Today, I'm thrilled to take you on a journey of how I turned my drab old TV stand into a fabulous piece using Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan in the captivating shades of Florence and Tilton, along with a touch of Dark Wax. But wait, there's more! I also built a rustic wooden top, stained with Artisan Enhancement Low VOC Stain, to add even more charm and character to this unique creation. And Iron Orchid Designs Transfers provided an incredible element of old world charm.
The Transformation Process:
Let's dive into the details of this exciting project. The first step was applying
Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan in the vibrant hues of Florence on the TV stand. Then I applied Tilton with my fingers to some of the corners and any where that just felt right! These colors instantly brought life to the piece and gave it a fresh, modern look. To add depth and richness, I carefully applied very light layers of Artisan Enhancement paintable stain Dark Walnut around the edges and corners of the cabinet, creating a beautiful patina that enhanced the overall aesthetic.
Creating a Captivating Top:
To take this project to the next level, I decided to build a wooden top for the TV stand using six 1x4 pine boards, cutting to size, sanding and adhering with Wood Glue and 1 1/4 inch crown molding pin nailer. If your piece already has a defined top, skip this step. If not, check back often as I will likely be blogging or adding video about assembling this rustic wood top and other great things with 1x4 pine boards!
We stained the unfinished, pre-sanded and cleaned the new board cabinet top, using Artisan Enhancement Low VOC Stain in the complementary shades of Dark Walnut and Roasted Pecan, I achieved a rustic finish that perfectly complemented the vibrant Chalk Paint® colors. What made it truly captivating was incorporating some of the Tilton and Florence paint into the wood using a gentle hand and a chippy brush, creating a unique texture along the grain and edges of the boards - allowing the yellow of Tilton to sometimes mix with the teal of Florence creating incredible vibrant green hues. This added an element of intrigue and uniqueness to the piece.
"I am reminded of the beauty and artistry that can be achieved through creativity and upcycling".
This technique also hid some of the glue spots that did not take the stain well. Although, I could have used Tilton to create a layer of stainable paint, (Chalk Paint® can be "stained"!)
Adding Iron Orchid Design Transfers
As an avid lover of all things vintage and nostalgic, I wanted to infuse that sentiment into my upgraded TV stand. Enter Iron Orchid Design Transfers! I carefully selected the Seed Catalog and Ephemeral Melange transfers, along with the delicate Painterly Florals using IOD's cover of Seed catalog as inspiration. Placing them strategically throughout the piece, a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of old travel cases adorned with stamps from around the world. It instantly transported me to a bygone era of adventure and wonder.
Flawless Sealing
To achieve a polished and professional look on my piece, I like to add a special step: sealing. After applying a few coats of Artisan Enhancements Clear Finish and let it set for 24 hours before moving forward. Some may argue that this step is unnecessary, but I've found it really helps to smooth out any potential lifting areas. Even though I've never had issues with lifting because Iron Orchid Designs is fantastic, I believe in being proactive. Plus, this sealing step is especially important for transfer edges, even if they're hardly noticeable. By taking the time to seal, I ensure that my transfers adhere perfectly and those edges practically vanish, creating a seamless consistent finish. And while regular use won't cause any problems with Iron Orchid Design transfers, my home isn't exactly "normal." So, why not go the extra mile and add that extra layer of protection and peace of mind?
Enhancing the final aesthetic with Wax:
To enhance the final aesthetic of the transformed piece, a layer of clear wax was applied using a wax brush, ensuring coverage in every direction. Just a touch of Dark Wax was lightly added along the edges and specific areas to enhance the overall appearance, creating defined lines with masking on some of the transferred where I tore them, to give the illusion that at some point they held a specific shape. The excess coloration was carefully removed using more clear wax, adjusting the shading to achieve the desired balance - darker around the corners and edges. A final coat of Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint Wax was then applied to the entire stand, with any excess gently wiped off using a lint-free cloth. After allowing it to dry for 24 hours, the TV stand was buffed to reveal a beautiful finish. The wax brought out the intricate details of the transfer and added a subtle sheen, creating a stunning patina that added depth and character to the piece, completing its transformation.
"Remember, with a little bit of paint and a lot of love, anything is possible"
A Functional Art Piece:
Beyond its visual appeal, this transformed cabinet now serves a purpose as well. It houses my small desktop Laser cutter, for paper and wood, named Georgina. Every time I use it, I am reminded of the beauty and artistry that can be achieved through creativity and upcycling. It's no longer just a functional piece; it's a work of art that tells a story.My journey of revamping my old TV stand into a stunning piece using Annie SloanChalk Paint® and waxes, Artisan Enhancement Stains, and Iron Orchid Design Transfers has been truly fulfilling. It's incredible how a little paint, imagination, and creativity can completely transform an outdated piece of furniture into something extraordinary. I hope this project inspires you to see the potential in your own furniture and embrace the power of up-cycling. Remember, with a little bit of paint and a lot of love, anything is possible. Thanks for reading! We hope the vintage travel vibes inspire your own creative journey.
Happy creating!
XOXO,
Jojo Stilwell