Stinkin' it Up

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Normally I am quite sensitive to the fact someone told me I stink. Stank. Stunk. Whatever. It may have to do with the stinky pants girl episode. I think I still need therapy to deal with that one. No- I really don't want to talk about it. No....NO...NOOOO...Really?! You just are not gonna leave me alone until I tell you.. Fine.  It is soooo very embarrassing. Lean in a little closer while I whisper what happened....

In the not so distant past (see you thought this was a tortured childhood story--sadly--no) there was the VERY unfortunate incident that occurred while I was at work. I was attending a class and on my break I went outside to get some air. That and because I lose my mind doing the whole touchy feel-y corporate class crap. Well that was a poor choice of word.

Anyway it happened to have been a very nice day. Although the preceding days had been rainy. I sat down on the curb of the side walk and was texting friends. Biding my time until I had to return to my class. As I was walking in I caught a whiff of something...off. I checked my shoes...nope. Kept walking. I still smell...something...

Finally someone comes up to tell me there is something on the back of my pants. I go to the ladies room to look. I get some paper towels to start wiping off my pants. I thought maybe it was dirt. Or mud. Ummmm no. It was boot scrape poop. I sat in crap !!! OMG!!! I was mortified!  I had CRAP on the ass of pants. While I was at work. I was...STINKY PANTS GIRL...GAHHHHH!   True Story....FML!

So you see WHY I might take offense at someone telling me I stink. Stank. Stunk. Whatever. Anyhoo, I make an exception because I was called out by Janel at Hating Martha. It's true. I voluntarily stunk up the blog-o-sphere with less than interesting post on my Vintage Headboard.  The post initially only garnered 10 views (which was probably all my family--bless their hearts!) and no comments. As in zilch. Zip. Nada, Goose egg.

Insert the the EPIC FAIL (wah wah wah) sound here.

Even worse than the post being an epic fail, is ME being the epic fail. As in I AM the procrastinator from hell. I have had the headboard and mirror for a decade...maybe more. I kept saying I was gonna do something with it AAAAANNNNDDDD never did.

So what. Guess I am a stinking loser. OR maybe--this is Winning. (sorry couldn't resist a little Charlie Sheen humor) ha ha

They say road to hell is paved with good intentions. If that is true then portal to hell is in my garage

Maybe I need to install a sign in front of my garage.

I wonder if the neighbors would approve?

ALLLL  that stuff  I said I was gonna do something with SOMEDAY?  Guess my someday is here. And I am totally gonna make the headboard and mirror awesome. (As for the other stuff--meh, I'll get to it--eventually) 


No go away while I wallow in my own stink

Vintage Headboard

Technically it is a vintage (1930's-1940's) bed-frame (headboard, foot-board, side rails) including  a dresser and mirror. I am saving the foot-board and rails for another project. The dresser is currently employed as a work surface and storage in my kitchen. 

Here is the the very Plain Jane headboard which has been sitting in my garage for about a decade. I know it is shameful.

It's kinda dusty

And mirror which has some lovely detailing.

The mirror is just beginning to show some lovely patina on the glass

Close up of mirror detail

The nightstands I am using in the spare bedroom are white.  I could paint it white and call it a day. But feel like it needs...something. Some decorative applique? Stencil? Decoupage? Upholster?

Here are some inspirations

thevisualvamp.blogspot.com

flickr.com

http://www.etsy.com/listing/91376111

http://www.etsy.com/transaction/22425624

shabbynest.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80133441

edhenhome.blogspot.com/2010/07/cricut-love.html

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50411739


I kinda like them all! Suggestions? 


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I posted this on Hating Martha's Stinky Linky Party because 1) only 10 views 2) no comments. If this post were cheese. It would be Limburger. Pee-uh-yew! (Hold's nose)

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

The hubbs and I took a relaxed approach this past Sunday even though there are a million things that we should have done. In my usual gung-ho approach I overdid things and as a result I had sharp stabby pain in my back. ouch. So we had a respite and went to breakfast at I-Hop...mmmmm...pancakes! How can your day not improve after pancakes?

I popped a couple of ibuprofen  and decided I could work on little things . Like paint my thrift store mirror. I  paid $17.50 for the mirror--which is more than I wanted to pay--but for solid wood frame, solid wood backing, nice simple lines and it is the proper size (16.5 x 22 inches). It's perfect for my diminutive upstairs bathroom. Sometimes a bargain isn't just about  price. In this case the price was reasonable, but I considered my time to be the most important bargain.

I began by flipping the mirror over and removing all of the screws (and putting the screws and hanger wire in a plastic container--so as not lose any).

Removed
 the back board, carefully removed the mirror (watch out for sharp edges) and placed the mirror is a safe location.

Next the fame was lightly sanded with 150 grit sand paper and wiped with a cloth to remove any  particulates.

 I gave this frame a light spay of a satin white, using even continuous passes. Let this dry between applications.

Not to heavy because you don't want globby or runny  paint. 

And since my house is older I decided to give the mirror some patina. After the 2nd coat of paint was dry, I applied a very thin layer of crackling medium. (I would have taken a picture but it is clear so you wouldn't have seen it.) I waited (rather impatiently) for the crackle medium to dry to a sticky tacky film. Then applied a very fine mist of white. Since the 2 coats were adequate to cover, I did not need a heavy application. The result is a very fine crackle. I chose not to spray a top coat sealant. I want the mirror to  be handled and experience a little more wear before I seal it.

VOILA! One perfectly aged mirror. It is all the imperfections that bring character to things (and people). Who wants perfect? Perfect is boring. It also makes me feel inadequate, so I embrace my imperfect quirky self...stuff. Whatever....

Unfortunately the crackle isn't showing in this picture. Had I used a contrasting color under the crackle it would have been more visible.