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

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This week is all about Red, White and Blue!  It started this weekend and has continued on through the week.  Tuesday, I showed off my Patriotic Wreath for the Pinterest Challenge. You should check it out here. Did you prefer the wreath layered on the wicker wreath or alone? Leave me a comment and let me know as I’d love to know.

I’ve been pulling out old signs, and wreaths and getting ready for the Patriotic Season. Do you like to decorate for the season?

Patriotic Decorations!

May, June, July and August make me think of Flags, Stars and Stripes, Let Freedom Ring, Est. 1776 and USA sprinkled with everything Red, White and Blue. If you’ve been following me for more than a minute you know I love decorating for the seasons.

Last year I made these super simple signs using Chalk Art and Stencils.

We are half way through June and the 4th of July will be here before you know it.  School is out and summer has began and it’s time to start the party!  

Last year I made a video on You Tube creating these Patriotic decorations.   I hope you enjoy the video here.

You can purchase the products I used on this project here.

A Maker’s Studio carries a ton of products and for this project I chose to use Chalk Art. The Rescue and Restore paint would also work fine.

Essential Stencils has a huge collection of Patriotic Themed Stencils. I love the mini sign stencils that I am using on this project. The stencils wash well and hold up great after numerous uses.

Don’t forget to shop online and use code CWC at checkout for 10% off.

To recreate this project here are a variety of items that you can use.

Enjoy and don’t forget to subscribe to my You Tube Channel here.

Make it a great day!

Cynthia

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We all get the sniffles and tears and who wants to use their sleeve? I sure don’t like doing the sleeve thang’, Sweet Friends. Instead, I’ve adopted a bit of “Hankie Use,” over the years! Hanky for your Honey? Handkerchief Craft Gift Idea!

Hanky for your Honey? Handkerchief Craft Gift Idea!

These handkerchiefs are the perfect gift idea for anyone on your list. Craft your hanky, grab the free printable (just click on the word or image below) and wrap it up in a cute little bag. Bam! It’s the perfect gift idea!

Now, with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day not far away, it’s time to start thinking about Handmade Gifts! Last Christmas I showed off this Handkerchief project. I gifted my Dad and Mom with a handkerchief and I received the sweetest response.

A Maker’s Studio Gel Art Inks are designed for fabric. Gel Art Inks come in 13 beautiful colors. Apply ink on fabric and then heat set with an iron. It is super simple and easy. Gel Art Inks can be purchase on the Create With Cynthia Shop page here. Keep reading for the full tutorial!

You can also stencil kitchen towels, aprons, canvas bags, baby onesies, bibs, cloth diapers and baby blankets. Any 100 cotton material works well.

Hanky for your Honey? Handkerchief Craft Gift Idea!

Don’t forget to wrap your handkerchief in a pretty bag, with a pretty card for your honey! I like to include a little bit of “Hanky Lore” inside my gift.

Have you heard the Hanky Lore? A hanky in your pocket or purse is so helpful. Marie Antionette discovered it back in the year 1945. I’ve shown off this fun project before and it was so popular I decided to show it off again.

MATERIALS NEEDED TO CREATE STENCILED HANDKERCHIEFS:

• Handkerchief
• A Maker’s Studio Gel Art Ink
• A Maker’s Studio Adhesive Mesh Stencils
• Essential Stencils
• Spreader or Stencil Brushes

Tip: If you purchase Essential Stencils products use code “CWC” for 10% off your purchase.

CreateWithCynthia.com is a participant in an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking. For you the price is the same. For more information please see my disclosure page. Thanks for supporting Create With Cynthia!

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO CREATE STENCILED HANDKERCHIEFS:

Step one: Gather your supplies

Step two: Prepare your handkerchief by ironing it and placing something in between the layers to avoid the paint from running through the fabric.

Step three: Place stencil onto the fabric (tape stencil to fabric using painter’s tape if it is not an adhesive stencil).

Step four: Apply Gel Art Ink onto stencil fabric using a spreader or stencil brush. A Maker’s Studio has created the Gel Art Ink specifically for fabrics and it is fabulous.

Step five: Once you have completed, wash your stencil in warm soapy water and allow fabric and paint to dry overnight.

Tip: I’ve also used Gel Art Ink on Canvas Bags, T-Shirts, Kitchen Towels, Pillows, and Baby Onesies.

Step six: Once handkerchief is completely dry, heat set the paint onto the fabric. Lay a piece of fabric over your stenciled fabric and iron. Use a warm iron, without steam, at 350 degrees for about five minutes. You can also put your handkerchief in the warm dryer.

Step seven: Wrap up your handkerchief cute and pretty and gift it to your favorite honey!

Tip: After each use, wash handkerchief in cold water and avoid the dryer.

Visit my You Tube channel for ideas and inspiration on crafts and wrapping gifts.

These handmade hankies are the perfect gift for your honey, your family or your friends. It’s an ageless and timeless gift I know will be appreciated. I like to fold up my hanky and put it in a small burlap bag. When I gift it to someone I wrap it up in a box or bag and gift it with, “A bit of Hankie Lore….”

Now go out there and Create Something!

Cynthia

Baby Onesies and Baby Bibs

Shoes and Short Sleeved T-Shirts and Long Sleeved T-Shirts and SweatShirts

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FURNITURE MAKEOVER STORY!

Here’s the story! Grab a cup of coffee and get ready.

One person’s junk is another person’s treasure! Right?

One morning as I was driving the boys to school I drove by a house where there was a dresser sitting out front. On the dresser there was a sign that said, “FREE!”

I almost did the happy dance in my car seat.

I starting braking to slow down and then realized there were cars behind me and the boys were already late for school.

I knew I wanted the dresser and the Sweet Owner made sure I got it. For that, and all those who give away there junk……I am grateful!

Back in 2016 I started picking up furniture on the side of the road. I had a new home and needed furniture, but did not have alot of money. I was at a crossroads in my life (divorce was happening) and I needed to set up a nice place for the boys and I. When I saw free furniture on the side of the road, I just couldn’t resist. I’d see FREE, but I’d also see the possibilities of turning junk into a treasure.

This furniture makeover was a Makeover x 2!

Because Sweet Friends, sometimes furniture makeovers don’t go so well!

It’s kinda like when you have a bad hair day!

OR….

It’s kinda like when you burn the brownies!

The first makeover was a Dixie Belle Paint sponsored makeover and you can watch the video here. Dixie Belle provided me some free paint and products and I created a furniture makeover I thought looked nice enough.

Nice enough…

Sometimes REDO’s happen! Ya know, you paint it up all pretty and well and um…..

Not everyone likes it! (It kinda wasn’t my style either)! eek

It didn’t really match my home decor and so it was at my space in the Antique Mall in Redwood City and on Etsy, looking for a new owner. It had been there about nine months! Then, last November I decided to remove it from the store and bring it home to repaint it.

Note aside: Actually one woman on Etsy wanted to buy the dresser but she did not want to pay to ship it to her home in Florida. Since I live in California the shipping cost was more than the dresser cost.

So, I closed the chapter on the Dixie Bell Dresser and the failed makeover and started again. I decided to repaint the dresser. I used Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint in the color Crinoline and then I added a top coat of DIY Paint Big Top and then adhered an Iron Orchid Designs Decor Transfer in Flora Parisensis.

I love the dresser and I’m not sure it will even be leaving my home.

But, there is a point to the story…

The point is…. not that furniture makeovers don’t always go so well.

The point is I’m grateful to people that give me junk.

You know the old saying, “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure!”

Do you like Junk? Are you someone that gets a thrill finding something in a garbage dumpster or on the side of the road?

You Tube Video on Create With Cynthia

One of my 2020 Goals is to increase my Subscribers on You Tube, so please check out the video here.

Follow, Like, Hit the notifications button and Share on the links above. I’d be forever grateful.

and stay tuned for everything valentine’s day…coming your way.

No 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. 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.

Shop other products that I used for this furniture makeover:

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. 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 One Person’s Junk Is Another Person’s Treasure! And a NEW video on You Tube! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Stenciled Holiday Pillow!

This pillow would look so cute on your sofa or in one of your bedrooms. It exudes that the holidays are upon us and is so easy to make. I took a pillow cover and a stencil and used fabric ink to create a fun holiday design. You can do it too.

Do-it-Yourself Holiday Pillow!

These are the materials needed in order to make the pillow:

• 20×20 Pillow Cover – I got mine from Ikea here, but you can also purchase a 18×18 Pillow Cover from Kohl’s here.
• 20×20 Pillow Form – I got mine from Ikea here but you can also purchase a 18×18 Pillow Form from Kohl’s here.
• Essential Stencils Christmas Sign Stencils – use code CWC at checkout for a discount.
• A Maker’s Studio Gel Art Ink – I used white and green for the red pillow. Gel Art Ink comes in 13 colors. You can use other types of paint as well.
• Chalk Art Spreader or Foam Dome Brush – if your budget is tight you can use alternative brushes, but with the Gel Art Ink these brushes are recommended.
• Frog Tape – I purchased mine at Walmart here.
• Iron – I purchased mine at Kohl’s here.

These are the instructions on how to make the holiday pillow.

1. Iron Pillow Cover. I like to wash my pillow cover first. I have pups so I usually wash my pillow covers, but if you’d don’t plan to wash the pillow cover that is fine too.
2. Place a paper bag or paper towel inside of the pillow cover so the paint does not leak to the opposite side.
3. Place Stencil on pillow cover.
4. Use Frog Tape to adhere stencil to pillow cover
5. Place a small amount of a A Maker’s Studio Gel Art Ink onto a paper plate or tupperware dish or directly onto the spreader.
6. Use foam brush or spreader to apply paint to pillow form.
7. Remove Stencil from pillow cover and allow ink to dry.
8. Place towel over pillow cover and use iron to heat set ink into fabric. Do not use the steam function on the iron. Hold iron in place approximately 2-5 minutes.
9. Insert pillow form into cover and enjoy your Holiday Pillow.
10. When washing your holiday pillow, turn the cover inside out and use cold water. Do not place in the dryer.

Here are step by step photos.

This DIY Holiday Pillow is on You Tube on the Create With Cynthia Channel. I made the video last year! I hope you enjoy. Please subscribe and hit the notifications button. You can watch the video here.

I hope you’ll try the Holiday Pillow and share with me how it turned out. Follow me on Facebook or Instagram and tag me on your project. Any of the colors can be used to create your own “One of a Kind” DIY Holiday Pillow. Then, enjoy the Bragging Rights. Don’t forget to shop at Essential Stencils and used code “CWC” for a discount at the checkout.

Now go out there and create something.

Cynthia

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Fall Favorites!

In my post on Saturday, Weekly Round Edition #4, I referred you to some of “My Fall Favorites” on the web. You can check that out here.

I have been so busy with Furniture Makeovers that I have been neglecting all of the “Fall Crafts” on my project list. Last Fall, I had so much fun crafting using A Maker’s Studio products like the Chalk Art and Copper, Variegated and Silver Leaf. You can check out, one of my very first set of videos that show you how to use the Leaf, “Restoring Thrift Store Items…” There are 5 videos in the series and you can check them here and here and here and here and here.

Note aside; As I was watching this video I felt myself sinking in my seat. Were my videos really that bad when I first started?!?!!!

Fall, Fall and more Fall!

Next up, Getting Ready for Fall and Milestones!

Last week I hit a HUGE milestone in my life! I turned 50, gracious goodness. Life is so good! Honestly though, the milestone is just an example of how my life is full of learning and growing exponentially! These video’s and the quote, “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” by Napoleon Hill, are just an example of learning and growing!

Craft Classes at Create With Cynthia!

Next up, Getting Ready for Fall with Craft Classes! Have you checked out my full calendar of craft workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can check out all of my newest craft classes, and of course Fall and A Maker’s Studio Leaf are involved.

DIY Paint

Next up, Getting Ready for Fall and DIY Paint. You all know I love using DIY Paint as it’s clay and chalk components make for a magnificent furniture makeover.

Did you hear the news that DIY Paint has recently released new paint colors and products, just in time for Fall? As always, you can shop online at CreateWithCynthiaShop.com, for all your DIY Paint and Paint Product needs.

Well Sweet Friends, may the remainder of your week be fabulous and full of creativity!

Now go out there and create something!

Cynthia

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