about me.

Hello there!  My name is Linda and this is my blog, q is for quandie.  Lots of people are confused and think my name is Quandie, but no.  If you want to know how I came up with the name for my blog, you can read all about it here.  I will answer to Quandie though, so feel free to call me that if you want to.

Why the blog?  I love finding a beat up old piece of furniture and transforming it into something fabulous.  There is just something supremely satisfying about taking a banged up, uncared for vintage item and turning it into something that someone out there is going to totally love.  I mostly work with furniture, but I love just about everything vintage.  I used to share my transformations with friends and family via Facebook, but I felt like that format was too limiting because I like to write, so in November 2013 I took the leap and started a blog instead.

I don’t do it all myself, I have help from my cast of characters and you can read about them here.

Mr. Q (my husband, Mike) and I live in Minnesota in our 1904 farmhouse that finds itself smack in the middle of the burbs now.

When I am not revitalizing furniture, I can be found working at my day job as an accountant (scratch that, I retired in 2021!), traveling, gardening, decorating, scrapbooking, or hitting the neighborhood garage sales (sometimes I throw in a little wine drinking and sleeping just to keep things well rounded).  You’ll find a little bit about all of these things here on q is for quandie.Welcome!  Hope to see you around often!

 

78 thoughts on “about me.”

  1. I could not figure out how to leave a comment below your aunt’s sideboard. Just wanted to say that I “lived” with oak woodwork for 36 years in a house that is now 111 years old. I almost moved rather than paint that woodwork because I didn’t want to be the first to desecrate something so sacred. Finally, when my house didn’t sell, I said, “I’m over it!” I painted the woodwork and I am soooo glad I did. Someone just told me last night that my house would sell right off now that I have updated. That update was a bit more than just painting the woodwork but it was the change on which everything else hindged.

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      1. I wish your husband could speak to all the other husbands! 😉

        Where in MN are you? We are south of the Cities, towards Rochester. Have wanted to make a trip to Round Barn and your reference to them caught my eye.

        LOVE the sideboard! Great job!
        Lisa

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      2. I am in Oakdale, just east of St. Paul. Probably not far from you at all. You should definitely watch my blog for mention of my next Carriage House sale in June. It would be worth the trip!

        As for the Round Barn, I say go now! Lori (the owner) has it all decked out for Christmas. It’s one of those places where you have to take some time because there is so much to gawk over. She is up in Andover, north of the cities. If you go this coming weekend, you can also visit The French Flea in Anoka, an occasional shop that is open this weekend. I’m not affiliated with them at all, but can tell you they usually have some fun things, and there are some other cute shops along the main street in Anoka. A fun holiday shopping excursion all around!

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      1. I think I’ve worked (past tense) quite a bit. I was looking at your photos and can’t see a room you didn’t have me do SOMETHING in. 🙂

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    1. Hi Quandie, I am refinishing an antique hutch, just a bit smaller than the one that you have posted here. I would love to try putting the French Poem stencil on it like you did. I am finding so many different sizes and not sure which one to get. Can you direct me to the one you used (including the size so I don’t have tiny writing or huge letters)? Thank you so much!

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      1. Are you referring to the stencil on this hutch (click on that underlined wording to see it)? If so, I wish I could say that I remember where I got that one, but that was a long time ago! I bet I’ve had that stencil for a decade or more.

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  6. Hi Quandie,
    I feel like we could totally be beasties! Love seeing what you do to revive old pieces, and often think “what would q do?” when I see an old piece of furniture! I live in Roseville and can’t wait for your Carriage House sale. BTW do you finish pieces on contract? I have a friend who has seen your blog and is interested in talking to you about doing some pieces for her.

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    1. I could always use a couple more beasties in my life. LOL. I know you meant besties, but I kind of like beasties better. I don’t really do custom work for people. I enjoy being in full control of the process and picking my own colors and making all of the decisions about my pieces.

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  7. Just wanted to let you know your’s is my favorite blog. i think you are truly gifted. I love MMS Milk Paint and you are an inspiration to me here in Maine!

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me this comment Julie! It always truly makes my day to learn that someone out there is enjoying my blog. Stay tuned for more inspiration, I’ll be posting pics from my friend Sue’s house on Friday, and I am always inspired by her.

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  8. OMG !! I THINK THE BEFORE AND AFTER SHOT OF YOU IS THE BEST IV’E EVER SEEN ON A BLOG !! LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD JOB !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  9. Hello Quandie,
    Met you and Lori briefly at Junk Bonanza last the spring. Just getting now to my stash of MMS paint that I purchased there and found your business card in my bag. Just another blog I thought to myself. (I am a blogger too) But wait a minute…your blog is a crazy hoot and dripping with inspiration!! Thanks Quandie for sharing your knowledge about paint and all things vintagie pretty to photograph, even if you glow pink and navy stripes.
    Love your blog,
    Margaret

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    1. Hi Margaret. I’m glad you are enjoying my blog! I took a quick look at yours and love your painted scale. I’ve never thought to paint one, although I have had a few in less than promising colors that could have used a good paint job. I’ll have to keep that in mind for next time. I can see where the Annie Sloan would work perfectly for that. Good luck with the milk paint!

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  10. Hello, I just stumbled across your blog while looking for old farmhouse items for my bathroom remodel and I live in Oakdale, MN too! So fun to know that someone else is near me doing the things I’d love to do!

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    1. Hey cool! Perhaps we are neighbors and don’t even know it! I am on the north end of town, just south of hway 36 and a few houses off Century Ave. You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for my vintage occasional sale. I have two a year, one in June and one in late September or early October. If you like old farmhouse items, you’ll love our sale!

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      1. Wow we truly are neighbors! I am off Hwy 36 and Hadley, up by the fire station. Probably no more than 5 min from you. I have always wanted to try MMS paint but have been scared I’ll screw something up, I think now I’ll have to give it a try though after seeing your projects, so inspired. And I will definitely watch for your sale!

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      2. I would advise you to start small with milk paint. Don’t jump right in on a dresser or other large piece of furniture. Get a feel for it first with a small wooden box, picture frame or something. The nice thing about the MMS milk paint is that you can mix up just a little bit at a time to play around with before seriously committing to a project. And yeah, you could walk to my house from there!

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  11. Hi Linda! Was so excited to find your blog thru the Town and Country home tour.
    You do fantastic, beautiful furniture! My name is Laurie. We are out in the Annandale/Maple Lake,MN area. I have always painted and re-purposed furniture.
    For our home. But, really excited to have the opportunity this past winter (what a winter!) to start selling vintage items and furniture pieces in a shop in Buffalo,MN.
    Just starting this new venture!! Exciting time! Our kids are off to college,empty nest….time for the Hubby to golf, and myself to paint!!! Wow! Just wanted to say Hi
    And thank you for the inspiration! Look forward to following your blog.
    PS. I notice you use MMS paint. Love her paint.and her Blog. Price wise. Mostly use
    Home Depot OOPS paint and calcium carbonate, or POP.
    Enjoy your day! Fantastic week of weather ahead!!

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    1. Hi Laurie. My brother-in-law and his family live in Buffalo. I don’t get out that way very often, I am way on the other side of the cities, but on occasion I do. Love all of the fab vintage shops in Buffalo, which one are you at? I am guessing that you buy your MMSMP at The Porch & Atelier (when you splurge on it?). I have to laugh, I am currently painting a dresser with Home Depot OOPS paint mixed with Plaster of Paris (my go to version of a chalk paint recipe). I will be having another occasional sale in the Carriage House the first Saturday in October, so maybe you can road trip out this way and say hello!

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  12. Hi Quandie! You are an inspiration! Even though I’ve been painting and repurposing for years, I found your page and I’m in love with what you do! Seeing your work has encouraged me to get out the milk paint again and discover it’s complexities and surprises! I have noticed the graphics on your painted pieces and I have done this myself quite a few times using the “freezer paper method,” which has it’s own quirkiness. It has worked for me, but is somewhat inconsistent. Do you mind sharing how you apply your graphics?
    Thanks again for your beautiful vision.

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    1. Hi Lynne! Thanks for your kind comment. I almost always use stencils, but occasionally also paint by hand. I find most of my stencils at Maison de Stencils on line.

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  13. Hi Linda! I really enjoy browsing your blog and all of your before and after’s. You are very talented. I am starting to dabble with some makeovers myself. I would love to ask you a few questions about finding pieces, selling, etc. If this would be possible please let me know. Thank you for your time.

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  14. Hello Linda….I just found your blog today..and have to say how much I enjoy it!!….I also appreciate the fact that you don’t have all “those advertisements” loading and popping up…!!..You are very talented…and I also love seeing your before and after photos…and your photography is amazing..!! I am going to sign up for your emails…Thank you for your site..and for all you do…!!
    Linda in TN
    PS …I love your stenciled rug in you dining room….did you make it?

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    1. Hi fellow Linda! My blog is a free WordPress blog, and I am afraid to admit that I have no idea how the advertisements work. I’m glad that they aren’t obnoxious though. Maybe it’s because I’m a pretty small fish in a big sea of bloggers 😉 Anyway, thank you very much for your kind comment and welcome! The rug is from Decor Steals. Are you familiar with them?

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      1. Hello Linda!! Thank you for your kind and prompt reply..No..I am not familiar with that company… I will try and Google it..and see if I can find one..Thank you again…..and for the new update!! I love the stencils you use too!
        Linda in TN

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  15. Hi Linda!

    Just wanted to stop by and say that I absolutely love your work! Your furniture transformations are always amazing… I especially love the little dresser’s! I have nominated you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award… don’t know if you participate in those kinds of things but if you do my post will be up tomorrow explaining it! Either way love what you do!

    Betsy

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  16. I was just reading your blog and you mentioned a Carriage House sale in June. Do you do this every year? I would love to go!

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    1. Hi Diane! Thanks for asking. Yes, a friend and I do the sale twice a year; in June and in October. Our June sale this year will be on Thursday, June 11 from 5 pm to 8 pm, and Friday, June 12 from 9 am to 2 pm. I will post lots of info on the blog in the days leading up to the sale, so be sure to stay tuned!

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  17. Linda, Love your furniture transformations! Can you please tell me where you buy your skinny tape. I live on Cape Cod and can’t find it here. Thanks!

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  18. Qandie, Thanks for the info on the skinny tape. Had to order online as my local Ace Hardware and Home Depot don’t sell it but at least I can get it.

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  20. So excited I found this!! Looking for a buffet for our new house. See that you are in the Twin Cities! I’m around the Waconia area! Have a great day!

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  22. Linda & Sue, wanted to say “THANK YOU” for carriage house sales, such a delight to be invited to your wonderful findings & art work & hosta’s too. Hope you will be able to make another one happen this fall. Also Linda would like to come see the new dinning table, on your recent post? thank you for responding Sharon O

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  23. Hi Linda, I just found your blog and I love every single piece of furniture that you have redone. Here’s my question, I painted a small sideboard chocolate brown and creamy off white. The drawers had nice molding creating an area in the middle of them which I used crackle to make the off white look old and I stenciled numbers on the front, 1-4. I have it reasonably priced at $129 but it will not sell at the antique mall where I have a booth, it’s been 9 months. The owners keep telling me to paint it white. I love it the way it is. Should I cave and paint it white?

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    1. There is no quick and easy answer to that question, but here is my two cents. Good shop owners know their clientele and they know which pieces sell easily and which ones don’t. Do you think your shop owners are in that category? If so, it might be wise to follow their advice, especially if you want this piece to sell in their shop. On the other hand, even if your piece isn’t one that will appeal to the masses, if you love it and don’t want to change it, maybe you could find another way to sell it. On craigslist for example. You may need to find a larger pool of potential buyers. Best of luck to you Melissa!

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  24. Linda, hi. i am getting ready to paint my kitchen cabinets and my daughter said that I should email you. She has several times and said that you always aswer her. Holly suggested that I use Fusion Paint but that I should ask you first. Is that a good paint that will not absorb grease and odors and hold up in the kitchen? if so do you sell it or know where I could get some? She is coming for Thanksgiving and wants to do the cabinets while here so I am all of a sudden in a time crunch. Thanks for any help you can provide. Paula

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  25. Hello,
    I am a new follower and I love your site! I would like to know what the name is of the pottery you collect and use in your prop shots. Thanks! Cilla

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    1. Hello and welcome Cilla. I collect ironstone, as well as McCoy pottery. It depends which photos you are looking at. If there is one in particular, leave me a comment on that post and I’ll try to elaborate.

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  26. Hi, Linda! I’m so happy to have found your blog through Pinterest! Last summer I started revamping furniture in southeast Minnesota as a hobby (Prairie Rebel Originals) so I am a complete newbie when it comes to this stuff. Your blog has been so inspirational/motivational… and just plain fun to read! I still have a lot to learn but reading your blog makes things feel way less overwhelming. Thank you for everything! ☺

    Sincerely,
    T.D.

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    1. Hi T.D. and welcome to my blog. I’m so glad you found me. It’s always fun to have some fellow Minnesotans following along! Best of luck with your new hobby 🙂

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  27. Hi Linda! I met you a handful of years back and I have bought a few of you pieces and LOVE them! I get complements on them all the time! Do you still have your sales? If so, how do I find out when they are?

    Continue to love your work!
    Steph

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  29. Hi there, need your expertise on something pretty please. I am looking to paint my pantry door and love, love, love, (i know you do to) MMS Milkpaint in typewriter, but was curios how this would do on a door that is used and touched ALOT. I am thinking of trying the Dead Flat on it, to keep it protected. What do you think? Would this be a good choice?

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    1. Hi Shelly! Personally I love using milk paint on pieces that are handled a lot because over time that just adds to the aged patina. Are you going for a chippy/distressed sort of look? Because if so, then further distressing will just blend in. What are you painting over? That can make a big difference in how well the milk paint adheres and its durability. Also, FYI, the Dead Flat is not recommended over black. You can end up with a cloudy look if you use it over black. You may be able to use the Miss Mustard Seed Tough Coat Sealer over black milk paint, but I’ve never tried so can’t say how it will look.

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      1. Hi! I’m painting over a semi gloss paint but planned on sanding it down. I do love the chippy look, but wasn’t going to go for that look for the door. Thank you for letting me know about the Dead Flat over black, that does help to rule that out. I may try the tough coat then, this may turn into an experimental project. Thank you!!!

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      2. You know, I always question why anyone wants to use milk paint if they don’t want a chippy/worn look (or if painting over bare wood and wants color that is permanent). So I’m curious why you want to choose milk paint rather than Fusion acrylic paint. Even Miss Mustard Seed herself is using a water based alkyd paint on her kitchen cabinets.

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  30. Hi again, just because I love the color, (and have about 1/2 bag to use) but you’re right that is a completely different option. I will take a look at their black colors. Thanks again, I feel like I have my own personal paint expert. 😁 I’ve been following your blog for quite some time and I know you don’t think you’re an expert but I think you’re pretty close! 👍🏼

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    1. I can totally relate to having the paint on hand already and wanting to use it up (I think that might be the story of my life). But that being said, just from what little you’ve told me I suspect milk paint might not be quite what you want for your project. Although if you add the bonding agent it should work well, do you have any of that on hand? Fusion has Coal Black, which is a nice black. I used it on our old bed {here}.

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  31. Hi again, sounds like you had a fun weekend with MMS herself! So happy and excited for you. I do not have bonding agent but will look into getting some to try it. I did see your bed make over and loved it. The black on the bed really makes a statement in the room. Oh and I admire your shiplap wall, great job !! Thanks again for all your advice!

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  32. Hi Linda! I am in love with your blog. You are definitely inspiring me. I have a couple questions for you…I have several old metal hotel porch chairs…that are outdoors, unprotected, all year long. Would chalk paint be a good choice for them? If so, what should I seal it with? We’re in Nebraska, so we get plenty of heat, humidity, snow and rain…

    Similarly, I have a solid wood dining set that I want to do a coat of gray chalk paint on, then a white milk paint over it to reveal delicious chippiness! It will be on a covered, screened in porch…do I need to seal? If so, with what?

    Thank you so very much!
    Chantelle

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    1. I wish I could be more help Chantelle, but I try to only give opinions on things I have tried myself. I’ve never painted metal chairs for outdoor use with chalk paint, so I can’t really speak from experience on that. As for the dining set I imagine you would want some decent durability, plus the ability to wash it down. Even though it will be on a covered, screened in porch I imagine it’s going to get dirtier than it would inside. I’d seal it with either the Tough Coat Sealer or the Real Milk Paint Co’s finishing cream rather than wax or hemp oil.

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  33. Hi Linda (but “Quandie” is more fun!), I’ve been following you for quite some time, and am an email subscriber as well. Because of this, I know you are the Queen of how to use IOD transfers. I have a question for you: how long do you have to let a painted piece cure before you can apply the transfer?

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    1. First, thanks so much for following my blog Yvonne! I really do appreciate that 🙂 Well, funny you should ask about how long to wait before applying a transfer to a freshly painted surface. I actually just recently read the directions that came with a Prima Marketing re.design transfer that I used and was surprised to see that they said to wait 48 hours to 1 week after painting before applying a transfer. The IOD transfers that I’ve used did not include those same instructions. Either way, I’ve never waited that long. I usually just wait for the paint to be fully dry, and I’ve never had a problem. However, I did have a big problem with trying to apply a transfer over a freshly waxed surface. That was a total mess, and you can read more about it here. The Prima Marketing people are probably trying to cover all of their bases with their advice to wait. Plus, keep in mind that if you are having to press hard with the flat stick that you use to apply the transfer, you may leave impressions in fresh paint. If you wait a week, you’ll be less likely to do that. So, my advice? If you are a cautious person, wait a week. If you like to live on the edge, just make sure the paint is fully dry and do not apply a transfer over fresh wax!

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      1. Ok, a week is not bad. On the IOD website, it says to wait until the piece is “fully cured”…so, if you’re using a paint brand like General Finishes, where the cure time is 30 days, that’s quite a long time to wait-not to mention another 30 day cure time after you’ve applied the sealant over the transfer!! I’m patient, but not THAT patient, lol…I’ll take your week recommendation! Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly (btw, my day job is an accountant too). Happy end of tax season 😉

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      2. Yep, I’m not nearly that patient! And I’m in municipal accounting, so no tax season for us. However, we do have several audits per year including the big one which is taking place this week and next. Once I get through that, then it’s smooth sailing 🙂

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  34. Hi Linda, just found your site when you responded to the size of the Gander transfer. Boy, was I so delighted to scroll through all your painted furniture and was not delighted when there was an end to it! I have to say that your staging and photography is incredible. Makes your wonderful furniture that more enticing. Great job, wonderful talent and impressive sharing of skills.

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    1. Thanks so much Glenda! I really love the Prima Marketing transfers including that Gander one. They add so much to a piece of furniture and they are so simple to add! I hope you gave that one a try 🙂

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