Sunday, September 4, 2011

...I finally did it!!

Can I tell ya just how long I've wanted to do this...?

(here she is after only 5 hours paint time)


To paint this monstrosity of the 80's...
this octopus that inhabited my now pretty frenchy living room...



OK, I have to admit,
it started to look better when all the shades were removed.


Taking this puppy down was just NOT gonna happen.
it is about 5 foot wide and 5 foot tall,
and weighs a ton.
I think it has 23 or 24 candelabras attached.


So my husband found a ladder for me
and held his breath and prayed.
First thing was to clean over 9 years of dust and cobwebs off of it.
Above is the first coat of  "Creamy White" by Behr.

Yessiree girls and boys,
I brush painted this thing...no other choice.

And below is the second coat of a mix of creamy white, black, and almond
to get this yummy gray taupe, medium dark coat.
Dry brushed a sloppy coat.







Next a coat of Creamy White and the Almond (custom color)
dry brushed on top of all that.



Hard to see, but it has great "dimension" and subtleties.

I love this reflection!




Now, this room is about where I envisioned it several months ago.
I'm getting there!


I was so excited to post this I still have paint all over me
and I haven't cleaned up my mess.
more photos this week...!

Moral of this story?
Where there's a will there's a way!

linking up with














Now to see if I can get all this paint off.

xoxo,


103 comments:

  1. The chandelier looks simply fabulous! The reflection in the mirror is divine!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It looks AMAZING! Go you. I love that reflection too!

    xo,
    Jami

    ReplyDelete
  3. WOW! The hard work paid off! it is gorgeous! Thanks for your kind comments on my blog! can't wait to see your finished family room!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I don't think I could stand on a ladder and paint like that. What an amazing transformantion, it looks beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Isn't it exciting to see your ideas take shape! You did a fabulous job painting all those all those hard to reach spaces on the chandelier. The result is just lovely....what a spectacular change!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You guys were brave, Debra! It does look great though!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Whooo - that looks gorgeous and the thought of it is plum scary. I'm so glad you survived it to show us your beauty. I love it. Hope you get a little rest in this weekend too.
    xo's...T

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks like Faudree himself has designed the room!! Are you going to do the beams? I think they would look fabulous in the same gray technique, I have loved watching the transformation of your living room. It is more than fabulous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is beautiful! Your room is picture perfect--loving the neutrals.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm astounded that you hand-painted this! My neck and arms ache in sympathy. It looks gorgeous now!

    ReplyDelete
  11. That is a real Labor of Love, and it turned out just gorgeous!!

    Huggs, Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a job! It looks wonderful but I feel for your arms & neck.

    ReplyDelete
  13. WOW Debra you did an amazing job!! Your chandelier looks fabulous! Great job, Martina

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks so pretty Debra! Huge difference, and you did a great job!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Holy cow Debra, it's gorgeous! But seriously, you stood on that very high ladder and hand painted it? You are one brave lady! Now can you come paint mine too?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my word, it is totally exquisite. I love it. You did a wonderful job painting it. It is a fantastic fixture and now the color is perfect. Thanks bunches for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  17. OMGoodness Debra! You inspire me, I have the same one on my back porch and never thought of painting it....
    Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What an amazing transformation! I think that I have the baby octopus in my dining room. It has twelve lights, but it looks very similar to yours. I have seriously thought about spray painting it aqua.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow , what a job ! It looks great !
    Just shows what determination can do for you .
    I would love to hang a chandy in my house , but I don't know where I could put one , and I don't have high ceilings.

    ReplyDelete
  20. You did this while it was hanging? How in the world? Didn't your arms get amazingly tired? But you're right - looks much better and your determination is to be admired.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Well FANTASTIC, Debra! What a beautiful brave job! Your room is just more and more breathtaking!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have to do this in my dining room and have been putting it off for months. My light fixture was a gift from my parents so it's not an option to replace it. I just couldn't part with it. But it's shiny brass so I have to do something. You've inspired me and are living proof that it can be done. Yay for you!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Debra, it looks amazing! What a transformation. The mirror shot is gorgeous. Love the layers of paint.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love it Debra! I'm glad you had the courage to do it. What a job it must have been painting around all those curves! It is really beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh, I just LOVE it Debra!! You were right, my brass chandy is almost identical to yours. Now if only I could find a ladder tall enough to paint mine! I'm trying to convince my hubby to rent some scaffolding. LOL! Yours looks absolutely gorgeous and totally brightens everything up. Love it!
    Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  26. Holy cow, it looks fabulous! It is so true what they say about the power of paint! I love the new room.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Beautiful transformation! You really did a fantastic job. It must have been very tedious, but totally worth the effort. Nicely done :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. This looks so good! I have painted smaller versions of this before, and it really makes a difference.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wonderful Debra. The two tones look great.

    ReplyDelete
  30. If anyone could do it you could Deb. I have a chandelier in our foyer I'd love to paint but it's 14 feet up. You may have convinced me to try it.

    xx
    Carole

    ReplyDelete
  31. LOVE this!!! I was just watching something on HGTV and the house had a (much smaller) chandelier like this and they replaced it with a cheap wimpy one... I thought why don't you just PAINT that one... it would look fabulous if it wasn't brass!

    I can't believe you had to paint the whole thing with a brush... on a big ladder no less! But it turned out fabulously and I love the shot of it in your mirror, wow!

    ~Chris

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have done this to many a brass like fixtures. YOURS IS AMAZING. It looks so great in this room too. Plse come by and share at Market Mon. if you get a chance.

    http://mollysusanstrong.blogspot.com/2011/09/market-monday-with-linky-creating-from.html

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am totally astounded Debra! It is beautiful!!! I can't even imagine standing on the ladder that high up, let alone painting it.
    Way to go girl!!!
    sending hugs...

    ReplyDelete
  34. And when there is a woman on a mission...get outta her way!
    It looks fantastic. You would have lost me on the cleaning part!
    Deb
    P.S. I'll e-mail you later with all the 411 on our trip that didn't happen!

    ReplyDelete
  35. You deserve a 2 hour massage after tackling that job..I did one similar to this 10 years ago and nearly killed myself. I applaud your efforts and obvious determination!
    Well done. : )

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a difference ! And, what a job !!!! You must be so sore - but wow, wow, wow it was worth your aches and pains !!!!!

    thanks for sharing,
    gena

    ReplyDelete
  37. Holy camole Debra, you are the WOMAN! I would not have had the patience, but yours certainly paid off. It look great! High cyber five!

    Hugs,
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  38. It looks fabulous..now that must have been some job, brush painting. That's a big ole chandy. You did a super job...it looks beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  39. WOW
    Just lovely!!!
    Hugg, Tine
    Norway

    ReplyDelete
  40. Debra- HOW was you able to stand there, without being dizzy ? on a latter on and off for 5 hours ??? You are a very brave woman :)
    And you have now the most fantastic ,and beautiful "Octupus" in your room.
    I clapp my hands for you, dear friend.
    Hugs,Dorthe

    ReplyDelete
  41. scary to think about doing, but wow, is it lovely now! such a great job, debra:) love the reflection!

    ReplyDelete
  42. It looks devine! You did an amazing job. Love the reflection in the mirror.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Debra...

    It's gorgeous!!! Ohhh...I love the new frenchy finish! You did a magnificent job, my friend! And what a brave lady you are...to stand up on that ladder to refinish your chandelier...BRAVO!!! Thanks for sharing your new french beauty with us...it really is lovely!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari

    ReplyDelete
  44. Well that is a heck of a paint job...I am afraid of heights! IT looks soooo much better now, and I imagine you are just thrilled to be done with that project!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Absolutely STUNNING! You must be thrilled to pieces with this transformation. Love the picture of the chandie reflecting in the mirror!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thats for sure, I've done plenty of things I was told weren't possible! The chandelier turned out fabulous! It looks so much better! Great addition to the room!
    tot

    ReplyDelete
  47. It looks fabulous! The room is beautiful. I love everything you've done. Love the reflection of the chandie in the mirror. It's tricky to have mirrors on mantels if they reflect nothing pretty. You certainly have a an impact with the mirror placement.
    I bet your arm is sore!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Holy cow I'll bet you are sore all over! What a fabulous paint job. I wonder what hubby would think if I did that to our brass 80's light over the kitchen table........

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Debra,
    You did such a fabulous job.Your chandelier looks beautiful.

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  50. We had a chandelier just like that only a lot smaller in our dining room and I hated it...hated the brass. I couldn't wait to paint it and it was a pain. I can't imagine the work you put into this but it was well worth it! It looks spectacular in that room now.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Love the transformation, I agree it looks like it flows with the room now, beautiful! You did a fabulous job!
    Laura from Cottage and Broome

    ReplyDelete
  52. Someone has been busy~ A pretty pumpkin of a blog header and a really lovely chandy.

    I need one just like it in my living room.

    I would love for you to share this on Wednesday's Fall In Love linky.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love it! You must have some really good balance to perch up there long enough to paint it:)

    Thanks for sharing all of this beauty! HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love it! I am sure that was quite a job, but WELL worth it!
    Theresa

    ReplyDelete
  55. It turned out beautiful! Love all that you are doing to your room!
    Just beautiful. I am curious how your arms and neck will feel this morning..............It was well worth it.
    Thanks for sharing with us.
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  56. It looks fantastic, Debra and you must have the patience of a saint.

    ReplyDelete
  57. This looks fabulous! I love it! Thanks for showing the process! Amazing transformation!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Bravo! Wow - that was one big undertaking, but it looks so much better, Debra! You must just love looking at it in your beautiful room.

    xo
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  59. The Chandy looks fabulous! Did you pick a winner for the giveaway? I thought you were going to do that on my birthday! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  60. How beautiful! A real labor of love.

    ReplyDelete
  61. ..............*** W*O*W *** ..........

    THIS looks TOTALLY S*T*U*N*N*I*N*G!!!! SOOOOOOO FAB!!!!!!!!

    I believe the saying is "YOU ROCK, GIRLFRIEND!"....

    Loved seeing this~ first time here for me, but like Ahhhhhnold sez, "I VILL BE BAAAACK!"...

    Thanks!

    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  62. Wow, Debra that looks awesome. Wonderful job!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Bless your heart. I think I was born with a paint brush in my hand, I love to paint, but I not so sure I would try yours. You did an amazing job!!! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Awsome job! Yes you sure had a strong will to MAKE a way...and it looks great! Strong work! Oh! and I love the reflection (s) in the mirrors! Clever!

    ReplyDelete
  65. omg!!!!!!!!! LOVE it...now I think I would paint the beams, not pure white, but a "shade of white"...Linda

    ReplyDelete
  66. Watching you go up that ladder with paint and brush, I'm watching you!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. What more is there to say than Gorgeous!!! I also love the reflection of the chandelier in the mirror. I bet the whole room feels different now.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Isn't it gorgeous now! I have painted a chandelier by hand before and know it works but can't imagine painting one up in the air and that large. I'm shocked it turned out so well. Looks so beautiful...yes your living room is looking more and more like you. Thanks for linking up at my party.

    ReplyDelete
  69. GASP... It's wonderful now!!! I can not believe the difference...

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  70. You are making me greatly regret getting rid of a brass candelabra when we replaced it with a black iron candelabra. Love the new one, but I could have painted the old brass one like you did and it would have been gorgeous. Love what you did!!! Linda

    ReplyDelete
  71. Wow it is stunning...I did my old 80's one also and blinged it up if you get a chance jump over to decoratingyourworld.blogspot you've inspired me to post the pic they are soooooooo much prettier painted...you did a great job i sprayed mine but your brush job came out very lovely

    ReplyDelete
  72. Girl, you have more guts than I have. I'm not talking about painting the chandelier, I'm talking about climbing up that tall ladder! You, and the chandelier, are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I'm green at this moment. I just sold a similar chandy although much smaller in scale at my garage sale for $5.00! Just think what I could have done. UGH! Now I'm on the hunt again.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Debra,
    Just wish I could see the smile on your face each time you look at your handiwork! So~o~o glad you were able to make the change your heart desired with only paint to remove from yourself...no broken bones! YEAH! Congratulations on a job well done!Breathtakingly beautiful!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  75. What a job! But so worth the effort. This looks terrific.

    ReplyDelete
  76. You so deserve to be patted on the back Debra! Wow, is all I can say, you did a wonderful job and it just looks beautiful! I love the reflection too...so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I literally sighed aloud when I sawq the reflection shot!

    ReplyDelete
  78. What a great idea to paint it!! I love it and it works wonderfully with that room. I love your beamed ceiling. Great job!!

    ReplyDelete
  79. My friend, I am totally impressed. I bet your arms were killing you. You are my kind of woman.

    I have brass fixtures in several rooms and have painted a few, but would LOVE to paint the rest. The ones in the bathroom especially. Got me thinking...

    ReplyDelete
  80. Looks so pretty Debra and I love the shot of it in the mirror!

    ReplyDelete
  81. that is stunning and so unique.. just what your beautiful room reserved. thank you for the step by step.. I have a ceiling fan that works great but looking at is is sickening. I'm inspired now to try to brush paint it. thank you

    ReplyDelete
  82. Gorgeous Debra! What a beautiful job you did on that chandy! And I have to add that I ADORE that huge white clock in your frenchy living room. SO sweet.
    Blessings & hugs,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  83. You are one brave girlie... and it came out GREAT..... Love the re-do.

    Warmest blessings,
    Spencer

    ReplyDelete
  84. Debra, just wanted to come back and say thanks for linking up this fantastic chandy. You are brave going that high, girl.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Oh My! What a project! It sure does pop now. :) It looks so pretty in the picture. :)

    ~Liz

    ReplyDelete
  86. Excuse me while I wipe up my drool! I absolutely love it!!!! Well worth the time it took!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I absolutely LOVE this! It was worth all the effort.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Your a brave one Debra, but it was worth it. Your chandy is gorgeous! Perfect for the french look your after. I have two brass chandys, not quite this big but big enough I couldn't do this. One in my two story foyer and one in the dining room. What a difference. I'll tag this tutorial just in case I talk the mister into doing it for me. Look forward to more of your photos.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  89. That is stunning - you make me wonder if I shouldn't transform my dining room chandelier in similar style. I recently remodeled and just added shades - but now I may rethink that. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Oh you brave woman you. It was well worth the aching muscles that I am sure you had. It looks great and I just love the reflection. I always try to place my mirrors to give me the best reflections I can get. Enjoy the new look.
    Hugs,
    Ellen

    ReplyDelete
  91. Almost 100 comments! Thanks for linking up to Open House Party. Happy Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  92. OMG! What a fabulous look and awesome work you did!! It vturned out pectacular!, the reflection photo is magazine worth, a ptophesional photo! Congrats on this amazing job Debrah!! Hugs,
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  93. I featured this today on Mod Mix Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Absolutely beautiful! I love the idea of dry brushing. There's a similar chandelier (a little smaller) at a second hand store I frequent. I've been waiting for the price to drop, but went in today, and it went UP! Weird, but the waiting continues, and eventually, I'll be doing this to it as well!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Debra, it's beautiful! Definitely couldn't have planned anything better than this in your awesome room!
    I'm a new follower.
    www.projectqueen.org

    ReplyDelete
  96. That is gorgeous! I can't believe you had to paint it on a ladder. Your arms must have been killing you!
    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Wow! That was a lot of work but look how great it turned out! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  98. You have certainly got more nerve than I have. It is all I can do to get on a ladder and wash mine. Of course I am only five feet tall and even a stepstool scares me! You did a fantastic job and it looks perfect in your room.

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you. Feel free to comment, big or small. Be sure and leave your name and blog if commenting under anonymous. Thanks friends

New Posts in Your In-Box