Here is where we left off with the kits.
I also started a French side table kit by Art of Mini (shown on the right below; the corner cupboard is for Watson Mill).
For the trestle table, I opted for a stained finish. After filling in any minor gaps with wood putty, I stained the piece Minwax Dark Walnut. I touched up any glue/putty areas with brown paint and then added a coat of Delta Ceramcoat Satin Varnish.
I painted the birdhouse green, but then I thought, “Why is just about every birdhouse I make green? I’m sure birds like other colors.” So, I painted over that with Battleship and painted the roof Bittersweet Chocolate, both by Americana. Now it’s a house suited for the unassuming bird who doesn’t like to draw attention. :D
For the French side table, I started with a coat of Bittersweet Chocolate by Americana. I want this to be an old table, perhaps once stained and lovely then re-purposed with a coat of paint (or three).
The Folk Art Vintage White paint I had was very thick for being rather old, so I added some water. With the dark undercoat, it took several layers to even out. That added to the refinished look unexpectedly, so a nice happy accident. I rubbed the paint with a piece of brown paper bag to remove the high spots. Then I used a light grit sanding stick to bring out some of the dark details from underneath.
I added metallic detailing with Taupe by Folk Art. I used a rubber stamp and the same paint on the top (technique detailed here). I rubbed the piece again with a piece of brown paper bag until I had a nice sheen.
The legs warped a little, but that adds to the antique feeling…at least that’s what I tell myself. :D
The tiered server started with a coat of Basil Green by Folk Art. I had to paint this since I always get glue everywhere when putting together any three-legged stand. I used one of the small rubber stamps with the same paint as the French side table to add some detailing.
This piece was also prone to warping, but I like the way it turned out. :]
I have a few more furnishings in mind, so more on that to come….
