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

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This week is all about Furniture Makeovers, Sweet Friends. With all the crazy and bizarre things happening in our world, I needed something to distract myself. Furniture Makeovers are a great way to get distracted. Today, I’m sharing my “Five Tips for Using Wax on Painted Furniture!”

If you are new here, Welcome to Create With Cynthia! I love creating DIY Home Decor projects with a seasonal flair and refurbishing vintage furniture pieces. I hope you’ll subscribe and follow me on Instagram and Facebook. You can also subscribe to my You Tube channel and get notified as I upload videos weekly.

Tips for Using Wax on Painted Furniture!

For this furniture makeover I made a short video. Check out my video on You Tube here.

Furniture Makeovers make me happy and any kind of happiness that can come my way is what I’m looking for these days. #shelterinplaceblues

I won’t deny it, I’ve got a bit of the “Shelter in Place Blues!” I’m doing all the right things to stay positive, but I’m craving normalcy. How are you all feeling? Leave me a comment and say hello. I’d love to support you whether you’ve got the blues or not!

Enough of that blues talk, let’s get into this furniture makeover talk. Tuesday was all about an Old Sewing Cabinet that I turned into a desk and today is all about two Vintage Nightstands that I painted. It’s always a toss up…..Wax or a Top Coat? Of course, you can even chose an Oil Wax or a Bees Wax or a Glaze. For this project I chose wax and the results were amazing.

On the Sewing Cabinet I used a Top Coat/Sealer. On these nightstands I am using Wax. I get the same question all the time, “How do you chose between using Wax or a Sealer?” I wrote about this last year in “Wax or Sealer for Chalk Paint.”

Basically, the answer to the question is, “What look are you going for?” Whether you use Wax or a Sealer the final result will be different. It’s really just about preference.

Tips for Using Wax on Painted Furniture!

Here are Five Tips when Using Wax on Painted Furniture.

These tips on using wax on painted furniture won’t necessarily help you make the decision about Wax or a Sealer, but it will guide you if you chose wax.

Tip #1: Applying Wax will change the color of the paint. When you apply a Wax or a Sealer to a painted piece of furniture it changes the color. You can see in the photo below how the color changed. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just something to keep in mind. The lighter colored nightstand does not have wax.

Tip #2: Invest in a good Wax Brush: I have found that if I use the correct brush on the project, I will get a better outcome.

Tip #3: Wipe on and Wipe off. When applying wax, you want to apply a layer of wax and then wipe it off. You are really not wiping the wax off you are just working it into the piece.

Tip #4: Two to three coats of wax is best. One coat of Wax (or Sealer for that matter) is just not enough. The more wax you apply in layers the better durability your piece will have.

Tip #5: Always start with clear wax, if you are using colored waxes. These days, you can find white wax, dark wax, black wax and even colored waxes. You can make your own colored wax by adding a pinch of paint color to your wax. Nonetheless starting with clear wax will allow you to manipulate the colored wax to your liking.

Using wax on painted furniture is a topic that I like to discuss. You can check out some of my other posts “Flipping Furniture Makeover on Barstools” and “Easy to Make Floral Serving Tray.” I hope these tips assist you in your furniture makeover. Don’t forget to follow the links below for all of your paint and paint product needs.

Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

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. CreateWithCynthia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

The post Tips for Using Wax on Painted Furniture! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Easy to Make Floral Serving Tray is on the agenda today, Sweet Friends. I am using some of my favorite products on this project. These products, Iron Orchid Designs Decor Transfers and Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint I sell on my website at CreateWIthCynthiaShop.com. Thank you in advance for shopping online.

Painted Floral Serving Tray!

I shopped Amazon and found some nice wood surfaces, like serving trays, wooden boxes, and tissue holders, to decorate. You can see my favorite Amazon Wood Surfaces here, on my Shop Your Home page or my Amazon Store page.

CreateWithCynthia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The price for you is the same. I appreciate you shopping through my links and supporting CreateWithCynthia.com.

Last week, I started the Floral Serving Tray on a Facebook Live. I have been challenging myself to go live on Facebook every Wednesday at 1pm PST. The Craft and Chat Live Group on Facebook (click on the link to find the page and join) is still going at it and I took a few weeks off, but now I am back. There are a ton of my Sweet Blogger Friends doing craft projects. Check the Facebook page for the schedule and to get notified.

Have you subscribed to my You Tube Channel? I’ve got videos coming out each Monday and Wednesday, you can subscribe and get notified.

Yesterday, I posted the video, “Easy to Make Floral Serving Tray.” I took parts of the Facebook Live and turned it into a You Tube video. I hope you enjoy it and decide to create a serving tray for yourself.

In this post, I am providing the written tutorial on how to create the “Easy to Make Painted Floral Serving Tray.” If you are looking for additional information on using Iron Orchid Designs decor transfer you can check out, “Tips on using Iron Orchid Designs Transfers on a Furniture Makeover.” Decor Transfers can be adhered on almost any surface. I’ve adhered decor transfers to pillows and mirrors and even vintage suitcases.

MATERIALS NEEDED TO CREATE AN EASY TO MAKE PAINTED FLORAL SERVING TRAY: 

• Wood Tray
• Paint and Wax or Top Coat. Use a top coat or wax prior to adhering the transfer. I used Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint in the colors of Vintage Linen and Hey Sailor and the White Wax.
• Iron Orchid Designs Decor Transfer. I used parts of Flora Parisiensis and parts Wall Flower.
• Frog Tape
• Scissors
• Soft rag

DIRECTIONS TO CREATE AN EASY TO MAKE PAINTED FLORAL SERVING TRAY:

Step one: Paint your tray. Be sure to include wax or a top coat as a finishing product. Decor Transfers will only stick to a sealed surface.

Step two: Decide which decor transfers you will use and cut them into pieces. I used scraps left over from other projects. Determine placement of decor transfer without removing back until you are certain of placement. Use frog tape to hold decor transfer in place while scrapping with tool provided. Scrape decor transfer onto surface. Once the transfer is adhered, remove the tape and the plastic paper. Use a soft cloth and burnish decor transfer on surface. This ensures there are no air bubbles between the transfer and surface.

Step three: If you prefer a worn and rustic look, use sand paper and sand the tray. I used a 220 grit sanding block.

Step four: Use top coat or wax and seal the transfer on the surface. One to two coats of top coat or wax is recommended.

I hope I have inspired you to go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

 I would love for you to FOLLOW one or all of my Pinterest Boards. 

Get inspiration from boards like Iron Orchid Design Projects, Craft Ideas, For The Home and DIY Paint Projects.

The post Easy to Make Floral Serving Tray! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Bunnies remind me of Spring, Sweet Friends! I always get a kick when I’m hiking a trail and a little furry friend hops by. Here in Northern California it happens frequently. “No Sew Bunnies – Three Different Ways” is on the agenda for today!

How to Make Bunnies!

I like to add Bunnies to my Spring Decor, do you? In years passed I loved to sew blankets and pillows. Nowadays, I just prefer to use Fabric Hot Glue. Did you know that hot glue comes in a fabric version?

Bunnies come in all shapes and sizes and I like to have Bunnies in my home at Spring Time! Today, I’m going to show you how to make No-Sew Bunnies using material you probably already have lying around your home.

No Sew Drop Cloth Bunnies!

I use drop cloths for alot of different things. I also have a lot of drop cloths because I love painting furniture. A couple of weeks ago, I participated in a Pinterest Challenge and showed off “Painted Drop Cloth Bunnies.” Then, in this video, “Painted Drop Cloth Bunnies and a Story About My Pups!”, I explained where I store all my drop cloths and showed you how to create the Bunnies.

Sometimes you just want a soft and cuddly bunny and in this video I show you how to create “No-Sew Drop Cloth Bunnies.” These bunnies were made from clean drop cloths, cotton balls and hot glue. And yes they are soft and cuddly.

After I created my drop cloth bunnies, I just knew I also needed Burlap Bunnies. Burlap is probably my second favorite type of material to craft with. These Burlap Bunnies came out so cute and the video is below, “No Sew Burlap Bunnies DIY and a Story About Peter Rabbit.” I had everything I needed already on hand. An old Burlap tablecloth, some old material for the filling and a glue gun.

So let me give you the written version of how you create No-Sew Bunnies!

Materials Needed to Create No-Sew Bunnies:

• Any material
• Cotton Balls, Batting or extra soft material to be used as filling.
• Fabric Hot Glue and Glue Gun
• Ribbon or twine.

Instructions on How To Create No Sew Bunnies:

Step one: Find a bunny pattern. You can use a template or free hand your bunny. Google is a good source for a template.

Step two: Cut your bunny template out so that you can trace it onto material.

Step three: Trace your bunny template onto your material using a marker.

Step four: Make sure to trace and cut out two bunnies from your bunny template.

Step five: Use a hot glue gun with fabric glue to glue the bunny material together, use material, cotton or batting as a filling.

Step six: Glue a little, fill a little, until the whole bunny is complete.

Step seven: Add a ribbon to your bunny if you like.

Spring is in the air, and I’m always looking for fun projects that are inexpensive and easy to do. This project was free, as I already had all the materials on hand. It took me less than thirty minutes and now I have some cute Spring Decor to add to my home.

I’d love to hear which No Sew Bunnies you like best; Painted Drop Cloth Bunnies, Drop Cloth Bunnies or Burlap Bunnies. Leave a comment and let me know.

Now go out there and Create Something!

Cynthia

The post No Sew Bunnies – Three Different Ways! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Hey there, Sweet Friends, my hope for you is that you are healthy and happy and enjoying this time when we should be socializing less.

I’m thankful for my health and during this period of chaos, I’m really thankful for the Internet. Every Monday and Wednesday I upload new videos on You Tube. Monday’s video was Vintage Spring Decorating. In this video, I showed three ways to style Spindle Carrots.

New Video on You Tube!

Remember in February when I joined a bunch of bloggers on the Spring Pinterest Challenge and I created Spindle Carrots? If you missed that post you can watch it here. Those carrots, inspired me to create carrots from clothespins on a video called, Vintage Clothespin Centerpiece on my HomeTalk TV episode that you can watch here. I created th clothespin carrots and then decorated my table.

I just cannot get enough of carrots.

I just cannot get enough Spring Decorating!

Are you excited for Spring? Oh good!

Are you looking for Spring decorating ideas? Oh good!

Spring Decor!

In Monday’s video, I’m showing off how I styled my carrots three different ways. Don’t forget to watch the video after you read the post and comment on your favorite style.

Vintage Carrots Styled Three Ways!

Number one:

For the first styling, I used a wire basket and some yellow grasses.

Number two:

For the second styling, I used a vintage colander and some green grasses with a chalkboard sign saying, “Happy Spring!”

Number three:

For the third styling, I used a tiered tray and decorated it with all of my favorite vintage items. On the bottom shelf of the tray, I added a small mason jar with some moss and added three carrots.

Vote on your Favorite Style!

Now, it’s time to vote.

Which is your favorite way the carrots have been styled? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave me a comment.

I think my favorite is the colander?

Although I really like the tiered tray too?

Decisions, decisions, decisions, good thing I can just let y’all vote!

I hope I’ve inspired you to go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post Vintage Spring Decorating with Carrots! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Hi there, Sweet Friends, remember last month, when I joined the Pinterest Organization Challenge and created my “Spindle Carrots for Spring Decor?“

Well, this month the Pinterest Challenge is Spring Crafts/DIY Projects again! I don’t know about you but I cannot get enough of Spring right now. I am loving the warm nights where it stays a little lighter longer and the temps are warmer.  A big thanks to Erlene at My Pinterventures. Erlene is our leader for this monthly series, so please be sure to check out her blog…it is full of great stuff.

PINTEREST CHALLENGE – SPRING/ CRAFT DIY!

In case you’re new to the blog, the purpose of the Pinterest Challenge is to motivate all the participants (and you too) to not just pin, but to make it happen! This month’s challenge is about Spring Crafts/DIY Projects, so I chose Drop Cloth Bunnies.

Today, I’m joining a bunch of Bloggers on a Pinterest Spring Crafts/DIY Project. I went searching on Pinterest to look for Spring Crafts/DIY Project ideas and I was inspired by this pin. Michelle from Michelle James Designs inspired me to create Drop Cloth Bunnies. I don’t sew and I love to paint and all my drop cloths were paint stained. In this post is my version of Painted Drop Cloth Bunnies!

Here is the DIY on “How to Create Painted Drop Cloth Bunnies!” Look around your home as you could possibly have all of these items in your home. If you need something, links are provided. I appreciate you shopping on CreateWithCynthiaShop.com.

Materials Needed for the Painted Drop Cloth Bunnies:

• Old or New Drop Cloths
• Paint and Sealer and I used Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint!
• Ribbon
• Paint Brush, Scissors, and a Hot Glue Gun
• Little Rocks or Sand

Instructions on How to Create Painted Drop Cloth Bunnies!

Step one: Use a pattern or free hand bunny figures onto the drop cloth with a marker.

Step two: Cut out your bunnies.

Step three: Cut strips of drop cloth approximately 1×6 inches for the stuffing.

Step four: Use the Glue Gun and put your bunny together.

Step five: Add rocks or sand to add weight to the bottom of the bunny. This will allow the bunny to stand on it’s own.

Step six: Paint and seal your bunny.

Bunnies are for decorative purposes only and not to be given to pets or children.

Step seven: Add a ribbon to your bunny.

Step eight: Decorate with your bunny! Add a little spring to your home!

Subscribe to my You Tube Channel as I will have a Bunny Video, “Painted Drop Cloth Bunnies and a Story About My Pups!” coming out tomorrow on Wednesday. Don’t forget to ring the bell and get notified.

TO JOIN NEXT MONTH’S #PINTERESTCHALLENGE, CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP ⇒ April Pinterest Challenge

Insert your project with pics and instructions

For more Pinterest inspired projects from this month’s Pinterest Challenge hosts, check out the links below ↓

My Pinterventures  •  Across the Boulevard 
  Cookies Coffee and Crafts  •  Farm Girl Reformed  •  Slices of Life 
Decorate and More with Tip   • Purple Hues and Me
Intelligent Domestications  •  Sew Crafty Crochet
Life Beyond Kitchen •  Our Crafty Mom  •  Our Good Life 
Modern on Monticello •  Sum of their Stories •  EyeLoveKnots
Create with Cynthia •  This Autoimmune Life •  DIY Vibes
Mom Home Guide  •  Stone Cottage Adventures  •  Teadoddles
 Now, let’s see what the other hosts have created ⇓⇓

I hope you’ve enjoyed this DIY, now go out there and Create Something!

Cynthia

Some 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. CreateWithCynthia.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

The post Painted Drop Cloth Bunnies! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.