Making Pallets Look like Barn Wood

 

I just posted about this repurposed industrial cart on Barn Loft.  It's a great piece, but the best part of this project was figuring out how to make pallet wood look like barn board.  Well, I think I came up with a process that works.  Take a look below:

 

 

The piece of wood on top is barn board.  The two pieces on bottom are pallet wood.  What do you think?  Pretty close, huh?!

 

How did I do it, you ask?  It was simple, actually. 

 

1.  I ran the boards through the planer to take just the tiniest bit of wood off the top.  You can use an orbital sander to get the same effect.  Just be sure to remove any splintery pieces.

 

2.  I used a whitewash "stain" I picked up at the Depot.  The trick here was to dip my brush (just a cheap chipbrush) into a glass of water then into the witewash.  It dilluted the wash just enough to get the desired look.  I removed any excess with a damp cloth.

 

3.  Last, I went over the whole piece with a combination of clear and dark wax.  I used Annie Sloan, but any tinted wax will do.  As with the whitewash, I dipped my brush (another chipbrush) into the clear wax then into the dark wax.  I mixed the two up a bit on a paper plate, then brushed onto the wood, being sure to work the wax into all the nooks and crannies.  I buffed it up with a clean rag and this is the result.

 

Not bad, if I do say so myself!  I plan to take lots of photos next time I use this process so I can provide a more detailed tutorial.  In the meantime, please stop by my studio during the Nashua Artwalk, September 29 and 30!

 

See you soon!

 

Michelle

Autumn is in the Air

 

Have you felt it?  That crispness at dawn?  The urge to throw all the windows open at night and sleep in the cool air?  Autumn is finally upon us and I couldn't be more thrilled!  Autumn is my favorite time of year in New England.  The weather, the changing leaves, the tast of fresh picked apples, the sense that everything in nature is slowing down, stocking up, tucking in, and preparing for a long, cozy winter.  I love it!

 

 

 

And in the spirit of change, I moved my booth at Mill City yesterday to a larger space at the front of the store!  I'm thrilled to be in this new space and honored that the owners have moved me to a more prominent position in the shop so quickly.  If you haven't been to Mill City yet, you have to go!  You're sure to find that perfect piece for your home and a lot of inspiration!

 

Here's a quick peak at the space.  I brought in a few new pieces and just a bit of Autumn decor:

I made this table from a huge piece of barn board and steel plumbing pipes for the base.  Couldn't quite fit the top through the planer (sad)  but did manage to give my new belt sander a work-out!  It cleaned up beautifully and is finished with a couple coats of Vans wax.  The table measures around 6 feet long by 2.5 feet wide and is standard table height. 

A bowl of gourds and paper-embellished candles on an old scale make a great Autumn centerpiece.

Fill jars with acorns and pine cones.  I used wood acorns as they can be reused year after year.

 

 

Every space needs a little bling!  I created this candelier from an old yoke and three hanging candle holders.  I love the juxtaposition of rustic and glam!

 

Great old pine desk I mounted on an iron sewing table base.  It's a perfect height for your kitchen or any place you could use an extra desk.  Lots of storage inside...plenty of room for a laptop and charging station.

 

A few vintage desk accessories to top it off...paper cutter, dip pens and a security box.

 

Get on over to Mill City to see more!  They are having an indoor flea market this weekend!  You won't want to miss it!

 

Happy hunting,

 

Michelle