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Decorated China Cabinet

September 10, 2009 by Chris

Thank you so much for your sweet comments about my new lady love.  I keep walking by the room and catching a slight glance at her!  She’s still so pretty!  I thought I’d share a couple more pictures to show you how I decorated her “on the cheap”.

IMG_7188

I shopped the house to find some last minute end-of-summer decorations because…well…they’re free. 

IMG_7180

The lantern was a Goodwill ($2.99) find.  The starfish is just hot glued over some burlap I glued to an ugly plaque.

IMG_7182

You can’t go wrong with some seashells in a $4.00 Target tray.

IMG_7183 I’m not overly happy with the tiered tray I purchased (for .99) and painted, but I thought it would be a good holder of craft trinkets once the room is transformed.

IMG_7181

My favorite?  Cameras from my grandparents’ house.  I remember my grandpa using these when we were younger (and the huge row of bright bulbs to light up the room).  Technology has changed a bit, eh?

IMG_7221

Well, I’ve received lots of questions on how I did it.  So, I’ll use bullets.  Have I told you how much I like bullets?  It’s good for my attention span (or lack thereof).

1.  Wipe the piece down very well with a TSP type of cleaner.  Mine had so many years worth of Pledge build-up that it was in desperate need.

2.  Don’t sand it at all.  I’m serious.  I didn’t touch it.  I made that very clear to my paint guy.  I did NOT want to sand this baby.

3.  Prime it with a Zinsser primer designated to cover glossy surfaces.  Yes, I’m too lazy to check the actual name.

4. Paint only the crevices with a paint brush.  ALL (I said ALL) flat surfaces should be painted with a foam roller brush meant for cabinets.  It’s the best way to get a smooth surface unless you spray it.  Also, use an oil based paint so the surface is even smoother.  It evens out better.  I used Benjamin Moore (of course).

IMG_7210

5.  Spray paint the hinges silver.  Not my favorite or fool proof method, but it was cheaper than buying new ones.

6.  Spend 73 grueling minutes drilling holes (because you filled in the old ones with wood filler) for the new hardware.  Strip one of the screws with your drill bit, throw your drill on the floor, and swear at it.

7.  This is the hardest part.  Let it dry.  Let it dry.  Let it dry.  It takes forEVER, but it needs to set.

Well, I hope that answered your questions!  Feel free to let me know if you have more.  For now, I’m off to tend to this guy.

IMG_7208

He fought the playground, and the playground won.  On the second day of school.

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Chris

Chris

Well, hello. Ahem. Allow myself to introduce..my..self. My name is Chris! And I’m a blogger! I got into blogging after spending months reading all the inspiration that is found in blogland. I thought to myself, “Self, I can do this. I might have something to offer too!” And so it began...
Chris

@https://twitter.com/justagirlblog1

Chris
Chris

Chris

Chris

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Filed Under: Decorating, Home, kids, Projects

About Chris

Well, hello. Ahem. Allow myself to introduce..my..self. My name is Chris! And I’m a blogger! I got into blogging after spending months reading all the inspiration that is found in blogland. I thought to myself, “Self, I can do this. I might have something to offer too!” And so it began...

Comments

  1. Laura says

    September 10, 2009 at 1:04 am

    I LOVE your hutch! Great work!
    So I am new to the blogging world but always been a writer. I started my own blog called:
    http://blissedoutbaby.blogspot.com/
    check out my new blog for all things baby! Great resources for pregnancy, natural birthing, baby-food making, baby crafts, baby outings, and anything else under the sun that relates to mommy and baby!

    Please pass this link on to any mommies who you think would enjoy it! Thank you so much!
    Laura

  2. Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam says

    September 10, 2009 at 1:15 am

    Oh – I've been saying I am going to paint mine for a year. Maybe I'll stop procrastinating since yours looks so amazing. 🙂

  3. Nancy says

    September 10, 2009 at 1:17 am

    that young man looks just like his dad – in mini form!!

  4. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    September 10, 2009 at 1:40 am

    Oh,gosh ~ an injury already? Is it broken or sprained? Poor guy.

    Thanks for the bullets on how you did this. I like the idea of no sanding myself, although I think I could bring myself to clean a piece up before painting. Again, nice job!

  5. Goodwill Haunting says

    September 10, 2009 at 1:45 am

    I just love looking at your hutch, too! Thank you so much for explaining how you did the project…and I love your grandpa cameras… both the hutch and the cameras are special. Thanks for sharing!

  6. Anne says

    September 10, 2009 at 2:02 am

    It's beautiful! Love, love the trinkets (the double tray included – it caught my eye immediately). Bravo!

    Anne

  7. Mindy says

    September 10, 2009 at 2:07 am

    I love it! It looks so great! Thanks for the tips on painting it — I would never guess oil paint or foam rollers but I'll file that away for future projects. Love the tiered tray — I've been looking for one for more than a year, and you found one for 99 cents???? and in my fav color too!
    Great Job!

  8. Jen~ Lipstick and Laundry says

    September 10, 2009 at 2:09 am

    I love it, I have an old collection of cameras in my hutch too… I am sorry the playground was such a "bully"…

  9. Kimmy @ my beautifully blessed life says

    September 10, 2009 at 2:11 am

    Everything looks SO good! I LOOOOVE your hutch, it's amazing!

  10. Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says

    September 10, 2009 at 2:20 am

    Sit back and listen to all the compliments come in! Seriously- it's so awesome and you have accessorized it with pizazz!

  11. Heidi says

    September 10, 2009 at 2:26 am

    Looks FAB! You've done a great job dressing her up too!

    I painted our kitchen cabinets this past May and also spray painted our hinges – good call!

  12. Beth@The Stories of A to Z says

    September 10, 2009 at 2:43 am

    The hutch is so beautiful (and so is your .99 tiered stand). I also would like to know where you get a paint guy. Is that like a husband or is it better? I want one of those too. So sorry your little man managed to break something already! Playgrounds can be mean sometimes :).

  13. Misty says

    September 10, 2009 at 2:47 am

    I love it all! But…I don't think those cameras go there.No…I am sure they go better in my house! I'm just saying…

  14. Linda at Lime in the Coconut! says

    September 10, 2009 at 2:58 am

    Oh no…what happened to his leg/ankle??

    Love your goodies…most particularly the cameras…Swoon!

  15. Melissa says

    September 10, 2009 at 3:03 am

    I just adore this hutch! I've been enjoying your blog for about 6 months and just had to send some blog love your way on mine.

    I hope you stop by to check it out.

    http://enjoyalllifehastooffer.blogspot.com/2009/09/blogs-i-adore-just-girl.html

  16. Lacie E. says

    September 10, 2009 at 3:13 am

    its so funny you said you didn't love your .99 tiered tray because that's what i was drawn to instatly please tell me all about it i love love love it. oh and i have a crafty question on my blog post today if you get a chance see if you can help me thanks a ton.

  17. Country Dreaming says

    September 10, 2009 at 3:27 am

    Love it–

    I have a brownie and a poloroid (sp)camera from my Mom's house
    plus when our 35mm goes I'll put it with the other two cameras.
    Planning on displaying them in our family room if we ever get it put back together. Your right when you say technology has changed!!!

    Melinda

  18. Barb says

    September 10, 2009 at 3:53 am

    Your little baby hutch turned out very nice. Liked the bullets of how to's. Now you have to fill me in on Jackson!!!

    Mom

  19. ONE MANS TRASH IS MY TREASURE says

    September 10, 2009 at 4:03 am

    beautiful decor! its funny you should say the tiered stand isnt your fave cause that was the piece that caught my eye! beautiful job so creative!

  20. Kristen says

    September 10, 2009 at 4:14 am

    I LOVE those cameras!! I wish I had some space to have things to display like that 🙂 One day when I get my own place!!

  21. Better After says

    September 10, 2009 at 5:51 am

    Oh man! poor kiddo! At least he didn't get in a fight with another kid on the first day of school (not that my kids would know anything about that…)

    I continue to love this project!

  22. Danielle and Clint says

    September 10, 2009 at 11:05 am

    To be totally honest, I was so in love with the tiered plates! It had a great vintage feel to it. Those cameras are real cool. I have my granparents old cameras displayed in my bedroom. Keep up the good work!!

  23. Miss Obara says

    September 10, 2009 at 1:27 pm

    Don't you just LUV finds like this? Great job on your patience during the drying time! I know that can be tough!
    LUV your posts!

    http://missobara.blogspot.com/

  24. Jennifer says

    September 10, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    I love how this turned out!

  25. Anonymous says

    September 10, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    Your hutch is so beautiful! I have one very similar that is still the wood color and I have been meaning to paint it black, but now I know white is the color to go! =)

    The starfish on burlap is SOOOOOO PRETTY!!!!

    ~Jennifer in Texas

  26. Anna Marie says

    September 10, 2009 at 6:19 pm

    I love the hutch! But my question is about the trinket tray. You said you painted it…was it wood, ceramic, etc.? Just curious. I have seen several ceramic and glass tidbit trays on ebay but wasn't sure if I could paint them or not. I think it turned out really cute by the way!

  27. Mom's Place says

    September 10, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    She looks beautiful!

  28. Ruth Ann says

    September 10, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    Very beachy and serene! I love it! You do the best projects! They are soo lovely! Have a wonderful day!

  29. Robin says

    September 10, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    You are amazing and your new lady love shows us all just how amazing you can be. I love it and love the decorations. Great job!

  30. Humblebee says

    September 10, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    Nice work! Must be so proud of yourself! And good score on the lantern.
    Thanks for sharing
    Becki

  31. rb says

    September 10, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    I love the hutch redo and your blog. It actually inspired to me start one of my own about decorating my house and yard. bluebippy.blogspot.com

  32. Wendy says

    September 10, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    The hutch is gorgeous! Hope he heals quickly!

  33. jociegal says

    September 10, 2009 at 10:39 pm

    Wow – that looks great. I am going to totally copy you with a tea cart I bought that I want to paint black. Thanks! You are so freaking crafty and your blog makes me to freaking happy that I freak! I don't really know what I am talking about – I am dealing with serious jet lag…my apologies.

  34. Jessica says

    September 11, 2009 at 12:34 am

    it looks so so so good! you are so talented! i hope school is going good!!!

  35. MeLiSsA says

    September 11, 2009 at 1:45 am

    I love your hutch! But, I like your "tutorial" even better! You crack me up!!!

  36. Kimm at Reinvented says

    September 11, 2009 at 1:58 am

    Fabulous job on that hutch, it's gorgeous! So sorry about your boy, mine seven year old broke his leg one week before school started, so I feel your pain! Not his pain, but yours. 🙂 Hope he's doing better.

  37. Its So Very Cheri says

    September 11, 2009 at 3:05 am

    This is my first time to your blog. I am going to join as a follower and hope you come for a visit and do the same.

    Cheri
    Its So Very Cheri

  38. The Martys says

    September 11, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    You have given me inspiration to get my project started. I have a piece of furniture from my grandparents as well and now I need to tackle it. Thanks for giving a tutorial. This is my first time leaving a comment and I have to say that I love your blog. You are very creative and very funny. Enjoy.

  39. Tangerine Kitty says

    September 11, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    I love the hutch, it's beautiful!!

  40. Stacy Smith says

    September 11, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    Oh that camera is good.I am sorry its looking good.I am preety sure that it is a great one.

  41. Lil' Woman says

    September 11, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    Love the hutch! 🙂

  42. Grace @ One Craft Girl's Corner says

    September 11, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    You have such a great eye for design. I love the simplicity of your objects. I'm so inspired.

  43. Bay says

    September 11, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    Love love love the hutch! and the accessories. Can't wait to see those chairs….Been wondering if you've made any progress. Don't keep us hangin'!

  44. Leslie says

    September 11, 2009 at 10:43 pm

    You truly have a knack for taking something that would otherwise be overlooked and making it something that turns heads. I always look forward to your Friday posts!

  45. Carina Blogarina says

    September 12, 2009 at 12:25 am

    It's beautiful!! I love the starfish!! And the lantern! Crossing my finger's I'll have some great finds at the fleamarkets this weekend :O)

  46. Lisa says

    September 12, 2009 at 2:38 am

    I sooooo love that you call the hutch "her". I found a dressform at the Salvation Army recently that I am crazy in love with – and named her. Rosita. My hubby thinks I am crazy – he may be right. But the kids call her Rosita now, too, so he is outnumbered!

    Thanks for sharing her! She is beautiful!

    Lisa

  47. mariondee-designs says

    September 12, 2009 at 10:04 am

    Hi, just had to pop in to say I love your hutch transformation and I think you decorated it beautifully! take care, Maryann

  48. Misti of Studio M Designs says

    September 12, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    Happy Saturday morning to you! I have spent the last 30 minutes catching up on your blog, and it is awesome. You are so funny, and so very talented! Loving the hutch, and that darn oil paint really does take forever to dry doesn't it? I am dying to paint my hutch that is now pine, but with all of the glass inside, I just cringe thinking about it. I am all about instant gratification, everything that sits too long in my house gets painted, except that one cabinet. Just can't bring myself to tackle that monster yet!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    ~Misti

  49. Elizabeth (blue clear sky) says

    September 14, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    Loverly hutch! Thanks for sharing the pics. Too bad about the big guys injury.

  50. Jessica Fuller says

    September 16, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    I just came across your place here….you know a click here, a click there and the next thing you know here I am. I just had to leave a comment about the old cameras. I love them and love that you choose to decorate with them. My husband is a videographer and we have about 8 or so vintage cameras. Unfortunately he just recently acquired his own office at work and now he's removed them from my living room to decorate his office. 🙁 Hopefully someday I'll get them back!

  51. James | Postcard Printing says

    September 17, 2009 at 2:11 am

    Nice collection of items and I love that starfish. I will be collecting those also.

  52. rupinder says

    January 9, 2010 at 4:19 am

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  53. buy viagra says

    May 31, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    I love the decor! I am incredibly loves old cameras too! beautiful!

  54. Anonymous says

    May 31, 2010 at 7:50 pm

    😀

  55. Ice.com Coupon says

    June 19, 2010 at 2:32 am

    Very nice. I love Jewelry and can get never have enough. Now, if only my husband thought the same way! 🙂

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