before & after

We’ve been extra busy lately, which means our blog has been neglected.

Opps!

Here are a few Before and After photos of a few recent pieces … enjoy!

{before}

{after}

{before}

{after}

{before}

{after}

{before}

{after}

{before}                  {after}

{before}                 {after}

1,000 fans contest {WINNERS!!}

First we want to say

“thank you”

to everyone who participated in our 1,000 Fans Contest.  We appreciate all of our fans, everyone who entered the contest & all those who participated and cast their votes.

We had such a close race that we named to first place winners!

Aleah submitted this chest of drawers & we decided to refinish in our Show White for her daughter’s bedroom.

We love how it turned out and adore Ella’s room!

The white picket fence is so sweet.

Tracy entered this beautiful heirloom given to her by her Nannie. It has great sentimental value and she wanted to refinish it for her new photography studio in Fort Worth.

We love the color combo of the black contrasting the pale yellow!

The details of the original hardware are beautiful!

Enjoy Tracy!

Bow Holder

We have seen so many cute bow holders on Pinterest lately and I, Emily, threw a bow themed baby shower for a friend and made one for her to use in her nursery.  It was so simple to make!  I hope this tutorial helps and you will make one for yourself or as a present for someone else.  Who wouldn't love a bow holder?!

Supplies needed:

-Frame

-Spray Paint

-Ribbon

-Staple Gun

-Cup Hooks (optional!  These are to hold the headbands since those don't attach to the bow holder.  You can screw these into the very bottom of the frame if the frame allows.  Or you can screw this into the wall.  The headbands basically weight nothing so you don't need anything heavy duty!)

I found my frame that I used at Goodwill.  It took me a few trips to two different ones to find the right frame because I wanted a certain size and look.  But, if you aren't picky then you should be able to find it quick.  I forgot to take a picture of the frame before, but here is another frame I got at Goodwill that would work just fine for this project. :)

You might be wondering why I said spray paint instead of regular paint.  Well, let me explain.  You don't want plain gold cup hooks on your wall because they won't match.  These hooks will eithergo directly underneath your bow holder or attach to it, so you will want it the same color.  Painting those hooks would be quite the task, but spraying them is a BREEZE!  Spray one side, let them dry, flip them over, and spray the other side.  Done.

You will need to take the glass, art, etc... out of your frame so all that remains is just the frame itself.  If your frame has already been painted you will need to do one quick coat of primer (use spray primer).  Spray two coats of paint onto your frames.  If you still see uneven spots then you will need to do a 3rd coat, but most frames should be good to go at 2 coats.

*No idea why the color is so off on the hook picture... I am not a professional photographer, obviously!*

You will now cut your ribbon the length or width of your frame (ask yourself if you want the frame to hang vertically or horizontally).  Make sure that you make them spaced out enough so that you can get the bows on and off easily.  Once you have it measured out all you have to do is staple the ribbon on both ends.  Make sure that the ribbon is nice and tight.  I sweet talked my husband into helping me do this.  And, I didn't want to wake Emma up so we put cardboard down on his Mustang and stapled in the garage.  What a sweet guy!  Thanks Jeremy!

One last step to go.  Are you attaching the hooks into the frame?  If so, you will do this now.  We did not because we needed it hook free for the shower, but Stefanie can decide what she wants to do with the hooks.  

Now you are DONE!  You can always use different colored ribbon, but when you think about it, the ribbon will not be shown too much because it will be covered by pretty bows. 

Here is the bow holder out for the baby shower.  We used it for an activity we named the Blessing Bows and it turned out super cute!  Can't wait to see it up with the hooks in Stefanie's nursery!

Hopefully that helps.  Stay tuned for a how to on making a chalkboard!

{kelly}

If you follow us on Facebook you may remember Kelly and her fabulous coffee table we worked together on.

Kelly is the principal designer & owner of Design Life and we love working with her. Two minds are always better than one and we end up with some pretty fabulous pieces when we collaborate.

She recently moved and needed a desk for her home office. Kelly found this beauty on Craigslist and emailed me a photo. I said YES buy it and knew we could turn it into something wonderful.

And wonderful, it is.

Kelly selected our Antiqued Green and we suggested a dark stained top. This would combination would be beautiful and functional, providing a more durable surface for heavy use.

We are working on an antique desk chair for Kelly so stay tuned for photos!

1,000 Fans Contest begins TODAY!

We have reached 1,000 fans on our Facebook page! Thank you ALL for the support and “likes”. We appreciate every one of you.

 

Now let’s celebrate this milestone with a contest!

 

We are looking for furniture that has great potential. A real hidden treasure that is in desperate need of a makeover!

 

Climb into your attic, dig in your garage, or shop at flea market, garage sales or Craigslist for the perfect candidate.

 

HOW TO ENTER THE CONTEST

Send us a photo of a piece of furniture you feel has the most potential or in most need of a makeover.

Email us the picture at refreshinglychic@gmail.com and use “1,000 fans contest” as the subject.

 

WHAT DO YOU WIN?

The furniture with the most votes wins a free makeover from Refreshingly Chic! However, no one will go home empty handed … everyone who enters the contest will receive a discount on the furniture they submit.

 

WHEN DOES THE CONTEST BEGIN & END?

The contest begins {today} December 29th and votes will be accepted through January 6th.  The winner will be announced Saturday, January 7th!

 

HOW TO GET YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO VOTE FOR YOU?

Send them our Facebook page and ask them to “like” us. Tell them to click on our “1,000 Fans Contest” album and find your photo and leave a COMMENT about your furniture.

 

The photo with the most COMMENTS (not likes) wins! Simple.

 

If you are already a fan of our page, please show the contestants some love and vote for your favorite!

 

Good luck and keep sending photos our way!

 

Please one entry per person and one vote per person.

Sandra’s trunk!

Our new friend, client, & (come to find out) neighbor, Sandra, had this fabulous trunk hidden in her garage.

She wanted us to work on it but didn’t know exactly what she wanted.

We loved the look of this trunk and didn’t think painting it was the answer.

The trunk was covered in a canvas fabric that was peeling off.

Tyler removed all of the fabric, cleaned up the trunk and used a few products and oils to give the wood a beautiful look while keeping the integrity of the piece.

We love the finished look! It has so much character and charm.

We hope it makes a great addition to Sandra’s home!