Better Than New

For Mother's Day my mom wanted a new bureau for her bedroom.  But by new she meant an old bureau, so off we went in search of a previously loved bureau that would fit her space.  We found the perfect piece at the third shop we visited.

This bureau was in fairly good condition.  The drawers were in good shape and it was sturdy.  It was the perfect size for her space.

This before is missing some drawers and all the hardware.  I had already begun work on it before I remembered to take a good before picture.  I had a time limit, since this was sitting in her dining room while I worked on it and she would have a house full of company for Mother's Day.

I took off all the hardware and gave the piece a good cleaning with TSP.  Then I used a sander deglosser liquid before I began painting.  The only part of the bureau that I needed to sand was the top.  I planned to stain that instead of painting it.

The bureau had some great accents and molding.

It was just in need of some TLC.

Here is the after:

I used Valspar paint in off white to paint the bureau and Minwax stain for the top.  

I gave the hardware a good cleaning and spray painted them with Krylon in black.

I used Minwax clear furniture wax to seal the whole piece.

My mom was very happy with the final product and I was too.

It looks better than new.

It is now sitting in her bedroom and she is so happy with it.  I was glad to find the perfect piece and have it completed in time for her on Mother's Day.

I will be linking up at these great Linky Parties.

Sweet Friend's Baby

This blog has been completely neglected this past month.  Life has a way of taking over and I planned and planned on blogging but could not find the time.  Although I haven't been here I do still try to read many of my favorite blogs.  I have also kept busy crocheting.  It is my favorite way to pass time.  Whenever I have down time or have to wait for anything I take my crochet along.  This project was mostly completed late at night to relax or during my son's basketball games.

My garden plans are underway and I have seeds started indoors.  It is only getting warm enough to plant outdoors now.  Everything is in bloom and I am blessed to look out the window and see our peach tree in full bloom, and the two trees in the front in full bloom.  I am refinishing and painting a bureau for my mom and as I looked out the window I  was thinking that I really needed to take some pictures of those beautiful blooms.  This afternoon a horrible wind came through and nearly took all of the blooms off the trees.  Next time, I will get my camera as soon as the thought comes to me.

A sweet friend of mine is expecting her first baby girl.  That made me immediately run through my baby crochet patterns.  Crocheting for babies is my favorite.  Baby things are so sweet and you fill them with love and hope for this precious new blessing.

I found this sweet pattern of small cross over cables.  At first, I misread the pattern and all of my rows were slanting but after taking it apart twice I finally figures out my mistake.

It is a simple pattern but looks precious.  The scallop edge is very feminine and the perfect touch.

I  have it ready to send to my friend.  I can remember the excitement of getting everything ready for baby.  My babies are now almost 20 and almost 16.  Where does the time go?

I made the precious bonnet when I made the one for my niece.  I love thread crochet.  This is a vintage pattern and it was fun to give it a try.  Of course, there were mistakes along the way but that is all part of learning.

A close up of the blanket with the scallop edge

I will be linking up here.