Lane ® Acclaim 2 Tier Table

As I've mentioned before, I have a passion for mid-century modern furniture, specifically, Lane ® Acclaim Tables. The Acclaim series of furniture from the 1960's was made in Altavista, Virginia. Its dove tail detail is timeless and the two-tier end tables are automatically associated with mid-century design. 

Here's the journey of reclaiming one I found!

I started by using a lift off varnish remover to get back to the raw wood. 

I painted on the varnish remover and let it sit as directed.

I used a plastic drywall knife to scrape the varnish remover off.

After all the varnish remover was taken off, I used OOOO steel wool to smooth the surface.

Next, I added the stain. I used a Min-wax cherry stain.

 Finally, I applied a satin finish paste wax.

The results are just beautiful, don't you think? 

Once again, a Lane ® Acclaim table back to its original beauty!

Lane ® is a registered trademark of The Lane Company, Inc., Altavista, VA, USA.                                         This post has not been authorized or endorsed by The Lane Company. 

Vintage Kitchen Cart Makeover

I love Kitchen Carts!

I remember them from my childhood when they were a fixture in most kitchens. They provided additional storage for small appliances and often held the toaster ovens of that time. I see them pretty often at yard and estate sales but they are rarely in good shape. Due to their age and utilitarian nature, they often have rust and paint damage. You might be turned off, thinking they are shot and too rustic to be useful but let me encourage you to give them a second look. Here's one I'd like to show you as I transform it from ugly duckling to beautiful swan.

Here is the Kitchen Cart I bought.

I loved the curved handles and it was in fairly good shape, with just some minor rust.

I took it apart and got to cleaning. I used a brillo pad to clean off years of grime and attack the rusty spots. Once the clean up was done, I started the spray painting. I used Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Gloss Apple Red. This type of paint is really great for this application. 

I caution you to apply many light coats rather than one or two heavy coats. You'll get better coverage and less chance at drips or crazing. 

 Coat # 2

Subsequent coats

I do sweeping motions from one end to the other at about 10-12 inches from the surface. It takes time but its well worth it if you don't rush it. Because I was using red, it took about 1 1/2 cans of the paint to get a nice even finish. I let it cure for at least 24-48 hours before reassembling it. 

Here is the finished project! I love it and for under twenty bucks, it looks like its new again!


Rust-Oleum comes in dozens of colors so you are sure to find one that works for you. It is an easy to do project, even for beginners, and you'll end up with a useful piece of nostalgia! 

Start spraying!

KITSCH'N IDEAS: Cookie Cutter Cabinet Pulls

My friend's Grandmother was one of those old school Grandmothers who had freshly baked cookies for the grandkids when they came in the door. After she passed away, my friend got a bag full of cookie cutters that belonged to her Grandmother. After moving them from place to place and knowing my love of vintage stuff she offered them to me. That's when the creative juices started to flow.

I was updating my "1970's Harvest-Gold-Appliances-throw-back-kitchen" using items from the 50's to set the tone when I got the cookie cutters from my friend. I repainted the cabinets from a dark stain to a crisp white, and replaced the countertops and the old harvest gold appliances. I got some red vinyl chairs and a formica top table, an assortment of retro canisters and a whole bunch of kissing salt & pepper sets for display.

Once the cabinets were done, I wanted to replace the pulls and that is when it hit me! What better to use than the cookie cutters! So, off I went drilling and attaching my adorable cookie cutter pulls! I love the vintage touch it adds to my kitchen and I especially love that they have such meaning to me. My friend's Mom came for a visit to see the kitchen re-do and she was overwhelmed with happiness to see the repurposed cookie cutters on full display.

My cookie cutters are very special to me. If you don't have any that were passed down in your family you can certainly buy them at yard sales, estate sales or antique shops for a couple of bucks apiece.

Have any other ideas for cookie cutters?

I do!

Stay tuned for more on repurposing vintage cookie cutters!