Today, I'm linking to 3 fun blogs---a first for me! Susan, Sally and Rhoda---thanks ladies!
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com
http://southernhospitalityblog.com
When the "powers that be" gave out genes for DIY, they totally passed me over! Not to mention the gene for thriftiness! -lol- But, I'm trying to learn, so I started out small. I spotted this wicker rocking chair in a
It looks white, sitting here in the Florida sun. But, actually it was grayish and very dirty.
Can you imagine that I've never really painted anything until now? I believe that wicker is usually spray painted, but I couldn't find the color I wanted. And, then it occurred to me that if I painted it with a brush I could get more of the uneven, "antiquey" look I wanted. I bought a color called True Turquoise. It's just cheap Walmart paint, although I've heard that their store-brand paint is made by Benjamin Moore. (Does anybody have information about that?)
Anyway, without further ado, and no skill whatsoever, I slapped the paint on. I tried to use a skimpy amount of paint in some areas, to make it look worn. (Trust me, it's very worn!) I would welcome any suggestions as to whether I should try to "highlight" the carved inserts and how to do that. I tried putting some walnut stain on them and wiping it off with cheese cloth. I thought I remembered reading about some kind of "technique" like that. But, I couldn't see that it made any difference.
Here's the finished product. The wicker is brittle and the chair is a bit rickety, so I plan to only use it for display. I had fun doing it, and it's a start! As for the shells, I collected them on the beach at Ft. Morgan, near Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Lovin the chair!
ReplyDeleteKeep on Junkin!
Jennifer
Your chair is lovely wicker..but I bought one like that and left it outside in the weather and now I no longer own it. We always think they are outside furnature..but they really are not unless well protected. Beautiful detail on the chair!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a deal. I love it! My kind of find! The turquoise/aqua color is lovely. Wicker just speaks of relaxed, beachy, outdoor living...Thanks for sharing your transformation and fantastic treasure! It looks great. :-)
ReplyDeleteTurquoise is so pretty. I know less than you about painting, as I've never even tried it!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blue Monday, Tracy!
Hi Tracy,
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing $5 find! Love the color too. Before you rubbed off the stain did you let it dry for a little while, I want to say till tacky? It really turned out lovely and please post what you're going to do with it! I'm anxious to see. Thanks for your nice visit at my place! Have a good one...
Hi Tracy - this is my first time to your blog and it's great! Had to giggle at the name! lol!
ReplyDeleteI'm just oohing and ahhing over your pretty turquoise wicker chair! I, too, love my wicker in my house, but painting it (especially if they don't make the spray paint in the exact color you're really pining for....!) can be very tricky and time consuming. But YOU did a great job! Love the worn, vintagey look.
I just painted a smaller wicker chair I nabbed at an antique market recently. You can check it out on the July 9 post at my blog if you'd like. I ended up painting mine with a paintbrush...which actually was not as tedious as I thought it would be. :)
Stay cool down there in the beautiful south!
xoxo laurie@heavens-walk
HI, Tracy, that chair looks great in turquoise!! Great find for $5 & quite a good start to your thrifty learning. Keep on going you'll be hooked.
ReplyDeleteTracy, that blue you chose looks great and I think you did a great job for the first time of thrifting and painting. It may become addictive so just don't say you weren't warned. lol
ReplyDeleteI think you did a fine job. The basket of shells are the perfect accompaniment. La
ReplyDeleteThat is a very pretty transformation and love the color too. Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteBlue snake
That turned out really cute! I have some wicker that definitely needs an overhaul. It's sitting in my storage unit as we speak, calling my name! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blue Monday to you...
XO,
Sheila :-)
I think you did a great job and love the color. Those carved parts are really pretty! You don't see that very often with a wicker chair.
ReplyDeleteLove the turquoise color, very nice makeover.
ReplyDeleteI love this chair...I have not seen the carved inserts before in a whicker rocker! I had two of them and just tossed one finally but i do love these old ones. The color you chose is perfect..I would give it a second coat just because the color is so pretty! Good job! :D
ReplyDeleteThat is such a pretty color. I like how you didn't cover it 100% with paint so it still looks older. Good choice!
ReplyDeleteSuper job. Would look so great on an old fashioned wrap around porch. Happy blue Monday.
ReplyDeleteWell done. I could never tell you had not painted before. Wicker is not easy to cover either. The color is lovely. ♥olive
ReplyDeleteFor paying only $5.00 you got a good deal! The color is perfect...especially with the basket of shells. I love the inserts. Great job!!!!
ReplyDeleteDebbie@houseatthelake
Wow! I love your old chair...gorgeous lines! That insert is so pretty and I like the color that you chose. I use Walmart's spray paint regularly, although they don't have much of a color choice, and it has been fine for me. Happy week!...Debbie
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome transformation! Perfect for the bright sun of Florida!
ReplyDeleteI think Benjamin Moore makes the paint for Walmart - I think I have heard that too.
Hope you have a very Delightsome day,
Kathy
In my humble opinion....I LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!!!
Becky K.
Hospitality Lane
Wow, Tracy, what a beautiful "start" you've made! It's gorgeous!!!
ReplyDelete:)
Zuzu
Tracy - thanks for helping out with your suggestions for my poor bookcase! It was nice of you to visit and lend a helping hand! :) I love the idea of using the wire baskets as 'sculpture'. Very ingenious! I'm thinking that they just may have to end up holding up or just holding some books or linens, but we'll see! Thanks again for being so sweet!
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie@heavens-walk
EWWW! I like it! I never would have thought of turquoise. It is beautiful! I think that you did a great job and that it will start to weather anyway, but try rubbing sand paper in the areas that would be worn from use. It will take the paint off and make it look more worn. Also since it is so fragile, once it looks the way you want... spray it with a flat sealant. That will help it last a little longer.
ReplyDeleteGood job gurly! :)
~Liz
Love the color. Never seen one w/ the inlays. Very pretty.
ReplyDelete