New Life to Plain Bar Stools

I picked up these wood stools about a month ago. I wanted to get them all painted quickly but that did not happen. I ran out of my beloved chalk paint and thought I could getaway with not stripping the legs of the stools. BIG HUGE mistake!! I used my every day latex pant and well I was not surprised that after I finished painting the one the paint scratched right off. So learn from my lesson! You MUST strip or prime if you are not using chalk paint! These stools had a very shiny top coat and even though I sanded them down it was just not enough.

I ended up stripping all four stools and wouldn't ya know right after I was able to get more chalk paint in!  

I used Old White as the base coat and Paris Grey as the top coat. I then did the normal routine of clear wax and then dark wax to achieve the aged appearance.

I loved how they turned out but I wanted to add a little something special to the tops.

I decided to try my hand at a technique of transferring images with wax paper. I had seen many projects around blogland and just think they are fabulous. Let me warn you this is a trial an error project all the way! If you get perfection the first time out you are lucky and need to share your tips!;) 

I picked out some graphics from The Graphics Fairy. This one was just an ornate scrolly picture. I love that it did not come out terribly dark but more faint. 

The antique clock stool is my favorite! If somebody decides they are not into the images I can always sand the tops down easily and repaint um. Here is hoping somebody else loves um as much as I do though.
If you are in the Houston area and want more info on these stools head on over to Finch & Co. Designs.

Linking up to the following parties:
Show & Tell Friday
Furniture Feature Friday
Feathered Nest Friday
Inspiration Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Home Sweet Home Friday
Fridays Unfolded
Farmhouse Friday