Pretty Real

by Unknown

Deal Alert

by Unknown

Recently I took on the task of refinishing a dresser for my impending bundle of joy. I was really excited to decorate a nursery and immediately started looking at ideas online. I quickly realized how expensive nursery furniture is. Since I really wanted something with character that didn’t cost me an arm and a leg, I decided to look at second hand and consignment stores for a nice dresser that I could re-paint if necessary. I found this beauty at a thrift store for $60.

From my online research, I knew I should look for something without a lot of shine, so that I wouldn’t have to strip it. It’s best to find one already painted that you can simply paint over or to find a wooden dresser that isn’t highly laminated so that you don’t have to bother with paint strippers, etc. This one was perfect. I was also looking for something with great shape (although I didn’t even notice the adorable heart at the bottom until I got it home!).

Although I didn’t have to strip it, I did have to sand it. I tried to sand it by hand for a nano-second before I realized there was no way I’d ever finish it by hand. Luckily my father in law had an electric sander that I borrowed. As you can see, I sanded it down quite a bit, but I really could have sanded it even more to avoid having to do so many coats of primer and paint.

For primer I used a white stain blocker primer that I already had on hand. Even so, I needed to do about 3 coats of the primer, and then 2 coats of ultra white Valspar paint. Make sure to get the gloss finish so that it’s easy to clean. I considered buying vintage knobs and even doing some decoupage on the dresser, but since I was really trying to keep this DIY project low budget, I decided to just paint the knobs instead. I was able to use a sample of paint that cost $2.97. For more inspiration check out iffer’s little nest's refinishing a dresser post here. I must say, I’m quite happy with the result! Check back later for more posts on decorating a nursery!

4 comments

by Unknown

eBay

Vintage Boots on eBay

I go through phases with eBay. I'm either obsessed and watching 25 items or completely unaware of the amazing deals to be found there. It can be overwhelming but one thing that helps is looking in a specific category and narrowing it down using the search options provided. Take vintage boots for example. I love vintage bags, boots, and coats and sometimes I'm lucky enough to score an amazing find at the Salvation Army or Goodwill. But other times it's a bust so it's nice to be able to look in one place from the comfort of my home. The other great thing about eBay vintage shopping is the amazing prices. With the exception of one of the items below, every pair of boots pictured is less than $25! You just can't find vintage (or new, for that matter) for that price, anywhere else. So enjoy these finds and relish in the fact that for every pair pictured there are thousands more awaiting in various price ranges and sizes!

VINTAGE 80s PAZZO LEATHER SPIKE HEEL SLOUCH BOOTS 8
Love the 80s look of these fab boots! They remind me of something I'd find at Urban Outfitters.
Size 8. Starting Bid: $19.99. Ends 11/11/09 at 5:06 PST.

Vtg High Red Leather Campus Tall Riding Flat Boots 7
I'll admit these are a bit daring, but with a black mini, a cardigan, and casual tee they'd look so HOT!
Size 7. Buy it Now: $69.99. Ends 12/7/09 at 5:22 PST.

Vintage Tan Riding Campus Boho Knee High Boots 8.5 9
For the more casual gal, these boots are totally universal and would go with just about anything.
Size 8.5. Current Bid: $20.49. Ends 11/10/09 at 6:00 PST

Vintage red leather knee high cuff boots 10
Obviously I like red shoes...but I don't have any red boots. Oh and I just happen to wear a size 10. Hmmm.
Size 10. Starting Bid: $14.95. Ends 11/12/09 at 10:00 PST

Vtg Brazil Knee Hi/Lo Heel Brw leather Riding boot 7.5M
I love the color of these boots and the cool suede detail at the ankle.
Size 7.5 . Current Bid: $12.99. Ends 11/9/09 at 6:17 PST