before and after

the winemaker’s table

| circadee

One morning a few months ago I set out on my treasure hunting route feeling extraordinarily optimistic.   You know when you know there is a good treasure waiting for you and you just have to uncover it.  Yes, that feeling!

fall table setting-256

The morning was off to a slow start though.  I hit several garage sales not turning up much more than then 1970’s ceramics.  But I knew the show stopping piece was out there.  The next stop was sort of barn sale at the end of a grassy lane.  I felt this one had promise until I got inside the dusty building and found nothing more than tools.  No cute wooden toolboxes but nails, wrenches and the like.  Not my thing.

I did another lap around the building feeling dissatisfied but not quite ready to leave.  It is like a game of hot/cold and I was getting warm.  I knew it had to be there.  That’s when I spotted a wine-press off to the side.  An antique, oak wine-press!  It was dusty, dirty and smelled acidic but I knew this was the treasure waiting for me and it certainly had potential.  It was screaming table to me.

the winemaker's table - antique oak wine press-245

Then that thing happened when someone expresses interest in a one-of-a-kind piece.  Suddenly everyone is interested and a near bidding war ensues.  As a buyer, this is extremely irritating but as a seller it is wonderful.  Being the buyer in this scenario, I found the other shopper to be in poor form as he elbowed in on my negotiation insinuating that he was going to use the press as intended to make wine.  Of course, it was evident that I wasn’t and merely loved the rustic patina.  I’ve always been a form over function girl.  I quickly handed the seller my cash and rolled it down the lane before anyone could change their mind.

Winemaker's Table- antique oak winepress 243

After a thorough cleaning and the perfect 48 inch glass topper, we have ourselves a beautiful table.  A swanky, rustic table fit for sipping cocktails and noshing at while admiring the craftsmanship of the press.  I have to admit that this one was almost a keeper.  We really love how it fit in our little dining nook.  But I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, “We can’t keep them all.”

Winemaker's Table-252

This one of a kind beauty is up for sale at The West End Garage.

schloss telephone table

| circadee

Schloss Milk Paint Telelphone Table- the nomenclature #mmsmp

What color is schloss anyway?

It can be so unclear on the milk paint samples and bags in store.  Schloss is actually a bit of a chameleon color much like grainsack, in my opinion. It changes with the light and based on the surface you’re painting.  The latter is true with most milk paint colors actually.

Schloss Milk Paint Telelphone Table- the nomenclature #mmsmp

Schloss is from Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint European color line that came out earlier this year.

Schloss Reinhardsbrunn
Schloss Reinhardsbrunn

It is named for German castles.  The color itself is meant to represent old stone fortresses common in Europe much like the one pictured here.  Sometimes it turns up gray and sometimes a weathered brown exactly like the patina of the castles.

Schloss Milk Paint Telelphone Table- the nomenclature #mmsmp

Hopefully this clarifies the nomenclature of this color.  Either way, schloss is a great neutral.  I’ve been using it lately layered with other grays (coming soon) and on its own like in today’s feature.

Schloss Milk Paint Telelphone Table- the nomenclature #mmsmp

Shown here is a vintage telephone table where two coats of schloss were applied without bonding agent.  It was topped with furniture wax to protect and bring out the color.

Schloss Telelphone Table-227

The piece was a bit raw and worn as it was pulled out of a barn where it was in hibernation.

telephone table before

The side in sets are more than likely a veneer.  Those areas on the side are the only place the paint chipped adding character.

Schloss Milk Paint Telelphone Table- the nomenclature #mmsmp

Telephone tables are certainly becoming extinct, but why?  This one serves perfectly as a nightstand or end table.  It is available for sale at Serendipity Shops of Doylestown along with the great vintage carriage blanket and p.f. candles too!

Schloss Milk Paint Telelphone Table- the nomenclature #mmsmp

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the chair bench evolution

| circadee

Once upon a time we took 3 cast off yard sale chairs and upcycled them into a custom bench that is a perfect fit in our dining nook.  Bench Seat

You can review the bench tutorial here.upcycled chairs turned custom bench (4 of 38)

As the space evolved it was inevitable for the bench to evolve too.  When we updated the kitchen, the colors took on an earthy, neutral palette with lots of texture.  The kitchen continues to be the room that changes the most frequently around here…

flea market style kitchen

When the floors were redone this winter, I updated the bench by giving each chair a coat of MMSMP Grainsack over the bold colored chalk paint.  The milk paint resisted the chalk paint in a few places giving just a subtle distressed look.

Also, I came across 3 neutral toile printed pillows that were perfectly sized for each chair.  They were only a buck for each pillow cover.  I found some inserts and boom!  upcycled upholstered chair bench

It’s like a new bench for little cost (again)!  What have you upcycled lately?

dining nook upholstered chairs