Double Reveal: A blanket ladder and side table

In an effort to catch up with posting my projects, I'm going to post two projects I recently completed not too far apart from each other. 

The first is this cute end table I got from a garage sale page on FB. I've been looking for the perfect MINT for a looooong time! Sometimes the mint is too green or too blue, and my perfect mint is in-between both. I knew I wanted to do something to celebrate the beginning of spring so I picked Americana Decor's "Vintage" for this piece. While it isn't the absolute perfect mint, it is pretty darn close.  Had I been brave enough, I would have mixed a little green in here to get it just right, but our booth space was running empty and I didn't have time to wait for Michael's to open the next day. 

I like Americana Decor's paint. Its the first chalk paint I ever tried. Their color selection is great, and it distresses easily. My only two complaints about it, are: it is really thick...has a pudding like consistency, and it does not self-level because of it's consistency. I watered it down to get the painting consistency I wanted, but the brush strokes were still visible. 

I eliminated the brush strokes by sanding between coats with a 220 grit sandpaper in a circular motion. Sanding horizontally or vertically only contributes to the appearance of the brush strokes (in my opinion). I would not recommend this piece for solid, smooth coverage. I would however recommend it for pieces you plan on distressing for a rustic, weathered feel. 

I completed this piece with a ceramic flower knob from Hobby Lobby, and lined the drawer with a cute firework/floral paper. 

Next can we talk about how awesome this ladder is? We've been building these "Shanty 2 Chic" blanket ladders and putting them in our booth. So far they have been selling well, but we've had a lot of requests for this look.

I used Miss Mustard Seed's "Marzipan" to give this ladder a chippy/rustic feel. This was my first experience using milk paint, and it was not what I expected. Maybe I didn't mix the paint correctly, and maybe I didn't like the application, I don't know...I do know, I like the finished result, but don't think I'll be using milk paint as my primary paint. It was weird not having any control. 

Either way, we've had a lot of love for both these pieces. Hope you find the motivation to try something outside your comfort zone when it comes to your projects. I think it keeps things interesting :)