Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

The ins and outs of STRIPPING! {Stripping Furniture 101}

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I’ve been dropping hints about doing a stripping tutorial, and TODAY IS THE DAY! I think stripping furniture is a universally dreaded task. Understandably! But it’s really not that difficult or time-consuming once you get your supplies together and just go for it! I predict that painted furniture is going to be a thing of the past sooner than later, so we might as well become familiar with the ... [ Read More ]

Vintage Coffee Table {Stenciled & Distressed}

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Although I love what we’ve been doing with our own home lately, I’ve been seriously missing our furniture rehabs for sure. Nick needed a break from it… and I get that. But there comes a point when a girl realizes she’s gotta take matters into her own hands! Nick’s been super busy working on an exciting super-secret project. And I’ve been as bored as a person can possibly be with two VERY ... [ Read More ]

Dawn’s Smaller Dresser {using vinyl as a stencil}

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A couple weeks ago, we posted about a dresser we refashioned for a client for her daughter’s room. It turned out so fun! Our client, Dawn, had another smaller dresser that she wanted to coordinate without looking like a ‘set’ and without being too matchy matchy. Here’s the before! When we went to sand things down to prep for priming, we noticed some severe damage and chipping of the wood ... [ Read More ]

The Beginning of the End Table {Using VINYL as a Stencil!}

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Is it not a beautiful sunshiney day out today? Well at least it is here in Iowa. Everything’s all drippy and melty outside, and making me yearn for spring something fierce. I got to go out and frolic in it sans-twins this morning for a mommy-date-type-gathering that was fabulous. ALSO… it’s my Mommy’s 60th Birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!! I’m overjoyed to introduce to you a new member to the ... [ Read More ]

Tutorial: Gradient Shading Wood Stain Technique

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Three things to be excited about today… It’s Friday (nuf said!) We’ve randomly chosen the winner of our DIY Headboard Giveaway! (Diane!… who ate apple cinnamon oatmeal, we’ll be in touch with you!!) Also… CANNOT believe there were 492 entries… you guys rock! We’ll most likely be doing another giveaway like this at some point, so don’t be too dismayed if your name isn’t Diane. Below is ... [ Read More ]

Shabby Flower Desk

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Good Morning! Did you have a splendid weekend? I desperately hope so. So we had this desk, right? (that’s not an opossum… it’s our kitty, Blanche) Oh! And do you see those random pieces of wood carelessly thrown under the desk? Those are vital pieces of what became this chair. Anyhoodle… I had a vision for the desk. I shared that vision with Nick. I delegated to him the responsibility of the ... [ Read More ]

Decorative Chair Restoration {New Orleans Hall Chair}

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You again? Hehe… JUST KIDDING! You’re my favorite! We have a little furniture transformation to share today. One that I can take zero credit for. As in… Nick did EVERYTHING. Here’s the before picture! As you can see, that before picture is not recent (I can assure you our grass isn’t this green right now… under all that snow!). This little guy has been sitting in our garage ... [ Read More ]

Tutorial: Photo Lighting for Staging DIY Furniture

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Yesterday I was looking at Pinterest, and noticed that someone had pinned the very first buffet we overhauled, 2.5 years ago. With it being one of our very first furniture transformations, I was sooooo proud of this piece… and honestly I still am! BUT, I cringe when I look back at my furniture-photographing-skills. YIKES! There are so many things wrong with this photo. It’s no secret that I’m ... [ Read More ]

Tutorial: DIY Painted Buffet w/ a Chevron Pattern

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How do you like that for a title… so creative, I know. Sooo HI! I finally finished a piece of furniture to share. It’s been awhile, huh? Things have been slow-moving (understatement of the century) as we’ve been working away on Operation: WALL BE GONE, and chasing our two enthusiastic toddlers. It’s like they siphon my energy and add it to their already extensive supply. We bought a buffet from ... [ Read More ]

Desk / Vanity for Molly’s Photography Studio

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Want to know what’s crazy? Nick has been promoted at work, and is starting 2nd shift at his job today. THAT means, he’ll be around all day until 3:30 when he leaves for work (and comes home at midnight). This could be really awesome, or REALLY not cool. We’ll see. I’m looking forward to having him around during the day to have more family time and work on projects and stuff. Also, I’m looking ... [ Read More ]

Attention: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Reality Daydream has made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions of the plans on this website. Reality Daydream will not assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your project or in the use of the item you create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all commonly accepted safety precautions.