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Lane Cedar Chest Transformation

While picking this spring, I came across a 1969 Lane Cedar Chest in disarray.  I know!  Can you believe it?  It actually looked a bit worse than this when I found it!  In this picture, I had already spent a couple hours peeling the veneer off the top and sides.  Halfway through this project, I headed to Menards and picked up a heat gun.

After all that hard work, I looked at the top and said to myself “self” what the heck am I going to do with that?  I busted out my new Annie Sloan Chalk Paints and started to play.  I was after an old world feel, trying to create a patina that shows years and years of love.

I layered several different colors of chalk paint and kept working it
and working it, and working it until I came up with the look I was going for.  I then waxed with both clear and dark wax buffing it with steel wool over and over until it was smooth and had a wonderful feel.

I created a little dry brush technique to the top also using Annie Sloan’s paints and waxes, layering each until it had the look of a reclaimed piece of barn wood.

I contacted lane and they sent me a new child safety lock and key set to replace the original.  Lane will replace your lock and key free of charge for any chest built before 1990, I think that’s the year.  My Lane Cedar Chest was manufactured in 1969.  You can identify the date it was manufactured by reading the serial number backwards:)

The hardware was scrubbed just a bit so it would leave some of the natural patina.  I lightly sanded the inside and back of the cedar chest then refreshed the wood with cedar oil.  Then Cathy worked her magic on the sewing machine and made some great fabric liners to cover the ugly, grass green felt they always put in them.  Did I just type that out loud?  I WISH I would have taken a picture of the inside and back to show you, they turned out SO nice!  But nooo… I can’t show you because it sold as soon as we unveiled it! 

Now THIS is the BEST part of the story….
A gal stopped by Art in the Park while it was raining and really liked it, but decided to come back later when the rain let up.  It didn’t.  She thought the art show was a two day event.  It wasn’t.  She told her sister about it when she got back to Chicago and like any good sister would, she told her to buy it.  There was only one problem… she hadn’t grabbed a business card and had no idea the name of our business.

She contacted someone from Art in the Park and together they figured out who we were.  She emailed me then drove up the following week to get it.  I’ve had two more people call me since who also hoped to purchase it:)

Pretty neat yeah?  I thought it was a happy ending:)

Since this post, I’ve learned so much.  I worked countless hours almost a year using these products but continued to have difficulties achieving a quality finish with their wax.  I tried other several other waxes by different companies, some were hard, other’s were a little easier to blend in and work with but also had those terrible fumes.
I experienced months of recurring respiratory problems and was advised to remove as many chemical hazards from my environment as possible or find another line of working order to get well. I replaced toxic, hand burning, chemical strippers with citrus based strippers (which work better anyway), pulled chemically laden paints, waxes, glues… and started searching for better products.
That search eventually led me to the products I choose today ~ American Paint Company’s all natural, eco-friendly chalk and clay based mineral paints.  From the first time I tried  them, I was sold.   I know that sounds so dramatic, but after everything I went through, It was a God send.  This type of paint is so much easier to work with.  It spreads easier, covers better, adheres well and the wax and finishes have been life changing for how much work I can accomplish on any given day.For my style of painting, I can achieve a much more superior finish and can create it much faster eliminating the stress of working so hard to achieve something that’s easy with a chalk and clay mixture.

I love these paints so well that I decided to share what I do with our followers.  We proudly offer American Paint Company Paints locally in the Greater Grand Rapids area and sell worldwide on our Online Shizzle Shop.  

shizzle design paint studio 2018 Chicago Drive Jenison MI American Paint Company CeCe Caldwell's Paints retailer buy chalk clay instructor workshops paint retailer 1

  • Did you know…

    • Shizzle Design is a small family owned business in Jenison, Michigan.  My sister Cathy and I work, paint, ship and teach our chalk and clay paint workshops out of the same space where we paint all our furniture.  We are truly humbled to be known as a leader in the world of chalk and clay paints.
    • Instead of hoarding our knowledge, we empower DIY’ers by sharing our years of experience.  Stop in for paint and we’ll offer you honest and knowledgeable answers for all your chalk and clay paint needs.
    • We are so blessed to have taught people from all over the United States and Canada.  Join us for one of our super fun hands-on chalk and clay paint workshops.  Learn in our casual & relaxed environment.  Click Paint Workshops to see a list of current classes offered.
    • Subscribe to Shizzle Design for tips, tutorials, ideas, pictures, videos for our furniture painted in all natural chalk and clay based mineral paints.
    • Did you know that you can get these sent directly to your inbox and that it’s FREE?  It is ~ what are you waiting for?  Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
    • We have a Shizzle Design Facebook Page.  We share all sorts tips, ideas, photos EVERY DAY and offer special deals (which you’ll only know about if you’ve Liked our Facebook Page).
    • Pin our posts on Pinterest ~ Find all sorts of inspiration here.
    • We sell our painted furniture in our Shizzle Design Paint Studio at 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI 49428 and at Not So Shabby Antiques and Fine Furniture at 2975 West Shore Drive in Holland, Michigan
    • Shizzle Design is an Authorized Retailer for American Paint Company Paints.  We offer a large inventory of chalk and clay paint and supplies at our Shizzle Design Paint Shop /Studio,  2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI  49428.  We also stock several other shops in the greater Grand Rapid’s area, to find out where, click LOCATIONS.  Not from Michigan?  No worries, we ship paint and paint supplies worldwide through our Online Shizzle Shop.

    Click here to see Shizzle Design Painted Furniture Makeovers

    painted-furntire-makeovers3[1]

    Click here to see our Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s

    Shizzle-Tips-and-Tutorials3[1]

    Click here to see Funky Finishes

    Funky-Finishes3[1]

    Linking up to these GREAT Parties!

    Domestically Speaking – The Power of Paint Party
    The Shabby Creek Cottage – Transformation Thursday
    Miss Mustardseed – Furniture Feature Friday
    Redoux – Friday Link Up Party
    Homespun Happenings – Rustic Restorations Weekend
    Funky Junk Interiors – Saturday Night Special
    Silver Pennies – Silver Pennies Sundays
    Knick of Time Interiors – Knick of Time Tuesday

    a hui hou ~ Shelly

A hui hou!

Shelly

 

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Not So Shabby Antiques & Fine Furniture

The past four months has been a whirlwind of activity – all because of an idea, one simple thought brought to reality.  As I stood out in the blustering snow sanding down my first dresser, I just knew this was what I was called to do.  During those four months, I became overwhelmed with so many different facets of starting up a business so… I recruited my sister for help:)   Together we rolled up our sleeves and dug in.

Never did we imagine a few months ago, how quickly our business would grow.  We were basically taking one step at a time then looking on to the next goal when we completed the prior.  Last week was Art in the Park, this week was decide on a local store to feature our furniture or list online.

I’ve prayed and prayed for discernment and clear direction with whether we should put our furniture in a local store or if I should list pieces on Etsy.  We checked out several locations around town this week but nothing felt like the right match.  Something kept directing my thoughts to one particular store towards the lake shore.

I had stopped by Not So Shabby a couple months prior and picked up an application to rent some space.  I was told at the time that there was a wait list and I was so focused on creating enough inventory for Art in the Park, that I didn’t look beyond that point.  I took the application and sat it on the end of our counter.

Earlier this week, I looked into Greyhound’s shipping service but didn’t feel very comfortable about how well my pieces would be handled with their service.  I would have to drive downtown and somehow offload a piece of furniture and lug it in to the same ticket counter that everyone purchasing bus tickets lines up at.  Then I was told furniture goes ONLY IF there’s available space left AFTER everyone traveling has their belongings packed.  He said depending on how busy they are, large pieces might sit there a while before they make it on a bus.  I didn’t like the sounds of that!

Then I learned of a company who exclusively specializes in moving furniture.  They recently included Grand Rapids in their service area – but it’s not necessarily a daily thing.  I don’t know if they have regular routes or what, but their service could take 2-3 weeks depending on where it’s going.  So, between the shipping uncertainty and loading and off loading trucks, trailers & vans two weekends in a row, God made it clear to me that a local store was the best choice me.

So, following that lead, I started digging around for that paperwork.  It had sat there on our counter the past two months!  I saw it last week just before the show, but…do you think I could find it?  no.  Tore the house apart all day and nothing.  I called the store that night to see if I could pull the app. online but the gal said I would have to come in and grab another copy.  She recommended I come in on Wednesday because that’s the day the owner is there.

I didn’t want to wait till Wednesday.  Something was really driving me to get in and get my name on the wait list for space to open up.  God was also watching over Kam yesterday morning.  She called and was having a bad day so I invited her to come with me. 

When I asked the cashier for an application, I asked if one of the artists was in.  She went back to check and came back with the owner!  She just happened to be there working in the back.  I just loved her immediately; she’s so cool!  We must have talked over an hour!  She recently added more space and ONE space was opening up, in the exact size I wanted, in the precise store I kept feeling led to.

AND I don’t have to wait 6 or 9 or 12 months, we move in NEXT WEEK!  Yikes!  So much to do!  I need things to stage my booth and divide the adjacent spaces… ahhhhh!  🙂

I’m so nervous and excited!  I’m on such a high right now, I can’t even believe it!  The contract is signed and we’re breaking ground!  Not So Shabby is SO cool, just the interior alone is awesome.  The original exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and tin ceilings – really a neat place.  I feel SO honored and SO blessed to be part of it!

Stay tuned…

Don’t miss any of our hand painted furniture makeovers…

a hui hou! “until we meet again!”
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Shizzle Design Makes It’s Debut on August 201 at Holland, MI’s 42nd Art in the Park

I vividly remember the lady telling me they had never been rained out at Art in the Park

Art in the Park ~ August 2011

but… just as my sister got in the van, it started to sprinkle.  I didn’t say anything but my jaw dropped when we pulled out the driveway and headed toward the lake shore.  Our raindrops weren’t part of a passing shower.  The entire sky was full of rain!

Continue reading “Shizzle Design Makes It’s Debut on August 201 at Holland, MI’s 42nd Art in the Park”

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Remembering Sydney

Saturday was a day of remembering.  It was a day of smiles, a day of tears, a day of gut wrenching reality as our community joined together to honor a little girl who taught us all so much.

The 5K race at our home town summer festival was dedicated to a little blonde haired girl with sparkling blue eyes and a great big smile.  Sydney Grace Potjer inspired everyone she knew to, in her own words, “never, Ever, EVER give up!” 

Syd went to be with Jesus on Mother’s Day this year, just a few short months shy of her seventh birthday.  But, as we all know, it doesn’t end there.  Sydney’s legacy lives on.  Purple was Syd’s favorite color and on Saturday, crowds of people filled the streets wearing purple shirts honoring Sydney and supporting the fight to find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.


Sydney had Type I SMA.  It is a genetic disease that affects specialized nerve cells called motor neurons  These neurons control the movement of voluntary muscles. In general, those muscles closer to the center of the body are more affected than those farther away.  It steals the child of the ability to chew, swallow, sit and run.

Involuntary muscles, such as those that control bladder and bowel function, are not affected. Hearing and vision are not affected, nor is intelligence.  As a matter of fact, these kids tend to be way more intelligent. 

Sydney was smart.  She was off the charts with her intelligence, personality, wit and charm and she was embraced, cherished and enriched by the best set of parents a child could hope for.

Saturday, as thousands of people lined the streets in preparation for the race, her dad spoke of Sydney.  He shared with the community how one in four of us carry the gene, and how close SMA is to having a cure.  He asked for support and hoped the money brought in that day tipped the kettle over the edge to achieve that.

      In her memory, Syd’s parents started a fund at Sydney’s school to raise money for supplies and special equipment needed to help other special need’s kids for many years to come.
We Love you Syd!
You will never, Ever, EVER be forgotten!
 
 

For more information on SMA, click on www.fsma.org

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Antique Empire Dresser with a Rich Weathered Black Leather Finish

A blast from the Past ~ August, 2011

My sister Cathy and I have spent the past few months doing intensive research on how to paint furniture as we prepare for Holland’s 42nd Art in the Park on, August 6th, 2011 and I have to tell you… this piece is one of my favorites.  I love empire dressers!

It would look really cool as a buffet in my dining room but I have to be strong and let it go.  I created the finish to resemble that of a well worn piece of leather using Annie Sloan’s Graphite and Dark Wax but it took forever because the dark wax was a major nightmare to work with.  I spent weeks trying to get the wax right on this piece, pulling my hair out in frustration.

UPDATE 2016 – If I were to replicate this finish today, I’d paint it with Frenchic’s Panther and seal it with their Rustic Wax.  Not only is Frenchic Furniture Paint® a much more superior product line, it’s 95 times easier to use!   There truly is no comparison.

This dresser rests on wooden wheels making this solid built wooden chest easy for anyone to maneuver (the wheels can be removed if you prefer to use it without them).  Just imagine how awesome it would work as a bathroom vanity with one of those gorgeous vessel sinks atop!  Hmmm… it would really look cool in our main floor bathroom…   No, no… I have to focus….  I’m just starting out in this furniture adventure ~ I’m sure it’ll get easier to let go, right?

This Empire Chest measures 43″ wide, 22″ deep and 36″ high and features the original keyholes, wooden drawer pulls and hand cut dovetailed drawer construction.  I switched out two of the drawer pulls to a spice it up a bit then painted and aged them along with the other original wooden knobs.

I love all the different sizes of drawers.  There are two shallow drawers perfect for pens, paper… two small but deep drawers for all those clunky odd-shaped objects and two large drawers for clothes, linens, games… whatever!  Cathy created custom fabric drawer liners out of the most beautiful vintage looking fabric ever.  I just love ‘em!
This piece is truly versatile.  It demands attention and is sure to be the focal point in any room!  What do you think?

UPDATE 2016 – If I were to replicate this finish today, I’d paint it with Frenchic’s Panther and seal it with their Rustic Wax.  Not only is Frenchic Furniture Paint® a much more superior product line, it’s 95 times easier to use!   There’s truly no comparison!  

shizzle design paint studio 2018 Chicago Drive Jenison MI American Paint Company CeCe Caldwell's Paints retailer buy chalk clay instructor workshops paint retailer 1

  • Did you know…

    • Shizzle Design is a small family owned business in Jenison, Michigan.  My sister Cathy and I work, paint, ship and teach our chalk and clay paint workshops out of the same space where we paint all our furniture.  We are truly humbled to be known as a leader in the world of chalk and clay paints.
    • Instead of hoarding our knowledge, we empower DIY’ers by sharing our years of experience.  Stop in for paint and we’ll offer you honest and knowledgeable answers for all your chalk and clay paint needs.
    • We are so blessed to have taught people from all over the United States and Canada.  Join us for one of our super fun hands-on chalk and clay paint workshops.  Learn in our casual & relaxed environment.  Click Paint Workshops to see a list of current classes offered.
    • Subscribe to Shizzle Design for tips, tutorials, ideas, pictures, videos for our furniture painted in all natural chalk and clay based mineral paints.
    • Did you know that you can get these sent directly to your inbox and that it’s FREE?  It is ~ what are you waiting for?  Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
    • We have a Shizzle Design Facebook Page.  We share all sorts tips, ideas, photos EVERY DAY and offer special deals (which you’ll only know about if you’ve Liked our Facebook Page).
    • Pin our posts on Pinterest ~ Find all sorts of inspiration here.
    • We sell our painted furniture in our Shizzle Design Paint Studio at 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI 49428 and at Not So Shabby Antiques and Fine Furniture at 2975 West Shore Drive in Holland, Michigan
    • Shizzle Design is a U.S. distributor for Frenchic Furniture Paint®, an Authorized Retailer for American Paint Company Paints and Old Town Paints.  We offer a large inventory of chalk and clay paint and supplies at our Shizzle Design Paint Shop /Studio,  2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI  49428.  We also stock other shops in the greater Grand Rapid’s area, to find out where, click LOCATIONS.  Not from Michigan?  No worries, we ship paint and paint supplies nationwide through our Online Shizzle Shop.

    Click here to see Shizzle Design Painted Furniture Makeovers

    painted-furntire-makeovers3[1]

    Click here to see our Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s

    Shizzle-Tips-and-Tutorials3[1]

    Click here to see Funky Finishes

    Funky-Finishes3[1]

    Linking up to these GREAT Parties!

    Domestically Speaking – The Power of Paint Party
    The Shabby Creek Cottage – Transformation Thursday
    Miss Mustardseed – Furniture Feature Friday
    Redoux – Friday Link Up Party
    Homespun Happenings – Rustic Restorations Weekend
    Funky Junk Interiors – Saturday Night Special
    Silver Pennies – Silver Pennies Sundays
    Knick of Time Interiors – Knick of Time Tuesday

    a hui hou ~ Shelly

A hui hou!

Shelly