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Thursday, August 2, 2012

Opps! I tried and failed…

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via mixandchic.com

Oh my goodness.

I guess it had to happen. Eventually. And to think, we started out so well, that little brown chest and I, ….I truly thought it would work out. After all, I had such brilliant plans for this entryway piece, who would’ve suspected a rebellion? A flat-out rejection that put me in my place with a clear message, “No way lady, it ain’t happening. Not with me.”

Tsk. Tsk. After all the time I put into it too. Oh well. In the spirit of keeping it real, I’m here today to share a failed project. You can offer your advice too, feel free. But first, a little history. Do you remember my recent post on My foyer?

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I decided I needed a jolt of color to liven things up at my door, and I was in the process of looking for the right rug with a geometric pattern.

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I loved this entryway that I’d pinned from MixandChic.com some time ago, especially the touches of red everywhere. Only I haven’t been able to find a rug. And because I’m the type to buy paint first, and ask questions later, I decided what the heck.

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I’d transform my plain-Jane chest into a rich, exotic-looking Chinese version. Then I’d have instant red in my entry, without waiting for the rug. Here’s the (slightly crooked) photo of my entry piece. I planned on painting the sides red.

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And I already had a bold red color that I liked. But I decided to make the homemade chalk paint recipe from Elizabeth & Co., because she does such wonderful projects over there, don’t you think? Only my first mistake was when I decided to skip the light sanding step.

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The paint wasn’t adhering properly, so after another thick coat delivered on both sides of the chest, (I’m hard-headed) I sanded it all off. That’s right. I removed my first coats of paint and returned to step one. Sanding.

OK. Time to lug it outside, because this was going to be messier than I thought.

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The paint went on better after the sanding, so I painted both sides and moved on to the next step. I would still need to finish the painting, but my plan was to decoupage my front inserts with a Chinese-looking paper I’d found at Cost Plus. After I toned down the gold with an antiquing glaze and distressed the red paint, I thought I’d have my elegant look.

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Are you beginning to see my vision? I cut the paper to fit the insert panels.

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But there was this ONE itty bitty worry I had. Can you see it? The panels aren’t flat, there are carved risings in the wood which made me wonder how the paper would adhere. See how I fly-by the-seat of my pants? Maybe you might have tested this out before, but I like to wing it. Usually it works. 

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Because the paper was so stiff, I thought dipping it in water would help, prior to slathering Mod Podge on it. Not a good idea, because the color leaked right away.

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Then I became concerned I’d tear the paper, so I applied the Mod Podge directly on the wood. Everyone having fun yet?

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This is a close-up of the paper on the carved wood. Definitely not a keeper… dear me, only one thing to do. Tear it all off.

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Time to regroup.

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And here I am. Back to the drawing board without a real plan. I didn’t want to do an entire piece in red. But I’m not sure painting panels in a contrasting color would look as elegant as I’d hoped. Right now I’m undecided.

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Should I do all red?

The red japanned bureau bookcase found in the State Bedroom at Erddig, Wrexham, Wales

Should I add touches of gold?

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via  Yby5.com

Should I go more country? I do like this contrasting grey top.

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via countryliving.com

Should I play it safe and paint it all black? Then I’d definitely need a rug with some color.

Hmmm…

Drop me a line…I’d love to hear your views…

Leslie


linking up at

 

5 comments:

  1. Yikes, it sure is frustrating when things don't go according to plan! I think that chest would look great in red, but if you don't want it to be solid red, how about a combination of red and black? Then some red in the rug to tie it all together. I love the idea of a bold geometric print. But really, I think your foyer is already pretty darn amazing just the way it is!

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  2. I think I agree with Sharon, she said my mind.

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  3. Hi Leslie, How about painting the piece all red and lightly dry brush in black or paint red and add gold or black in the raised areas of the panels only.

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  4. I think all versions will look lovely. I am more partial to the gold touches on it though. Good luck!

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  5. i do the same thing- i like flying :)
    i think i would go black. You will have more options with the rug and it will keep the piece timeless and a little more transitional.
    whatever you end up deciding i cant wait to see!

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