Roxanne....

You don’t have to put on the red light. 

Now go back and reread the title and the first sentence.  How can you not sing that song when you hear the name Roxanne? 

(FYI for you young folks – Roxanne is a song by an English rock band called the Police who were popular in the late 70’s and 80’s.)

While out walking the dog, a neighbor was wheeling something to the curb.  I didn’t have a clue what it was and I didn’t want to seem interested in it while my neighbor was still standing there.  A few minutes late we walked back down the street and I could only see the back side of a tub on wheels.  The next morning we drove down to the bus stop (it had been raining – we typically aren’t that lazy) and I parked in front of the house that had the tub on wheels.  This time I could see the front.  It took me a few minutes to figure out that the tub on wheels was really a cooler (basically a tub on wheels).

My creative juices started to flow.  I still didn’t pick it up!  I got to work and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.  I went out to eBay and found one selling for $199.  I quickly grabbed my BFF and we headed out to lunch for a little curbside shopping.

We pulled up and the cooler was still there!  It was meant to be and Roxanne was reborn.  She is now the patio show stopper.

I used Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch black gloss spray paint for the legs and Rust-Oleum American Accents in apple red gloss spray paint for the dress body.

Total Cost = $12 in spray paint

Lessons learned from Roxanne:

1.  Don’t use spray paint on a windy or mild windy day no matter how excited you are to use it
2.  Red spray paint on the driveway is noticeable
3.  Light coats using a sweeping motion are best
4.  Start and stop spraying off of the object

 

Sticker Shock.....

One Sunday afternoon I went shopping for new beds for my kids.  Looking at the price tags made me gasp for air and become a little uneasy.  I’m not sure what I was thinking when I thought new beds for both the kids would be a good idea at the same time.  The more I looked the sweatier I became.  What’s that?  You don’t break a sweat at the thought of spending money?  I headed home feeling disappointed and bummed (and maybe a little stinky from all that sweating).  I decided I had two options, expand my budget or do nothing.  I did nothing.  And then one day I received an email from my Mom with a picture of this bed.

 

Um, no was my immediate response.  I just couldn’t get past the wicker.  Talk about 1970’s!  And then a week later she sent me this pin:

http://www.busydoor.com/captivating-teenage-boy-bedroom-design/simple-boys-bedroom-design-with-two-shelf/

 

That’s all she wrote folks.  Within 24hours my creative side kicked in.  We went to the second hand store (Red Maple Curio for you local folks) and it was still there in all her wicker glory.  I took that beauty home along with another headboard and lamp!

Now let the painting begin (after I take the wicker out of the sliding doors)…..

The headboard had laminate on it so I lightly sanded and then applied a coat of Zinsser Primer.  She’s looking better already.

 

Then I painted using two coats of Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover in black semi-gloss latex paint.  I also applied Minwax Polycrylic protective finish to give it a shine.  Now look at her!  She is no longer stuck in the 70’s! 

 

My son loves it! 

Total Cost = $80 (includes headboard, footboard, side rails, primer, paint, and finish)

Lessons learned from my first furniture painting adventure:

1. Paint brushes DO matter
2. Maybe I should tent the primer when using a dark paint color
3. My man gets a little antsy when I take up his side of the garage for my projects