Homefront: DIY Painted Stripe Accent Furniture

I've run across a few striped furniture pieces that have really called to me (shown later in the post). So, I wanted to experiment with something small. In 30 minutes, I had a new look, and now know if it's worth doing a larger piece in the future. (it is)

Last year, this adorable plant stand broke and I was only left with the top. My husband pretty much thought I was nuts for saving it. I glued it with E6000/hot glue (can't remember which)  to a candle holder pillar. Now I have this cute little pedestal cake stand, though I wouldn't put a cake directly on it because it isn't sealed.

I spent about 60 seconds laboriously sanding the top and side that I would be painting. If you do not want the unpainted part to be distressed, then sand after you put the tape down.

I took some electrical tape and made my stripes 2 strips worth. I used that little tape piece between each set of tape I laid down to make sure they were the same width apart. I think blue painters tape would be better as my tape stretched out of shape too easily and didn't lay down as flat so the paint smudged.

I took regular white craft paint and watered it down, and painted the exposed areas. Then, I pulled off the tape while the paint was still wet. I was able to get those smudgy areas off the stripe edges by gently wiping them off with a damp paper towel. If I were extra ambitious, a bit of black paint would have worked too.

After the paint dried, which was really quickly, I lightly sanded the stripes. Though, I think I will go back and sand it down more for less contrast. (I think white and a soft gray would look perfect.)

before in black

after

Stripes on a small piece is a fast and simple change that adds just a touch of spunk to a corner. And if you don't like it, no biggie, just paint over it or sand the heck out of it.

*More stripey furniture inspirations for you*

 My House of Giggles striped painted table. I love how her stripes are varying widths and how she kept the side of the top base the one stripe color. She does another striped table top with wide stripes here.

 In the Fun Lane painted the stripes from the top down the front for a coastal beach feel. 

 Her sea side dresser isn't technically striped, but  with the drawers painted a different color and the addition of hand painted numbers, it gives a same effect. Perfect for those who have a hard time making straight lines.

I love the muted tones here. It would work well in so many settings and wouldn't be as difficult to decorate around should your decor change. 

Great Oak Circle has a diy post on this table she painted. Love what she did to the writing desk.

 I truly adore love this home featured in Coastal Living. The idea of doing the large stripes on a dining table is lovely. I am pretty sure this is how we are going to do ours now. 

This Mini-Kildare dresser by TreeHouse Trading Co. shows that there are lots of ways to play with stripes and colors, especially on detailed pieces with doors and trim. 

*Linked to Strut your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple, Transformation Thursday @ Shabby Chic Cottage, Life as Lori's Get Your Craft On, Fireflies and Jelly Beans' Show Off Your Stuff, The Shabby Nest Frugal Friday, Tater Tots and Jello DIY Linky, Finding Fabulous' Frugalicious Friday.

 

Cake -a- tete

banner cakes kat hayes

My week break from blogland was nice and unexpected. We went with the hubby to his work conference for the week and I fully anticipated to blog while away. However, I couldn't save photos on his work computer, and my weak and quick typing fingers and laptop buttons don't get along, so I ended up disappearing.

sarah maren

Note to self, 2 toddlers in a hotel room for 5 days... never again. But, we did have a lot of fun and I have no regrets, and am totally excited that the boys only broke one drinking glass and a lampshade!

Oh, the coming weeks will be so very busy for our family, as we house hunt, David starts a new job (with a nice commute)and he goes on another conference, and at my favorite time of year as well, so I will try and keep up with you all. I thought, that perhaps some cakes in lovely display settings would merit forgiveness from my dear readers, as it seems to work in real life, right? Okay then.

i dream of cake north beach san franscisco

Also, I had a lovely time at my 10 year high school reunion. I truly regret walking away without taking a single picture.  I regretted it as I walked actually, knowing full well I could just turn around and snap a few photos right quick, but I didn't. Perhaps it was due to sophomoric fear- a popularity regression, killer painful shoes, or the smoky room we couldn't stand to be in any longer? Do you ever do that, decide to not do something you will regret while you still have a chance to change it? Try not to do it next time.

 

rainbow layer cake RECIPE whisk kid

 It was a nice time to see how people were doing and I am glad I went, even though I had a lot of anxiety about going, though the curiosity beckoned me. It's amazing how trivial that phase of our lives are in hindsight, though how difficult it was at the time. I suppose all phases of our lives can relate to that statement.

 

pink cake wall art - jenny's bake shop

Have a happy Sunday, make a cake and eat it too (and NO Marie Antoinette did not say that!!),  and I will see you back soon, sweet tooth, tummy ache and all!

candy cake table - little shindigs

Forever Flowers

I frequent wedding blogs quite often. Once Wed and Vintage Glam are two of my favs. A regular contributor, La La Laurie offers this lovely tutorial on making fabric flowers, specifically bouttonnieres, but I am sure you can do much more than that.






In fact, all of her tutorials are amazing, such as her tree stump pedestal cake stand in detail here on Etsy's Storque with tons of lovely featured picks!



or her bird and flower garland.



You can visit her blog, or even purchase some of her goods in her Etsy Shop!