Something Pretty...

Several months ago my boyfriend asked me what I might like for my upcoming birthday. It was going to be a big birthday, 40 years of age achieved! I believe he was a bit terrified of not succeeding at the perfect gift. He asked several times what I wanted for my big day. Having once received a wall thermostat for the Hallmark romance holiday, Valentine's Day, I smiled and told him I wanted something "pretty" figuring that would ensure I wouldn't receive something like, oh....a dust buster. I had previously mentioned a dust buster would be nice to have which is what I had done with the thermostat. I must say I do love the thermostat though. Changing the temperature with my phone from bed is, well, awesome. But, a girl sometimes wants something "pretty".


For months he's been listening carefully to my moments of enthusiasm over desired possessions and has asked the simple question, "Would that be considered...pretty?" To which I mostly responded with a resounding "No!" As he checked possible gifts off the list, he did run a few by me and explained why he wasn't going to proceed. Some were very thoughtful indeed! To be honest, it wasn't about the gift in the end, the teasing and questioning became a fun game. Whatever the gift ended up being, I knew he put a LOT of thought into it and that's what kept putting a smile on my face.


Now that I've shared the background to the story, I'll get to the big reveal. Upon returning home from a birthday trip to Waco, TX and Magnolia Market - I'll write more about that soon - he had me close my eyes as we pulled into the driveway. He walked me into my house, had me sit on the couch for a few minutes as he hurried around leaving me in incredible anticipation. What did he come up with? What is this "pretty" gift??? Finally, he came and walked me through my room to my office where the shades were drawn revealing my backyard and the long awaited gift.


There is was! A chandelier for my tree that hung over the farm table I built which represents so much to me. The table is the piece I'm most proud of having made. It's a place where I bring friends and family together for coffee, meals, conversation. It's "home" to me. I've contemplated a tree-hung light fixture many times, but just hadn't found the right piece. I wanted it to be something very special. Special...pretty...amazing...is what it is! He repurposed an existing chandelier that someone discarded, painted it my favorite color and to ensure 100% that I would consider it "pretty", he strategically hung crystals on it because all girls like sparkly things. It's now hanging from my favorite tree over my favorite table and I can't be happier!!! You so nailed this baby!

SALE!!! Classic Meets Farmhouse - The Gracie Table

***Selling now for $850***

Introducing Gracie! This beautiful "classic meets farmhouse" solid wood table is awaiting the perfect home. Before I continue on with the backstory, I should explain why I've chosen to call this piece Gracie. The meaning of the name Gracie portrays that which beholds eloquence or beauty of form. Having spent many hours bringing this piece back to life, this is exactly what it is – a true classic with a solid, get eloquent structure that will add beauty to any home.

I came upon this lovely table when the original owners "upgraded" to a newer piece. I could tell Gracie had been the centerpiece of many family meals, but those days of glory were now hidden under a weathered exterior. No longer holding the lovely mahogany shine which once was, I took on the challenge to recreate Gracie into something special.

The first step was hours and hours of hand sanding. To avoid damaging the wood and keeping the sanding lines flowing with the grain, putting in the arm power with a sanding block was the right choice. Layer after layer, Gracie started to show me the possibilities of what a new finish might hold. I originally planned to take this piece down to bare wood, but what unfolded which each sanding stroke was the most awesome pattern. I simply couldn't ignore it.

Before stain

I applied an ebony stain which filled in the lighter grain, but allowed the blotchy, striped pattern to remain. A simple, non-glossy poly, light wax finish and the result is beautiful!  

After stain

Now, on to the next steps. For those that have visited my home, I have a strong "liking" of the farmhouse look and thanks to HGTV and a certain couple from Waco, TX, so many others do as well. I wanted to graduate this classic table from the formal dining room it once resided to a piece that will be used for all occasions by bringing in the homey farmhouse feel and let it merge ever so gracefully with the bold wood finished top. This is how Gracie came to be!

(If you are interested in taking Gracie home, please private message me on Facebook. Selling price is $850. Transportation not included.)

Shown with two leaves

3.5'W x 7'L (with two 1'W leaves)

Fabric enhancements on sides

Rustic brass foot caps

3.5'W x 5'L without inserts

***Selling now for $850***

Thanks "GW" for the $2.50 find!

My boyfriend fondly refers to Goodwill as "GW" because, well, it just sounds way cooler. Especially when pronounced, "G-dubbbb." This is my post to say a big thanks to "GW" for the awesome 1920's side table I scored for $2.50. It was 50% off day and I got so very lucky to find this beauty. Perhaps most wouldn't have seen it that way, but I did. Just look at it!

Turns out this piece was manufactured by Unagusta and from the bit of research I did, Unagusta was a North Carolina furniture company that folded in the 1930's. The old saying, "they don't make things the way they used to," is a proven point in this case. Solid and sturdy this piece is! A perfect contender for a refreshed look.

Step 1, find out what was under the 1/4" of blue and gold paint. (I love Citristrip!)

Still can't believe I got it so clean! This is when I have to admit I let it sit for a month at this point. I just couldn't decide what I wanted to do with it. As far as I was concerned, this historic piece needed to be treated with respect. After much consideration and countless hours of labor, here's the result. I used a total of four paint colors, two for the structure, one for the drawers and one for the handles plus a lovely World Market Cost Plus wrapping paper/Mog Podge experiment for the front of the drawers. I absolutely love this piece! Thanks again "GW"!!!

Introducing Lilt Projects...

Friends!

I'm excited to finally be welcoming you to Lilt Projects. My passion for refurbishing home decor and furniture has led me to spread my wings and start another fun adventure. My house simply cannot hold many more of my completed projects so I'm opening the "virtual store" and will now be selling my creations. Over the past few years, I've come to love finding what one would call junk and turning it into my next coffee table, side table, desk, picture collage...you name it! I literally once dragged oil-covered 10' planks of wood from my neighbors bulk trash pile, loaded it into the back of my RAV 4 and with the door swinging about, I slowly backed-up three houses to my drive way. I saw potential in that filthy wood which is now my backyard farm table. With a little vision, paint, glue, miter saw and screw driver, it's amazing what can be done.

I plan to share stories of various project creations with you including my $2.50, 1920's find from "GW," to the side table made of garbage pile wood fencing to the hanging flower pots that were imagined after spending too much time in the paint aisle at Home Depot. As my new one-of-a-kind creations become available for sale, you will be the first to know before I share to the broader audience of custom decor treasures.

Thanks for supporting my newest passion with your "likes" and "shares"!

  - Lilt Projects