint. I'm definitely going to have to start making my own to save some $$! :)

xoxo laurie

Alecia @ ChickenScratch NY said...

I've been jealously eyeing the Chalk Paint makeovers for months but just can't bring myself to spend the money on it. I can't wait to try my own version! Thanks for sharing

http://chickenscratchny.blogspot.com/

The Tablescaper said...

I think a lot of us are on the same kick - stop buying, use what we have. You did a great job. It would be great to have you join me at Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Chatty Chics said...

Love the tables! They look SO great! I think the color turned out really well! Good job!
Melody
ChattyChics.com
PS Come post this at my place on Wednesday if you can! You could win a $5 Starbucks card!

PJH Designs said...

I love how they turned out really cute spindles. I too am trying to finish some things before I buy more. Its hard isn't it one of my favorite parts of my job is the pickin' lol. Thanks for sharing.

Amy Waller said...

I LOVE them! They turned out great! I found you via I Heart Naptime! I have been wanting to try chalk paint but haven't strictly because of the price!! But I will definitely have to try the homemade chalk paint!! I have a few pieces that need some white paint for sure! Thanks so much for sharing!

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said...

Amazing how just a can of paint can bring any piece back to life! I worked really hard last year for my projects to use things that were just sitting around in our closets. It's amazing how much useless stuff I found!

Jennifer said...

I'm so excited to try the homemade chalk paint recipe! It looks great. Your tables are transformed! I have a little link party on Fridays. I would love if you linked up!

http://daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/01/latest-and-greatest-friday-14.html

The Shabby Chicas said...

I love your blog! Thank you for sharing your information, guidance and fabulous projects! I have to admit I am hooked on the ASCP (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint) but have yet to master waxing. I have used the ASCP soft wax, MinWax and Howard Citrus Shield wax which is my favorite so far. What is your secret, may I ask?

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

These two are very charming and I am so going to try your homemade chalk paint...thanks for sharing it and I look forward to your 2nd party.

Blessings,
Linda

Shannon Fox said...

So fresh and pretty!
Never get tired of white =)
Visiting from Flamingo Toes.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

I'm with you -- I need to get moving on unfinished and UN-started projects before I add more! Love how these tables turned out -- I really MUST try the homemade chalk paint this year!

Emily @ The Diligent One said...

I am working on clearing out my to-do inventory, too! Once we get our back log down won't it be super fun to go out and get some new stuff?!

DIYbyDesign said...

You did a great job on those tables. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.

KimMalk said...

Those turned out so nicely, Sharon. I didn't realize you'd started a new linky, too. Cool!

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

What a nice makeover! The tables have a great shape and look great in white!

Andrea said...

They look fabulous! I tried to make my own chalk paint last week and it certainly didn't turn out like this. I'm posting about my mishap tomorrow. I'll have to try your formula. I'm your newest follower!

Cassidy said...

That is So awesome! I will have to try out that recipe for the paint!! Your end tables and dresser turned out so good. LOVE it!!

http://fitcraftystylishandhappy.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Thank you SO much for sharing this!! I have a side table that's on my to-do list for a paint job. I'm going to give this homemade chalk paint idea a try! What a great way to save some cash!

Thanks for linking up!! I'm pinning this for future reference!

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...

They look great!! I am gonna have to try my hand at making my own chalk paint sometime.
Thanks for linking up to this week's Catch a Glimpse party! I will be featuring this tomorrow! :)

Jenn said...

These look fabulous! You have such a great eye for picking out pieces with potential! Thanks so much for linking up to The Creative Spark - I always enjoy seeing your newest creations!
Jenn :)

very merry vintage style said...

What a great project--especially since you used what you had. I'm going to have to check out your "recipe." One of my main complaints about the chalk paint is it's price. thanks for linking up!
Mary