Friday, September 26, 2008

Q and A and Tray Chic

Thank you all for your sweet comments about my chair. You've made me excited to start on it's makeover. I just need to find the right fabric. I know the color is "in" but, the vinyl has a few holes in it so it needs to be redone.

Hooray! Some of you asked questions on the last post. And for those of you who've asked me questions on older posts (the dollar frame project, etc.), I'm just getting caught up, so be patient with me.

Q: Jenn asked about painting her chandelier. I tried to email you Jenn, but the info was wrong so I'm answering you here.

A: If your chandelier does not have a really shiny/glossy finish you should be able to spray paint it without any problems. If it has a mat finish, like my lamp did, &/or feels a little rough when you touch it, the paint should adhere just fine.
If it has a really shiny/glossy finish, you'll want to sand it first with a medium grit paper. You just need a light sanding. Then, to be safe you should prime it with a primer made for metal, before you spray paint it. Because it's not going to get a lot of wear, these steps are enough.
I like using Rustoleum brand paint in a satin finish. I like the sheen of a satin. Then if you lightly spray a metallic over it, it will really have a warm finish. Be sure to keep a good distance when you spray the metallic. You only want a dusting of color.

Q: Rambling Girl asked if there were any tutorials on how to make tassels.
A: Elise at Nest Sweet Nest did a tutorial on tassel making. I heard about it from Darlene at Darlene's Days. She's made a few cute ones too.

Q: Sue asked how I come up with so many ideas. Am I working on something all the time?
A: I am happiest when I'm creating. And I AM working on something all of the time. Once I tried to write down all of the things that I wanted to accomplish in my home. It was SEVERAL pages long! I made the mistake of counting each thing and figuring out how long it would take if I did one each day. It was overwhelming! Now I just try to do the ideas that excite me most each day. It's more fun for me, although it frustrates my family. One of my sons jokingly refers to our house as "The house of unfinished dreams" because I have so many ideas and not enough time to do them all.

Q: Runner Mom asked if I upholster too.
A: I've recovered chairs, and made slipcovers, but my thrift chair would be my first big upholstery project.

Q: Carla asked what color and brand of brown spray paint I like.
A: I used Rustoleum's Espresso in satin for this project. I think that it's a nice brown.

Now, I can't leave you for the entire weekend without something fun.

I bought a very large tray at the thrift store. It was rather plain and was stained an orangish color.

I sanded it and primed it.
I spray painted it Heirloom White
and sanded the edges for a distressed look.
I added some retro hardware that I'd sprayed black
with a bronze metallic dusting.
I spray painted four finials.And "ABRACADABRA!"
Those pretty finials are now fancy legs.
Then just to make it "tres chic",
I added some fleur de lis rub on decals.
It's not a plain tray anymore!

57 comments:

Valarie Lea said...

Can I come live with you and just watch you. Huh Huh can I please!!

Aubrey said...

I've been lurking around your blog for awhile and whenever you post I just think "she's too cool." Have you seen this blog? http://ateliergrisnez.blogspot.com/ She lives in france and upholsters furniture. I love the before and after pics and have been dreaming of reupholstering something after seeing her pics.

Michelle said...

thanks for the tips...
I love the tray:)

Ruby Red Slippers said...

I mean, really, YOU ARE SO CREATIVE!!! LOVE YOUR IDEAS-

Darlene - Our Creative Life said...

That is so clever! Love it! What will you use it for? I think it would be great to throw bills in.

Cottagecheap said...

Love the finials. I just found (two days ago) a small (5 x 14 isH) framed mirror that I thought was TOO ugly to hang on the wall and as I walked away I pictured it with feet and as a 'tray' for candles etc. I have painted it have been looking for cabinet pulls for feet...Now I might find finials instead....hmmmm where to look. I will send you a link wheN I get it done. Right now it is primed and has little pumpkins sitting in it. (it couldn't wiat for it's feet)

Rachel said...

Oh Joy- this project is lovely!! I feel exactly the same way about making a list of my project to-do's. Send your son over here- this is where the real "unfinished dreams" are, lol!
~Rachel

ElizabethClare said...

Just love the tray! What a great find, and just love the way your made it extraordinary!

Blessings to you and yours,

Runner Mom said...

I'm just staring at the tray with my mouth hanging open! Oh, my goodness! What is the name of your thrift store?????? And, I am with Valerie's comment--Please??? Too cute!
Blessings,
Susan

Sue said...

GO AHEAD AND PUBLISH YOUR BOOK and put me down to purchase your first copy. I'm amazed!

Darlene said...

Thanks Joy for mentioning my tutorial.....

I'm with the others...can you just pick a weekend and we will all just come and watch you create (you know you are like a blog celebrity!)...then you would only have to clean up the drool once...lol

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the tray....

AJ said...

Your killing me! I love how you sooo think outside the box! You have a gift:) Love what you did!

Traci @ The Bakery said...

I have got to find an electric hand sander....is that what you use? I'm going to start my own tool kit....and keep dear hubby out of it!!!

Shannon said...

I love Q&A sessions and your tray is awesome!!

Unknown said...

Goodness gracious, Joy! That tray is so AWESOME! I'm picturing it full of mini pumpkins, but you'll probably do something amazing that I would never think of!

Anonymous said...

I must be more open when I am in the thrift store....for now..I am just happy being a copy cat with all of your great ideas....is that OK?

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

OMG that is cute and clever and I want one...so great of an idea...

nikkicrumpet said...

ARRGH...could ya just once do a project that I could mock and feel superior to!! JUST ONCE...I keep hoping you'll do something that I can just look down my nose at...but alas they are ALWAYS winners. I love love love this tray Idea. I have a boring tray right now...I think it's calling out for finial feet. Where did you get the rub-ons if you don't mind my asking?

the author said...

Oh my gosh, that tray! You are the rocket scientist of decor, my dear!

Ashlie said...

Hi! I've been visiting your site for a couple weeks now and just love it! You have already inspired me sooo much! This latest project is definitely genius! I told my mom just yesterday (as we were making the thrift store rounds) that I wished I could just quit work and craft all day!

I have a question for you though. I am semi-new to the spray painting experience and have already built up quite a few cans! So, do you have a suggestion for stylish storage? Because, as you know, even spray paint deserves to be stored sweetly!! :)

Angie said...

I am coming to your house to steal this tray because I WANT IT!!! Seriously, I really love it and will definitely be making one for my house. Thanks for always inspiring me!

Joy said...

Ashlie,
Stylish spray paint storage huh? Sorry, I store mine in the garage, but the ones I use most I stash inside a big ol' crock by my back door. Does that count as stylish?!?

Nikki,
The rub ons came from Wally World. I first saw them on Susie Harris' blog when she used them on white plates.
It looked sweet!

Shell in your Pocket said...

You are AMAZING!!! I want that tray..when are you opening your ETSY shop??????so we can buy your stuff!
-Sandy Toes

Jenn Biederman said...

Thank you so much for the information on your painting technique for your lamp! Sounds like I need to get some sandpaper...the chandelier has a shiny surface. Thanks again for all your help! :)

Love what you did with the tray!!

Anonymous said...

I'm jealous of all your tools. The drill is the only power tool I have. That tray is FANTABULOUS! And you painted it my favorite color. LOVE IT!

Unknown said...

Joy, I was shopping at a factory closeout store at lunch and they had packages of drapery hardware. Kind of odds and ends. They had little iron finials and no rods, but I knew just what to do with them, thanks to you! I picked up four finials for 50 cents, thank you very much, and I can't wait to try my hand at a pretty tray like yours! Thank you, thank you for sharing all of your wonderful ideas so freely and openly. You truly are a "joy"!

Unknown said...

That tray looks great...and like it cost a lot of money!
Great job!
diane

Cottage Rose said...

Wow I wish I had your vision when you see things. I love the tray you made, very chic. And I loved reading all your questions and answers how cool, I feel I know you a little better. I like that.
have a great weekend.

Hugs;
Alaura

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

Super-cute project!! Love the decal added on, it's a perfect touch!

I'm Jaime said...

That tray is super! I love the way you think!

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

I'm speechless...that is gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing the process with the rest of us!!!
M.L.

Virginia said...

I wish I had the time to do all the ideas that I get from you. My list keep growng.
Blessings, Virginia

Kacey said...

Your brain baffles me. How would you ever think to use finials as legs??? I was at the flea market today and I found these random antebellum objects and I literally said "Come on Kacey, what would Joy do?" Ha! Ha! I was still stumped because of the randomness of it all BUT I did find some super cute stuff. One for a project! Woohoo! LOVE the tray!

Kelly said...

I *HEART* you!

You are just a joy of creative lady...now, off to find me a tray to redo!

Empty Nest Full Life said...

I need some of your energy right now. Great project and good to get to know you a little better. Have a great weekend. Jackie

cherry said...

Yummmmmmmmmmy tray. I have a thing for them. Treeeeees chic. cherry

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

Oh, wow, that looks so amazing!! I just discovered you and would love to link to your blog from mine if you don't mind! Now I need to go read more!

Mimi Sue said...

Fab idea for the tray. Love it. Good luck with the upholstery. Mimi

Free Art Printables said...

Love the tray! Very cute! I might have to make a few drawers into trays like that!

Heather Anne said...

Hi Joy - I love your tray - another inspiring project for sure!!! Thanks for answering my harp painting question - it worked out well! I never would have though about having both harps the exact same size - until I couldn't get the shades even! You saved me another trip to the store!

I just wanted to let you know that I did a Tassel Tutorial on my tassel blog - BeTasseled. It might help Rambling Girl and others who want to tassel - WARNING - you can't just make one ... it's addictive!

You can find the tutorial here:

http://betasseled.blogspot.com/2008/08/tassel-tutorial.html

I hope that it is helpful! I am working on a second one, but life just keeps on interrupting!

Kelly said...

Oh my, I just found your blog, and I am completely enchanted by it!
I also believe in "THE POWER OF SPRAYPAINT"! ha!... And staple guns & glue guns are my weapons of choice!!
Hope to make many happy visits here.

Beautiful Blessings~Kelly Ramsey

PS~ I am having an Autumn GIVEAWAY if you would like to come by....

TidyMom said...

I bow down to you girl!! you are so darn creative!!! - thanks for visiting my blog and answering my questions!! - and no, you weren't too late, I've had a crazy busy week and never got to my boo frame/project yet - so thanks a million!!!!

~Tidymom

Ruth Ann said...

Hi Joy! I LOVE your work! I am so inspired by it! I was just wondering....how can we contact you by e-mail? I have a question that is rather lengthy and didn't want to leave it in the comment section. I couldn't find your contact info on your blog. Thanks so much! And keep up the great work!
-Ruth Ann

Ms. Tee said...

Oh my goodness - you are amazingly creative. That tray is just adorable. I love it. Hope you have a great weekend! :)

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Such a great idea! I'll be linking to this!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

I have seriously stopped visiting and /or commenting because every time I come I go out and buy everything....do you know how many unfinished "Joy" projects I have in my craft closet? hee hee...but they still make me happy thinking of the finished project, and then what blog fodder I will have. It will probably be next summer.....

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Oops - forgot to add the most important part.....UN.BE.LIEVE.ABLE....that's what you are!!

Cottagecheap said...

Thanks for visiting. I will look forward to sharing my house updates with you. I also forgot to tell you I am a mom to a special needs child so I also think you are awesome for having been a teacher!
PS-I finished my little tray, that is nto nearly as chic as yours!

Lacey in the Sky said...

Holy Moly, Smarty Pants! I swear my heart skipped a beat when I saw the word finials... it all connected in a big beautiful way in my head! I LOVE IT! ::Sighs:: You get more done in a day than I do in a month! ((Glad you got the bottle labels! I wanted a reason to buy them so badly!))

Georgia Girl said...

Thanks so much Joy for answering my question. I know you have many friends who love your blog as I do. It really is nice that you took the time to answer me. Just know it means a lot! Always thanks for stopping by my little corner in blogland. Have a wonderful day and I will be back often as I love your corner of this world.

Beth

Lorie said...

I love that tray!! You keep coming up with projects I HAVE to do! They are so fun!

ROXY said...

Love that tray!! What a neat idea:)

Anonymous said...

Cute! I went downstairs last night after reading this post and can you believe it! There on the floor next to all the toys is a wooden tray that used to hold play food! Not anymore! What are you putting in your tray? I would love to see and copy! Julie

Shilo said...

Your tray is FANTABULOUS! Love it!

Heather Anne said...

I found a tray for $1 this weekend and some clearance wooden finials at Lowes! Yeah! I get to copy Joy! What would I do without all of your good ideas Joy? Goodness knows I don't have time to come up with any of my own these days!

Woodard Gang said...

O.K. Joy, I have finished another project that I saw on your blog...I did the tray makeover. I absolutely love it and thanks again for such great ideas and creativity!!

rabten said...

I volunteer at a local non-profit salvage store, and we are always looking for ways to inspire our customers with other uses for
doors. You know, when is a door not a door? Could we post photos of your projects on our website? Obviously we would give you credit with a link to your blog. Thanks.

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