Spotlight: Painted Glass Tabletop

I have been SO into geometrics lately, I just can't get enough.  So when this DIY project came through on design sponge, I immediately wanted to share it! I can't wait to try this out, take a look:

What makes the project spectacular, in my opinion, is painting on the back of the glass. Painting triangles this close together has always seemed like a taping nightmare to me.  However, by painting on the back of the glass, the layers work in your favor and give you clean & crisp lines.  Plus, you end up with this almost enameled tabletop look, and no need for a coaster! Head over to Design*Sponge for the full tutorial, and if you try this out (think of all those old glass tables in need of some love!) send pictures and tips for the rest of us.  Enjoy!

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String Art Tablets

Just a quick post today, I've been getting more & more requests for custom string art tablets - which is great! Since they are custom orders, people have been requesting many new design & color combos, one in particular really stood out for me.  They asked for light grey, weathered wood, and this was a first for me.  I tried the steel wool and vinegar trick from this post, and it worked like a dream. Then I did a grey color wash over the whole piece of wood. And here it is:

 They chose all the colors, and requested copper nails. I think the navy blue string looks really nice on the grey, I'll definitely be doing this combo again.  It's leaving today for it's new home, and I hope they like it!

 I also finished up this bright bird tablet for my mom, in her requested colors teal & purple:

 It's been fun, I'm glad people like them as much as I like making them! Have a great day everyone.

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How To: Industrial Side Table

I don't know who the big stores have writing for them lately, but they are sure coming up with some good tutorials for us! Remember the vertical garden from Home Depot?  Well, The other day I was browsing around the internet for ideas on alternative table legs.  I love hairpin legs but they are not always so easy to get ahold of.  Then I saw it, this adorable, industrial, cube style side table.  Before I ramble on, let me show you what caught my eye:

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How To: Mosaic Planter

As it gets warmer, we all naturally want to start fixing up our yards and patios.  I love all the beautiful planters I see in the stores, but I don't love the price!  All you need is a little creativity, plus a few inspiring pictures to get you motivated, and you can come up with some amazing planters for your patio at a fraction of the price. 

Today I want to share this really neat tutorial from Centsational Girl, a planter with a beautiful mosaic tile finish.  A lot of people are scared to death of tile, and I used to be too - but once you try it the first time, you'll be hooked. It's so easy, and the outcome is so impressive that you'll want to tile everything! Plus, the hardware stores carry these sheets of tile (I'm sure you've seen) which lets you place 100 or so tiles in one step. Talk about a time saver! The possibilities with tiling are endless, but today let's hone in one style. Take a look:

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School of Restoration: Chiseled Chair

Welcome to another session in the School of Restoration! As many of you know, I guest post over at the Divine Minimalist. I just wrapped up a tutorial on one of my favorite techniques.  It's easy, fun, and gives any piece of wood furniture a unique hand chiseled look.  I debated calling it faceted, (another love of mine!) but we'll do a whole piece on that soon.  This chiseled look gives the effect of something being hand carved, and it's especially distinct when you paint your piece first.  The contrast really highlights our edges and draws your eye to them.  This is a total weekend project, too. Take a look at our side by side:

 Materials:

• Wooden Furniture (visible grain & knots are especially nice)
• Paint - I used "Cilantro", non-shiny finishes are best.
• Paint Brushes - I like synthetic.
  
• Drop Cloth / Old Sheets
  
• Orbital Sander + Pads: Coarse & Fine
  
• Protection: Gloves, Goggles & Mask. Safety first!
  
• Minwax Polycrylic - Satin

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