Latest Finds

I went to an estate sale a few days ago and left there with a couple of decorative items.  The first item I picked up, was this faded tin tray:

I'm not sure why this chippy tray caught my attention but I just couldn't help myself especially since the price was right.  On the back of the tray, it has that Mary Ryan hand painted it and made it alcohol resistant.  I guess knowing that it's alcohol resistant is an important piece of information . .  . maybe?

After holding it for barely a minute, the lady working the estate sale asked if I wanted her to put it behind the counter for me while I look around some more and I agreed.  I then spotted this hanging on the wall:

But the painting isn't what caught my eye . . . it was what accented the piece and attached it to the wall:

Beautiful . . . is it not?  

I spy beautiful brushstrokes . . .

 When I returned home and turned the painting over, I discovered some writing on the back:

I'm not sure what to say about the back of this painting, but I certainly love what is on the front and the beautiful frame that surrounds it.

Saving all furniture is worth it . . .

Sometimes I come across things that are not antiques but are certainly worth salvaging like this piece . . .

This actually belonged to my grandmother.  It was in a sad and not very appealing state.  The table was either on its way to Goodwill or the dumpster.  I quickly asked if I could take it home . . . scratches, stains, and all.

I cleaned and sanded as much as I could tolerate.  I'm not of fan of doing either one of those jobs.  Next, I painted it in Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint.  

Paris Grey

After painting with the Paris Grey, I initially trimmed it with Old White. Then I decided to paint the top with Old White as well.  I then waxed and distressed in order to avoid giving it such a clean look.  I like the worn, I've been used and loved look.

Everything on and under the table where great finds.  The large frame was found at an estate sale, and the other at an antique store.  The two lamps you see were that nasty brassy sassy color.  I paid only $14 for the two of them. I spray painted them Heirloom White and purchased burlap covered shades at Target on sale. Feast your eyes on the before that was such an eyesore:

Before

Sitting Pretty After

This next piece is another I rescued from an early demise. It was in the same sad state as the table above.  It has strong bones and I saw a lot of potential.  It just looks kind of sad right now.  

But with the help of some more chalk paint in Louis Blue and Old White, it looks like a completely different piece of furniture that has been well cared for.

Oh, how I love paint . . .

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