Happy New Year? Say, what? Yes, that is correct! My husband is Persian and the first day of spring is the Persian New Year. For this holiday, we make the Haft Sin table. This consists of seven traditional items starting with the letter “S”. These items all have special meaning:
- Sabza – Wheat, barley or lentils that have been allowed to grow for several days in a dish. They symbolize renewal.
- Sepand – Seeds of wild rue, generally burned as incense.
- Sib – Apples, symbolizing beauty and health.
- Sekka – Newly minted coins, symbolizing wealth.
- Sir – Garlic cloves, symbolizing medicine.
- Serka – Vinegar, symbolizing age and patience
- Samanu – A thick, sweet paste made from wheat, oil, water, almonds and walnuts. It symbolizes affluence.
We typically have a family dinner and the kids receive money from relatives – their favorite part! 
In my painting world, well, it has been a crazy week! Jaclyn in NJ purchased the Persian Blue desk and my shipper planned on delivering it sometime this week. I then received an email late on Monday night around 11pm from NYC. Casey wanted to purchase the Driftwood Drexel Dresser but needed the top painted cream. She had just moved, her clothes were all over her floor and she needed it asap. A furniture emergency! I emailed my shipper and he responded right away that he could actually pick up both the next day for delivery.
I was up at 5am painting the top cream. His first delivery was canceled and to my dismay he showed up at my door at 7am. Good lord! We loaded them both in the van and off he went. So, Casey ordered the dresser at 11pm on Monday, I custom painted it for her and had it delivered to Manhattan by noon the next day. Now, that’s service.
I also have the Florence dresser going to Florida and the Vintage French Desk going to Tennessee tomorrow. 
Whew.
Now, on to my latest project. I am painting a very old, vintage dresser in General Finishes Somerset Gold. Instead of using a stencil, I decided to hand paint the drawers with white flowers. I first sketched it out with chalk and then added my paint.
Here is the first drawer after being distressed back. 
I am still fiddling around with the design and it’s not done yet.
After this crazy week, I plan on spending the weekend relaxing and watching more of this (I’m winning the family bracket at the moment)!
I hope you all do the same!
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Interesting and informative regarding your husband’s New Year traditions. …. Girl, gotta say….you are a painting machine. WOW!!! You accomplished a lot in a short period of time.
LOVE the hand painted dresser drawers…amazing! Also really adore the the french desk with the cream legs and dark stained table top. I have a piece I’ve been wanting to do that to but I’m wondering how you decide if it’s ok value wise to paint an antique? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Hi Sandy, most pieces I find to paint are in really bad shape and by painting and repairing them, I feel like I’m giving them new life. There are instances where paint would actually ruin a piece. I have a gorgeous old large dresser that would be a travesty to paint! The wood is golden and old and I love it. I suppose just imagine if it would look better painted or not. If you would use it more in your home, if it was painted. I have a lot of clients who give me family heirlooms to paint because they are tired of keeping them hidden somewhere and would like to actually incorporate them into their decor. Good luck on your piece – I’m sure it will look amazing!
Well, then, Happy New Year! I had no idea regarding those traditions…very cool! If you keep selling all of your goodies, you won’t have anything left for Lucketts! 🙂 And as for the family bracket, that must not pay out the same as the Warren Buffet bracket! Ha!
You inspire me:)
Happy New Year to you and your family Suzanne. Lucky you.. you get to make your New Years Resolutions 2x!
I absolutely LOVE your hand painted piece…so pretty!! And the colors your chose are so soft and flattering. I recently received a box of General Finishes goodies.. now I’m looking forward to giving them a try!
Dear Suzanne ,happy New Year to you ,Boby and Kids which I love them a lot .Thank you so much for sharing our tradition with your friends and your clients ,it’s really nice of you .love you and see you soon on May
Your hand painting are becoming more beautiful everyday . Sory that I can’t take one of them back home but I always be one of your admirer .
I absolutely love the hand painted white flowers. I’ve just learned about General Finishes milk paint and they sent me some samples to try. I’m curious how you distressed the front of the drawers…was it with a orbital sander or just by hand? Love the technique!
Hi Cindy, I sanded it by hand. I wouldn’t have had enough control with the orbital over the hand painted pieces. You are going to love GF paints! They are fabulous 🙂