DIY! Refinished Night Stand

I've been looking for a night stand for our guest room for a LONG time...I've looked everywhere for a piece I could possible repaint and distress...flea markets, consignment shops, Craigslist.  And finally a couple of weekends ago I went to the Flowood flea market with my sister-in-law, Mary Allison.  I knew she had an eye for finding unique pieces so I felt confident we would find something.  And sure enough we did!

 I'm guessing this night-stand used to be in a little girl's room since its pink...but the flat paint made it easy to paint right on over!  I decided to go with a bright orange:

After I painted the entire piece orange, I came back and sanded and distressed it.  Finally, I put a put a coat of wood-stain and finished it off with a coat of polyurathane!   It took a while to dry because it was so humid outside.  But it was worth the wait!

For those of you out there that would like more of a step-by-step tutorial on how to distress furniture (in more detail!) you should check out Brittany's (aka Pretty Handy Girl's) Blog.  She does a great job photographing/writing step-by-step instructions!  Thanks Brittany (btw--found you on Pinterest!)

That's it for now!  Happy Sunday!

I am linking up to: 

Newbie Party at Debbiedoos Blogging and Blabbing

Amaze Me Monday at Dittle Dattle
Take a Look Tuesday at Sugarbee Crafts
Freshman Friday at Home Savy A-Z

All about my Etsy shop...

Lately I've received several requests to buy items from my Etsy shop.  Since some people may not be familiar with how Etsy works, I've decided to give my followers a run-down--it may seem complicated, but its actually super easy!

What is Etsy?

Etsy is like an online Arts and Crafts market. Instead of booths, each artist have "shop" featuring their handmade items, as well as art and craft supplies.  People all over the world have shops and list items to sell. For instance, I just bought a handmade bag from a lady in Japan!  There are so many talented people in the world--and Etsy allows artists to showcase their work AND make profit!

Why I chose Etsy...

I would LOVE to one day own my own business and have a store-front gallery with a studio in the back...But in the mean time, while I build my business, Etsy is a great tool to get my name out there and to start saving for having my own studio one day.  I also love the Etsy community--joining teams and having a chance to encourage other budding artists all around the world.

How to purchase something from my ETSY SHOP:

1. To find my shop, go to Etsy and type in "Michelle Leach Art" in the search engine.  Items from my shop will appear--click on any item to see more details and to go to my "SHOP".
2.  Etsy makes purchasing an item really easy--everything is done through PayPal (which is nice because it saves you a check and it saves me a trip to the bank!).
3.  Shipping is included in the cost--the shipping price is located at the bottom of an item-listing.  IF you live close by and want to pick up your order, leave me a message and I will refund the shipping for you!

About Custom Orders:

I will gladly create a custom order for anyone interested!  If you see an item you like but would rather have a different color, shape, size, etc. , just message me and let me know and I will create a custom order for you.

Once the order is finished, I will list the item on my Etsy shop as "Reserved for Jane-Doe" and will contact you, giving you the link to the listing.  And then you can pay for the item online--just like that!

Here is an example:  Let's say you wanted this frame but in different colors, or a different size...Below is a screen shot of the actual listing...read the information below the frame to see different options.  When you decide on the colors, size, etc...then just shoot me a message and I will create a custom order for you---its just that simple!

I know how overwhelming online shopping can be...I hope this helps answer questions you may have about Etsy!  I would love for my followers to leave me some feedback on what you think about Etsy...and would love it even more if ya'll would help promote my Etsy shop!!  Twitter, Facebook, Blogging...Social Media makes that so easy!  I really appreciate everyone who believes in me...

Have a great rest of the week!

DIY Wreath Complete and New Etsy listings!

So a few weeks ago I posted a link to a tutorial for a wreath I wanted to try to make...

Wanted to show all my followers the final result!  I am SO pleased!

SO...what do YOU think?  I had so much fun making this--My favorite part was figuring out what fabric to use for the flower on the side.  It was super easy to make--and cheap!  I got scrap fabric on sale at Hancock Fabric's store!

If you want to make a wreath like this one, check out Janet's amazing tutorial here.

Another update---my Etsy shop has been so much fun!  I have been able to be pretty consistent in listing new items and I've already sold quite a bit! So exciting:-)  I am already beginning to prepare for the holiday season---so get ready to do some Christmas shopping!

Here are a few items I've put together recently!

                      



The charm necklace sold today, but if you are interested in any of the other pieces, check out my ETSY shop today!

One more thing...I have a new favorite scent.  Thanks to a very dear friend who introduced me to:

I know this was random, but you just have to smell the candle to understand. Love Love!

Have a great weekend ya'll!

I am linking to these parties:

Show and Tell Saturday at Be Different Act Normal

Take a Look Tuesdays at SugarBee Crafts

Polish the Stars Link Party

Christmas in August

I can't believe its already been a month since school started!  I guess its a good sign if the days are flying by...must mean I actually do enjoy my students a whole lot this year.  I have some great potential in my classroom and am being inspired every day.

It felt like Christmas yesterday when I opened the kiln to see the students' finished pots.  They have just finished their pinch pot project and they turned out great!  I was also excited to see some of my finished pieces as well.  A couple of platters, a few birds, and some other pieces I worked on while teaching the students.

 This was a commission piece I did for a friend...love how the glazes turned out!

 This was also a commission piece...love the purple!  Never would have thought of it.

These coasters were just for fun...I love birds and wanted to try a new technique.  And guess what?!  You can buy them on my Etsy!

I didn't get a chance to photograph everything that I've done recently...but I am going to try to post more soon!  Thanks so much for taking the time to read my blog!

Have a great week!

Love,