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Tuesday 20 March 2012

I Can't Believe I'm Painting Outside!

It's still sunny and hot; too hot for the slugging involved in turning over a 24' X 10' garden. I'm about halfway through the job but I'm taking LOTS of breaks.  In those breaks I'm hauling stuff out to the patio to paint.  With no basement or garage, it's a bit of a task to find room to do messy jobs.

I've been picking up bits and pieces, in thrift shops, to dress up the front porch and patio. It's all part of my thrift, gift, reworked or found policy.  I almost passed by a wooden plant holder for $2.99.  It was in a natural wood finish and utterly boring.  A closer look showed a backstamp that said it was hand carved and made in the Sauble Beach, Lake Huron area.  I'm thinking beach + driftwood = paint job.

I thought I had a before picture.  It looked just like this without the grey paint splotched on it. ~


There was no sheen on this piece so I didn't need to sand or prime.  I dabbed on some Martha Stewart Crevecoeur from the sample pot I picked up for $1.  I just randomly dragged the paint across the piece. ~


Next I used a matte, beige boo boo paint that was $2 for the quart.  It's best to use an old ruined brush for the top coat.  It forces the paint to go on unevenly and gives a more naturally worn look.  When I get to the grey spots, I lift the brush a bit so some of the grey shows through. ~


If it looks too good in spots, let it set for a couple of minutes and drag your brush through it again.  That will start pulling the paint back off.

The end result of the paint treatment is this. ~


I thought it could use a little dressing up and had a package of Rub-ons that I picked up from Michael's for 25 cents.  I think they are for scrapbooking.  They're super easy to use. Cut out the image, remove the backing paper, place and rub with the tool they provide.

This took less than a minute. ~


How cute it that? ~ 


I know this is a plant holder but I kind of want to use it for something else.  Any ideas?  It's sitting on my potting table, which I also use as a server, and seems quite happy there. ~


Have a day filled with sunshine!

I'm sharing this with:

Show Off Your Cottage Mondays

Uncommonly Yours Link Party

Power Of Paint Party

What's It Wednesday

Open House Linky Party

Inspiration Friday

Saturday Nite Special

22 comments:

  1. Those little cutouts really make this piece. I love your paint treatment, but the wheelbarrow is too sweet.

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    1. You have to pick up some of those Rub-Ons, Terry. It's the easiest thing I've ever used and I can think of a million things to put them on!

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  2. That turned out REALLY cute. Love the wheelbarrow graphic! xo Diana

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    1. Thanks, Diana! I'm determined to get through as many paint projects as I can while it's warm.

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  3. What a great piece! I will have to go looking for those rub-ons now...looks easy to use. And can I have some of that weather here, we seem to be having east coast weather here on the west coast!

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    1. I think you will find the Rub-ons in the scrapbooking section. Definitely worth buying!

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  4. I think you could use it for anything, but a potted plant would look lovely in it for summer! Excellent job Maureen!
    xo wendy

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    1. I was going to do that on the front porch and then it looked so right on the patio.

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  5. Well...that's just as cute as can be! I am spray painting outside today too. Unbelievable weather!

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    1. Thanks! I was gardening today in shorts. Crazy!

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  6. Maureen, it's adorable. I love the paint finish you gave it.
    I remember rub-ons from when I was really young - I'm going to look out for some, I had forgotten all about them. You could put a candle in it, a big chunky one maybe ?!

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    1. I could put a battery operated candle in there. Good idea! Those Rub-ons were ridiculously easy.

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  7. Oh, I think that little wheel barrow just makes the piece! I love the new paint treatment. Maybe holding a menu or silverware? I know you'll come up with something great!
    Thanks for linking.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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    1. Mmmm - I do think it's deep enough to hold silverware!

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  8. Charming piece! Thanks so much for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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    1. It's always a pleasure to be included on your beautiful site!

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  9. Thanks Justine! I'm following you back on the Linky. You have an awesome site on savings and coupons!

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  10. love this Maureen. Need to find some of those rub-ons. We don't have a Michael's, but just maybe our little Craft store will have some.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z @ Timeless Treasures.

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    1. I you can't find the Rub-ons, let me know and I'll send you some. If I can find them for 25 cents a package, I'll send you a bunch!

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  11. Maureen.... I love how it turned out! We really appreciate you sharing this at our link party and can't wait to see what you are up to next week!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  12. Gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing it with us :)

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  13. Love it!! Are we all in for a long hot Spring/Summer?? I dread it, it was a beautiful breezy day here in FL. Had a small shower here and there and really cooled it off a bit. Thanks for linking up at SweetTalkin' Sunday!

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