Hand Painted Cobalt and White Furniture Makeover Inspired By Mexico Accented with an Otomi Print

Who doesn't LOVE a blue and white color palette?!?! 

It's a classic combo but I had to add some edge to this makeover. 

This is #3 in my "Doors" Series, Part II. I've sold out of every piece so there may just have to be a Part III!!

I used Oxford, Steamer Trunk and Ol' Navy from Heirloom Traditions Paint again for this makeover. The Oxidized Patina wax, once again, gave this finish just the right amount of oomph! 

Sky Soarer knobs and bowls from Anthropologie.

This is the door that inspired this colour palette and finish.  I really tried to recreate a worn and weathered look. I can't really explain how much fun this was to paint. I turned in to a 6 year old pretty quickly! Pinterest is a wonderful source for beautiful images, don't you think? I have a board titled, "Doors", if you are interested in following along. 

I know, I really pushed the envelope here, but it was necessary here.  This maple buffet was just so drab. Otomi paper from Spoonflower. It's also available in a multi colored print.

I have to tell you, this buffet gave me over 900 views on my Etsy shop, The Turquoise Iris in 24 hours!! That, my friends, is AMAZING!! You guys are awesome.

Thanks as usual and have a lovely week!

p.s. I have a mustard yellow door on my brain...

~~Dionne

Staging for Photos and this Pink Petite Dresser

Anyone else LOVE staging their photos as much as they do painting? I definitely do. This is always my favorite work day - the one I reveal my newest makeover + stage and photograph the piece.

I went outside and clipped a few small branches from our holly tree, wrapped a couple of boxes, hung the curly willow branch on the wall with some ornaments ( off our own tree ) and voila!! It took a little time, but I have fun doing it and the effort shows... I hope!

I used the same Spoonflower paper on the dresser to make the Christmas trees.  I  had a little left over and these were easy to make.  I'll also be able to hang on to them and use for another photo down the road.

This dresser is solid wood but in a very distressed condition so instead of covering it completely with paint, I chose to highlight all of the imperfections.  I love how the grain wears through the paper. This aviary paper lends itself to a more vintage look, almost like wallpaper. Knobs from Anthropologie.

Pink is not for everyone, I get it but sometimes it's necessary, like when you have a sweet little girl getting a big girl bed.  The paper was my inspiration and I love the way it turned out.  I see it setting next to a Jenny Lind spindle bed or maybe even an antique iron one. 

Happy Wednesday!

~DIONNE

Before & After Buffet with Tribal Accents

This was one of those shopping / searching weeks I wish would come every week! I found the styles of furniture I was looking for and starting planning makeovers even before I left the store. 

These knobs are fabulous, right?!?!??! Anthropologie is the real M.V.P.!!

I found this tribal paper on Spoonflower and the hardware from Anthropologie. I custom mixed the paint color to pick up the clean fresh green shade from the arrows. I may have jumped up and down ( you'll never know ) when I found those feather knobs!

This piece is available on my ETSY SHOP as of today! I hope you all have a fun summer weekend!

~Dionne

Antique Periwinkle Cabinet

I've been asked a lot lately about doing how-to instructions for my work.  I've also said before that I plan to take more photos of my step by step process. Both of these things seem like a challenge to me.  I've thought about what it is that is intimidating to me and have decided to admit I often don't "plan" much. I mostly just "do".  I often change my mind right as I begin to get started on a new piece and have been known to change my plan even after I already started painting.  The funny thing is, this is usually when a piece of furniture gets a lot of attention or seems to become a favorite of mine and to others. 

There are also the times I will "plan" a design and color for a piece for 2 weeks.  And, sometimes that is NOT a favorite of mine or others.  The thing I'm learning is to trust my instincts, don't hesitate so much and to accept that I am still learning.  I will continue to make the wrong color choices, buy ugly furniture and all together screw up a piece of furniture.

But, guess what? I'm having fun and sometimes I create a piece that makes me happy!  If I'm lucky, someone else...it only takes one...will also love it and want to purchase it for their own home. Now, that, is awesome!

Hope you all enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!!

~Dionne

Turquoise Dresser Accented with a Peacock

My passion for color shows in this dresser.  I did several of these "peacock" pieces last year and I've been craving to do another.  It must be the Spring that does it to me.  I love using bold color. I understand this is NOT what everyone loves but I am not trying to copy anyone.  There are a ton of fabulous people who makeover furniture.  I'm looking to "brand" my name and my style.  My goal to painting is finding the right piece and matching it up with the right color /s for a "one of a kind" look.  I think I'm headed in the right direction.  

This texture turned out beautifully.  I was trying to add volume to the paint colors. And, my goodness, everybody needs to run out to Anthropologie and grab yourself those yummy little bowls! The prints are gorgeous!

This piece sold within 10 minutes of listing it for sale!  I have received so much positive feedback today and I've been called a "true artist".  Seriously, aside from any motherhood comment, that is the BEST compliment I could receive! Thank you so much:-)

~ Dionne ~
Linking up to Miss Mustard Seed this week!!

Tiffany Blue & Teal Vintage French Provincial Triple Dresser / Buffet

I am constantly inspired by certain things of nature, colors, shops...especially Anthropologie..., and textures and patterns. Ask my mother, I look completely silly walking through Anthro, my eyes whisking back and forth and my fingers touching everything. I don't ever want to miss anything!! I never know what will be the source of my motivation, but I wanted this piece to look like something from their catalog used to stage their clothes or home accessories.  I am completely happy with how it tuned out!  Take a look!

I promise I will take a break with this peacock paper, I am almost out of it!!

***Partying with Miss Mustard Seed this week!***

My New Favorite Staging Pieces

After I received the Anthropologie vase with the red flower on it for my birthday, I went back to the store and bought the gray one with the pansy on it.  

These are so gorgeous, I just wanted to share.

You will get tired of seeing these staged with my furniture pieces...I'm sure of it:)

Happy Easter, my friends!

Teal and Cobalt Blue Distressed Dresser/Buffet

Go bold or go home, right?! 

This 9 drawer dresser screams, "look at me"! 

Sometimes it just feels good to add this kind of bold color to your home. 

I'm always inspired by buildings, doors and any pieces of architectural history. So for this, my mind went to the multi-colored buildings in Mexico. Plus, I am always looking to add teal or turquoise to any piece of furniture! I added legs to this piece to give it a bit more height and I love having it off the floor. All hardware is original and fabulous:)

This little wild thing is ready to purchase on my shop, The Turquoise Iris!

Just wanted to share a little of where my inspiration came from for this piece...

Tremendously beautiful color in this shot.

Have a fun weekend!

Linking up to Miss Mustard Seed!