Shelf Makeover for Master Bedroom Redo

Tada! Project #1 for the Master Makeover is complete! Below, behold the original version. Functional but not too pretty.

Before

And now, the new and improved version! I like it so much better now and it will fit in wonderfully when I get my whole bedroom finished.

After

This shelf is a gift from my school students the year I quit teaching. It has served it's purpose well, but was time for a new look. I wanted to keep it in the master bedroom because we use the hooks quite a bit.

I was never in love with the carved design at the top so I filled it in with spackling (hey, it's what I had on hand).

I should have used primer on it at this point but I didn't. 

Learn from me. 

I was planning to use ASCP Old White 

and it doesn't need a primer.

However, there are still some applications

that benefit from primer.

Anyway, at this point I applied the wooden appliques with liquid nails and began painting. I painted the shelf with 2 coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White. Then I noticed the edges of the filled areas were cracking. Uh oh! A quick sanding smoothed it over but I knew it would just keep doing it. It was then that I added 2 light coats of Kilz primer. Then I painted it another coat of Old White and it went away. Then I lightly distressed it, sanded it smooth and gave it a coat of wax.

Meanwhile, my original intention to disguise the mirror failed. I've seen the Mod Podge transfers in blogland and decided to try it on the mirror. I couldn't find anyone that had tried it on a mirror so I didn't know if it would work or not. Now I know - it's 'or not'. I quickly went to plan B.

Using a scrap of drop cloth, a T-shirt transfer, and a free graphic from the Graphics Fairy, I created what you see. I Mod Podged it to the mirror and re-inserted it. The hooks received several light coats of oil rubbed bronze paint.

I'm loving the new look! And the best part is, I had most of what I used on hand. The only things I bought were the transfers and the center part of the embellishment. So, for about $3.35, I have project #1 completed for the master makeover.

Linking to:

My First Guest Post and a Feature

Yes! You read that right! Today I'm doing my very first guest post over on Valarie's blog.

Go on over and check out my latest completed project. (Key word being 'completed'.) While you're there, be sure to look around on her wonderful, inspiring blog!

AND

My DIY Pottery Barn knockoff lamp shades are being featured on freckled laundry today!
Thanks, Jami!