Cassie Bustamante

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Piece of Work Wednesday Furniture Link Party Number 75 and a Little About Cora

February 14, 2012 by Cassie 26 Comments

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Happy POWW!  Happy Valentine’s Day!!!  Hope you are all having a great week so far!  It’s been cold here and I haven’t been working on too much (besides my bathroom!), though I do have a piece to share with you.  My good friend , Heather whom you all know as Cora’s mom,  was cleaning out her garage and had a dresser she was going to part with and thought I may want.  I of course took her up on it, and arranged for Chris to pick it up while he was in her neck of the woods.  Of course, I was insanely jealous when Chris returned with the dresser and told me he was able to see Cora and told me how big she has gotten!!!  You see, Heather and Cora are still pretty much under house arrest.  I am thrilled that I get to go see her in a few weeks to help with some colors in her house and just hang out, and I will get to see Cora, too!

So I wanted to share a little Cora story with you before I head into the dresser.  It’s appropriate for the holiday today.
As you can imagine, since Heather has to constantly stay home with Cora, it’s very hard to find time alone with her other two kids, Grace and Andrew (who was the bone marrow donor).  When Heather is able to get time alone with them, she has tried to make it special, and this past weekend she took them to a Milkshake Valentine Spectacular concert.  While at the concert, Heather was unexpectedly called onto stage to help sing Cora’s favorite song, “A Happy Song.”  What Heather did not yet know was that her husband had written them an email the day before with a special request.  And she might kill me for publishing this, but I cried last night when she sent it to me, and I had to share what Jeff wrote.

Hello Lisa, Mikel and Milkshake Band,

I have a special request for you to dedicate a song tomorrow at the Valentine Spectacular.  My wife, Heather, has played “A Happy Song” for our youngest daughter Cora (2 years old) more times than anyone could count.  Cora is recovering from a bone marrow transplant and cannot be at the concert on Saturday, but Heather is taking our other two Grace (8 years old) and Andrew (6 years old who donated his bone marrow to Cora).  If you could dedicate “A Happy Song” to my wife Heather, it would make her day and then some.  Valentine’s Day is her favorite holiday.

Thanks a whole bunch – your music helps my family have more fun together and for Heather and I to keep our sanity.  Rock on!

Having a sick child in one’s family can be so tough.  It takes a whole lot of love, and caring about one another to be able to hold it together.  It takes a team.  And sometimes it takes little surprises to remind you of the love you share with your spouse, the love you shared before your children were even a glimmer in your eye.  I just wanted to share this story with you guys today because I thought it was special and worth sharing, especially since today is Valentine’s Day.  You never know when you will be faced with adversity in life- a sick child, an accident, an injury- and it takes the power of love, the power of togetherness to pull through.  I am sure you have in your life had a small wound or injury, and sometimes when it heals it grows back together differently than when it started.  But that is ok, because the point is that in order to heal, it worked and grew together.  So now that you are done reading this story, do me a favor and remember that sweet little surprises go a long way.  Remember that even if you are having a tough time, a little gesture of love goes a long way.  Do all the little things that let your spouse or partner know how much you care.  Make every day Valentine’s Day.
Ok, now that I am crying, and perhaps you are, too, let’s check out that dresser I was telling you about….
So here it is in its before state:
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So it was a little rough, but I sanded it down and cleaned it up.  I also used wood filler where the paint had chipped and peeled (as on that front drawer) to smooth out the finish.  Now, Julie and Sharon had sent me a sample of CeCe Caldwell’s Smoky Mountain Gray, which is a gorgeous color!  I wasn’t sure if the sample would be enough to get two coats on, but thought I would try… Sadly, it wasn’t, but because of it’s amazing adhesion it worked beautifully as primer and dried super fast so I was able to paint it very shortly after.   So it still worked to my advantage!

Here it is with its coat of CeCe’s.  Where you see the darker spots is where it was still wet, which shows you just how quickly it dries!  And that it dries much lighter, but when waxed is darker again.

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So since I didn’t have enough of that paint, I used a Benjamin Moore paint I had on hand… slate teal.  Now, when we changed our address Benjamin Moore sent us a coupon for two free color samples.  We were lucky enough to get two of those coupons because we changed our address twice since we had to stay with my parents in between houses!  So lucky us!  Of course, I was nervous the people at the store would recognize me and not allow me to use the coupon a second time, so I sent Chris in with the second coupon and color choices… he he.  He picked up nocturnal gray, and slate teal for me.  I put two coats of slate teal on, distressed the edges, waxed it, and then added some sparkly faceted acrylic knobs.

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 Oh, and the best part??? I picked up several (like al 10 they had!!!) rolls of this awesome wallpaper at Goodwill for $1 per roll.  It is PERFECT drawer liner for anything in the blue family, and it’s map inspired!  I love it!

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 And Heather emailed me and wants her dresser back now! πŸ˜‰  But if you like it, it is currently for sale at Wild Rose in Walkersville, MD!

So let’s see what you have to share!!!  And please abide by the rules or you won’t be featured.

RULES:
1. Your project must be a furniture build or redo.  NO CRAFTS.
2. Your link must be new to my parties- never before linked here in the past!
3. Place my button or text link in your post or sidebar.
4. NO Etsy shops.
5. Please leave others some comment love!

Now let’s see what you’ve got!

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Comments

  1. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    February 14, 2012 at 9:13 pm

    Aww, sweet story! Love that color on the dresser too.

    Reply
  2. Sophia's says

    February 14, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    Thanks for sharing that story… makes me want to squeeze my babies even tighter. I love how your dresser turned out. Perfect color and perfect drawer paper!

    Kristen

    Reply
  3. Good Time Charlie says

    February 14, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    That is the sweetest and saddest story all together. I was crying by the time I finished reading that story. Having a sick child, esp. with cancer I think is one of the most painful things we can endure in this life and you are right, it is little acts of love and kindness that help heal. We had a string of very difficult losses all in a short space of time and there were days I cried so hard I thought I would just cry up a lung and that would be the end of me. Truthfully. There was so much love surrounding myself and my family that it helped us heal and get through tragedy. Although I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what we did, I do believe I was blessed with the love and experience of walking through it to comfort others who face loss at such great degrees. I am sure your friend Heather will some day be that person to give love and comfort to another family who is facing cancer with one of their children.

    And, I do love that dresser, the color is so fun. I always look for wallpaper at my local thrift stores and never find it. Maybe I am looking in the wrong thrift stores!

    Happy Love Day Cassie. Thank you for making my day happier.

    Reply
  4. Lisa @ Turning Tables says

    February 14, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Happy Valentine’s day, friend!! That is such a sweet story about. You are right that life is precious and love is precious, and if we all did our part to make other people feel happy and loved, we would all be a lot happier in general.

    Awesome teal dresser….love the color and the knobs!! xo Have a happy day!

    Reply
  5. Gwen @ The Bold Abode says

    February 14, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    My heart goes out to Cora and her family! And your beautifully written post, along with that touching story, most certainly brought tears to my eyes…

    The dresser is just lovely. I love Goodwill. You seriously lucked out with that wallpaper/drawer liner! I wouldn’t have thought of that!!!

    Reply
  6. laxsupermom says

    February 14, 2012 at 10:06 pm

    What a sweet story! It’s such a huge endeavor to take care of a sick child while also being the main caregiver for the rest of the family.

    The dresser turned out beautiful! Love the crystal knobs and the wallpaper/drawer liner you used! Thanks for sharing and for hosting this party each week.

    Reply
  7. Tanya says

    February 14, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    Love the color of the dresser! Cool liner paper for the inside too πŸ™‚ Thanks for hosting πŸ™‚

    Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    February 14, 2012 at 10:21 pm

    That is a great, great story! The dresser is fantastic as always. Happy V-day!

    Reply
  9. Katie @ Wildwood Creek says

    February 14, 2012 at 10:27 pm

    Thanks for sharing your friends beautiful story. Love the dresser and liner!

    Reply
  10. Katie says

    February 14, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    I love the color on this dresser!! It looks amazing! It’s perfect with the crystal knobs!

    Reply
  11. Kara @ June & Bear says

    February 14, 2012 at 10:51 pm

    i seriously can’t enough of slate teal. i adore that color. the dresser looks great. and what a sweet sweet story.

    Reply
  12. vintageshabbychicks says

    February 14, 2012 at 11:12 pm

    Thank you Cassie for sharing that story with us. Its a perfect tribute for Valentines Day:-)) The dresser looks amazing…love the color! Happy Valentines Day..Julie

    Reply
  13. Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy says

    February 14, 2012 at 11:45 pm

    The dresser is lovely! Happy vday!

    Reply
  14. Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy says

    February 14, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    Sweet story, too!

    Reply
  15. Sarah AKA The Thriftress says

    February 15, 2012 at 12:48 am

    That story made me cry too. I can’t imagine having a seriously ill child. Enjoy your visit!

    Also how did I not know that the dresser had that cool drawer liner? Love that you got it at Goodwill!

    Reply
  16. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    February 15, 2012 at 1:16 am

    My heart goes out to sweet Cora and her family! … Love the dresser and it’s a great color too! … Hope you are having a sweet Valentine’s Day!

    Reply
  17. Twice Nice says

    February 15, 2012 at 1:45 am

    Wonderful story! It definitely brings it all home, what is important, how fragile life can be, what it means to really give of yourself. Thanks!

    Reply
  18. Cyndi βœͺ Blue Star says

    February 15, 2012 at 2:13 am

    I’m sharing the turquoise love! Thanks for hosting the party!

    Reply
  19. Ann Marie @ Twice Lovely says

    February 15, 2012 at 2:28 am

    Eeeek!! Love the color!! I seriously need to whip out some teal sometime soon. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  20. Fiona, LilyfieldLife says

    February 15, 2012 at 3:54 am

    what a great makeover on the dresser. and i love the drawer liners. very creative!
    cheers Fiona

    Reply
  21. [email protected] Not Included says

    February 15, 2012 at 3:56 am

    Love the dresser and the map wallpaper insides but more importantly, I love Cora’s story. I think of them often with her little ornament in my office/craft room.

    Reply
  22. Chrissie says

    February 15, 2012 at 4:24 am

    Thanks for sharing that special Valentines story.It was a tear jerker!!! Love the dresser in teal!Happy Valentines Day!

    Reply
  23. Meg and Mum's says

    February 15, 2012 at 7:43 am

    What a gorgeous story Cassie. Definitely pulls at the heartstrings.
    I love the dresser by the way, it looks quite nautical with that paper lining too!
    Thanks for the party πŸ™‚

    Reply
  24. Lisa Scibilia says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:59 am

    What a great story about Heather and her family! I love that her hubby did that…..so sweet!
    And I lovvvve the color on the dresser – so pretty!

    Reply
  25. Suzy www.savedbysuzy.blogspot.com says

    February 15, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    I’m glad to hear that Cora is doing well. What a sweet husband for dedicating the song! That wallpaper looks amazing and is perfect with the blue. Great find!!! I love the map-like look of it.

    Reply
  26. Drama Mama Lori says

    February 15, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    Cassie, mmmm malbec is my favorite!! Thanks for hosting! ~Lori

    Reply

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Piece of Work Wednesday Furniture Link Party Number 40!

June 14, 2011 by Cassie 30 Comments

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Happy Piece of Work Wednesday… almost!  (Starting early today as we have to get ready for dress rehearsal tonight!)  We have been really crazy busy here, among all things involving the potential sale of our home, and then add to that a puking 5 year old on Sunday, and a feverish 4 year old last night!  Poor Sawyer missed his kindergarten end of year picnic yesterday and was so sad, but since he was sick all day Sunday it was best to keep him home.  He got to go to his last day today though!  Emmy came down with a fever around 5:30 yesterday afternoon, and slept for 13 hours, and woke feeling better… no fever.  Thank Goodness because she had her gymnastics show today, and has dress rehearsal for dance tonight!   So I got to see this little gymnast this morning…

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 I love that girl!  She is doing so great with gymnastics and I am so proud of her!
Now onto a makeover for you!  I actually have a couple done, but have to save some for later!  Since we are going to be selling our home, I am trying to clean out a bit, too.  I had this trunk at the foot of Emmy’s bed for a while and just loved it as is.  When I rearranged her room it no longer fit, so I have just been hanging onto it because I loved it!  But you know what, an impending move makes me want to get rid of EVERYTHING!  I will be having a moving sale at some point and will also be selling some of the furniture in my own home- holler if you want something! πŸ™‚  Of course, not all of it will be sold!  Anyhow, back to this trunk…

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 I liked it as it was, but it had some water spots on top as well as visible glue near the feet, so it got a makeover and is now for sale.  I painted it with Annie Sloan’s provence chalk paint, and then went over it with just one coat of the Old White. I distressed the edges, and sanded it all over for a beachy feel.  Then the piece was waxed with SC Johnson paste wax. I love how it turned out!  I can just see it as a coffee table in a cute little beach bugalow!

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So What have you worked on?  Remember the PARTY RULES!

1. Be a follower here.  I like to party with friends.
2. Place my button in your post or sidebar.
3. Link the permalink from your post, and not a general blog link.
4. No repeats… must be new to POWW pieces. (though it can be an old post, just new to this party).
5. No crafts- FURNITURE ONLY!  Makeovers or new builds!
6. NO Etsy shops!

Be kind.  Leave comments!  And have fun and be inspired!

Sharing here:

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Comments

  1. Ali Richardson says

    June 14, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    Oh my goodness, your Emmy is so so adoarble!! Her cute little face makes me smile πŸ™‚
    SO glad to hear they’re feeling better. Hayden seems to be better too.
    I love that pretty truck. I liked it before too, but I think it’s much more versatile now. Great job!!! xo

    Reply
  2. Ali Richardson says

    June 14, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    I meant to say trunk, not truck. Duh.

    Reply
  3. Katie says

    June 14, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    Emmy is just so stinking cute! Glad she and Sawyer are feeling better! I love that trunk! It is so precious!!

    Reply
  4. Annie says

    June 14, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    So I’m going to try again with leaving a comment, yesterday I wanted so badly to tell you how excited I was about your impending shop (especially since selfishly it sounds like it will still be local to me, haha!) and about the impending move to a new home! We’ve been looking to move back “across the highway” (I’ve been a Parkie all my life!) and I just love everything in your house tours, so I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for a yard sale, and a For Sale sign! Congrats! And Congrats to the kiddos on all of their accomplishments!

    Reply
  5. Prudently Painted Vintage says

    June 14, 2011 at 5:40 pm

    aww poor sick babies πŸ™ Glad they are feeling better now! I so wish I lived close to you, I would be at that sale for sure!

    Love how the trunk turned out!

    Reply
  6. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    June 14, 2011 at 5:53 pm

    It’s so sad when little ones are sick. Glad they are feeling better. That little Emmy is just too cute. Her smile just melts your heart! … And that truck would make a very cool coffee table!

    Reply
  7. Andi @ Jane of all crafts says

    June 14, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    What a cutie pie! So glad she made it to gymnastics and is feeling better! Love the trunk! Seriously you are going to blow my budget when you start selling stuff in your house cuz you know I love it all!

    Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    June 14, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    She is so cute!! I love how focused she is on that balance beam!

    Reply
  9. I'm Busy Procrastinating says

    June 14, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    Been reading for a while now, and decided to become a follower today. I also decided it was time to participate in your linky party. Been lurking too long!

    Reply
  10. A Flair for Vintage Decor says

    June 14, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    Such a cute trunk– with great lines!! Really like the old white paint color! Take care, Caroline

    Reply
  11. hilary @ the upcycle furniture co. says

    June 14, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    i love it… you are right so beachy!

    Reply
  12. Rita says

    June 14, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    That girl is too precious!! I love her facial expressions!!

    And you’ve inspired me (yet again) to use a trunk for my coffee table. My husband and girls have all their Rock Band crap in ours and it fits perfectly but just broke recently. I’m gonna keep my eye out for a trunk!!

    Reply
  13. Kristin Miracle Lewis @ WESTonCole says

    June 14, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    Your daughter is B-eautiful!!!

    We are thinking of selling our house as well. 3 Boys and 2 almost teenagers sharing a room, not so fun! I wish you a fast sale!!

    Reply
  14. Michaela says

    June 14, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    Aww look at Emmy! She’s so cute. I did gym when I was little and loved it. I wish now that I stuck with it!

    Thanks for hosting, Cassie (:

    Reply
  15. [email protected] says

    June 14, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    What a pretty little girl!

    And I think I’d walk to you house and carry your big white dresser home on my back. But you better keep that one. It’s a gem hahaa.

    Reply
  16. Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says

    June 14, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    Such a cutie! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  17. Renee @ where the grass is greener says

    June 14, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    Emmy is so cute!!! Don’t get rid of anything without asking me, lady…although, then I have to get rid of something!

    Reply
  18. DecorandtheDog says

    June 14, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    I’m finally catching up on blog reading!!

    You’re getting a shop?? That’s super exciting!! Good luck with the move. I hate moving but also love it. (I lived in 13 or 14 diffent houses growing up…so I have a love hate relationship with moving). Good luck!!

    Reply
  19. Susan @ homeroad.net says

    June 14, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    Agghhhh! Cassie please remove #30, it is linked up wrong! Thanks #32 is the right one.
    Sorry so spacy!
    Susan

    Reply
  20. Dacia says

    June 14, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    So many great projects linked up. Thanks for the linky!

    Reply
  21. Sara @ Russet Street Reno says

    June 15, 2011 at 12:34 am

    Very cute daughter, and trunk! I’m itching to redo a dresser right now….

    Reply
  22. Amy says

    June 15, 2011 at 12:56 am

    Oh boy! Selling some of your stuff? I can’t wait to see what it is! Love the trunk, btw…

    Reply
  23. [email protected] Present Life says

    June 15, 2011 at 2:38 am

    So glad Emmy felt better and could go to her gymnastics show! She’s so cute πŸ™‚ And I love that trunk! Someone will snatch that right up!

    Reply
  24. Holly says

    June 15, 2011 at 3:08 am

    I can’t wait, I just ordered my first can of Chalk paint, and in Old White πŸ™‚ Love the trunk!

    Reply
  25. Rhonda says

    June 15, 2011 at 11:46 am

    That trunk is so great – I can already see it in my living room! I love seeing your furniture transformations each week – one of these days I’m going to be brave enough to join in…

    Reply
  26. Nikki says

    June 15, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    How cute your little gal is! And um I love that little trunk too πŸ™‚ Such great link ups…holy cow! Thanks for hosting Cassie πŸ™‚

    Reply
  27. Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy says

    June 16, 2011 at 2:57 am

    Emmy looks so sweet all decked out in pink! The trunk looks awesome! I love the way the blue peeks out!

    Reply
  28. Lisa @ Turning Tables says

    June 16, 2011 at 6:48 am

    Emmy is seriously SO adorable!!!! Seriously!! πŸ™‚ and I love that trunk! It is perfectly distressed and beachy, just like you said! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  29. Serendipity Chic Design says

    June 16, 2011 at 11:58 am

    WOW! All of the links are really popping out this week….Some amazing bloggers and amazing stuff!

    Take care,
    Lisa

    Reply
  30. Hyphen Interiors says

    June 16, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    She’s adorable!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.Β  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.Β  We all get one chance at this life,Β and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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