Channeling my inner Gigi

Estate sales depress me.  The bargains I often get there are great, but there's just something about seeing someones half used bottle of shaving cream for sale that causes me to dwell on my own mortality.  But I digress.  I have found quite a few awesome pieces at estate sales and today's post is about one of those deals.  I call him Gaston.  (yes, I love the movie Gigi.  Don't judge me)

When I found him it was obvious he'd had a hard life.  His top was peeling and had some major finish issues and there were quite a few dings and scratches.  But you can't hide style, and Gaston had it.  I snapped him up and took him home with me.  I'm afraid the garage accommodations were a bit low brow for him and he had to fraternize with some less distinguished guests, but he managed.

After a quick sanding up on top and a good clean, he was ready for painting.  I made up colors similar to old ochre and Louis Blue in my homemade chalk paint and got started - no primer needed with chalk paint!  I loved the wire on the side of Gaston but I have to say that painting all those little wires was sort of like herding cats.... with rabies.

I think what makes Gaston such a looker is the highlighting with the Old Ochre and the dark wax.  I can just see him nestled in a Parisian flat, sipping champagne and cheating at cards.  And then he gives me a beautiful diamond bracelet and we live happily ever after together.  I mean, then I sold him to someone and he lives happily ever after at their home.  I think I may need to lay off Turner Classic Movies for awhile.

I'm linking up to:

Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Feature Friday