How to: Resurface a wooden kitchen worktop

...resurface a wooden kitchen worktop 

 

I love the wooden worktops in my kitchen....But after finishing the tiling, I realized that they were in dire need for some TLC!!

This is my own fault: When we bought our house 2 1/2 years ago: the wooden worktops in the kitchen was one of the features of this property we fell in love with. And we were told that they would need regular re-oiling to keep....however: I forgot...or rather, kept putting it off!!

Naughty me!!

And with so much stuff being made in the kitchen (Not just food, but a lot of my projects come to life here...) the worktops had suffered an unreasonable amount of abuse, and was seriously showing some wear and tear + they had started yellowing and did NOT look like the beautiful wooden worktops they once were....poor things!!

So operation: Resurface the worktops was set into action: 

I started by taking off the previous finish of the worktop.

I used :

Clean Spirit (a non-toxic version of white spirit)

Wire wool

A paint scraper

 Wearing rubber gloves I applied the Clean Spirit to the worktops and scrubbed with wire wool... left to soak for 10-20 minutes the clean spirit lifted the old oil finish from the wood!

 Then I used the paint scraper to scrape off the mucky mix of the old oil-finish and Clean spirit. Then I wiped the surface clean and left to dry.

I then dug out my palm sander and sanded back the surface...first with 40grit sandpaper, then with 100grit. Paying extra attention to where there was marks in the surface!!

I then brushed away the wood dust and wiped the surface clean with a damp (NOT WET) rag .

 I then applied a layer of bleach to the surface with a rag and left this to soak into the wood for 1/2 hour.

This will not only disinfect the wooden worktops, killing any bacteria in the wood, but also help lighten the wood and removing some of that yellowing!!

You can buy special wood bleach if your wooden worktops are very yellow, but I settled for normal household bleach!

 When the bleach had soaked in to the wood, I again wiped the surfaces down with a damp rag! It is important not to get too much moisture into the wood at this stage as the wood in unprotected!! I left the wooden worktop to completely dry out for a couple of hours... then I reapplied 3 coats of Danish oil (there are of course other oils, with different finishes, but I used what the previous owners left behind to save money!!)with an old dishcloth, leaving a couple of hours in-between coats.

(It does say on the tin to leave 5-6 hours in-between coats, but this was a particularly hot day....and I am so impatient!!! Anyway: 2 hours seemed to be just fine!!)

NB!! Make sure you soak the rag you used to apply the oil with before disposing, as the oil can make it self combust at any time!!

 Leave it at least 24 hours before you use the resurfaced and re-oiled wooden worktop for food preparation!

Not all of the marks came out , but I am pleased with the new finish of my wooden worktops...Nothing like a good "scrub-up" to make you feel as though you start afresh...

And I promise to treat my new-conditioned wooden worktop to a regular re-oiling from now on ( and to treat it with a bit more care!!)!!

My kitchen is almost ready for the reveal now, just have few more smaller projects (and one larger DIY) to finish off!!

I am learning a lot in this makeover, and will be sharing some more of my new found knowledge with you all next week....so far the biggest lesson learnt: I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to!!

....and so can you folks!!

xxx

June

The Cosmopolitan blog awards 2014

....I need your votes!!

Imagine my joy on Monday, when I realised I'd made it!!

I've made the shortlist for the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards in the BEST INTERIOR BLOG category!!

I would've done a celebratory summersault...if I could...But the fear of serious injury held me back!!

It was the sensible choice...and I knew it!!

However, fear did not hold me back when I entered Nostalgiecat for the CBA2014 a couple of months ago...but I DID NOT expect to make the shortlist!!

So A BIG THANK YOU to everyone that nominated me... I LOVE YOU ALL....but now I need your help ...again!!

Show me some love...



Its simple...it only takes a minute:

Just click on the image above, and the link to the Cosmopolitan blog awards voting pages will open in a new tab....Click through to page 11: BEST INTERIOR BLOG and simply tick the little radio button next to Nostalgiecat .
Then click through to the end, enter your name and e-mail address, tick a couple more boxes, hit SUBMIT....and bobs your uncle!!
...And I am your friend forever!!

I would of course highly recommend that you browse through all the wonderful blogs in all the categories (You can check out each blog by clicking on the blog-names): You never know...you might find your new favourite!!!(Apart from Nostalgiecat, of course (ahem!!blush!!))



VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED!!
Wish me Luck!!

Signing off with extra kisses today:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
June


Kitchen cupboard update: DIY diamond cement cupboard knobs

...DIY diamond cement cupboard knobs

My kitchen makeover is nearly complete....just adding the finishing touches!

Today I want to show you how I've made these Diamond shaped cement cupboard knobs to update my kitchen units! They are easy to make, (if not a little time consuming) and adds a modern twist to my new look kitchen!

The only hard part of this, is to fold as many paper origami moulds as you need!!

I have even made you a downloadable PDF pattern.

You will need:

My downloadable PDF diamond  pattern

Glossy cardstock

Scissors

Scalpel

Tape

Rapid setting Cement (or concrete)

Water

Plastic container for mixing up the cement

 mixing sticks

Drill with suitable drill-bit

Clear spray varnish

2 part epoxy adhesive

Screws

 

 Download the template here

MAKING THE PAPER ORIGAMI MOULDS 

# Print out the template on glossy cardstock (You can adjust the size on your printer if needed, but I think this size was perfect for my kitchen cupboard knobs) Print out as many as you will need.

# Cut out the templates

#Use your scalpel to carefully score (take care not to cut through the paper) the perforated lines to make the folding a LOT easier!! (this may be easier to do before you cut out the templates)

#Fold (I forgot to put perforated lined on the little "disk" that goes on the top of the diamond, so please remember NOT to cut this part away, but fold it)

#Tape the diamond shape together using small strips of tape....The little "flaps" go on the outside!! Make sure you cover the whole diamond with tape: this will strengthen the paper mould and help waterproofing the paper!

Depending on how many you need, this process will take some time....so get comfortable, put some music on and make yourself a coffee!!

 

When you have finished making all your paper diamond moulds, give yourself a pat on the back!! The hard work is done....the next step is easy!!

MIX AND POUR ...

Mix up your cement in a plastic container...aim for the consistency of yoghurt: Not too runny, but still pourable! Carefully fill each mould with the cement mix....work quickly, as the rapid-setting cement sets fast!!  Gently tap each mould as you go, to shake loose any air-bubbles from the surface!

After a couple of minutes you will need to top up each mould to make the back of your diamonds level, as the paper will soak up some moisture from the cement mix, causing the level to sink a little!!

Use your mixing stick to carefully skim off any excess cement-mix!!

Leave to set according to the instructions on your cement mix!

# The cement mix I used set within 20 minutes! I then peeled all the paper off, revealing my diamonds!!

#Whilst the cement was still in this early stage of curing (and still quite soft) I drilled a hole in the middle at the back of each diamond (taking care not to drill all the way through). This is for the screw to attach to the cupboards, so choose a drill-bit with a similar diameter as your screws!!

(I used the old screws already attached to my kitchen units, left by the old hardware, but you can of course buy new ones if they are no longer present)

#Use your scalpel to shave off any lumps and bumps on your cement diamond...especially at the back (as you'll want your new cement diamond cupboard knobs (hi hi...that word gets me every time: childish, I know!!) to sit flush on your kitchen units!!)

Now leave them all to fully cure overnight!!

To seal the surface of your cement diamonds, I used a clear spray lacquer....but a watered down PVA mix will work as well!!

ATTACHING YOUR NEW CUPBOARD KNOBS 

 I used a two-part epoxy adhesive to attach my knobs(...there I go again!! get a grip June!!LOL) to my kitchen cupboards! Epoxy adhesive is great for  creating a strong bond between different materials, in this case cement and a metal screw!!

Mix it together, and drizzle some in to the hole in the back of your diamonds, then screw them onto your cupboards!!

Its no secret that I love concrete and cement, but I REALLY  love how these look in my new style kitchen!! I love the modern Diamond shape and  think they go perfectly with the metro tiles/grey grout combo!!

 Here's a sneaky peek of my new look kitchen:

Looks nice and fresh, hey??

I had never done tiling before, but I am very pleased with how it's turned out!! All the hard work is done now, I even resurfaced the wooden workbench (post coming soon!!)

So now it's just the FUN bits left, like lighting (See my previous post here ), accessories and other details left!! So the big reveal is coming soon!!

I hope you like my Cement diamond cupboard knobs (Alright...that's enough now!!)

Any questions, please leave a comment below!

xxx

June



Been thinking about kitchen lighting...My pick of the best industrial style spotlights

...My pick of industrial style spotlights

So, I'm halfway there with the kitchen redecorating, and have started thinking about the finishing touches. As the budget is super tight on this one, I am having to prioritize!  Most pressingly we need to sort out the kitchen lighting!! Good task lighting in the kitchen is essential, and as most of our spotlights are not working, and the ceiling spotlight is both ugly and out of order, this is one thing we need to spend some money on!!

I really have my heart set on industrial style lighting in my new look kitchen...

So, I have been trawling the web for the best of industrial style spotlights, and thought I'd share my finds with you in this post...

Ranging from the outrageously expensive (I admit it: I am a hopeless dreamer!!) to the affordable budget options (Hello reality!!)

From the top:

Authentage Vitrine Fleure Square 4light ceiling light , £452,59 and

Authentage Comete 4 Light Ceiling Spotlight, £609,88 Both from wayfair.

Valencia ceramic 3 spotlight ceiling plate £70,- from John Lewis

Dar osaka 3 spotlight plate £67,50 from affordable lighting

Vitemolla triple ceiling spotlight £40,- from IKEA

  I adore that boxed in spotlight at the top from Wayfair, but it is (unfortunately) way out of my price range...I was hoping to find some mid range priced spotlights to show you, but found nothing that took my fancy( go figure??) However, there was loads of affordable options to be found, and I eventually whittled it down to the last 3: I love that ceramic spotlight from John Lewis, but not sure whether it is "industrial" enough for me!!?? I think I am going to go for the Dar Osaka spots as they fit the style I want, but also have the same shape as our current (defunct) ones, saving me repainting the ceiling!! I had to include the Vitemolla frim IKEA, as it is right on the mark style-wise and such a great price!!

I love scouring the internet for things, but end up spending far too much time doing it....hopefully you might find this round-up of industrial style kitchen ceiling spotlights useful and inspirational....maybe saving yourself some time online in your search!!

I will be back at the weekend with a little kitchen DIY!!

xxx

June

Kitchen spotlight update....

give a girl some spray-paint....

Remember my post here about choosing the right ceiling spotlight for my new look kitchen??

I had my heart set on some industrial style ones!

In the end I didn't go for any of them...

....because I found these from B&Q at a bargain £35!!

They had that right look with an industrial feel....

....OK, so they didn't have the right finish: That brass look wasn't quite what I'd had in mind!!

But then I remembered my own advice in my post decor and furniture on budget : "a quick makeover with some spray paint can change the look of a bargain buy to fit with your decor!!"

This instantly sprung to mind...

DOH!!

So I decided to take my own advice and set off to acquire my bargain kitchen spotlights!

MAKEOVER TIME!!

As I am going for shots of black and copper in my new look kitchen (See my full reveal on Saturday)

I set to work , armed with spray-cans, in the said colors:

I masked off the outside of the lights...

And sprayed the inside of the shades copper..

...when the copper had dried, I masked off the inside of the shades, removed the previous coverage on the outside and spray-painted the light fitting matte black!

And, voila: The transformation was complete!!

The perfect ceiling spotlights for my new look kitchen!!

I have used spray paint a lot in my kitchen makeover to tie in the details....

...never underestimate the power of spray paint: It really can transform the look of just about anything!!

Get ready for the Full reveal on Saturday!!

xxx

June

Liverpool contemporary arts fair...UK's new modern art fair

UK's new modern art fair

Next weekend Britain's new international modern arts fair kicks off in Liverpool. Showcasing work by emerging and established artists from over 50 leading British and international Galleries...the stockists of my concrete works, Art at 88, included!!

Visitors will be able to view and buy art from all the participating galleries.

The fair will include visual art, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass work and much more.

Liverpool contemporary arts fair is part of the cultural programme for the UK's International Festival for Business, which is hosted by Liverpool and will welcome over 250000 national and international visitors to the city.

So needless to say, I am very excited that Art at 88 will be showcasing my concrete bowls there!! And what's more, an image of my bowls even made it to the flier for the fair!!

So today I am sharing a few pictures of my collection that will be on show in Liverpool next week:

 Extra large cast concrete bowl with copper gilding

My collection all ready to go...

Extra large cast concrete bowl with gold gilding

 Small cast concrete bowl with copper gilding

The Liverpool contemporary arts fair will take place at the World Museum, and opens to the public 3-6th July.

I feel so honoured to be showcased amongst so many amazing artist!

I want to thank Malcolm and Jenni from Art at 88 for taking my bowls up north for this amazing event and wish them all the best of luck!!

xxx

June



Kitchen makeover....Moodboard and wish list

Mood board and wish list..

Having been quiet on the redecorating front, due to some personal issues, I am now rearing to go again!! (And yes...the bedroom reveal is still to come!!)

 This time it's the kitchen that is getting a makeover!!

In fact, If you follow me on instagram, you will already know that the current state of my kitchen is a mess....in progress!!

But I have both the determination and the vision to know that it's gonna look great!!

I thought I'd let you in on my plan of action in this post, as well as sharing my kitchen wish list!

homebase silver mist kitchen paint , bleached wood and metro tiles with grey grout

 So, my kitchen units are OK (not dreamy fab....but OK),but I have a yellowing wooden worktop that needs some TLC, and I am retiling with white metro tiles with grey grout....

Oh! And the horrible red walls are turning a silvery grey....hurray!!
(See the before pictures of my kitchen in this post )

Not a long list of jobs, but I think the impact is going to be massive!! (And re-tiling is NOT a small job!!)

There are quite a few things I would love to add once my kitchen is re-decorated....unfortunately, money is very tight at the moment, so they will just have to wait....Anyway, here is my Wishlist for the New look kitchen:

Vintage industrial steel laboratory table from factory20

FLAP large analogue wall clock from habitat

CUISINE metal sign from Rockett st George

Large Distressed metal lampshade from Rockett st George

Hand painted blossom mug from Rockett st George

Rustic wall plate rack from not on the high street

Isn't that table nice?? Discovered factory20 by chance...they have some amazing stuff....Unfortunately all quite pricey....and based in the US! But dreaming is allowed right??

Love that large wall clock from Habitat....will be saving and waiting for a sale!!

Rockett st George is fast becoming one of my favourite online shops for home ware...Their recent collection is perfectly eclectic!!

And I love how you can find so many "unique" gems on Not on the High street, an online marketplace full of smaller independent makers and shops!!

oooh....to win the lottery!!

I am so excited to finally be redecorating the kitchen...it is the room that has been niggling at me the most since we moved in...with its horrid blood red walls and hard-to-clean tiles!

Also :stay tuned for some DIY's for the new kitchen as well!!

xxx

June