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.

Hi there Sweet Friends, this week flew by. Thursday came and went and I never hit publish on my post. I missed y’all. But I am back today with my 5 Favorites!

I love a good upcycle and I bet you do too! Today, I’ve got 5 of my favorite upcycling, refurbishing, makeover projects that I want to show off.

5 Upcycling Projects for the Home!

I hope these projects inspire you to shop inexpensively and add some pizazz with paint and paint products and brighten up your home.

Are you ready to see 5 Upcycling Projects for the Home? Grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started.

Project #1 Old Ladder Turned Bathroom Storage

My bathroom was in need of storage. There was a spot in the bathroom that was small, and I tried a small dresser and even a shelf. I felt like I wasn’t utilizing the space to it’s fullest advantage. Of course, Pinterest inspired me to use an old ladder for storage. I picked up this old wood ladder years ago. After painting the ladder, adding a few hooks and nailing in some baskets, I had the perfect storage solution for my bathroom.

Project #2 Upcycled Wine Box into a Magazine Tray Table

Wine boxes are great to upcycle. They are made of durable wood, easily paintable and come in a variety of sizes. For this project I was looking to create a Magazine Tray Table to sit next to my sofa. This project was super simple and it is perfect for a variety of spaces in my home.

When I’m not using the Wine Box Turned Magazine Table next to my sofa, it sits by my desk and holds my favorite magazines and books.

Project #3 DIY Pet Bed

Old Drawers with some cute little legs make the perfect Pet Beds. You could also use Wine Boxes, but for the beds below I used drawers. I was struggling with my pups hanging out on the sofa and hoped their new beds would lure them off the couch.

It worked….kinda. For these beds, I personalized them with my pets names; Oreo and Sofy. Are you a pet lover?

Project #4 Floral Mirror

Do you like to bring flowers into your home? Have you thought of enhancing an old mirror with a floral transfer. Iron Orchid Designs has a nice selection of decor transfers that will enhance any mirror.

Project 5: Old Shutters Turned Shelf

I’m a little obsessed with shutters. I love all that would and there are so many different ways that you can decorate with a shutter.

For this shutter, I decided to create a table. I added a shelf, a couple of table legs and of course some paint. I think it turned out super cute. What do you think?

I hope I’ve inspired you to go and check out your local Thrift or Second Hand Store and find some items to upcycle. Just remember, someones trash is another person’s treasure.

Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post 5 Upcycling Projects for the Home! 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.

I love vintage, I love old door knobs and spindle legs. I love old suitcases and old furniture like Sewing Cabinets. I love irons and washboards and all those things that remind me of a time long ago. Vintage Typewriter Decor does just that for me. It actually reminds me of 1992.

I know that 1992 wasn’t really that long ago, but I’ve got a story about 1992 just for you!

This post is in collaboration with PhotoWall. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Have you finished your Mother’s Day shopping? It’s not to late to check out PhotoWall. PhotoWall guarantees their products will ship in 1-4 days. Use discount code createwithcynthia25 and you will receive 25% discount on any products purchased prior to June 15, 2020.

Vintage Typewriter Decor!

I remember when typewriters were the thang, do you? Yes, prior to the year 1992 typewriters were still the thang, just like landlines and voicemail machines and fax machines.

Do you remember using a typewriter? Nowadays, we are all on Laptops and iPads and Cellphones. I’m not even sure what the Ribbon Key is, do you remember?

In 1992, I graduated from College and landed my first job in the Corporate World in San Francisco, California. I was such a proud College graduate. I loved getting all corporate dressed in the morning. I’d proudly walk to the Muni Bus Stop and get on the crowded bus where we all waited for the bus to take us downtown.

I was so impressed with PhotoWall. They reached out to me to choose a product from their online store. I love vintage so I started my search there. The old typewriter canvas print jumped right out at me. It was a bit of a toss up because I was considering a canvas print of my little family of five, as well. PhotoWall allows you to provide them a photograph and they make it into a print or wallpaper…how cool is that.

But back to 1992. I was such a proud Corporate World worker bee and looking back it truly shaped the person I am today. I spent ten years, after college, living and working in the Corporate World and then I got tired of Muni Buses.

I moved south to the suburbs where the weather was warmer and the parking was easier. Buses were not as common, most just drove their car to work. Of course, we all carried laptops or iPads to and from home.

I love vintage and I’m always looking for more vintage decor. I knew my home was in need of a new Canvas Print. When I saw the Vintage Typewriter I kind of feel in love. The ordering process was so easy and my shipment arrived in 3 days.

The old typewriter canvas print sits nicely next to my desk in the Family Room. When the Canvas Print arrived, I opened the box and found instructions on how to put the item together. Putting together the item was so easy and it literally took me a few minutes. All of the hardware was included and it was super simple. I did not even need any tools to put it together.

There was even hanging hardware include in the box. On the PhotoWall website, there is a short video which explains how to put Canvas Prints together.

PhotoWall also carries a variety of Wall Paper and Prints and Posters. You can even customize with your own photographs. The possibilities are endless.

When I started my career in the corporate world 28 years ago, we used telephones with voicemail boxes attached, typewriters and scanners. Fax machines were also becoming popular, but most people did not own a fax machine in their home. Our business relied heavily on the postal service for mail. I was a Human Resources Recruiter and so we received alot of mailed resumes.

Almost 30 years later we live in a world where everything can be done from a Cell Phone, Laptop or iPad. Most don’t even go into the office on a daily basis.

Of course, with our current situation in the year 2020, we are being asked to work from home more often. I love the quote below by Nate Berkus.

I hope I’ve inspired you to decorate your home with Vintage Pieces. Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post Vintage Typewriter Decor and a Story About 1992! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Weekly Round Up Edition #38!

Weekly Round Up Edition #38 is full of ideas and inspiration for you, Sweet Friends!

Happy Saturday and Welcome to the Weekly Round Up Edition #38! This week was full of crafting for Spring and getting ready for Mother’s Day. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy all of the Blog Posts and You Tube videos. Leave me a comment and let me know how you are doing.

Weekly Round Up!

Today I give you the full week of blog posts in one email and some tidbits on what’s happening in blogland or with my “Family of five!”

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

Saturday Edition – Weekly Round Up!

In this Saturday edition, I’ll be sharing with you the following:

Create With Cynthia “Blog Posts” for the week.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas!

I just can’t believe it’s May and Mother’s Day will be here in just a few weeks. Friends, I hope you enjoy the Mother’s Day Gift Guide that I put together. It’s my first. Your clicks and purchases are appreciated as they help support the website. You can check it out the gift guide here.

How to Create a Morning Routine during Quarantine!

My morning routine has been completely thrown off because of Sheltering in Place and Social Distancing. Has your morning been turned upside down? Here are tips on How to Create a Morning Routine during Quarantine? Check it out here.

Create With Cynthia “You Tube” for the week.

My videos this week are below. I hope you enjoyed watching.

Watch Me Wednesday Episode #4, Sheltering in Place !

Spring Pillow Stenciled!

What’s going on in Blog Land and with my Family of Five.

I’ve been working on updating my website and have added a “Shop My Home” page. I’ll hope you’ll pop on over to the “Shop My Home” page and check out what’s going on over there. Here is the link. The website is a “work in progress,” so this is just the beginning.

I also have some upcoming changes coming to the blog. If you’ve gotten this far on the post, thank you so much. I truly appreciate all of your support. I’m considering pausing my “Weekly Round Up” posts and would love your feedback. Is the Weekly Round Up a post that you’d be fine not seeing? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook as well.

Stay safe and healthy and go out there and create something.

Cynthia

The post Weekly Round Up Edition #38! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Happy Saturday Sweet Friends and Welcome to the Weekly Round Up Edition #37! This week was full of crafting for Spring as the Pinterest Challenge and a Creative Craft Blog Hop was on my calendar. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy all of the Blog Posts and You Tube videos. Leave me a comment and let me know how you are doing.

Weekly Round Up Edition #37!

Today I give you the full week of blog posts in one email and some tidbits on what’s happening in blogland or with my “Family of five!”

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

Saturday Edition – Weekly Round Up!

In this Saturday edition, I’ll be sharing with you the following:

Create With Cynthia “Blog Posts” for the week.

Carrot Wreath for the April Pinterest Challenge!

About a month ago, I created Spindle Leg Carrots and fell in love with the carrot decor thing. It had me curious about creating Vintage Clothespin Carrots and now here I am making a Carrot Wreath. I was Pinterest Challenged by a Carrot Wreath I saw my Sweet Friend, Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate create and you can check it out here.

Hanky for your Honey? Handkerchief Craft Gift Idea!

May and June are all about gift giving and this Handkerchief Craft is the perfect handmade present for someone you love. You can check it out here. These hankies are decorated with A Maker’s Studio Gel Art Inks and Essential Stencils.

Create With Cynthia “You Tube” for the week.

My videos this week are below. I hope you enjoyed watching.

Just Bee Kitchen Towel!

Carrot Wreath!

What’s going on in Blog Land and with my Family of Five.

We are six weeks into Shelter in Place, here in Northern California and life has changed. We have a new normal that we have been forced to adjust to. I’m grateful my little family of five is staying safe and healthy.

Most schools have transitioned to distance learning indefinetly. Creating desk spaces for all three of us has become a necessity. Therefore, we needed to make some furniture adjustments. Since Luke and Troy won’t be returning to school anytime soon. On the days that Luke is with me, he prefers to sit at my desk in the Family Room. Troy has found his groove at the kitchen table and I set up a new station for myself in my bedroom. The “Sewing Cabinet turned Desk” originally was made for the boys room, but was better situated for my bedroom from the start. Sofy enjoys this spot as she can watch the birds, squirrels and deer that visit the backyard.

I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing a little about my Family of Five. Leave me a comment and let me know how you are holding up, but if you’d rather just say hello that would be great too..

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook as well.

Stay safe and healthy and go out there and create something.

Cynthia

The post Weekly Round Up Edition #37! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.