Thursday, August 28, 2008

Back to Basics

It's been great to take a break from the basic black routine. I've enjoyed painting with new colors. And after all the inspiration from the party, I'm looking forward to trying a few more. But sometimes only the color black will do.
I've been looking for some stools for my kitchen for some time now. I finally found some that had a great design and were well built. The best part about my find was that these nice little stools were at the thrift store!There was only one drawback. The stools were a dark blue and I don't have any blue in my kitchen. I do have black. I have a black table and a black cabinet. So it only made sense that these cute little stools had to be black.
I used the handy dandy liquid sander before I painted because these stools will get a lot of wear and I don't want the new paint to chip. Liquid sander works like sanding. It takes the gloss off the original finish and prepares it for a new coat of paint.I like my little stools all dressed in black. They'll fit right in with the other black furniture in my kitchen.
It's always nice to find what you've been looking for, and get it for a great price.
at

55 comments:

  1. NicoleAugust 28, 2008 at 9:04 AM

    They look great. Am I shopping at the wrong thrift stores or what? I never find cute stuff like that. My sister did tell me I need to try the Goodwill in Salt Lake. She said they have tons of fun stuff. Glad to hear you like liquid sander. I bought some once, but then know it all guy at Sherwin Williams said not to use it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oliver'sAugust 28, 2008 at 9:07 AM

    I love your Halloween cloche!sp? Did you get your skull from Lowe's? Smiles, Paula

    ReplyDelete
  3. Valarie LeaAugust 28, 2008 at 9:11 AM

    Seriously, I never ever ever find good stuff like this at a thrift store. Then the ones I do go to have things priced way to high. One day I will find some great treasures.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kim's TreasuresAugust 28, 2008 at 9:13 AM

    Great stools! I never find such great things at the thrift store!
    The look really nice with their new coat of paint.

    Have a good day!
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  5. ROXYAugust 28, 2008 at 9:13 AM

    Love them!! I'm hoping you might be able to give me some advice....I'm dying to paint my dining room table, chairs and buffet but I'm terrified. I've painted other furniture in the past...but never something that will be used everyday day. Any tips? I'm basically wondering...spray paint or regular paint, what type of finish (semi or flat) what prep work (sanding, priming) and after sealing (beeswax, urethane) that needs to be done to make the piece look great. Any tips would be GREATLY appreciated:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. EmilyAugust 28, 2008 at 9:15 AM

    Maybe I've been living in a cave, but what is a liquid sander?

    ReplyDelete
  7. JoyAugust 28, 2008 at 9:26 AM

    Emily,
    You can find liquid sander/deglosser in the paint section. You basically use a cloth and rub it on your project. It takes off the gloss of the old finish and helps to make the new paint adhere to the old.
    I use it when items are too detailed to be sanded by hand.

    ReplyDelete
  8. TaushaAugust 28, 2008 at 9:34 AM

    you found those at the thrift store? Why would someone get rid of sucha pretty stool? Sillly people!
    I think that I need to paint my stools black. They are in so despaerate need of some spray paint lovin!
    So-the liquid sandpaper really works eh? i will have to go and get me some.
    hate to be behind on the times.
    You will be proud of my newest spray painted peice. it wasn't done in time for the party-but I still could show it to the queen herself. So-when you get a second, please come over and tell me how fabulous I need it. Maybe I wont need a diet coke to finish all the rest of my projects!

    ReplyDelete
  9. TaushaAugust 28, 2008 at 10:06 AM

    the pics are coming-still folding laundry. I was hoping that you were busy and not so on the ball that I would have a few hours before you came looking.
    Give me until after lunch.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The DragonflyAugust 28, 2008 at 10:08 AM

    Joy, I don't know how you do it! Day after day, week after week you show us these fabulous thrift store finds. I think I have to come be your neighbor now so we can haunt the same stores!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Heather AnneAugust 28, 2008 at 10:09 AM

    Joy - you always amaze me - great find! They really suit the black and will look terrific in your kitchen, I'm sure. I am for sure shopping at the wrong thrift stores - I've been looking for stools for over a year!!! Yours are perfect - very very nice! I've begun to think I'm just going to have to buy new, because Grammy is coming for November and January and her little 'flat' out back is needing some seating at the counter! Plus they would be handy for me while I'm tasseling or papercrafting!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Carry GraceAugust 28, 2008 at 10:20 AM

    Love the stools, and black was definitely the way to go.

    ReplyDelete
  13. DarleneAugust 28, 2008 at 10:21 AM

    Those are some great bar stools....and they look lovely in their beautiful black coat. You find the greatest furniture pieces!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. joelandbeccaAugust 28, 2008 at 10:21 AM

    I love that intricate wood work! So beautiful! You would never guess they are from a thrift store. You find the greatest stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  15. trishAugust 28, 2008 at 10:58 AM

    Those are nice stools. You are correct, it is great to find something so useful for the right price! :o)
    Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousAugust 28, 2008 at 11:04 AM

    Those are the neatest looking stools. I love the design on them and they look fabulous in black! Wow. I was able to thrift an old dresser on the weekend. Its one where you can lock the drawers.

    I so want to paint it too...but I'm sort of afraid to do it. Its got a nice kind of grain in it and its doing just fine as it is...however...I'm itchin' to start sprayin'. We shall see.

    You do such a great job...you are so experienced you no longer have to try to be "brave". Lots great.

    Have a lovely day
    Judi

    ReplyDelete
  17. taratoonsAugust 28, 2008 at 11:05 AM

    The stools look amazing! I am so going to hit up Goodwill this weekend. Wish me some luck! I am turning into a spray painting junkie & look for anything in my house that I can pretty up!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lady DorothyAugust 28, 2008 at 11:48 AM

    For some reason my daughter cannot comment, so she asked me to forward this to you:

    Hi Joy,
    This comment doesn't need to be published. If it does automatically, you can delete it.

    I just started reading your blog. I've been learning all about spray painting from you. :-) I don't have a blog, but I found you through my mom, Lady Dorothy from Daffodil Dreams.

    I am so inspired to start painting a bunch of items in my home that I don't like the way they are! I just don't know where to start. I read your tutorial-- still confused. I just heard of liquid sander just now. So if the surface is glossy, I should use that first? Then what KIND of paint do YOU prefer? Brand? Satin? Does that turn out glossy? I'm confused. Can you help me please? :-)

    Sarah-Kate*
    doctorandprincess (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousAugust 28, 2008 at 11:51 AM

    What a great find!!! I've decided to move, I need better thrift stores!!! LOL!!! Can't wait to see them in the room~

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousAugust 28, 2008 at 11:57 AM

    I love them! I want to go shopping at your thrift stores! I havent had any luck but it has been awhile. I am planning a trip maybe tomorrow to try again!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Missy WertzAugust 28, 2008 at 11:57 AM

    I like them. They look very good. Unique looking.

    ReplyDelete
  22. MichelleAugust 28, 2008 at 12:14 PM

    Those look great...I love the design on them. It's amazing how someone else's junk can become our treasures:)...Great Find!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jen - Balancing Beauty and BedlamAugust 28, 2008 at 12:27 PM

    Those are the cutest stools ever. Can we be so nosy as to ask what you paid for them? I am always curious how much thrift stores vary.
    We are all coveting. :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousAugust 28, 2008 at 12:28 PM

    Looks great! You just cant beat that black paint, smile~ love it~

    ReplyDelete
  25. Buzzings of a Queen Bee!August 28, 2008 at 12:40 PM

    Great job...I agree, sometimes only black will do. I am glad to hear you are a fan of the liquid sander...I have been wanting to try it and now I have more of a reason to!
    -Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  26. ROXYAugust 28, 2008 at 12:42 PM

    Great!! Thanks so much Joy!!! I think I am confident and good to go!!! I will be sure let you know how it comes out. It's actually not that table and chairs. Those were given to us and aren't my style. I have a much more coutry chic set that I will be doctoring up. Thanks again for all your help!! I really appreaciate it:)

    ReplyDelete
  27. nikkicrumpetAugust 28, 2008 at 12:45 PM

    I love those...they have such cool details and a really interesting shape!(people say the same thing about me...but when they do they sneer a little when they use the word "interesting")
    Anyway....is is okay if we mock you for falling off the wagon? Cuz that might be kinda fun.

    ReplyDelete
  28. ChristyAugust 28, 2008 at 12:53 PM

    Love the stools and there is no way they could be no other color than black!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ms. TeeAugust 28, 2008 at 1:14 PM

    I found your blog thru Bienvenue & it's so pretty. I can't wait to look back thru your other posts. Those stools look great - I love thrift store finds. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Becky@Beyond The Picket FenceAugust 28, 2008 at 1:19 PM

    I just joined the party because my computer crashed. But here is my offering--in black however, because I am new to the joys of spray paint!
    http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2008/08/crash-and-burn-baby.html
    Thanks for the great ideas!

    becky

    ReplyDelete
  31. AshleyAugust 28, 2008 at 2:01 PM

    I really like those! A great find. Sometimes I look for weeks browsing thrift stores with out buying anything. But then I find the thing I was looking for and it was all worth it!

    ReplyDelete
  32. DebAugust 28, 2008 at 2:26 PM

    Those stools are amazing. Very different. Not what you usually see out there. Can't wait to see them in place. Great job.

    ReplyDelete
  33. JoyAugust 28, 2008 at 2:39 PM

    Jen, I paid $8 each for the stools. They actually had three at the time which was nice because I was able to pick the best two. It's beyond me why people get rid of really nice things, but I'm so glad they do. My guess is that they have a good amount of money and decide to change their decor. So, "out with the old and in with the new."
    My motto is: "In with the old and I'll make it look new!"

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hideaway GirlAugust 28, 2008 at 3:02 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous! If I would have been in the thrift store at the same time, you would have had a fight on your hands! Actually I would have been happy just to have the 3rd stool that wasn't quite good enough. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownAugust 28, 2008 at 3:09 PM

    Hi Joy,
    They look wonderful decked out in black. I can't picture them any other color!
    diane

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownAugust 28, 2008 at 4:01 PM

    Great find and they look really good black.he he

    ReplyDelete
  37. JoAugust 28, 2008 at 4:24 PM

    Gorgeous stools! Both before and after ;-)
    Thanks to the motivation of your spray-painting party, I finally tried it myself. It's so easy, and I'm mostly happy with the results.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Empty Nest Full LifeAugust 28, 2008 at 5:12 PM

    We never have anything like that at our thrift store. I guess because we are such a small town. Those are great. The black looks perfect. Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  39. MarandaAugust 28, 2008 at 5:39 PM

    I can't remember if I've seen it on your blog or not, but I'm wanting to find some thrift store plates and give them a new look with spray paint...then hang them above my stove. Any suggestions on painting?

    ReplyDelete
  40. Shell in your PocketAugust 28, 2008 at 6:00 PM

    Where do you live??Ha Ha...I have never found good things like that at any yard, antique or thrift shop! I am going to look hard for these special treasures!
    Sandy Toes at www.shellinyourpocket.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. BloggerAugust 28, 2008 at 6:48 PM

    Hi Joy,

    Your stools are so pretty, I love their design and they look so sturdy, too! Thanks for the tip on the liquid sander stuff. I am sure that will come in handy one day for the 5 million things I want to do, lol :)

    Bella

    ReplyDelete
  42. AngieAugust 28, 2008 at 8:54 PM

    I love those stools! I have never seen any like them. They are so cute because of the detailing and they look great painted black.

    ReplyDelete
  43. frillsfluffandtrucksAugust 28, 2008 at 9:08 PM

    I'm with Nicole--clearly I shop at the wrong thrift stores...I never see anything good like those there!

    ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  44. ...Laura...August 28, 2008 at 10:48 PM

    I've looked for this liquid sandpaper, and I can't seem to find it. Is that the name it actually goes by? Where can you buy it? Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Mimi SueAugust 28, 2008 at 11:21 PM

    What a great find. The trick to finding good stuff at the thrift store is you have to go there alot. And look and look and look. And then, if you're lucky, you'll find something great. Like you did...

    ReplyDelete
  46. cherryAugust 28, 2008 at 11:32 PM

    Back to black ey? rofl...u are right..they are perfect in that color..very sophisticated. Now...I bet there is a lovely kitchen in the same area as the stools...hint hint. cherry

    ReplyDelete
  47. Mrs. BAugust 28, 2008 at 11:47 PM

    I love the new stools! And of course you couldn't just give up on black completely. I can't either!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Beth at AuntiesAugust 29, 2008 at 12:02 AM

    Joy,
    You did it again! They look so lovely. I can't wait to start using spray paint after all the inspiring projects posted from your paint party!
    Thanks for the tip about the liquid sander.
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownAugust 29, 2008 at 12:55 AM

    Great find. love them. . mishelle

    ReplyDelete
  50. MeghanAugust 29, 2008 at 7:18 AM

    What a fabulous find!
    You are so creative!!!
    I wish I had an ounce of your creativity.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Screaming MemeAugust 29, 2008 at 7:45 AM

    Hi,My name is Meme from Screaming Meme....I am in love with your blog and added you to my blog roll...I love your ideas...They are fresh and exciting! :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. NixonAugust 29, 2008 at 2:01 PM

    Okay... I just spray painted my favorite creamy white PB chair black. I followed your tips on the sanding and priming procedures. Now that is painted black what do I do to distress it? I started to sand it lightly but it's a mess. Gold rub?? Don't know what that is? Clear coat at end? HELP! Love your blog!!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. JoyAugust 29, 2008 at 3:23 PM

    Nixon,
    If you could tell me a little more about what you mean by "it's a mess" I could be more helpful. But I could tell you to wait until the new spray paint has cured before you try to distress. Waiting one day should be enough.
    Since it was originally white, then you'll uncover the white when you sand it to make it look distressed.
    If you don't like that look, you could try using a product called rub 'n buff. It's easy to work with, I've posted a tutorial on it if you want to look under that label of my blog.
    I really do want to help you! Maybe you could post a pic of it on your blog so that I can understand your frustration.

    ReplyDelete
  54. That Girl AngAugust 29, 2008 at 9:37 PM

    I found you through bec over on the Beyond the Picket Fence blog. I do love spray paint... yes I am addicted! LOL

    But the liquid sander product is new to me... guess what I am going to buy next?! LOL

    NJT

    ReplyDelete
  55. Amy JoAugust 30, 2008 at 9:06 AM

    Beautiful stools! I love the design on the edges and would have grabbed them too. Could you explain in which situations you use liquid sandpaper as opposed to doing it by hand? I'm not familiar with that stuff, and don't often sand things before jumping into a project. I am planning on painting my old piano black, (it's a yucky wood veener) but the catch is that my husband won't move it for me. That whole project will take place in my living room, so I don't want to sand down the finish with sandpaper. Would liquid sandpaper be the best way to go?

    ReplyDelete

I am truly humbled and thrilled that you read and comment on my blog. If you have a question for me, please feel free to email me.
Thank you so very much for inspiring me to be more creative!