The Bluebird of Happiness... aka CeCe Caldwell's Santa Fe Turquoise

When the sun starts warming us up a bit more like it has the past few days, I get the itch for Spring.  And there is no better way to welcome Spring than with some fresh, new to you, or freshened up pieces that you already, have done in CeCe Caldwell's Santa Fe Turquoise.  It is just uber-fresh and happy making!  This set is done with a reclaimed Lane drum table and oval mirror.  It transforms traditional to a new kind of zestiness!

Sweet Bench for Sweet William

This bench, done in CeCe Caldwell's Vintage White and Pittsburgh Gray, is one of the items I will have available at the Sweet William Market at Stapleton this Saturday the 26th.  Come by and see me!

We might have to change his name to 'Spot'

This is Oscar, sporting a spot of CeCe Caldwell's Santa Fe Turquoise on his tail... just maybe somebody wagged on a piece I was working on???

That's 5lbs of love that just wants to be at my feet all the time (he's a Mama's boy:). 

Today he did his best to do some faux painting on a desk I am working on in Smoky Mountain Gray.  Now I think that would clash... he already looks like he has been dipped in Vermont Slate, and the Santa Fe gives a nice little contrast, but adding a third color into the mix would just be "too  much fashion" as our oldest daughter used to say when she was a wee peanut.

I guess I just need to admit it!

Apparently I am 'one of those women' who are always in love.  Don't tell my husband!  What can I do when my affections are captured?  I am helpless to resist!
Last week, I was deeply, and I felt abidingly, in love with CeCe Caldwell's Vermont Slate while I was painting 'Jane', a lovely old family buffet that was entrusted to me for a makeover.

I love Vermont Slate, I do.  But today, well, I only got paint on one surface of this rustic Pine console table... and what is a girl to do?  I am in love again... this time with Santa Fe Turquoise.  I fell fast and hard.  I guess it can't be helped!

Sighhhhhh....

Make your own chalkboard... or buy this one:)

Try this at home!  I just finished up this chalkboard today and I like how it came out:) 

For the frame, I went to a craft store and bought a clearance custom frame (so big and inexpensive... probably one they had done for an order that didn't work out!)

I then went on over to the local big box store and asked those nice men working there to cut the sheet of 1/4" sanded plywood that I purchased to the exact size... love that!

Next primer on the plywood... grey is a good base color primer.  Then two coats of chalkboard paint.

Then the fun part!  I painted the frame in layers of CeCe Caldwell's Alaskan Tundra Green, Memphis Blue and then back to Alaskan Tundra.  I let it dry for a bit... and then the even more fun part...

I took an old washcloth, dampened it, and used it to rub off some of the paint where I wanted wood or layers to show through.  (You can just wash and re-use the washcloth.)  I let it dry again, and then sealed it with some of CeCe's lovely clear wax and Satin Finish (quickest thing ever!) and voila... Check out the great detailing this gives you!

Last step was to seriously hot glue it into the frame from the back... get it good, because you don't want it coming loose when you erase the chalk.  And done!  Try it!

If you need paint, you can pick it up at Not 2 Shabby in Littleton, or email me at reclamationdesigns@gmail.com to order by mail.

This one is available, and I have other frames in waiting if you would like a different color!

Sneak Preview of Jane...

This is Jane, a stately buffet newly redone in CeCe Caldwell's Vermont Slate with clear and dark wax.  No distressing.  Jane is not distressed... she is serene... and a bit playful with her fresh white hardware.

I'll post her glamour shots when she gives me the word that she's ready:)  Jane doesn't like to be rushed.

Today is the Day! Come on by Not 2 Shabby... I'll be there from 1:30 to 3:00

CeCe Caldwell's Naturally Green Paints Now in Colorado!!!

Here it is.  The first shipment!

Tick Tock...

...36 hours until paint!

File Cabinet with Casters

Here is the result of today's project with the file cabinet.  I still haven't decided it's ultimate finish.. clear wax, dark wax accents, or satin finish... I'll keep thinking.  I am loving the crispness of CeCe Caldwell's Simply White with this though.. so probably one of the clear finishes.
I put some casters (with stops) on the bottom so that I can file from wherever I feel like it:)  While pre-drilling the holes for the screws, I was contemplating how anal I am about my power tools!  I must have each drill bit in it's proper place, etc.  As I was thinking about this, I could smell the delicious scent of the Shrimp Dianne that my husband is cooking in the kitchen.  Got to love modern times!

Happy!  Now if only the filing elves would come while I am sleeping:)

White or Wheat?

White or Wheat?  My husband, born and raised in the Southeast, thinks it is nearly a sin to use wheat bread for Chicken Salad Sandwiches.  Coming from the Northwest, I vote wheat every time.  As long as Southerners are marrying Northwesterners, the debate will continue!

By why choose when you can have both?  These reclaimed End Tables are done in CeCe Caldwell's Young Kansas Wheat and Simply White for a very weathered, aged look:  Barn Chic!

Originally by Lane, they are solid wood.  Newly redone in Chalk & Clay Paint, and waxed.

Vintage French Print

I just finished the frame on this lovely print.  23"h x 20" wide.  It is a bit difficult to see in these photos, but the underlying colors on the frame are a bit of black, with a rich blue under the cream.

Gone fishing!

The Small Buffet is Magic!

Last night at Ignite the Ice, it turned into 15 kids in Cambodia getting to go to school for a whole year, in Prek Pneu where most of the kids don't get to go to school at all!  Happy;) 

www.AsianHope.org

Poplars on Ept in Blue Frame

This is a reclaimed frame done in blue chalk paint and waxed for an aged effect.  The print is separately reclaimed and is Monet's Poplars on Ept.  The mat is new. 
I love how they work together!

CeCe Caldwell Chalk & Clay Paints coming to the Denver Area!

I will soon be retailing CeCe Caldwell's fantastic Chalk/Clay paints and waxes.  Stay tuned for details.  I'll let you all know when they arrive and where to get your hands on them! 

CeCe's line is non-toxic, zero VOC, and comes in delectable colors.  They are extremely user, health, and earth friendly.  You can easily create gorgeous finishes that give new life to old pieces.

(I will also be selling them online.)  Can't wait!

Spring is in the Air!

The wax isn't even dry on this, and I couldn't resist posting a teaser!  It makes me happy just to look at it.  Tempted to keep this spot of sunshine for a sideboard in my kitchen... but I won't.  It's available.  This yummy color is CeCe Caldwell's Spring Hill Green. (I will have it in stock within about a month!)

Not only is the paint this luscious green color.... it's GREEN... as in NON-TOXIC, ZERO VOC... as healthy as it is beautiful!  Beauty does NOT have to hurt!  :)

Great Little Chair!

This cutie is going to live at Kat's cabin.  I love the combination of an antique in great shape with updated fabric and colors.  :)

The Blue Desk Supporting the Arts!

I love this color for this desk!  And I love it when my desks support good work!

It will be going to it's new home in the foothills, in an historic cabin this weekend.  It's new owner works with WESTAF:  "The Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) is a regional non-profit arts service organization dedicated to the creative advancement and preservation of the arts." 
It sounds like it will have an interesting life there, and help keep life interesting for the rest of us by advancing the arts! 

Sneak Preview of Good Friends Dining Set

This is one of six chairs & double pedestal dining table set (and a little something extra!) that is in process.  The set was originally by Thomasville, is all hardwood, and is in very good shape.  It is going to be a really unique set... and I'll tell you when it's done what makes it even more special;)

No Easter Eggs Here!

It is turning out just as I hoped:)  Still a ways to go, but looking better all the time...