Sometimes I am merely a copy cat. I see something that I love on pinterest, or on another blog, and I want to do that too! I’d like to say that I put my own spin on it, and sometimes I do, but not always. I know that some people are quite furious when people ‘steal’ their ideas, whereas others put stuff out there for precisely that reason. They want to inspire people, plus they realize that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
I fall in that latter category, and I’m pretty sure that Miss Mustard Seed does too and she won’t mind that I copied her. At least I hope so.
You may have seen the sweet little washstand that Miss Mustard Seed painted to bring to Lucketts. She painted it in a custom mix of her milk paint and she thoughtfully provided the recipe (that’s kinda why I’m pretty sure she won’t mind that I copied). I loved this color instantly and I knew I wanted to try it on something. I was thinking more about a full sized dresser, but then while garage saling in Linden Hills I found this fab washstand …
Well, duh, it was a no-brainer. I hadn’t really intended to completely copy MMS right down to the washstand, but this just felt like it was meant to be.
So I mixed up my paint according to Marian’s recipe; equal parts Shutter Grey, Eulalie’s Sky and Layla’s Mint. I like to let my milk paint settle a bit before I start to brush it on. Especially when I’m mixing colors like this. It’s sort of like making homemade salad dressing, you want to give the flavors some time to blend together. So while I was waiting I removed the hardware and lightly sanded the washstand. It’s difficult to see in the photo, but this washstand had been poorly ‘re-finished’ with a coat of shiny polyurethane. I knew that the impervious poly would give me some serious chipping. I wanted some chipping, but not serious chipping ;-), so I sanded.
That did the trick perfectly.
I love the scalloped edge on the back trim piece. Isn’t it sweet? Those are the last of my lilacs, by the way.
Washstands tend to be the perfect size to use as a bedside table. Mr. Q has a washstand on his side of the bed, while I have a small table.
They are painted in the same color and are about the same height which helps unify them.
So, if you are on the hunt for a nightstand with some chippy, vintage farmhouse style this might be the one for you.
As always, check out my ‘available for local sale’ tab for details.
q is for quandie 
What a gorgeous looking little washstand! The colour is so pretty! And I’m with you, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I share my pieces that I do with hopes to inspire somebody else and if somebody wants to copy it that makes me happy because then they are getting the same joy from it as I have… And that is why we share! 🙂 I bet this he sells quickly, it is so sweet! 🙂 I hope you have a fantastic week!
Smiles!
Terry
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Thanks Terry! It is a gorgeous color, I’m glad Miss Mustard created and shared it so that we can all enjoy it 🙂
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I saw the post where you brought this washstand home….can’t believe someone wanted to get rid of it ! I was raised by parents who used to refinish antiques and it’s hard for me to imagine this painted, but it looks awesome! I’m glad that you are as open about sharing as Marian is. After all, isn’t sharing one of those things that we learned in Kindergarten ? 🙂 Thank you, Q!!
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I’m glad you like it Patty! The sale where I purchased the washstand was pretty awesome. At the time I wished that I had my camera with me because I would have loved to take pictures to share here. It was one of those sales where you walk in and you feel like a kid walking into a candy shop. I also purchased the giant game board there, as well as the ‘his & hers’ pillowcases (which you’ll see again soon). She had a 2nd washstand there as well, but it was already marked ‘sold’ (drat! I could have had a pair). But I’m suspecting that the seller either had a shop, sold in a shop, or otherwise was just a fan of vintage because everything she had was awesome. She was clearly just doing a bit of a clean out.
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Beautiful job. Love the color and love those scallops. I think you are right too that MMS is all about inspiring others so I think she would be pleased.
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Thanks Becky!
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I feel pretty confident that since she in particular sells a line of paint that she is more than happy for you to copy. As long as you share – but Marian wouldn’t mind anyway.
She is one of the realest people in blog land. Huge talent and heart to match. I find most of the diy crowd are one big family.
Omg I love the little cut outs this is the sweetest piece. Yep perfect for a bed side table.
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