Shabby Painted Magazine Rack

Lately I've been experimenting with new paint colors. I've had this magazine rack for awhile and thought it would look better with a new paint job. I think originally it was probably somebody's high school shop class project. It is very well made and is quite sturdy.

In this "before" picture I had just wiped it down with a clean, wet cloth. It was very dirty to start with.

It was separating at the top so I clamped it back together using wood glue, then tacked in nails on each side. That's the only repair I had to make. The embellishments on the sides barely show up. My plan is to change that.

I used two shades of blue. The front panels are painted a lighter shade. I only did this because I am experimenting with colors. But I really like the subtle difference. After I was done painting, I lightly distressed it then sealed it with a clear wax.

I used a Fleur-De-Lis stencil I bought at Hobby Lobby. First, I stenciled it white, then dabbed on some pale pink. I used the same treatment on the side embellishments.

This little lamp is my next project. I plan to change the color of the base, change out the socket to a smaller one, and rewire it.

This is the first time I've used a stencil for awhile. I wish I could hand paint pretty flowers but try as I might, I've never learned how. Linking to: