I’m a cheap-o! I’m proud to be cheap…or perhaps frugal is a better term. My cheapiness comes with good reason. There is a wealth of stuff in the world for next to nothing or even free. So, I don’t need to spend a ton of money on furniture because I have a storage unit full of pieces that I found from yard sales, off the curbs, back alleys or donated. I rarely am surprised by what you can find for free. Rarely!

Yep. This puppy was free! 

Let me back up a little bit.

My friend, Audra works in the shop once a week in the afternoons and I get the most awesome job of watching her kiddies when she’s working. 

Audra

She is also our only knot too shabby certified paint instructor (besides myself)!  

Last week, Audra texted me to ask if I could help her off load a large buffet that she landed for free.

I nearly gasped when I pulled that gorgeous, detailed, ornate piece out of the truck. This was one of those times when I couldn’t believe in FREE!

Audra did all of the painting and started with Old White on the details and a mix of French Linen and Old White on the body. 

Then I came in and threw some Old Violet on the scrolly details, added distressing and used a mix of clear wax and dark wax to finish it. 

Wa-la! 

The beauty of free furniture is that more time can be spent in the details to really set it apart from other pieces.

A lot of layering of colors went into this piece.

I love how the Old Violet sets apart the wood decals in just a few places so that your eyes know where to focus without being overwhelmed with all of the carvings and details.

Coming soon…

…the accompanying dining room set. Yep. It was free, too!