Call me crazy...again.

I feel like the majority of my posts should start out this way. I posted my first crazy idea here and I'm still working on that one. Meanwhile, I saw on a blog (and I can't remember where!) that someone used contact paper to make chevron stripes on their wall. I thought this was a genius idea because I'm a renter and can't do anything permanent.

Well, if you know me at all, I'm not one to measure and take my time so chevron was not going to work for me. Stripes seemed simpler. I thought I had a one of a kind idea but as soon as I googled "tape on walls" I ran across this post over at High-Heeled Foot in the Door. So I'm not a genius haha but it was nice to find someone who had already done this!

I used three inch electrical tape that I ordered off Amazon. I'm kinda lazy so I skipped the measuring and math and just tried to space my stripes 5 inches apart. They aren't perfect but I'm ok with that. I'm pretty short so reaching the ceiling was a small victory in itself!

I picked up these vintage jello molds from Cindy over at Custom Comforts. I love the way they look with the gold mirror.

So, what do you think? I don't even know if I love it. I'm trying to picture a gallery wall behind the tv eventually. But I'm still not sold. The best part? I can take it down if I don't like it. I promised myself I'd live with it a few days before I take it down.

It is starting to grow on me :)

Sincerely,

Ashleigh

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PPS:

Mid Century Dresser Makeover

Hey Everyone!

Regular posting should resume shortly! I'm all moved in, not settled but at least everything is in here. It may be weeks until all my clothes are off the floor but hey, slow and steady, right? Meanwhile, new apartment means a lot of new projects! So I should have some pretty cool stuff to share soon :)

First up- this mid century modern dresser. I picked the handsome man up from Craigslist months ago with my new apartment in mind. I normally don't go for this style, but lately I've been having an affair with mid century design. Did I mention it was only $35, in perfect condition? Yeah. Baller status.

I liked the original color but decided I wanted to go just a little darker. The top was laminate (sad face) but everything else was either solid wood or real wood veneer (read: stainable).

I tested one to see the difference. Then I finally was able to get outside and do the rest of the drawers.

Because the top was laminate, I decided to paint the outside. I was originally going to go with white...but for some reason I can't recall I decided to go with a medium gray.

Yes... I was watching cash cab. I need to go on that show! I was killin' it!

It just wouldn't be a complete post without an appearance by Liam.

This corner of the apartment is looking a little bare at the moment. But after I finish a couple projects I'm working on it should start to come together.

 

So how do you guys feel about mid century pieces? I'm usually more of a traditional girl but I'm beginning to stray ;)

Sincerely,

Ashleigh

PS:

A Craigslist Rocking Chair

Moving in t-minus 3 days. Ahhh crazyness. I have so much packing/cleaning to do. And there have been some complications with the couch situation. Frustration!

In the mean time...

I picked this number up off Craigslist for $12. I loved that it was mostly stripped. You could tell this poor girl had been quite a few different colors in her day. Yellow, blue, white, green.

I only had to do minimal sanding to get her ready to paint. I skipped the primer because I knew I'd be doing some heavy distressing. I used a Martha Stewart pre-mixed sample in Ballet Slipper. A few bucks and I had more than enough.

It had this weird little seat. It was too small and uncomfortable to sit on. My dad cut a piece of plywood for me to use as a new, more proportionate seat.

The color is a super soft pink. I'm going through my pink phase late in life and needed to paint something pink. Sometimes I wish I would have liked girlier things when I was little, instead of Power Rangers and four wheelers. But then I would have missed out on pretending to be Blue Ranger (he was the smartest) while riding my fourweeler... 

Anyway!

I used drop cloth to cover the  seat. I had picked out some other printed fabrics but kept going back to the plain drop cloth. I wanted the heavy distressing to take center stage.

I used a super fine sand paper to distress. I've found that doing it this way takes longer but gives a more natural worn look. 

TIP: Let your paint cure for a couple days. It will distress more naturally without peeling as much.

Another TIP: Distress an area, paint over it and distress it again. This makes it look legit haha.

Sorry for so many pictures! I just love all the detail of this piece. And all the pink-ness.

Anyone else having an affair with pink lately?

Sincerely,

Ashleigh

PS: