Heavy Distressing and 2 x 4 Furniture

So!  the other day I came across a 2 x 4 piece of "furniture."  I say "furniture" lightly here, because, at the time, I had NO IDEA! what this thing was!  But, I was smitten.

It happens.

Too often.

I was just in love.

I couldn't help it.


I don't think I have a before of this thing, but it was just 2 x 4s screwed together. (didn't matter.  still luuuuved it.)

Maybe it was ADHD.  Maybe it was brilliance (ha!  just seeing if you were paying attention!)  I just loved this piece of furniture from the beginning!

I don't have a clue what the original owners had in mind?  A stool?  Side table?  Planter potting arena?? You guys tell me because I'd love to know what this was intended for..it has a hinged top that flips in half.

Materials Needed:

1. Any piece that needs some loving
2. Fearlessness when it comes to Distressing Furniture-the more distressed the merrier I say!
3. Latex Paint of Your Choice
4. Paint Brush (I Use Purdy)
5. Black Wax-Here I used Annie Sloan's Black Wax (OR you could use Glaze OR a Wash of Black or Grey Acrylics!)
6. 150 grit and 100 grit sandpaper-I am now using those little foam sandpaper blocks as they work sooo much better! than just a sheet of sandpaper!

Tips:

1. When painting a piece, flip the piece upside down first! I wish I followed my own advice more often!!!!  Ultimately, this is a serious time saver and the piece always looks sooooo much better!  No matter how excited you are to paint, paint the BOTTOM first!  See, that's my mistake-I'm too impatient and too excited!  This will make ALL the difference! 

2. For this particular piece, I didn't exactly wait for the paint to dry before I painted an additional coat.  I wanted it heavily distressed so I just wanted the piece solidly painted before I sanded it.

3. I used the 100 sanding block for the corners and the 150 for the sides.  This brought out the natural wood elements-which is what I love, love, luuuuve!

4. Annie Sloan paint recommends using their clear wax before adding their black wax.  I ignored this recommendation.  I wanted this to look aged ...with a contemporary color.

5. so!  slather on the black wax...for just about ONE minute.  Then wipe off with a men's white undershirt or something else that has no lint.  Trust me.  I have waxed before using a kitchen towel-an old one, too!- that evidently had some more lint with which to lavish me.  That was a real pain... and none too pretty.

6. Just go for it.  This is one of my fav pieces in "real" life.  My photography skills are lacking -have I mentioned that before?  Hmm.  I think so! :)  So, while my photos might not do this piece justice, and without sounding like I'm awesome....'cause I'm sooooo not...well....WOOHOO!  I LOVE HOW THIS TURNED OUT!!  There.  I said it.  That feels good.

 I'm selling this at the Two Rainbow Road Shop in West Jefferson, NC!!

I still can't believe I "stepped out" and let you and all the world see me doing what I love-it's sooo intimidating..and if you come to know me, you'll understand how very much I mean this!

So, here I am...and here is one of my loves...

What do you think?  Do you have any painting or distressing advice?  Any advice for me at all??  I would really love to hear what you have to say!