Tulip, Table, and Candlesticks Makeover

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Ours went well... and I even actually managed to get the turkey
out of the oven without catching my hair on fire! 

 (I actually did one year, can you believe it?!)

I really enjoyed decorating for Fall, but I admit I couldn't wait to get started decorating for Christmas!!

A couple of painting projects helped to get me motivated...

So here it is my first Christmas vignette for 2011! 

I'm really happy with how it all turned out...

Now to show and tell you how it began!

I bought this table at a thrift store for a bargain price! 

Even though the finish was in bad shape I was pretty sure it would look great with a coat of paint.
Also, two out of the four original decorative metal hardware pieces

were missing and there were large holes where they had been.

What I'm pretty sure is leather on the top was also in bad shape as well.

I was also pretty sure also that I wouldn't be able to find duplicates of the hardware,

I decided that wood appliques would make a great second choice. 

I found these shown above in a package of four at Lowes.

PERFECT!

First I cleaned the table with a mixture of TSP (Tri-sodium phosphate) and water

(great for removing dirt and grime!)

( I prefer TSP in powder form, shown above),  rinse and let dry.

Next, I applied a coat of primer sealer.

Then a final coat of Country White paint. 

I use a stippling technique with a regular paintbrush when I paint

because I hate trying to deal with brush strokes. 

 It also kinda gives a textured appearance.

Then I sanded for a for a bit of a distressed look and added a bit of antiquing

 to bring out the design of the medallion.

These candlesticks were also a thrifting find...

I was definitely not crazy about the finish on them, but knew with a little paint they'd be great also!

First I went over them with a mix of black and burnt umber crafting paint, let dry then applied a coat of Country White (leftover interior satin house paint) allowing the dark paint to peek through in the crevices.

I did the same technique on the small finial.

Now for the final exciting detail! 

The framed picture started out as a gift bag from the

DOLLAR TREE!! 

Omgosh! I always find gorgeous gift bags there,

and for just a dollar I don't mind cutting into them to frame them one bit! 

I did the same painting technique on the frame that I did on the candlesticks which was originally gold.

Pulled it all together with this red striped tablerunner, dove, nest, and pine greenery,

...and there you have it!

Now it's time to grab a fuzzy blanket, some magazines, and sit by the fire 

and start browsing for some more inspiration. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I love hearing from you!!

Warmest Wishes!

~Sherri~

I'm linking to :

"Metamorphosis Monday"

"Tabletop Tuesday"

"Wow Us Wednesday"