These vintage barstools have been painted and sealed using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. The color Athenian Black was used and then Clear Wax was applied for a finish. The artwork on the front is an Iron Orchid Designs Decor Transfer called Painterly Florals. Keeping reading for the full tutorial or scroll to the bottom of the post.

Hi there, Sweet Friends, today I’ve got a “One of a Kind Furniture Makeover” for you. These barstools are in a new space…my new booth space at The Red Door in Elk Grove.

If you’re new to the blog a HUGE WELCOME! I am so thrilled you are here.

Sweet Friends, If you are part of the Create With Cynthia Blog Family, you know that I LOVE furniture makeovers and I love creating uniques pieces using Iron Orchid Design products.

I love vintage and when I see a set of barstools like these my heart goes pitter patter. Remember the numbered barstools that I painted over a year ago?

I showed them off in the Blog Post, “Furniture Wax Makeover!” They were gobbled up, oh so quickly, at Treasure Fest! Funny thing is they weren’t even vintage with spindle legs.

I love spindle legs and when you mix spindle and barstools that just means vintage goodness.

So head on over to The Red Door in Elk Grove if Barstools is on your shopping list.

The story about the barstools goes like this. My neighborhood had a garage sale. Of course, I had to go looking around.

As I was driving down the street I saw this house driveway full of furniture. The wood caught my eye and then as I pulled over and I saw the spindles and metal feet (a post on that makeover is coming soon), my heart just started beating fast.

I picked up multiple pieces of furniture that day. In preparation for opening my new store space, I have begun doing furniture makeovers. Oh my, it’s been almost six months since I painted. Honestly, Sweet Friends, I think I forgot how much I love painting.

As some of you may have seen on Instagram, I have a new store space. Of course with my excitement over the new store space, I thought some makeovers were in order.

But I realize i’ve been remiss and not shared with you all about the new store space.

Oh yeah, so the new store space. That’s what I have been meaning to tell and show you.

Drum roll please…

It’s been a long road for the Create With Cynthia shop. I’ve tried multiple types of venues but none have really worked well. Alas, I believe I have found the perfect space. I truly believe in my heart this is where the Create With Cynthia shop can truly shine.

In my space at The Red Door, Antiques, Vintage and More, you’ll find Iron Orchid Design products. You can make your own projects by picking up all the supplies or take home one of the “Create With Cynthia” projects. I’m super excited to also be teaching classes.

But, the most exciting part is that…..

drum roll please…

The Red Door in Elk Grove, carries the Annie Sloan paint line. Iron Orchid Designs is a true compliment to the Annie Sloan paint line for all furniture makeover and diy craft enthusiasts.

Therefore my enthusiasm for being in this store space is so huge as I feel so honored to be in this type of environment doing what I love most.

Let’s get to the tutorial.

1. Clean your furniture. You can use soap and water and if the piece is super dirty Krud Kutter works great.
2. Two coats of Annie Sloan paint in the color Black Athenian Black.
3. One coat of Annie Sloan clear wax.
4. Apply pieces of Iron Orchid Designs Decor Transfer in Painterly Florals.
5. Two coats of Annie Sloan clear wax.

Now if you’ve never applied a decor transfer you should probably read some of my other posts. You can check out any of these:

Trash to Treasure Furniture Makeover and Adding Flowers Into Your Home Decor!

Tips On Using Iron Orchid Design Transfers On A Furniture Makeover!

One Person’s Junk Is Another Person’s Treasure! And A New Video On You Tube!

Iron Orchid Designs has so many decor transfer options. Visit me at The Red Door in Elk Grove, California or check out Iron Orchid Designs here. If flowers aren’t your jam, there are also botanicals, scripts, lemons, and some new products are coming out very soon!

I posed the question on Instagram. Vintage Barstool Makeover complete…keep or sell?

Let me know what you think? Should I keep the barstools or sell them?

I’m leaning towards keeping, but honestly, this is usually what happens. So, in the meantime you can check them out at The Red Door in Elk Grove.

I hope I’ve inspired you to take an old drab piece of furniture and turn it into fabulousness. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you recreate a similar project.

Now go out there and Create Something!

Cynthia

The post Vintage Barstools in a New Space! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Do you have pieces of furniture in your home you just don’t love, Sweet Friends? Are you looking for ways to transform a piece of furniture?

I’ve got a post all about “What You Need to Start a Furniture Makeover!” and honestly you don’t need much. I like to find old pieces of furniture at Second Hand Stores and even on the side of the road.

This end table was drab and I really wanted to make it look fab!

A couple coats of white paint just did not do the trick and that’s when I turned to my bin of decor transfers.

I’ve done so many furniture projects with decor transfers and love the results and this little end table is no exception.

DISCLOSURE

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. Thank you for your help in supporting my little space on the internet.

Now, if you’ve been following me for more than a hot minute, you know I sell Iron Orchid Designs products and have completed multiple furniture makeovers using their products. The Dresser with the vase of flowers was one of my favorites. It was a Trash to Treasure Project and added the perfect touch of flowers to my home decor.

A Maker’s Studio also carries a selection of decor transfers. I created a dresser with insect transfers that you can check out on “A Furniture Makeover and a Story About Bees!”

Prima Marketing also carries a handful of decor transfers that you can purchase on Amazon. The decor transfer I used on this project is called “Rose Celebration.”

If you are looking for a tutorial on how to use Decor Transfers, most function the same. You can get my “Tips on Using Iron Orchid Designs Decor Transfers on Furniture Makeovers here.”

I hope I’ve inspired you to take an old drab piece of furniture and turn it into fabulousness. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you recreate a similar project.

Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post End Table Furniture Makeover! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Do you have pieces of furniture in your home you just don’t love, Sweet Friends? Are you looking for ways to transform a piece of furniture?

I’ve got a post all about “What You Need to Start a Furniture Makeover!” and honestly you don’t need much. I like to find old pieces of furniture at Second Hand Stores and even on the side of the road.

This end table was drab and I really wanted to make it look fab!

A couple coats of white paint just did not do the trick and that’s when I turned to my bin of decor transfers.

I’ve done so many furniture projects with decor transfers and love the results and this little end table is no exception.

DISCLOSURE

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. Thank you for your help in supporting my little space on the internet.

Now, if you’ve been following me for more than a hot minute, you know I sell Iron Orchid Designs products and have completed multiple furniture makeovers using their products. The Dresser with the vase of flowers was one of my favorites. It was a Trash to Treasure Project and added the perfect touch of flowers to my home decor.

A Maker’s Studio also carries a selection of decor transfers. I created a dresser with insect transfers that you can check out on “A Furniture Makeover and a Story About Bees!”

Prima Marketing also carries a handful of decor transfers that you can purchase on Amazon. The decor transfer I used on this project is called “Rose Celebration.”

If you are looking for a tutorial on how to use Decor Transfers, most function the same. You can get my “Tips on Using Iron Orchid Designs Decor Transfers on Furniture Makeovers here.”

I hope I’ve inspired you to take an old drab piece of furniture and turn it into fabulousness. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you recreate a similar project.

Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post End Table Furniture Makeover! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Hi there Sweet Friends, today I’ve got a “One of a Kind Furniture Makeover” for you. If you’re new to the blog and big HUGE welcome.

If you’re part of the Create With Cynthia Blog Family, you know that I love furniture makeovers and I really love creating unique pieces. This furniture makeover is exactly that.

I love to find furniture on the side of the road or at the Second Hand Store. When I’m thrift shopping, my eyes see tons of possibilities with many different items. Paint and many different paint products, like clay, moulds, stencils and decor transfers, can really add an interesting look.

Furniture Makeover with Decor Moulds and Clay!

This little nightstand sat in my parent’s home for many years. I have a hunch it may have been my Grandmother’s. When my Mom gave it to me, it was on it’s way to the Second Hand Store.

Wondering how to make furniture appliques for your dresser makeover? Today I’m providing a step-by-step tutorial showing you an easy way to make decorative appliques using Iron Orchid Design Decor Moulds and Air Dry Clay.

The REDFIN Blog!

I was honored to be featured in an article written by Emily Huddleston of REDFIN. The article, “Thrifty Tips and Tricks for Home Decorating on a Budget,” is exactly what this project is all about. The article explains how buying decor for a home can be an expensive endeavor.

When I’m decorating my home, I usually think, “Why Buy New?” Instead of buying new, I’d rather buy old and transform the piece of furniture.  Find an old wood dresser, a bit vintage and a bit damaged. Give that dresser a few coats of chalk paint to transform the piece into something beautiful. Did you see my project Before and After Wood Dresser Makeover. It was the perfect example of “Why Buy New,” just like this nightstand.

Whether you prefer the vintage look or the boho look or even a more traditional vibe, decor moulds and clay applied to any piece of furniture can really spruce it up.

Make your own designs with air dry clay by using more than one decor mould. Updating a piece of furniture is just one way you can use air dry clay and decor moulds on your DIY home decor projects. I’ve also created Bird Wine Charms and a Mermaid Mobile and I’ve got a big playlist of projects on You Tube.

Now let’s get to this furniture makeover tutorial.

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THE FURNITURE MAKEOVER WITH DECOR MOULDS AND AIR DRY CLAY:

• Nightstand or any piece of furniture
• Iron Orchid Designs Air Dry Clay
• Iron Orchid Designs Decor Moulds
• Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint in White Swan
• Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint in Dark Wax
• Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint in White Wax
• Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint Blending Brush
• Cornstarch
• Titebond Glue
• Scrapper

DIRECTIONS FOR CREATING THE FURNITURE MAKEOVER WITH DECOR MOULDS AND CLAY:

STEP ONE:

Use Iron Orchid Design Air Dry Clay and a variety of different Iron Orchid Design Moulds to create pieces to be glued to the nightstand.

Tip: Use Titebond Glue to adhere the moulds to the nightstand. Adhere the moulds to the nightstand when they are still moist. Do not allow the moulds to dry. Once all clay moulds are attached to the piece of furniture, allow them to dry completely.

For more tips on creating moulds check out my Playlist of Videos on You Tube. Air Dry Clay by Iron Orchid Designs on You Tube.

Tip: After gluing the clay onto the surface either lay the furniture piece horizontal or use painters tape to hold the clay in place.

STEP TWO:

Paint the piece of furniture and all of the clay moulds your desired color. I used Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint in White Swan with the Blending Brush.

STEP THREE:

Apply dark wax to all of the moulds. When applying the dark wax, work it into the crevices of the moulds. Then immediately (before the wax dries) wipe off the excess dark wax.

Tip: Be careful not to get the dark wax on the piece of furniture where there are no moulds. If you do, wipe it off quickly and use white wax to help remove the dark wax.

STEP FOUR:

Once you have wiped off the excess dark wax allow the dark wax to dry. I waited a couple of hours.

STEP FIVE:

Your final step is to apply white wax to the moulds and remaining piece of furniture.

Tip: Use a clean brush when applying the white wax. You may want to wipe some of the wax off as you are applying it. Play with the piece. Enjoy the process. Wax is easily manipulated, so keep working on the piece until you get the desired look.

I started this project on a Facebook Live back in May. Here is the First Facebook Live Video and here is the Second Facebook Live Video. Stay tuned for an upcoming video on this project on You Tube.

Furniture Makeovers take patience and persistence. Enjoy the process and keep working at it until you are satisfied. Remember, most furniture makeovers go through an ugly stage.

Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post Furniture Makeover with Decor Moulds and Clay! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Restoring an old Wood Dresser is always a thrill, Sweet Friends.  This Wood Dresser is so pretty, but it was very damaged on one side. A can of paint was the solution to a problem dresser that almost became landfill. This Wood Dresser Makeover was done for Blue Line Pizza in Burlingame.

Furniture Makeover!

I’m always asked, “Why do you always paint everything?” It really is an easy answer, “Painting old wood furniture preserves the wood.”  

There are a few benefits to using Chalk Paint on a Furniture Makeover. Chalk paint can be applied to any surface. There is no priming or sanding need. Chalk paint is also very easy to distress. Try it, you might like it!  For this project I used DIY Chalk Paint and A Maker’s Studio Matte Sealer.

I found this wood dresser on Facebook Marketplace and instantly fell in love with it. The price was right for a furniture flip project that I was asked to do from Blue Line Pizza. I loved the piece in wood, but the side of the dresser (which I forgot to take a picture of) was a mess.  The wood was peeling and very rough to the touch. You can also see some of the wear and tear it withstood on the front of the dresser.

I really loved the bottom spindle legs and the detailing under the bottom drawer on this dresser. I considered changing out the knobs on the dresser but my client was interested in a different look.

Blue Line Pizza in Burlingame was my client for this project. They had an old dresser they were using as a hostess station, but they needed a new one.  I asked the manager’s what color they were looking for and they said Red.

If you’d like to see the dresser I did for Blue Line Pizza in San Carlos you can read about it here.

For this project I used Debi’s Design Diary Chalk Paint in Marquee, because I had some on hand.  I do enjoy using the chalk paint because it can be easily distressed without using sand paper or a sander.  True Chalk Paint takes about 30 days to completely dry and harden and therefore distressing it with water is super easy.  

I finished this dresser with two coats of sealer to ensure a good durable finish. With most chalk paints it is necessary to seal or wax for a finished look.

As you know, I am a Maker Boss with A Maker’s Studio and prefer to use their products.  At times, it’s just easier to use paint that you already have.  I used the A Maker’s Studio Matte Sealer to finish the dresser.

When I sent a picture off the completed dresser to the manager at Blue Line Pizza in Burlingame, her response was, “I Love It!”  I was so excited to deliver it.

Another furniture makeover complete. This project took a couple days and was super easy.

Now go out there and Create Something!

Cynthia

The post Before & After Wood Dresser Makeover! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Hey there Sweet Friends, do you love painting old furniture like I do? Old Vintage Furniture can be repurposed easily with a nice paint job. It’s fun and a lot less expensive than purchasing brand new pieces.

This buffet was my grandmother’s and is over 100 years old. I remember as a little girl seeing it in her home. This buffet is stained in a dark Mahogany and if I tried to paint it, there would be bleed through. I don’t have plans to paint this piece as it has been well cared for and does not need a paint job.

How To Stop Bleed Through When Painting Furniture!

When painting a piece of furniture that is stained in Mahogany or Cherry, there will almost always be bleed through. Bleed through is where the stain seeps through to the top of your paint. So, if you paint a piece of furniture in a light white color, you will see brown/black splotches all over the piece. This problem can be expensive (more paint coats) and annoying!

I painted these tables in A Maker’s Studio Rescue and Restore Paint in the color Hissy Fit and Blessed. I love the glimmer that the Metallic Gold Wax gives the pieces. I also used A Maker’s Studio Cerusing Wax on the white part of the table to ensure a sturdy top coat. I love the distressed look and how the wood shows off. #EnjoytheBraggingRights

Now these two tables were a bit of a challenge, as the wood was stained Mahogany. I used Zinsser Shellac and sprayed the tables with two coats.

In the “Sewing Cabinet Turned Desk Transformation and a Night I was Stood Up on a Date!” project, I dealt with bleed through and the issue was resolved because I used Boss by Dixie Belle.

I’ve got a super fun playlist on you Tube, “7 Furniture Makeovers with Story!” Most of these furniture makeover’s I dealt with bleed through on.

Eliminating Bleed Through on painted furniture is easy. There are a variety of products on the market, called “Stain Blockers” that you can use to eliminate Bleed Through on Painted Furniture. Here are some of the products that I have used. All of these products work, but I don’t love using all of the products, just fyi!

How To Stop Bleed Through When Painting Furniture with Stain Blockers!

1. Zinnser Shellac
2. Boss by Dixie Belle
3. Salvation Solution Wood Stain Blocker by DIY Paint Co.

My Bad Date Furniture Makeover was a fun project where I did not have to deal with Bleed Through. The bleed through probably happened but because I used a black paint color, the bleed through spots did not show up.

The Two Little End Tables refurbished using A Maker’s Studio Rescue and Restore Paint is also a video on You Tube.

They make great bedside or couch tables. #CraftaBeautifulLife

Little End Table x 2 = A Blessed Hissy Fit!

You can watch my videos for more of my personal opinions on the three product – Stain Blockers” that I have worked with. I’m certain there are many other Stain Blocker products on the market. I hope this inspires you to paint a furniture makeover where you know you will have bleed through. It’s really an easy solution to correct and the end result is usually worth it.

Make it a great day! Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post How To Stop Bleed Through When Painting Furniture! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.