My $40 dresser find!

      Those who know me know I've been looking for a carved detailed dresser with drawers on the top. I'm sure there's a specific name for this style, but I don't know it! I've seen them priced way out of my range on Craigslist a few times and have pretty much given up the hunt on finding one.

     Last Saturday I went to a local garage sale just to find some smalls for my booth space at The Spotted Cow, lo and behold THERE on the side is my baby. My treasure, my most loved find to date!
Of course I figured she'd want a few hundred for her so I casually asked. You know, trying to hide the hope and excitement from my voice? LOL She said, "oh, $40 since it's a really old antique." Um... OK! I paid her the cash chatted a few minutes about what I do and came back with the hubs later to pick it up! Woot! So excited!

I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it so I went to my friend Cortney's shop and bought my Maison Blanche paints and wax. Once I got home I got started right away, I painted two coats of Cobblestone over the entire piece. It gave me a great color and a nice blank slate to get into my favorite part! Antiquing and distressing! 

I highlighted the raised details and some of the edges with Maison White, then went in with MB Le Dirt. This was my first time using Le Dirt on a big piece so I was super nervous I started with the top detail, and fell in love immediately! 

Here she is all finished up and staged in the shop!

I hope you guys like this as much as I do! Remember to visit me at The Spotted Cow located at 

2631 N Main St Walnut Creek, Ca. 

Cameo Silhouette

      Hey everyone, I went on a mission yesterday to find a cameo silhouette that was affordable, not loving the $299 price tag on the brand new model!! So with the help of my friends and Robyn over at https://lusheswithbrushes.wordpress.com/ I found a sale price on the older model at Michaels for $179!! Woot! I called and they said they had 4 in stock and asked them to put one on hold for me. Then I rushed through my dinner and out the door. When I got to Michaels quickly went to the register to see what they'd put on hold after seeing the newer model on the display above the $179 price tag. I ended up getting the newer model for $179!!!

     Now I just have to figure this thing out! Wish me luck, I tend to have very little patience with things like this and get frustrated very quickly. As per my New Year's resolution I'll be kind to myself and the Cameo and not throw it across the room if I fail the first 15 times I try!!

     If your like me a new to using a Cameo, check out this great tutorial here: https://lusheswithbrushes.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/wood-sign-tutorial/ I'll share my learning process with you all over here and post what tools/videos I find helpful. Thanks for your support!

Just getting started

Welcome to The Olde Barn's blog! I am so excited for what I have in store here. I am busy getting ready to set up a space in a local shop, The Spotted Cow. I can't wait so start sharing with you my pieces and journey through this wonderful world of antiques and painting! I'll be uploading video tutorials to guide you through techniques and painting tips so you too can enjoy the thrill of bringing new life to your old antiques!