Several months ago I wrote a post about my two restoration projects for Number Three’s birthday. Unfortunately only one of them, the rocking horse, was completed in time. The other, the little old-fashioned shop, remains in the garage and makes my conscience cringe with guilt every time I see it sitting there unfinished. Bad mother, bad, bad mother!
I was full of good intentions. Back in May I bought and applied paint stripper, only to see that the paint that was used on it is somehow resistant to paint stripper. Instead of blistering and flaking, the paint turned to a slimey goo and simply would not come off. Scraping at it only made it worse.
Disheartened by this, I turned my full attention to the rocking horse and put the problem paint out of my mind.
Now that the horse is finished, I really have to get cracking on the shop so that it is finished by Christmas. In a recent fit of enthusiasm I ordered some chalk paint online and clicked on to Pinterest to assist in finalising the ideas that I have in mind for how the shop should look.
The paint has arrived and I am really pleased with the colours, Larch, Snow and Ocean, all by Quick. It remains to be seen how well they will adhere to the strange paint that the shop was painted with. I haven’t used this brand before.
As for the design of the shop, I think I will use Snow as the background colour and add the detail and signage in Larch green and Ocean blue. That should, I hope, give it a nice, fresh look as well as letting it blend in well, regardless of whether the shop ends up being housed in Number Three’s bedroom or in the playroom.
In order to personalise the shop for Number Three, I intend to stencil retro lettering on the front panel, hence the many shop signs on my Pinterest board. Currently I think I may go with something along the lines of this.
So please keep your fingers crossed that I will somehow find the time to get the sandpaper, brushes and paints out so that Number Three can set up shop in time for the new year.
[Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I bought and paid for the paints myself. I was not asked to write this post. All photos, text and opinions are my own]
This looks like it will be epic! Absolutely epic! I haven't even seen the finished article an I already love it 🙂 good luck, hope you finish it in time!
What a brilliant find – this is going to look so sweet when it's painted and stacked with goodies on the little shelves. I will be keeping an eye out for the next installment! #HomeEtc xx
That's what I am hoping Sanna. I am almost nervous about starting on it because I do not want to mess it up. keep your fingers crossed for me and watch this space 🙂
Isn't it? I COULD NOT believe it when the guy at the flea market I was at only wanted €10 for it. The clock still works and the wood is in good condition. It just needs a revamp. I'll definitely be posting the final version. x
Ah I understand oh to well the juggling that has to go on so that painting can occur and the frustration with paints. The structure of the shop looks fantastic. I look forward to seeing the end result. #HomeEtc
This is going to be amazing when it's finished – I can't to see it! Xxx
IT can be so hard to find the time, can't it? But I just need to use every nap time and keep all my stuff in easy reach so I can start and stop as I find the time. Watch this space for the finished product.
Thanks Catherine. I hope I don't disappoint 🙂 xx
Oh I love those colours, they all go so well together and have fab names! I can't wait to see it when it's finished, good luck lovely! What a great parent you are xxx
Aw, thank you Lisa! I do what I can.
Aren't the names of the colours great? I particularly like them because they are all so nature-y.
Gosh — I just absolutely love it already!! And it's not even been painted yet!! Can't WAIT to see what you do with it!! 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up with us on #HomeEtc
That shop is so cool! I agree with Caro, it looks great even without paint. I've tried paint stripper to no avail before as well. You could try heat to remove the paint, but sanding the surface smooth would defo be the easier option. I'm quite jealous, my kids would love that! xx
Can't wait to see this finished shop, it will look fantastic! We made our little ones' toy kitchen a couple of years ago, and I'm so glad we did- they love it and there's a sense of pride that it's something we made ourselves 🙂
Thanks Caro. Is it such a fab piece that I am half nervous of attacking it with sandpaper and paint, in case it looks like a bad renovation afterwards. Fingers crossed I'll make a good job of it.
Thanks Kerry. Good idea with the heat. I must try that. If that fails, then I'll get the sander out and hope for the best.
It feels SO GOOD to have made something substantial yourself, doesn't it? Toy kitchen are great but a unique one like your children have musst be brilliant.
Oooooh cannot wait! It looks like it is going to be fab. Looking great already and you'll transform it no doubt xx Thanks for linking up – loved this post. Jess xx
#HomeEtc
What an amazing project and I can't wait to see the result. Luckily Boy!