Currently for sale.

I finally got the last to list a bunch of furniture on usednanaimo.com today. Hurray! Now I can focus on doing some custom work for a client and getting some much needed paperwork done. 

This is my absolute favorite piece right now. At some point this piece must have been left in the rain because the top of it had buckled and split. After a great deal of scrubbing, wood filler, and sanding I applied two coats of "graphite" chalk paint and then sealed the whole piece with clear wax. I replaced the original wood knobs with some glamorous  glass knobs. Just last night I stenciled the top with my favorite french poem and then dry brushed "old white" chalk paint on the edges to give it more dimension. I am thrilled with end result. Find the listing here.

I picked this lovely little side table up at a garage sale last summer. It had been painted white but much of the paint had been marked up or chipped off. I decided to give it a two coats of "duck egg" and then sanded it a bit so that the original white paint peeked through. Afterwards I buffed it with clear wax and a rag until it was  buttery soft. Find the listing here.

 

My sister in law found this little vintage medicine cabinet at a garage sale for me last summer. It sat neglected in the corner of my husbands garage for quite some time before I decided what to do with it. After a great deal of scrubbing, replacing the back and the front knob, I painted the entire piece in graphite. I used five coats on the front so that it could be used as a chalkboard. See listing here.

This steamer trunk was in rough shape when I found it. Thankfully, it wasn't anything that two coats of "old white" chalk paint and some Velcro couldn't fix. I have listed this item, but I am a little hesitant to sell it as it is my last one. These things tend to sell fast. 

Here is a mirror that I recently painted "old white", distressed and waxed. 

It is is winning formula! Listing found here. 

I just love the detail on this frame I have decided to list after using it in my craft room for the past year. Listing found here.

Prepping for my first vintage market

About two months ago I was invited to participate in a Mothers Day Vintage Market and Tea in Errington. Apparently the coordinator of the event found me on usednananimo.com , where I had listed a few vintage items. I was immediately intrigued,although I haven't participated in a craft fair since I was a child. Growing up  my mother and father often had a booth at our local craft fair. My father sold woodworking and my mom made wreaths, handmade stuffed animals and other crafty things . My sister in law recently started selling handmade items at craft fairs and I was thoroughly impressed with her creativity. She had created little bird mobiles using vintage fabric from her grandma's attic, as well as banners and adorable little wooden toys. 

When I started thinking about what I wanted to sell, I decided  to stick with things I already new how to make. Two years ago Nathaniel and I made a 7" ruler and I have always been curious how well they would sell at a craft fair.

 I always seem to have a stash of frames and heaps of chalk paint so making a couple of chalkboards was a cinch.  I had a bunch of burlap leftover from the pinterest Christmas party that I hosted in December, and used it, along with lace and twine, to decorate some mason jars I also already had.  I plan on filling them with lilacs and attaching cute chalkboard tags.



I used a pile of burlap and twine to create six banners.

 

I wanted to stay true my "Curbside Joy" aesthetic, which was inspired by the color of sea glass, so I included a couple pieces of small furniture in varying shades of white, turquoise, and sea foam.  A vintage steamer trunk, an old chair, a vanity mirror, a side table, a medicine cabinet, a dresser and a star made out of yard sticks. I recently started working with graphite chalk paint and I love how it looks, especially when paired with antique crystal knobs.

I also decided to make a few handmade cards since  already had all the supplies on hand.

 I had toyed with the idea of selling cupcakes as well, but decided against it, after learning I would need to apply for a permit. Perhaps in the future I may try my hand at some of these eye catching creations.

   I was told that I have 6' by 6' to display my wares, so I have been brainstorming ways to fit all my furniture into the preassigned margins. After careful consideration I decided to forgo a table and just make attractive piles. Here is a mock up of how I plant to display my product at the market.  Now i just need to find a creative way to cram all of this into my Dodge.

This venture finally motivated me to create a business card, something my customers have been asking me to do for some time now. I designed it using my silhouette software and then printed them on craft paper with my canon printer. The fact that I included my furniture blog freaks me out a little bit, but perhaps it will motivate me to update it more often.

 Preparing for this market has motivated me to get a lot done in a short space of time. My goal was to paint and list all my furniture on usednanaimo.com before the summer starts, and now I am well on my way. I only have two tables left to paint and seal, a custom hutch to paint for  a client, a vintage TV cabinet to turn into a bookshelf, and a secretary desk to glue, sand, and paint.Oh and a heap of vintage chairs to restore and paint. Whew! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, if only I can talk myself out of not filling my vehicle with roadside furniture this summer!

The market will be held at the Errington Hall on Saturday, May 10th from 9-2 if you want to come!