grandmama's hutch

My Grandmama was the dearest lady. She loved Jesus and she loved her family. I have so many wonderful memories about her. She always had things just so, I think that's where some of my love for keeping my home comes from. She loved to entertain and cook for people. One of her specialties was homemade bread, which one of us, I won't mention names, called "old maid bread". We would get so excited when she was coming to visit. Lauren and I would go out to the garden and pick flowers to put in her room. Gosh we were cute.

She had the most darling hutch at her house. After she moved in with us, my aunt used it for many years. She decided to remodel her house and bought some new furniture, so she graciously asked if I would like to have it. I was so honored that she asked me.
This piece was lacquered, and it didn't go with the furniture I already have, so I decided to redo it. I heard about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and considered using it. It really does look beautiful on furniture. But ya'll, that stuff is ex-pen-sive. So, I looked on the Pinterest (what in the world did we do with out it?) and I found the greatest blog, www.livelovediy.com. She has an amazing recipe for your own chalk paint:

5 T Plaster of Paris

2 T water

2 C paint 

She also has some great DIY ideas, make sure you check out the rest of her blog.

I mixed up my Plaster of Paris and water first, and then mixed that in my paint. It. Was. Awesome. This is seriously the best paint I have ever used. I didn't have to prime, sand or do any other prep work. I simply painted it on with my brush and it was done. There are no brush strokes to be seen.                                                          

When it was dry (1 hour later, no joke), I used Minwax Finish Paste Wax. Simply use an old rag, wax on, wax off. Just like the movie. I then took the old hardware and spray painted it with Rustoleum Hammered Spray Paint. 

 I invested a grand total of around $50.00 in this piece, including the hardware I purchased at Hobby Lobby.

I love this hutch, it holds beautiful memories for me and reminds me of my sweet Grandmama every time I see it.

Have you restored any furniture? I would love to hear your ideas and tricks!

Dainele