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The Dedicated House

A Home and Lifestyle blog, focusing on home decor, design, DIY projects, as well as travel, and food.

Chalk Paint and Goodwill, a Most Convenient Marriage

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It’s my first post on The Dedicated House.  Before I get started, there are several persons I must thank for inspiring me.  I had never been a blog reader until Christmas 2010.  It started in November as I was trying to decorate my staircase.  To tell you the truth, it looked pretty bad.  So, I thought, “why not look on the internet for help?”  There it was at Creations from my Heart. Sherry’s staircase was so dreamy.  It took me 8 hours, no lie, to decorate one flippin’ staircase.  However, the Dedicated Husband and the Dedicated Daughter thought is was magnificent!  What could be better than hearing your loved ones ooh and ahh over something you made? The professional decorating world may have thought it was not up to snuff, but who cares when your family is in awe.  That one little visit to Sherry’s blog opened up a whole new world for me.  I fell in love with Max, Susan’s sweet kitty at Between Naps on the Porch and of course her porch!  One day, I will have a MASSIVE porch!!  And, then there is John and Sherry at Young House Love.  Holy cow, do they make me laugh.  And, the Dedicated Daughter love, love, loves watching videos of little Clara who she calls “that cute little baby with the dog.”  Then there’s Janet at The Empty Nest who can sew like no other!  I am in awe of her skills as I am of my Mother who can make just about make any sewing machine submit! I on the other hand, must practice, practice, practice.

Now, onto the matter at hand.  For the first post, I thought I should talk about my non-professional use of the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  Thank God for Miss Mustard Seed!!!  Marian is absolutely amazing!  I’ve saved just about every video she’s posted in the last 6 months. Anyhoo, it started out with a trip to Goodwill.  I came away with this darling little cherry pedestal table that had a big watermark on top and a wobbly leg for $2.99.  I figured if I messed it up, I was only out $2.99.  Big whoop.  So, into the vehicle she went.  All furniture for me is feminine.  Have no idea why.   For a teaser here is how she looked after she was spruced up.   I shall call her Peggy the Pedestal Table.
chalk paint and goodwill
Got her home and the Dedicated Husband fixed the wobbly leg for me with a handy screwdriver.  Here is a picture of what she looked like before I got started.

 chalk paint and goodwill

chalk paint and goodwill There she is.  Isn’t she cute?  Please ignore the green leather couch close to the blue, beige and white wall.  My house has multiple colors disorder right now.  I started out with the Napoleon Blue of the Annie Sloan chalk paint.  Here are some pictures after one coat of the Napoleon Blue.
 chalk paint and goodwill
chalk paint and goodwill
Next came a coat of Old White which I’m in love with!

chalk paint and goodwill

chalk paint and goodwill
Now onto waxing.  I used both the clear and the brown wax.  I rubbed and rubbed and rubbed.  E-mailed Marian (Miss Mustard Seed) because I got scared that I did something wrong.  The top of the table didn’t feel right.  It wasn’t quite tacky, but not quite the feel one would want for a table.  This was my first time using wax ever!
The Dedicated Husband kept telling me to keep rubbing.  Well, he was right.  That was exactly what Marian said.  Well, he’s a guy.  I’m sure he’s waxed a car somewhere in his time on this earth.  Kinda funny, huh?  Here is what she looked like after the wax was applied and my arm almost fell off from rubbing.  Maybe I should workout more….ha, maybe I should just workout.  Okay, that in itself is a whole other world that we could talk about for a few days.  Here she is.
 chalk paint and goodwill
chalk paint and goodwill
chalk paint and goodwill
chalk paint and goodwill
There she is in all her teeny glory.  I love the shine that the wax brings out.  Her new home is in the entryway with a plant sitting on top of her.  Don’t you just love her pretty little leg?  Not bad for $2.99 and some chalk paint.  Miss Mustard Seed I am not.  But, the only way to get there is to keep painting and waxing and keep working at it.  Practice, practice, practice.

Well, that’s it for my first post.  I hope you have enjoyed taking this little trip with me discovering what the chalk paint can do.  Trust me, I will have more to show you.  Found some other things at Goodwill that will be making an appearance on the blog.  So, for now, enjoy your day and remember to be kind to one another.

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Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world!  Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!

Toodles,

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Comments

  4. Kristi says

    Look at you! First blog post, and 2 comments already- you have me beat sister! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today and cheering on Erin as she guest posts! I do hope you go back and read the entire series-as someone who literally just started blogging I know you will find some super helpful tips and some more amazing blogs! Good luck on your blogging journey and remember-only do it if it's what you are passionate about. If it starts to feel like work then it's time to stop. Blogging is supposed to be FUN 🙂 🙂 🙂 WELCOME TO THE BLOGGY CLUB! 🙂 🙂
    -Kristi
    @ Creative Kristi

    Reply

  11. Anonymous says

    Fabulous table makeover!!! Thanks for your visit, sorry I am having issues with blogger and can't log in .
    Kristin
    my uncommon slice of suburbia

    Reply

  16. Shannon @ DoveNest28 says

    Great job on the table, love the combination of colors you chose. I just received my first can of chalk paint in the mail today, and can't wait to try it out. I have to finish fixing the dresser I found at Goodwill for $10.00 first though! Enjoy your new blog!

    Reply

  18. Tammy says

    This looks great! Love how you layered it with the paint. I will probably be the same when I first use Anne Sloan's Paint. I guess I'll start lifting weights now;) I am your newest follower from Furniture Feature Friday. Hope you can visit me sometime soon.

    Reply

  20. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Kathryn, Congrats on your blog! Isn't it amazing…one day you are reading blogs and before you know it, you have one yourself! 🙂 You'll have so much fun! Your table came out so cute! I have yet to try the chalk paint but I love how it looks on many of the projects folks have done.
    Congrats again and thanks for your sweet words!
    Hugs!

    Reply

  24. Heaven's Walk says

    Luv what you did with that sad little table, Kathryn! GREAT job! I've been reading and reading and reading some more about how to use that magical paint and wax. I'm looking forward to using it next week – and now I have even more confidence after reading your post! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

    Reply

  25. janet says

    Hey Kathryn!

    Well aren't you just so sweet giving The Empty Nest a lovely shout out like that. You made me blush!

    How on earth did I miss this fun post? Love your little chalk paint table, but be warned..this will become addictive. You will want to paint another..then another…you will hooked on creative makeovers.

    But..hey, what a fun and economical addiction…right?

    Have a lovely week

    Janet xox
    http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

    Reply

  26. Claire says

    How cute is that- I love goodwill with all its cute and cheap stuff- haven't tried the chalk paint yet but I'm always behind the times-lol- well, welcome to bloggyville!!

    Reply

  28. LibbiesHome says

    I found you from Christina's 20 Below Thursdays. Congratulations on starting a blog – I have been at it for a year and found it to be fun. You have an amazing blog for someone just getting started!!
    Your table turned out great! I haven't ever tried wax yet. Someday…

    Reply

  31. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    Hello Kathryn, your sweet little table turned out lovely! You do have to do a lot of rubbing – but put to music it is not such a bad task! 🙂
    Love that ASCP! and Goodwill! I do appreciate you sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
    Kathy

    Reply

  32. shellyandrade says

    Hi Kathryn, I can't believe this was your first blog post! Pretty impressive!! and to have this many replies right off the bat is unheard of – good for you!! Love your table; great job. I used to battle with AS wax as well and spent far too many hours dealing with that sticky, tacky, toxic, smeary mess. Because I paint furniture for a living, I sought out and found a much better product to work with; my health has improved and no more workouts just to wax a piece of furniture. I'm still blown away that this is your first post ~ awesome!! Take care, Shelly

    Reply

  34. Cynthia says

    What a great deal you got on this table!! You did such a great job. I love the layering. Don't you just love chalk paint? Saw you on Ivy and Elephants.

    Cynthia

    Reply

  36. Christine says

    Rub Rub Rub!!! haha I have no idea.. hehe I have never refinished furniture before.. but I do know that you did a FABULOUS job!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

    Reply

  37. Pamela says

    Turned out great!! What wax did you use? If you want a fabulous wax that does not require a ton of arm power try out CeCe Caldwells CLEAR wax! You can actually get it from NCF Studios over by your house. It doesn't smell and goes on like butter! Thanx for joining the party!

    Reply

  41. jennibell says

    Wow!!!! I've been hopping to posts ALL DAY on Annie Sloan Chalk paint and you are all inspiring me to just.do.it. Great job 🙂 And wonderful first blog post too.

    Reply

  42. cathy@my1929charmer says

    Ya just got to love Goodwill, I've found so many great pieces there. My husband will support cause he keeps telling me every day that he can't get in to the garage. Oh the struggles of life! I love how you table turned out, cute! So glad you shared your creative inspiration with Sunday's Best!

    Reply

  43. gail@My Repurposed Life says

    Welcome! 🙂 blogging is fun!
    I didn't read all the comments, but I think maybe you used too much wax. How do I know? because I did it for my first few projects. lol

    less is more.

    your table looks great! I love that blue!

    gail

    Reply

  46. Peggy Lydem says

    Great job on that little table. There aren't any Goodwill stores next to me so I go to auction once a week and always over-buy. I must agree with you Miss Mustard Seed is the best!

    Reply

  48. Catherine Holt says

    I am always amazed at what can be done with a bit of TLC. It looks like a completely different piece of furniture!

    Thanks for linking up to Marvelous Monday on Smart Party Planning.

    Reply

  49. Mustlovehome says

    HI there, I love your first post! This is a great Goodwill Cinderella Story! I have been blogging for about 7 months and just got a huge morale boost seeing how far you have come since then! There is hope for me:) It would be amazing if you would stop by my party, Friday Favorites, and share your latest work! Doors open at 7PM every Thursday at mustlovehome.com. Hugs- Christine @Must Love Home. PS – I am a regular at your party too!!

    Reply

  50. Donna Wilkes says

    Oh, Kathryn, you are so funny. The first post and the first piece of painted furniture are great successes. I am warning you, once you start painting furniture you will be addicted.

    Reply

  55. Debbie Kitterman says

    Welcome to the Wonderful World of Blogging! I've only been at it for a few months myself, so we are in the newbie club together. 😉 I love what you did with the table and keep the project and posts coming… Stopping by from Imparting Grace.

    Reply

    • thededicatedhouse@gmail.com says

      Thanks Debbie for popping by for a visit. I would love to come visit you, but there isn't a link to your site on your blogger profile. Pop back in and tell me your blog name and I'll scoot over for a visit! Toodles, Kathryn

      Reply

  60. USS Crafty says

    Cute table! I love shopping at Goodwill, too. You can find some really great pieces there that just need a little love! Thanks for sharing at Submarine Sunday!!

    Reply

  61. Kimberly Lewis says

    Love this! I get so excited each week to see what you have been working on because it’s always AMAZING! Thank you for sharing this with us. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we can party!!!! Lou Lou Girls

    Reply

  62. Suzan Oxenreider says

    Good first time out with chalk paint! Just a suggestion on using the wax. I know how hard the buffing can be and my son actually gave me this idea. See if your husband has a buffing attachment for his drill. If you are doing a big piece of furniture it can be a huge help!

    Reply

  63. Cathy Carroll says

    Oh how I love me a great Goodwill find and a perfect price to experiment with. Congrats on your first piece of furniture – so pretty and your first blog post. Welcome to the blogging world. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time Cathy

    Reply

  65. Candy S says

    It's good to see your lovely pedestal table looking so pretty in it's fresh chalk paint finish. It looks amazing! You have inspired me to get going on my first try at using chalk paint. I am not to sure of what I am doing but I have dozens of pins and many wonderful blog posts and videos to guide me along (I hope).

    Reply

  66. Have a Daily says

    Fun seeing your first post Kathryn! I love chalk paint and your pedestal table turned out so charming. Love the blue showing through! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. […]      The mirrors were given to me by my sweet friend, Connie who moved to Kansas City.  They were yellow previously.  Here, they have the pale green base with pale blue stars painted in the corners.      The light fixture was given to me by my dear friends, The Underhills.  It was the light fixture they had in their breakfast area in their huge apartment in Hannover, Germany.  I was fortunate enough to get to visit them in Germany when I was singing in Italy.  I’m happy to say they are back in Texas now.   I made the massive curtains with the help of my Mom.  We basically had to spread the material out on the floor in the entryway to piece and sew it together just because of its size.      Those are pictures of some of The Dedicated Daughter’s cousins and a picture of me with my sister and Mom.        Once The Dedicated Daughter got too big to have a mobile in her crib, I moved it over the changing table.            Well, there it is. I thoroughly enjoyed decorating her room. Now, sad to say, the nursery is no more and The Dedicated Daughter is in a big girl room. But, don’t despair, the space is now my craft room. Well, sort of. There is craft stuff in there, but it is really the place where all my ironing goes and waits for me. Yes, I’m a freak. I like to iron. The 50’s are calling and they want their housewife back.   That’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed Where Sweet Dreams Are Made. Enjoy your day and remember to be kind to one another.   Click the link below if you missed my last project: Chalk Paint Table […]

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