Tuesday, April 26, 2011

A Twin Bed and a New Trick

I have been working on this bed for-evah...and I think it's done, but I'm not sure I like it and I'm not sure the owner will like it.

This is how it started out...antique looking, but tired
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My friend who owns the bed gave me a picture of what she wanted. I tried and tried, but failed miserably at making it look like the picture from the Horchow catalog. I even deleted the pictures of the first attempt...that's how bad it was.

So I chatted with my friend and we decided to dry brush white/cream...and I failed at that too. Not sure WHAT was going on..I've dry-brushed before, but this looked like my 5 year old painted it. So my friend told me a very high tech trick to help blend the brush strokes.

She told me to water down some white paint and take a plastic bag (like from the grocery store, Target, etc), dip it in the mixture and rub it on until things blend. I was scratching my head over this one...I'd never heard of this trick. But you know what?! It worked wonders. WONDERS! I'm not saying the bed is perfect...but it is soooo much better than my first...and second attempts. After it was blended more, I distressed and glazed with ebony stain.

So, before you fall asleep, here is the finished (I think) bed. The pictures are terrible, but, thank you to MN weather, the bed is inside on tarps.
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So, let me have it...be brutally honest! Well, not too brutal, mmm-kay?

~Allison

Linking up

Domestically Speaking
PhotobucketSomewhat Simple
Transformation Thursday

Furniture Feature Fridays
UndertheTableandDreaming

21 comments:

Cassie Bustamante said...

i think it looks really cool! but can i ask- a plastic what? it says your friend told you to take a plastic, dip it in the mixture...
also, my trick for beds... put them together when you paint them so you don't have to flip over the footboard or headboard ever and can get it finished in better time. :)

Kirsty said...

I love it! I think it turned out great! I hate when those hiccups happen and you just want to quit. But, you did great!

LBB said...

I love how it turned out! Plastic bag huh? Might have to give that a try! :)

Katie said...

I think it looks awesome! It reminds me of something from Perfectly Imperfect! Crazy technique.. I'll have to try it.. I wonder if it works with stain/glaze too. I hate trying to get the perfect look! That bed looks great!

Allison @ Vintage Charm said...

This bed is awesome!!I love the color and the finish is great. Nice work!!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

I think your bed looks great! Hmmm, a plastic bag. I have never tried that, but obviously it works and that's all that counts!

Andi said...

I love this look!!! It's gorgeous! Can't believe it's the same bed.

Decor & Harmony said...

You are your own worst critic.....the bed looks fabulous I love the color, technique and your gumption to make it work. Just remember with every DIY there are Trials, Triumphs and Tribulations! The bed was worth it wasn't it?
Stop by my blog for a visit :)

A Vintage Vine said...

I like it!!! I think the technique worked!!! Sorry for all the trouble....but you learned and so did all your readers!!!

Ann said...

I love it! I used to faux finish walls with that technique (back in the 90's,oh yuck), but never thought of it for furniture.

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

I think it looks great!

Tammy @ Type A said...

really love this bed, greatjob. thanks for sharing this at my party!

A Few Pennies said...

Very pretty bed--love the color! Patty

Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy said...

I think it turned out great! I'm going to store that plastic bag trick away, too!

hilary@oldhousetruelove said...

i think it's awesome!!! : )

Serendipity Chic Design said...

Wow Allison....It had great bones to begin with and you have turned it into a masterpiece!

Have a great weekend....

Lisa

Natty by Design said...

Ebony Stain - what a great idea!

Brandi said...

The end result is beautiful Allison! and hey you learned a new technique in the process! Hope you're enjoying your day!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I love this look. It looks like weathered wood. Good job and thanks for joining WUW.

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Okay, Allison, here's the brutal truth. I think the bed looks fabulous! You took a "tired" thing and transformed it to a timeless treasure. I'm sure your friend loves it. By the way, cool trick with the plastic bag. ;)

I'm so glad you found me and decided to link to my party. I hope you'll join me each week. Be sure to stop by tonight and see your project featured. And...I just joined you as a follower.

Blessings,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Jennifer said...

Love this!

Jen
www.dishesandsocks.com