Tag Archives: philadelphia

Upcycled Indoor/Outdoor End Table ~ Just Like Pottery Barn!

 

Keys to the Attic

Note:  Where the edges of brown look like they have smudged white paint on them – they don’t.  Again, it’s because of my very sad photography skills.

OK … so, don’t kill me … but it looks like I forgot to take a “before” picture of this table.  I could have sworn that I took a picture of it months ago when I first brought it into the store … so maybe the secret cyber picture thief took it.  Either way, if I come across it I will post again with a before/after shot.

Moving on, this is table that I picked up at a yard sale last year and I immediately envisioned it fixed up and sitting in my yard, or on a porch or deck.  The table is wood, but  the wood was dried out and looked really sad and tired.  I knew, if possible, I wanted the top of the table to have a natural wood look with the sides and legs painted white and distressed for that shabby chic/cottage style look.

First, I rubbed (using an old t-shirt) the top and underside of the table with hemp oil.  It took about 2  coats to revive it because the table was really dehydrated, so it slurped it right up.  It made the top look happy and perky!

Then I painted (two thin coats) the legs and sides using CeCe Caldwell’s Vintage White.  Once the second coat dried I did some light distressing.  As I usually do, I started with all of the edges.  Once the edges were done, I decided that I liked the look as it was, so I left the distressing at that.

For a finish I used two different products.  I used CeCe Caldwell’s Satin Finish on the top and underside – simply because I wanted those areas to cure a little faster since, more than likely, the top of the table will be heavily used.  Then, I used CeCe Caldwell’s Clear Wax on the all of the area that was painted white.  What ended up happening (which I really, really liked) is that the top had a little bit more of sheen to it, while the white parts of the table had a very muted sheen.

So, this my indoor/outdoor end table.  Come on in to the store and check it out!

Americana Vintage Candles Have Arrived!

Americana Vintage Candles at Keys to the Attic

Americana Vintage Candles at Keys to the Attic

Keys to the Attic is now carrying Americana Vintage all natural candles.  The three flavors that we have are: Homestead, Lemon Custard and Mulled Tangerine.

Are you ready for pure heaven? These candles are the very best around…and I have tried them all!  They are made with only the purest of oils (not artificial.) They burn evenly, smell insanely delicious and make wonderful presents.

These handmade candles are created in the USA by an artist named Sandra and her husband.  Her husband pours them and then the base is hand dipped 7 times by Sandra and her son. The candles are then rolled in natural spices and scents.

These candles burn for 155 hours and make fantastic gifts (or, if you’re like me … a gift for myself). I used to be a devoted Yankee candle fan, but I think these are my new favorite!

Come on into the store and take a whiff – I always have one burning 🙂

Americana Vintage Candles at Keys to the Attic

Americana Vintage Candles at Keys to the Attic

Rainy Day Painting – Zen Time

So, while everybody on the planet (ok, so I’m exaggerating a little) is getting snow, here in Philly we are getting rain – again.  It’s bad enough that I can’t control the weather, but in the past few days I can’t control my hair, either … rain = frizz.

So, while I’m here at the store – which has been pleasantly picking up through word of mouth – I’ve decided to paint.  So, I’ll share what I’m up to.

I forgot to take a “before” picture of this shelf that I just finished, but here are the “after” pictures.  I used CeCe Caldwell’s Chalk and Clay paint – the color is Smokey Mountain Gray.  I simply slapped it on (literally) and let it dry – which took no time at all.  I then distressed it using a damp cloth and let that dry.  I lightly coated it with a water-downed layer of CeCe Caldwell’s Satin Finish and let that dry.  Finally, I applied CeCe Caldwell’s Clear Wax (which I LOVE so much) and buffed it with a dry rag.

This whole process took me about 2 hours – INCLUDING drying time between all the steps!  Sooo easy!! Here it is (and please remember that I am seriously shitty photographer, but I’m working on that):

Keys to the Attic

Keys to the Attic

Since, it’s so dreary here, I’m getting ready to work on a small stool that I got from who knows where …. knowing me, I probably “trash-picked” it.  Either way, it’s gonna go from Ugly to Lovely in 2 hours.  I’ll be sure to share the “After” … 🙂

Keys to the Attic