Hi there!
I'm currently a student at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University. A mouthful, I know. And what's with the 'college' and then 'university'? Who knows.
Anywho. I decided to start a blog to keep track of little DIY projects. I'm moving into a new apartment really soon and I'll be living on my own so: why not live the life?
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Treasure Trunks
I used to work at the Urban Cottage, a fabulous antique store in downtown Halifax. It takes some digging sometimes, but you can find some great pieces. Sometimes they need a little love, but it's easy to restore an old trunk with a little love.
I chose to take the lazy way. First I thought I might turn my old trunk into an Ottoman, seeing as how I only have a chair and my new living room is quite large. Then I decided that my trunk would be better as a coffee table, seeing as I'd have to replace all the wood panelling and I'd rather not...
I decided to theme my living room 'black and white', so I've decided to make my trunk black with a twist. It keeps things clean in a small place, but that's just me.
To start out, I had to asses the situation.
Some of the panels were broken from being sat on (Oops...) and others just from being old. First off I took some glue (of the wood variety) and glued the panels where they were broken. Others who aren't as lazy (or as I like to call it: short on time) would probably take the trunk apart, replaced the panels and some other pieces. I kind of like the super distressed look of my trunk.
Painting: DO NOT FORGET TO SPRAY PAINT IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA. I suggest outside. Put down newspaper if you do it on your deck or something.
I taped over the metal bits (which I don't want to be chalkboard) and sprayed the rest of the trunk with chalkboard spray paint. I suggest doing two coats just because then you can really be sure you covered every inch. Then I taped all around the metal bits before spray painting them glossy black. Then I waited for it to dry, did two more coats and let it sit for a bit.
All I need to do now is find a pretty wallpaper for the inside and: voilà!
I rather like the idea because sometimes you'll be sitting and you'll have a great idea and by the time you stand up you've forgotten what it was. So why not write it down on your convenient coffee table, which just so happens to be a chalkboard?
Also: Don't forget to wear protective gear! (A gas mask, old clothes/an apron, maybe some gloves... ) And remember: chalkboard paint comes in a variety of colours. If you can't find the one you want at a local store you can always order it online!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)