Vintage Find - Trash to Treasure

Wow!  I found this little jewel while I was on vacation.  I have to laugh at the memories of it…we almost…almost drove passed the “yard sale” – imagine someone so excited they’re unable to speak and just started pecking on the window and motioning to turn/look over there…well that’s what my friend Buff did!  She’s so fun!  It turns out the yard sale was a fundraiser for the local humane society - an extra bonus!  On a tight time schedule that day, we limited ourselves to 20 minutes of searching through what looked like an acre of stuff.  I spotted the antiqued mirror and carved wood piece – no price so I asked how much.  I snatched it up when she said “oh, how about $2.50?”!  Wow!!  With a good poker face I said, I guess I’ll take it.  I wasn’t sure if it was a headboard, a back piece to a sideboard or buffet…or what?! But for $2.50 it was going to be mine!  Along with two crystal lamps and a huge picture that was going to become a chalk board – all for $20.

Here’s the before…it had these funky shelves, and one was broken off and actually had a large hole where the screw went.  I knew some spackle was in order if I was going to save this one (without a carpenter on hand).

I decided to spackle a stencil on the areas where the shelves were (after I filled the one side with spackle to fix the hole and peeling veneer).  I used a thick layer of spackle on this stencil because I really wanted the texture to show up and it was a small single design (unlike the all over texture in the Country Desk Facelift).  Of course I used ASCP - Paris Gray with a little Old White underneath in areas where I knew I would sand, and clear and dark waxes.  You should be able to click on any of the pics below to enlarge them.

 
 
 
Here’s where I added the Old White…
 

And this is the Paris Gray over the Old White, but before the waxes.
 
I just love the mirror – it’s got that nice aging on it!
 
And here it is after waxes…and this is the side that had the hole and veneer issues.  It’s a little more lumpy than the other side, but I think it adds to that vintage / antique look.
 
 




 
I think it turned out great!  How did you think the spackle and stencil did in place of the shelves? 

I have it above a mantel in my space at the Gaslamp.  I’m working on the mantel…trying to figure out how to shabby chic it more.  I added a stencil and am trying to decide if I want to paint it, white wash it, or just add a glaze on top.  Suggestions?


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I linked with the following parties:
http://frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/2011/11/treasure-hunt-thursday-31-highlights.html
http://www.threeboys.net/2011/11/vintage-furniture-link-party-4-last.html
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2011/11/transformation-thursday_09.html
http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/
http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/white-wednesday-125.html#comment-form
http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/2011/11/tuesdays-treasures.html
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2011/11/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no87.html
http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2011/11/diy-cat-window-perch-and-diy-project.html
http://www.homemakeronadime.com/2011/11/creative-bloggers-party-hop-110611.html
http://missmustardseed.com/2011/11/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-a-link-party/
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/feathered-nest-friday_10.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2011/11/show-and-tell-friday_10.html
http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/11/vintage-inspiration-friday-63-all.html
http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/2011/11/fridays-unfolded-41-and-shabby-apple.html
http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/2011/11/feature-yourself-friday_11.html
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/time-travel-thursday-70-talented-time.html
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2011/11/welcome-to-inspiration-friday-no-40.html
http://dumpster-diva-mimi.blogspot.com/2011/11/cute-creative-linky-party-3.html
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/frugal-friday_10.html
http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/2011/11/seasonal-sundays-74turkey-transferware.html
http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/2011/11/show-off-your-cottage-monday_13.html
http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/2011/11/amaze-me-monday-49.html
http://makingtheworldcuter.com/2011/11/making-the-world-cuter-monday-46/
http://becolorful.typepad.com/becolorful/2011/11/motivated-monday-november-14th.html
http://kammyskorner.blogspot.com/2011/11/trash-2-treasure-tuesdays-6.html
http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/2011/11/show-share-15.html