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Sunday, July 10, 2011

Shabby-Chic Shelf Makeover

It has been a wonderful weekend with bright sunny days and the occasional evening thunderstorm. Good for my plants and less watering for me! My weekend was spent visiting the lake,  painting around the house, grilling  and mowing! Hope all of you had a great weekend as well.


I got this vintage wall bracket shelf ( a $1 for the pair) while yard-saleing . I wanted to lighten it up.... it looked too dark for my dining room decor:


First, I tried dry brushing a pale greyish-blue but was not too happy with the effect....
 I gave it a light sanding with a fine grain sandpaper and after wiping away the dust I painted it a solid white with craft acrylic paint:
Next, I dry-brushed a Moon Yellow paint on the shelf:
Last step, I dry-brushed a beige color to high light all the ridges and raised designs on it. After letting it dry , I applied two coats of water based varnish on it:
So this is how it looks now:

  I think previously, this corner looked too dark with the shelf. And this is how it looks now(after shabbying it up)

 Angled View:
 Hmmm, should I place a silk ivy on the shelf:
 
Or a decorative plate on my shelf?

 
Not very sure, which vignette looks the best, what do you think?
 Few snippets of our day at Seneca Lake:

Seneca Lake is the largest and deepest glacial lake in New York State:
It is the lake trout capital of the world :
Gift shop near Seneca Harbor:

 Russian Sage and Grapevines growing outside the shop:


Thanks for visiting and for your sweet loving comments. I enjoy reading them and always look forward to them. Wishing everyone a great week ahead!

Joining these wonderful ladies for a world of inspiring ideas:


The Tablescaper: Seasonal Sundays
Boogieboard Cottage: Masterpiece Monday
The House in the Roses: Show Off Your Cottage Monday
 BeColorful: Motivated Monday
DebbieDoo's Newbie Party 
 A Stroll Thru Life: Table Top Tuesday
DIY by Design: Sizzle into Summer
 Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays 
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
The Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home
At the Picket Fence:Inspiration Friday
 French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
My Romantic Home: Show and Tell Friday







~POPPY~

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40 comments:

  1. AnitaJuly 10, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    To me...I like the ivy there better. The plate is nice, but I love the color of the ivy against the wall color. So glad to hear you had a lovely weekend too!

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  2. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJuly 10, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Your shelf turned out beautifully. I like that you gave it a little character with the yellow and beige. Pretty vignette. I like both the plant and the plate. I think you can do either and how nice to have an occassional change. Thanks also for linking to TTT. Hugs, marty

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  3. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    What a bargain jewel! Wow it looks amazing and I love the blue plate against that wall colour the most! Very striking indeed! That would be my choice for sure.

    Veronica
    www.tasselsandtwigs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Hi Poppy! Oh, I love that sweet little shelf and you made it look so lovely. Thanks for popping in to see me and I hope you'll come back sometimes.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. franJuly 11, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    You have a great eye for color. The shelf looks great. And I love it with the vases underneath. Looks like you had a great day at the lake, too. how fun. Thank you for all of you sweet comments. I love hearing from you.

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  6. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Loving your thoughts today poppy, I think what you have done with the wall bracet is perfect. Coming to you while browsing and so glad I did.
    - Suzi x

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  7. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeJuly 11, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    SO very pretty! Love the open work on this -- so unique and your paint job really made all of the details pop!

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  8. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    beautiful photos, and I like the plant best,,

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  9. ConnieJuly 11, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Fabulous little wall shelf. Your vision was perfect. I like the plant best of all. It brings life to the corner. If it's not too bushy you may even try the plate in front of the greenry and use both.

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  10. SuzyJuly 11, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Great job on the shelf. I can't decide whether I like the plant or the plate on it. They both look great!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Denise at Forest ManorJuly 11, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Hi Poppy,

    I'm so impressed with your re-do of the display shelf. You made it look so pretty! I like the first vignette with the ivy plant the best. I think you need the trailing vines to break up some of the bare wall space between the shelf and the vases. I really enjoyed seeing your pictures of Seneca Lake -- what a beautiful place! And I would have a hard time staying away from that gift shop for sure :) Thank you for visiting my blog and taking time to leave a comment. I so appreciate it!

    Hugs,

    Denise

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  12. Neha@ All things beautifulJuly 11, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    What a great transformation on the shelf...lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  13. The French HutchJuly 11, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    I love the shelf change, dark to light brightens up your corner. It looks fabulous. Your very clever with the colors I think I like the ivy best, I like the plate too (very pretty), but the ivy's fuller shape helps fill the space.
    Wow, your lake photos are stunning. I'm sure you had a wonderful time. Thanks Poppy, for sharing your home and trip. I enjoyed both. Hope your week is great.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  14. Mid-Atlantic MarthaJuly 11, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    How pretty your new shelf is! What a pretty trip.

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  15. Tablescapes By DianeJuly 11, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Hi lovely lady.
    I love your new shelf !!! You did a Beautiful job sweet lady.
    Thanks so much for coming over to my new Tablescape so sweet of you....
    I hope you have aGreat Week/
    XXOO Diane

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  16. The TablescaperJuly 11, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    I love your shelf and really enjoyed the vicarious visit!

    Thanks so much for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  17. xinexJuly 11, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    The shelf turned out really pretty. I love how you distressed it. I like both ivy and plate. You can use both just switch around when you get tired with one....Christine

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  18. Diann @ The Thrifty GrooveJuly 12, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    Your shelf turned out wonderful! And I loved all the lake photos! I would love for you to link this post of to thrifty Things Friday this week if you have a chance! Have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  19. MareeyahJuly 12, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Great job! It definitely looks better. I think I like the ivy on it better than the plate.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Inspired By JuneJuly 12, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    I vote for the ivy, Poppy... love ivy! The shelf turned out beautifully and especially nice against that wall color. Your other pictures have made me hungry for cheese - yum, love cheese!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Inspired By JuneJuly 12, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    and...

    Thanks so much for all your great tips on using Modge Podge with the images... I think my biggest problem was the paper I was using is too thin... will try your tips and let you know how things turn out!

    Enjoying your blog! Hugs, back!

    ReplyDelete
  22. BabsJuly 12, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    I like the shelf with it's new lighter and brighter look and it looks so pretty with the ivy. I may just have to copy :) your painting technique on a shell brackett I have. It's white but needs some highlighting. Thanks for the tutorial.
    Babs

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  23. Chari at Happy To DesignJuly 12, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    Hi Poppy...

    Ohhh...love the decorative wall shelves and you got such a great deal on the pair! Wowzer!!! I love the finish that you did on it...very pretty! I love how the lighter white color looks against that gorgeous wall color!!! While I like the pretty blue plate on the shelf...my favorite is the ivy! I just think the greenery brings a nice full look to the shelf and your corner vignette! You did a great job with your new shelf, sweet friend! Thanks for sharing it with us!!! I also really enjoyed all of your beautiful lake photos. Sounds like you had a fabulous time!!!

    Warmest summery wishes,
    Chari

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  24. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorJuly 12, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Love the look of the newly painted shelf! I even liked the initial grayish blue color! (Maybe that would work for another project) Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  25. RettabugJuly 13, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    Poppy, your sconce turned out GREAT! I've got 2 very bright gold ones that could use the same treatment.
    I like the ivy on it the best, too.

    Loved the lake shots...so refreshing in these hot summer days!

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  26. AnonymousJuly 13, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    thankyou for visiting,, you are newbie like me,, you have a lovely blog, I'm adding you to my blog list so I won't miss any of your posts!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. A Few PenniesJuly 14, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Love your post; could spend all day here! I love your shelf--the ivy is pretty and gives fullness to that sweet area--how about putting that lovely blue plate above the ivy too--that would show-off the whole vignette! So pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  28. imrizJuly 14, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    hmmm, vintage find it is. but after the magic touch up...it looks vintage, still...but more elegant and contemporary...great job. wished i had the talent:)

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  29. SusanJuly 14, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    Your shelf turned out pretty! I vote for the plant!

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  30. DiannJuly 14, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Hi Poppy! Just wanted to say thank you for joining TTF! I hope you are having a wonderful day!

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  31. The Charm of HomeJuly 14, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    Poppy,
    I love your shelf. It turned out great. That trip to Seneca Lake was a wonderful day out to. Thanks for linking it up at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownJuly 15, 2011 at 1:00 AM

    What a great makewover. I'd use the Ivy and get a wire and spring plate hanger and hang the plate directly under the shelf a little ways down. kinda between the shelf and the tallest vase. Then I'd add some more ivy with long tendrils going to the floor off to the left of the shorter vase..between the vase and window side. Your eye will flow down and around. you have some pretty accent pieces there.

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  33. Magali @ The Little White HouseJuly 16, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    The shelf is absolutely adorable in its new lighter colour.

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  34. KathyJuly 16, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Hello Poppy - terrific transformation - the colors are perfect! Looks great with the different decors.
    Kathy

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  35. JudiJuly 16, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Hi there
    I really love how you painted that shelf. It looks great! I like the look with the ivy on it but my favourite is the last one with the plate and the candle under it.

    Seneca Lake is a lovely area...your pictures are so summery and so refreshing and I'd love to be on one of the boats. Great shopping... love shops like that too.

    Enjoy the weekend...I'm in New York state at the cottage...its lovely here too.
    Judi

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  36. At The Picket FenceJuly 17, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Hi Poppy! You did a great job making over that shelf and I think both vignettes are beautiful but I love how the blue and white plate pops against your wall color. You can't go wrong either way and we are so glad you shared this with us at Inspiration Friday!
    Vanessa

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  37. MarieJuly 17, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Fabulous! Shelf looks amazing!

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  38. Be Colorful CoastalJuly 17, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    You did such a great job with this. There really is an art to this kind of painting and you have the flair for sure. Thanks for linking this to Motivated Monday at BeColorful
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  39. Michella MarieJuly 18, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    Love the shelf!!! Awesome tutorial too :))
    THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
    Thank you so much for linking up to my very first party!!
    Show Me How!!! ~ FRIDAY ~
    Tips, Tricks,and Tutorials.
    I hope it will be the first of many!!
    Looking forward to this Friday!!!
    Hope to see you there :))
    Feel free to share it with your friends!!

    LOVE FROM TEXAS!!!
    ~~Michella~~
    www.michellamarie.com
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    ReplyDelete
  40. Live Better For LessAugust 8, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    Love the shelf both ways.....and definitely prefer the ivy. You create such beautiful vignettes!

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Thanks for stopping by and for your loving thoughts. They make me smile!Hugs~Poppy