Wood Staining: DIY

I have had this wooden trash bin for some time and it needed a little "pick me up".
I decided I would sand it and re stain it, it was originally a light pine color and I wanted to stain it a little darker to match the rest of the wood surfaces in the house. When I started sanding I realized that it wasn't pine, but some sort of cedar "plywood" sheet...I had no idea that even existed. Anyway it made the sanding a little difficult, but despite that and the 100 degree temps, it was relatively easy!

This is the original color:

So after removing all the hardware, I got out my handy-dandy electric sander and got to work!
( I use the Black & Decker Smart Select Technology. No worries ladies...it is very girl friendly!)

This is what it looked like after I sanded it:                                      

Next step: STAIN...SCARY!!!
I used a sponge to apply the stain, it seemed a little easier to apply this way than with a cloth. The cloth soaked up to much of the color and honestly just made a giant mess!
I applied 1 coat and left it to dry overnight and then applied a second coat and let that dry overnight. I went with 2 coats of stain because the first one just wasn't dark enough. When you are applying your stain be sure to use smooth, even strokes and don't be a slowpoke because the stain starts to soak in fast.

Here is the finished project!

Here is a link I found on YouTube with some "how to" tips.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OYMUKkcJyY


Supplies:
Sand paper or electric sander (I prefer the electric sander, depending on the type of wood, if you use sand paper you will probably be sanding all day...just sayin!)
Stain (I chose Dark Oak stain by Cabot stain and polyurethane all in one)
Sponge (or sponges)
Gloves
Face mask ( the sander will make LOTS of dust and the stain DOES NOT smell like roses)

HAVE A HAPPY DAY!

2005 Christian Moueix Medoc

I tried this fancy little number at dinner last night and let me tell you, it was fab! 

The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.

This wine is big and bold, but manages to stay smooth and balanced at the same time. 

Tasting Notes: red and black berry flavors with a hint of smokiness...ooh ahh!

My wine club newsletter suggested pairing with a - Honey Dijon Mustard Pork Loin

• 1 ( 3 to 4 pound) boneless pork loin
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped tarragon leaves
• 3 tablespoon vegetable oil   ( I chose to use olive oil)

Directions-

Preheat oven to 350 degrees f.

Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, mix the vinegar, mustard and herbs together.

In a large ovenproof saute pan over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Sear pork loin on all sides.

Brush with mustard sauce and roast in oven until internal temp reaches 145 degrees f, about 20

minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Many thanks to Farpointe Cellars, it was delicious!

Table Makeover

I have had this table living in my home for a while now, I purchased it at Pier 1 years ago.

It was always a plain rustic pine table until one day it screamed, paint me!

I have a really bad habit of getting bored with my surroundings and on occasion...

the creative monster in me takes over...and well...things change!

Here was the original color of the plain rustic table in it's humble beginning ♥

So, after hearing the screams of the sad little table with no personality, I decided to go to work!

First, I sanded the entire table removing all remnants of it's previous self

Next...primer...

Then it was on to the good stuff...painting, painting and more painting. I started out with a

basic turquoise color...HOWEVER...that color was not working for me, it was a little bright.

Before applying the second coat, I decided to add a tad of black paint...mix REALLY well...this is what I got...

Round two was much better!

After painting the table I chose to add a antiqued effect. I used a chocolate brown with some glaze and...voila!

A few touch ups here and there and I'm pretty happy. I hope I made the little table as happy as it makes me!