Smithy's Painted Furniture

Wednesday 29 June 2011

A tea trolley, some drawers and my first commission!

Well, sales news from the market is a little disappointing....all I sold on Saturday was the pink tea trolley, so after a blistering start the momentum has faltered rather, no Ferrari yet then.


The aforementioned trolley was indeed very cute and could have gone three times over, which seems to be an emerging pattern. It was in good nick all over so just needed to be sanded down, the top was stripped and varnished, the bodywork painted ( distressed of course) and varnished and a flower transfer applied which really finished it off and pulled everything together, nice when that happens.....



BUT... the atmosphere was very good, I got to know a few more people, the music was pleasant, I had some beautiful ice cream, bought some old fashioned sweets and all was well with the world,  so not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

One item I though would sell is a new chest of drawers.....



Before

Once the top was sanded back, I tried Danish oil on it, which gave a very nice finish, a bit like a varnish but more in the wood if you know what I mean? smells a bit though, so have to be a bit careful!


I was really pleased with the overall finish of this piece, the colour (a bit greener than the photos) the wax, the top, the distressing, for which I used a blade, the handles dry brushed in gold, just the look I was going for, it lives to sell another day!

And finally, on the first market day someone spoke to me about painting a chest of drawers they had at home, I went to see it, it was very pretty, we had a chat and  agreed to  make it happen. I took it away, nurtured it, painted it up a treat and delivered it yesterday. I'm very pleased to report the client loved it! So my first commission piece is a success! Hurrah!.....some pics...........





She wanted the handles removed to make way for some new ones which I have yet to see, and I think, she has some more for me to do, can't wait.

4 comments:

  1. Don't let the lack of sales get to you. I've been a glorified furniture mover for a sale as well. You had a plesent day as well you did learn things for the next time, lets not forget the commissioned work you got. GOOD FOR YOU!!
    Kristy @ 4 the love of WOOD

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  2. OI PETE, AMEI SUAS FOTOS E SEU BLOG.ADORO MÓVEIS VELHOS. CADA VEZ QUE OLHO PARA UMA PEÇA ANTIGA JA PENSO LOGO EM COMO DEIXÁ-LA MAIS BONITA. MEU MARIDO ME CHAMA DE LIXEIRA HAHAHA. GOSTARIA MUITO DE DIVULGAR O SEU BLOG. SE VC ME AUTORIZAR EM COLOCAR SUAS FOTOS EM MEU BLOG, EU FACAREI MUITO FELIZ. UM FRANDE ABRAÇO

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  3. Hi Tania Mara,

    I am very happy that you like my blog, thank you! I would be very happy if you used my photos of course!
    Best wishes, Pete.

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  4. That chest of drawers is just gorgeous!! And the commissioned piece looks fab too :)
    Tina

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