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.

Weekly Round Up Edition #40!

Life changes and sometimes things need to be put on pause. My website and my brand is changing (kinda changing) and growing and I’m going to shift things and pause my Weekly Round Ups. I’ll still be providing you two blog posts and one video each week. If you have thoughts and would like to message me, I’d be grateful.

May you be inspired to go out there and Create Something that fulfills all of your desires.  

This website is an expression of who I am and what I love to do. My hope is that you’ll be inspired to create with me. On the Create With Cynthia blog and channels you’ll find DIY Home Decor Projects with a Seasonal Flair and Vintage Furniture Makeovers. 

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

Happy Saturday, Sweet Friends and now let’s get started with out fill Weekly Round Up. Weekly Round Up #40 is on the agenda for today. If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! This week was full of all things that I love; crafting, vintage, and upcycling.

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

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.

Easy to Make Floral Serving Tray!

Serving Trays are useful in every room in your home. This Floral Serving Tray is adorned with decor transfers I had left over from other projects. You can read the tutorial here.

Tips for Creating a Vintage Vibe in your Home!

Are you looking to create a Vintage Vibe in your home. Do you love spindles, old typewriters, washboards and wooden spoons from a long time ago. In this post, I’ve got five tips for creating a vintage vibe in your home. Check it out here.

Do-It-Yourself Pet Beds!

Does your pet have a bed in your home? My dogs love to lay on the couch, but honestly I’d rather they be in their pet bed. Read about how I took some old drawers and wine boxes and created dog beds here.

Create With Cynthia “You Tube” for the week.

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

Floral Serving Tray!

Tips for Creating a Vintage Vibe in your Home!

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 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. Today is my last “Weekly Round Up” post. I’ve got some new exciting things coming to the blog. Stay tuned.

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

Cynthia

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

The post Weekly Round Up Edition #40! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

I am a Vintage Fanatic, Sweet Friends. I’ve always loved old stuff, but honestly it wasn’t until a few years back when I really started to enjoy bringing them into my home decor. I strive to Create a Vintage Vibe in my home. I love how Vintage tells a story and being such a sentimental person, it really makes me feel at home.

Vintage Home Decor!

Today, I’m going to give you “Five Tips on How to Create a Vintage Vibe in your Home.” Grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started.

Yesterday, I posted the video, “How to Create a Vintage Vibe in your Home.”  I hope you enjoy it.

If you haven’t subscribed to my You Tube Channel, you can subscribe and get notified. I’ve got videos coming out each Monday and Wednesday,

Tips for a Vintage Vibe in your Home!

Vintage evokes a sense of a time long ago. I love showing off things that were my ancestors. I don’t have many, but those I have I truly treasure. Now, let’s get into the “Five Tips on How to Create a Vintage Vibe in your Home.”

Number one: Decorate with old stuff!

That’s a no-brainer right? If you want a Vintage Vibe in your home, you need stuff that is old and vintage.

When decorating your main living spaces think of choosing furniture with lots of wood and curves. I am pretty obsessed with spindles myself. In fact, the Buffet I use, as well as my Dining Room Table and Chairs sat in my Grandmother’s home. You can see the full photo of my dining room table in my post “Dining Room Makeover.” My Dad tells stories of when he was a young boy and played hide and seek under the table.

Artwork, old metal signs, frames and mirrors bring in a vintage vibe to every room in the home. Needlepoint, botanical prints, old canvas art, or even replicated images on canvas, like the vintage typewriter I’ve recently displayed on my wall, brings a vintage vibe into the home. The Vintage Typewriter print came from PhotoWall. I wrote about it last week when I told the story of 1992.

If you are interested in vintage wall art for your home, 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.

Wall paneling, wainscoting, and shiplap are all beautiful telltale signs of your home’s history. And yet, if your home does not have those things, they are easy to incorporate and make a huge statement. Other vintage options include old windows, screens and shutters.

I have a couple of sets of shutters in my home and even created a Shutter Turned Table piece that sits in my hallway. I love to place my old irons and washboard on it.

For the kitchen, glass jars, old vessels, utensils, wooden spoons and rolling pins are tell tale signs of vintage. Old China, Crystal and other disheware also bestow a look of vintage.

In the bedroom choose bedding with ruffles, quilts, lace or linen like materials. You headboard could easily bring in a vintage vibe.

Number two: Create small vignettes of similar vintage items on Tiered Trays, Wall Shelves and Fireplace Mantels.

I have a few tiered tray’s in my home and I like to style them with my vintage finds. On one of the tiered trays in my family room, I place an old cylinder, vintage frogs, old gardening tools and some vases with flowers.

Pairing similar items together on Wall Shelves, like I did in my kitchen create a sense of vintage.

Mantels are also a good place to house vintage items.

Number three: Shop Antique Stores and online stores like, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Etsy.

I like to think of what I have and how I can add to it to create more of a statement. For example, I had two very old irons from my Grandmother. Sitting alone, they didn’t say much. When I was looking at Antique Stores, I choose to search for a few more items to pair with the old irons. I discovered the Wash Board and some old Black and White prints that speak to a time long ago when Dryers were not available.

I’ve had huge success shopping Facebook Marketplace for free furniture. I picked up this old desk and after a couple of coats of paint it now functions very well in my home.

Number four: Keep your eyes open when you’re outside. Garage Sales, Estate Sales, Flea Markets and the side of the road.

Garage Sales and Flea Markets are a great place to find old stuff. If you enjoy Estate Sales and the hunt that occurs there, you can find some very nice items. I love Flea Markets and that is where I found my old vintage suitcases.

My favorite way to find old vintage items is to keep my eyes open when I’m outside. More often than not, people are trying to get rid of their junk, aka Vintage oldies. Where I live, it’s very common for people to leave items on the curb before they donate it. I have found more great finds sitting in front of someone’s house.

Number five: Repurpose old things into usable items.

If you are a Pinterest user, you can get so many ideas on how to repurpose old things into usable items. I was given an old Sewing Cabinet a couple of years back and before repurposing it I spent time searching Pinterest to determine what to do with it. The Sewing Cabinet was transformed into a Desk and sits in my bedroom as a bedside writing table.

I hope these tips have given you ideas and inspiration on how to create a vintage vibe in your home. I’d love to see your vintage style, so tag me on Instagram or Facebook with your photos.

Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

Do you follow my Pinterest Boards? Did you know I have a Vintage Finds Pinterest Board? Why do I ask, you might wonder?  

Followers on Pinterest are important! I not only PIN content from Create With Cynthia, but just like you, I save PINS from other bloggers to my boards. As a follower, Pinterest sends you my Pins to your home feed and you see them first. If you save one of my Pins, and then repin it, you help me spread my content to others. 

If you are a Pinterest user, then I hope that you will follow all of my Pinterest boards or the ones that interest YOU the most. If you let me know, I will then follow you in return.

The post Tips for Creating a Vintage Vibe in your Home! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Starting this website was a long time dream in the making.  Motherhood kept me so busy for many years and still does today.  But Luke and Troy are only 15 and 12, but much more independent every day.  I am so honored to be there Mom. Back in July of 2018 when I finally took the plunge and went full in on Create With Cynthia it was a scary, but a very exciting dream come true.

May you be inspired to go out there and Create Something that fulfills all of your desires.  

This website is an expression of who I am and what I love to do. My hope is that you’ll be inspired to create with me. On the Create With Cynthia blog and channels you’ll find DIY Home Decor Projects with a Seasonal Flair and Vintage Furniture Makeovers. 

Weekly Round Up Edition #39!

Happy Saturday, Sweet Friends and and if this is your first time stopping by, welcome to Weekly Round Up Edition #39! This week was full of crafting for the Master Bedroom and getting ready for Mother’s Day. My bedroom has been the theme for the month of May. You’ll notice last week, I re-created a desk space in my bedroom when I talked about “How to Create a Morning Routine During Quarantine.” I hope you enjoyed the project as much as I did.

I also showed off how to make a No-Sew Heart Pillow and a Cuddle Sign for the bedroom. Did you enjoy those videos?

Weekly Round Up!

Today I give you the full week of blog posts and You Tube videos 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 week, 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.

Vintage Typewriter Decor and a Story About 1992!

If you are still looking for a Mother’s Day gift idea or ready to start looking for a Father’s Day gift idea, check out PhotoWall.com. I love this Vintage Typewriter print that they sent me and this post comes with a silly story about 1992. You can check it out here.

Stencil Project for the Master Bedroom!

Essentials Stencils carries mylar stencils in a variety of design that are perfect for all of your home decor/craft/diy projects. I have been using them for quite some time and they are so easy to use. Are you looking for a Stencil Project for your Master Bedroom? Either way, this is the read for you. Check it out here.

Create With Cynthia “You Tube” for the week.

My videos this week are below. I hope you enjoy watching. They are perfect for the Master Bedroom.

Cuddle Sign!

No-Sew Heart Pillow!

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

Did you see my Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Below are Mother’s Day Gift Shopping options for you.

I’ve been working on updating my website and have added a “Shop My Home” page. I 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.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas!

Looking for last minute Mother’s Day Gift ideas?  If shipping won’t arrive by Sunday just include a note in your card that says, “Your gift is on it’s way!”

You can also check out this Mother’s Day Gift Guide here.

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.

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

Cynthia

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

The post Weekly Round Up Edition #39! 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.