Painter Or Hater?
I have come to the realization that there are two kinds of people in this world.
The painters of wood.
And the haters of the painters of wood.
And the haters have very very very strong feelings about their cause.
Either that – or there is simply a conspiracy against me personally, and anything I may want to paint.
I am trying to get to the bottom of it…
In the meantime – let me show you what I painted today!
First of all, I need to confess that I have a plethora of baskets..
Nay, a battalion of baskets..
This stems from my 10 year stint as a Longaberger consultant.
I have baskets in closets, bins, boxes, under beds, in drawers, and in cabinets.
And here is the manta of Longaberger:
Respect the basket.. revere the maple..
Do not paint, stain, or otherwise mar the purity of the basket, or any of its accessories..
Amen.
Why?
Because they are craftmanship
Because they are handmade
Because it decreases their resale value
Because we want to control you..and never allow you one moment of joy..
Ok – I may have imagined that last one.
Anyway – I get tired of following the rules.
I can’t paint any of my wood furniture that my Mom gave me.
My husband didn’t want me to paint our kitchen cabinets.
Although I did anyway..
It seems as though all I am allowed to paint is my nails. And maybe plastic..
So I rebel…
I think painting enhances wood-
I believe that wood grain stands out more when placed alongside something that is painted.
Case in point:
This is my kitchen.
See how the floor and unpainted cabinets just run into each other?
It is all one mass of wood-tone.
Like wearing all brown from your shoes to your hat – without a spot of color….
Might be slimming, though..
The painted island adds some contrast, and makes the wood floor pop.
Another case in point.
(I love that phrase..)
My drum table-top really stands out and shines now that I have painted the sides.
Like wearing a brown top with cream colored pants.. elegant and sophisticated.
Uh oh.. does that cream paint make my drum tables butt look big??
I guess it is just a matter of preference..
Now, back to my project…
My Longaberger bread basket.. that sacred maple weave…
Well, I spray painted the heck out of it’s solid wood craftsman lid..
Yes I did…
Used a little bit of good ole Rust-Oleum flat black Ultra Cover.
I sprayed it in my basement just in case any ‘Wood Danger’ alarms went off.
Yep – that is my basement.. Did you even know I had one?
Well, that is the most you will see of it till I get some work done down there!
And just look at how gorgeous this is!!!
I love it!
And look at this!
The obligatory tilted artistic shot!
Shows how well the lid goes with my new cabinet hardware!
Wait a minute..
That gives me an idea…
And Boom! Oh yes I did!!
I took some sandpaper and shabbied it up a bit – then slapped on a black drawer pull!
What up Longaberger? I defiled the heck out of that basket lid!!
Please excuse the harsh language. And while we are at it excuse the harsh kitchen lighting –
I had to do this stealthily at night when the wood grain police were elsewhere..
So glad that is over… now I am ready to face the consequences.
But first I will get a good nights sleep..
Right after I rip the tags off of all my pillows…….
Christy
249 days ago
That looks gorgeous!! I’m with you… paint wood whenever you feel like it.
OK, I do draw the line at wooden spoons and bamboo tongs and anything I eat with. 
[Reply]
Sherry @ Ties2ThePast
249 days ago
Ha! Ha! You’re such a STINKER!!!
I like your spunk & your painted wood!!!!
♥’s
Sherry
[Reply]
Becki
249 days ago
Longaberger should take note! Your bread basket looks updated for sure!
[Reply]
Sandra
249 days ago
Next thing I know you will be running with scissors, you little rebel! I absolutely LOVE your improvements on the basket – what vision you have. You have probably started a trend. But my favorite part of your blog is always the same – the way you tell the story – you are addictive, hilarious, and captivating!
[Reply]
Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Thank you! And the running with scissors thing… will probably happen..
[Reply]
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
249 days ago
You are a rebel, Sharyl! : ) I used to think the same way. You say you want to paint something, the intake of breath, the swooning, the pleading, the anger – I just told my husband, “Fine, I won’t paint it! Get over yourself already and stop being so dramatic!”.
Now I wait until he goes out of town! But really, if I hate a piece of furntiure or whatever in my house and painting it will make me like, dare I say, love it again, why not! You’ve basically saved something and enhanced your home. Tastes change. In my case it seems to be about every 7 years. The other night my hubby came home from his last trip and asked, “Is everything going to be white?” and I said, “That’s not white, you heathen, it’s Old Ochre!”. Sheesh!
[Reply]
Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
LOL!!
[Reply]
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
249 days ago
By the way, I think the lid looks fabulous in black and with its new handle. It looks great with the black and white checked fabric.
[Reply]
Theresa
249 days ago
I love the basket painted! It looks sophisticated! And I agree the floors and cabinets should NOT run into each other, they should compliment each other! If you don’t like something Paint Sister Paint! And I tell hubby, do you want to buy something expensive or would you rather let me paint it ? LOL
[Reply]
Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
I love that line – I am going to use it!!
[Reply]
Theresa
249 days ago
I love the painted basket! It looks sophisticated!
And I so agree with you, floors and cabinets should not be matchy matchy !! Because then if they are dark wood its like walking into a cave! They should contrast and compliment each other!! And if my hubby starts to bitch about me painting…ask I do is ask him if he rather buy something new (expensive) or have me paint it (cheaper)? LOL it works.
[Reply]
SheilaG
249 days ago
I love the way you put it all out there- you made me smile! There are very few things I would cringe over painting, and I love your projects- go for it, even if you hafta be sneaky about it!
[Reply]
Beverly
249 days ago
That looks great! My husband favorite comment is “I wouldn’t paint that”. I wait a while and paint it anyway.
[Reply]
Jessy
249 days ago
I’m pretty sure that painting your Longaberger is a form of blasphemy…
[Reply]
Jan Reply:
September 12th, 2011 at 11:54 am
I think you’re probably right Jessy!
[Reply]
Kelsie
249 days ago
roflmbo @ u…I love this post and I ADORE the lid now…I find unpainted pieces look dated…very 90′s ugly way…but painting and distressing to “look dated” in a very good way is much better.
Keep up the good painting.
Blessings Kelsie
[Reply]
Kelsie
249 days ago
PS: LOVE LOVE the new handle on the lid.
[Reply]
Kathy
249 days ago
I too was a former longaberger consultant and have baskets, etc, coming out of boxes in the attic, closets-you name it it’s oozing baskets, lids and liners. I love the painted lid-it really gives it an updated look. Never would have thought to do that! Ever conside spray painting a basket?
[Reply]
Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Actually, I did paint a basket! The post is called “Did you just see that pig fly by?” !
[Reply]
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home
249 days ago
Okay, Rebel, I know you’ve done this before, and know what? I’m ready to join you. I’ve been thinking about painting the shelves of a LB table I have, as well as, a couple of baskets that I still like, but not the 90s yellow-y stain. Paint on!
[Reply]
Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
I know you probably have as many baskets as I do!
[Reply]
ingrid
249 days ago
love it! i am all about painting wood, wood grain schmood grain. i want some color sometimes and if i decide i hate it? sand ‘er down and refinish!
[Reply]
Annette
249 days ago
Like Kathy, after selling for several years I have baskets tucked away in lots of nooks and crannies, still not willing to part w/them! But I do believe in giving pieces of wood a new lease of life and that lid and handle is amazing! I can see it decorated for Halloween w/some cute fabric in it! You did a great job on it. I so love the warmth of a LB basket though and you do a beauitful job displaying them in your home. Makes me want to come over and have coffee w/you and drink out of our LB mugs! As Ever, Annette
[Reply]
Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Come on over girlfriend!! I have plenty of LB mugs!
[Reply]
Lynne
249 days ago
You are so funny! I always get a kick out of your posts! I’m all in with you girlfriend! I say paint anything that doesn’t stand still! Outdated stained wood is just that- OUTDATED!! You are hip and with it and need to have surroundings that show that off! I hadn’t thought about painting my breadbox( used to hold snacks for the grandkids) but it’s on my radar now! Now I just have to choose a color!
[Reply]
Deb Westbury
249 days ago
I guess I am one that rides the fence…I believe like your basket looks very pretty painted, but on the other hand I think I would have handled the cabinet a bit differently…I just believe that not all wood items were meant to be painted…
[Reply]
Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
That is absolutely OK! I just get frustrated with the people who tell me I can’t paint mine!
[Reply]
Debbie
249 days ago
OH wow! That is a definate improvement!! Don’t worry, none of us will tell anybody =)
[Reply]
Coastal Femme
249 days ago
Ha….I could’ve written a post like this! I painted two of my Longaberger baskets in the late 90′s I painted a navy blue line around two of my baskets and was thrilled the way it turned out.Everyone asked me where I got those particular Longaberger baskets with the navy stripes and when I told them what I had done, they were appalled. By the way, I love your painted drum table and needless to say the Logaberger basket lid too.
[Reply]
Pam
248 days ago
Hilarious! I love that you did that. It was very brave of you to think outside of the box(or basket in this case!). Good job!
[Reply]
Ada
248 days ago
Love it!
I’ve just been waiting until I was no longer pregnant to give my kitchen ones a coat of, your favorite and mine…heirloom white.
Oh and I showed Adam the kitchen island transformation post because I double loved it. He loves it too!!! He showed his brother and there is talk of doing our cabinets. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my black (yep, black) cabinets.
[Reply]
gina
248 days ago
I am so a painter. When we moved into a house about 1 year ago, I went on a black craze. My kids beds, bookcases, our computer desk, a rocker chair, and a big entry way mirror were all out on the lawn getting a coat of black. We looked like an Ethan Allen ad. About six months later, I went on a white craze and painted a bunch of things white. Kind of funny. I love the basket, the handle is a great idea!
[Reply]
Linny
248 days ago
You know what’s the funniest thing? Last night I told the story of when I was an elementary school girl and my friend and I ripped the tag off of her doll’s mattress to see what would happen. We hid in the garden and I think we buried the tag. We were sure the police were coming to get us!!
[Reply]
Linny Reply:
September 11th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
PS – Love the basket!
[Reply]
Teresa of Blossomwood Fams
248 days ago
You rebel you!!! Gorgeous!! I’m with you though…I’m in the beginning stages of pleading/urging/begging my husband to paint the kitchen cabinets!!
Be vewy vewy qwiet!! The wood painting police are around!!
Smiles,
Teresa
[Reply]
Janice
248 days ago
You’re too funny girl. This type of blogging is your strong suit. Keep it funny ….. entertaining reading.
[Reply]
Dee in BC
248 days ago
I really like the basket painted -think it looks much more interesting-I’ve always wondered about those “wood purists” who seem to believe anyone who paints wood should be shot ( or sent to forced labour camps to strip paint off furniure 23 hours a day ) . Do people tell them their stuff looks worn, dated & mismatched? I figure if you own the piece & and painting it works better for you- go for it. It ‘s yours. Having a home that reflects you & your tastes should be more important than not offending some opinionated stranger.
[Reply]
Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse Reply:
September 12th, 2011 at 7:58 am
Lol! You cracked me up! And I say a huge AMEN to your comment!!
[Reply]
cyndi
248 days ago
Oh what a rebel you are!!!
[Reply]
Anita
247 days ago
This is hysterical! I too have painted lots of my Longaberger Baskets. Big ones, small ones, both old and new ones. Mostly black, before we sold black. I LOVE them and I don’t even care about the basket police. We have them lerking all over California too. I painted my entire kitchen by myself, my husband was mortified. But, after it was done he had to admit he loved it as much as I do. What would people like us do with spray paint?
[Reply]
JoLene
247 days ago
The lid looks great! I am just now getting brave enough to paint wood. (I have some family antiques also and probably won’t paint them) I have four kids (all adults now) whose senior pictures were in wooden frames, two were one style and two were another. I bit the bullet took the pictures out and spray painted all four frames black!!! Wow!!! I survived:) I’m even thinking of taking them off my living room wall! (where they have hung since we moved here 20 years ago, only they were “class pictures”}Possibly puting them on the staircase wall with their wedding pics Hmmm. I enjoy your blog and your not gma wardrobe. Although I finally am a grandma and I love it!!!!
[Reply]
Cindy
247 days ago
HA…Not sure how I missed this post but I. LOVE. IT!!!! You rebel You:) Painting…It’s A Good Thing…I think I’ll do a little of that myself this weekend…Maybe my Longaberger baskets…Oh, wait, they don’t have lids…now THAT would be a story:)
[Reply]
Taylor
247 days ago
You are a force to be reckoned with
[Reply]
Amy
246 days ago
I thought I was a “hater” of painted wood until I saw how amazing you make things look with paint! I’m now a “painter”! Thanks for transforming my world!
[Reply]
Gwynne
246 days ago
Your sense of humor is what caught me and has kept me coming back for more!! I so even laugh out loud! Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration!!
[Reply]
Stephanie Stimson
245 days ago
Gina, I’m in the same boat…painted everything in my bedroom black and got all black bookcases for my dinky living room. Well we’ve finally installed our rustic red oak flooring so of COURSE I’m now lightening up EVERYTHING in the house with white paint. LOL Love that we have the choice!!!!!
[Reply]
Stephanie Stimson
245 days ago
I love the painted top…I have a couple of those baskets (thanks to my sister who also sold LB for years…my kitchen looks like a Bob Evans restaurant) with the wood lids. Now where did I put that can of black spray paint?
[Reply]
Angela (Cottage Magpie)
241 days ago
Bahahahahahahaha!!!!
You are so funny. I can’t stop laughing.
Rock on, you wood painting fiend!
Seriously, I am a big chicken and I have to live vicariously through you!
Ha ha!
~Angela~
[Reply]
Robn
219 days ago
To Kathy and Sharyl–
painting is the thing that keeps me happy in my home! If it’s been alittle while and something is starting to look a little gloomy– I’ve got to paint it!. this summer when my daughter was gone to youth conference, I told her I would paint her room (again, she can’t make up her mind) but that it would be the last time it would be painted before she graduates ( 2 years). She chose of all colors grey. Not a pastel grey, but a dark steely grey. I was skeptical. the room wasn’t very big, and it already had black curtains which were going to stay. To make a very long story short… I painted all the trim in her room a high gloss, slightly off, white. WOW! I was sold! After I finished that room, I’ve been painting all my trim in the house with that paint. It’s soooo fresh and sooooo crisp!! i felt better in just a short time. Now it’s time to pint the hall. (Why are halls so dark nd dingy?) Maybe a buttery yellow?
[Reply]