Whew! It's busy time guys. Big time. We've been outside non-stop working, (and playing), in the yard, and I've been on a roll in the garage finishing up some of the last pieces before the big sale coming up on May 4.

This set was a recent find that I just couldn't leave alone. I didn't snag it right away as I tend to shy away from matching sets, but I found myself checking in to see if it was still available, week after week. A sign? I think so.

I picked up this set not just because of the cool rod iron and planked table tops, but because I saw a lot of versatility in this group. I gravitate towards pieces that I can see arranged in various ways with multiple functionality.

These pieces will be available at the May 4 sale, but for the fun of it I photographed them in two different ways in our home just to show off a bit of their versatility.

Set up ONE:

Using the coffee table as a coffee table and the end tables as end tables, (I only photographed one of the end tables but there are two).

Always a sucker for basket storage!

I love it when a piece is already perfectly distressed when it falls into my hands.

I spy a boy.

Set up TWO:

Using the two end tables side by side as a coffee table and the coffee table outside as a bench.

So there ya have it - a 3 piece set that can go several different directions. How fun is that?! All pieces available for sale on Saturday, May 4.

For this set I painted on a thick coat of Paris Grey ASCP and then a thin, dry-brushed layer of Old White ASCP. All the nicks and divots were appreciatively there when I first layed my eyes on these. I don't know who to thank for those but if you're out there, well done!

~You, (and your bffs), are invited to the

Chelsea's Garage Spring Sale!~

Saturday, May 4

10am-2pm

Herndon, VA

(contact me at chelseasgarage@gmail.com for the address)

What you can expect:

-Complimentary refreshments

-Norah Jones, (probably not in person, but I'll work on it)

-One, two, or three of my children making an appearance if you're lucky

-My husband making an appearance if you're really lucky

-Oh yes, and lots of gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces all ready for a good home

Are you getting tired of seeing that at the end of each post yet? :)

~Chelsea

This post was originally featured under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

Happy Friday!

It was my recent good fortune to find this mighty sideboard while out thrifting with my brother's girlfriend, Cate. Our cart and arms were full as we were about to step in line, but then I made a beeline across the room as soon as I spotted this piece. Sideboards such as this might be one of my favorite furniture types to refinish. They are so versatile and among my most highly requested. After a bit of inspection I mentally checked off all my requirements; sturdy, functional, beautiful/unique detailing, and affordable. Done deal :)

The detailing on the doors of this piece inspired me to go with Paris Grey by ASCP. Though a large and substantial piece, the details give it an air of elegance and romance that I wanted to hype up with a soft and airy hue.

New again

I have always enjoyed the contrast of a soft grey and cream together. I decided to use Country Grey, (which really is more of a lovely cream, also by ASCP), along the edges of the cabinet doors for a subtle differentiation.

Putting together these small vignettes are really too much fun for me. This little exertion of creativity is a welcome contrast to changing diapers and scraping food stuck in the crevices of our dining table :) The silvery string was a last touch - and totally unnecessary - but I like things a little off beat.

So there ya have it! This piece will be available at the next Chelsea's Garage sale! Date TBD.

The low-down on this piece is pretty simple:

-2 coats Paris Grey

-Taped the inside and outside of the doors and painted one thin coat of Country Grey along the door edges

-Used a fine sanding block and steel wool to distress

-2 coats of clear wax on the top surface, 1 coat over the rest of the body.

This piece is linking up to: Blue Egg Brown Nest

Have a beautiful weekend!

Speaking of weekend.....The Reston 10 miler is on Sunday! The race and the distance are really nothing important; what's important is the cause. I am running to bring awareness to an awesome foundation called AHOPE for Children. In short, AHOPE rescues and cares for the wee ones of Ethiopia who have the least amount of hope; the precious orphans affected by HIV. Every little bit can help make a difference for this incredible ministry that relies on support to care for the growing number of children they are taking in. Besides providing medical treatment, AHOPE also educates their children so they may be productive, successful adults in their country. How cool is that?! If you have any interest in either a one time or monthly donation to AHOPE for Children, please visit my fundraiser, (below), Running for AHOPE, or see their website here and follow the Donate Now instructions.

LINK TO FUNDRAISER

Thank you so much for reading!

~Chelsea

This post was originally featured on Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt!