Amazing Furniture Makeovers: Easy DIY Projects to Transform Thrifted Finds into Beautiful Custom Pieces

This is the book I wish had been written 5 years ago when I started painting furniture, although it is not only for beginners. It has clear instructions on how to work every step of the process, from fixing and prepping a piece to sealing it for protection. Her ideas are super creative and unique. Some more classic and elegant, others super bold and fun. She took the time to document every step of the process with high quality photos and easy-to-follow instructions. I really love it.

I started off refinishing furniture for my new home and I enjoyed it so much I decided to make a go at selling it. I discovered Jen's "Girl in the Garage" blog through Pinterest and after reading a few, I subscribed. When I heard about her new book I decided to preorder it. Honestly, I will probably never actually make any of the specific furniture projects in this book, but I will use the tools and techniques to make my own transformations. And there are many useful ideas. I love that Jen talks a lot about prep work. Anyone that thinks they can do a really great refinishing job without prep work is kidding themselves. Jen provides instructions on repairing common furniture problems. She also provides a list of tools she recommends and she provides furniture buying tips as well. ( I wish I had read the tip about avoiding painted furniture earlier. I recently purchased a nightstand that had two layers of paint on it for dirt cheap, but the labor in stripping and sanding has already exceeded any amount I could sell it for.) She has a few projects that involve upholstery, something I felt uncomfortable with, but the chapter "Reupholstery Made Easy" has given me the confidence to try it. Basic reupholstery really does look easy with her step by step instructions. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to refinish or upcycle furniture for personal use or to sell. You could follow a project from start to finish if you desire, or mix and match the techniques to create totally different pieces.

Easy to follow step-by-step directions. Great photos accompany directions. Precise supply list for each project. Beautiful projects, a variety of styles and techniques. My favorite is the suitcase dresser. Jen offers encouragement to the newbies and a wealth of information from all her experience. This book is reasonably priced and worth every penny.

Decent tool for learning to upcycle furniture, but VERY basic knowledge. I need something a bit more in depth. I didn’t garner much new knowledge from it. Would be fantastic for someone who is completely new to DIY.

If you follow Jen's blog, then you will feel right at home with this book! Great pictures along with the step by step tutorial's make this book a must have if you are wanting to get into making over those old, tired pieces of furniture most of us have lying around. Up until now, I've been afraid to get started, but no longer! Now I just need to figure out how to get more hours into the day to accomplish all I want to do! Congratulations Jen and thank you for sharing your gift of magic!

Such great ideas in this book! Jen Crider's ideas are above and beyond the usual prep/paint/distress that we see so much of around the furniture upcycle DIY circuit. She has taken some average pieces and made them awesome. She has taken some really cool furniture and made them even better. So many techniques and ideas in this book! All with easy to follow photos and directions. A real keeper for frequent reminders and reference.

If you have been afraid to tackle painting furniture, then you don’t have to be anymore! This book is filled with precise directions, photos, and material lists to makeover just about any piece of furniture! So inspirational and written in such an easy to understand way.

I have been a fan of Jen's Girl in the Garage blog for quite a while, so I was thrilled to find out she wrote a book. Whether you are a novice or an old pro at painting furniture, this is a great book to own. Her step-by-step, well-photographed instructions are very helpful. Her furniture designs are so creative that they will spark your own. Buy the book!

Bought as a gift recipient loved it!

I love to just flick through the pages to get ideas and inspire my own creativity. The 'how to' information covers everything you need to know if you are starting out as well as some advanced ideas for experienced creators.

Great instructions and beautiful ideas

Very basic. It was just ok for me.

This book is fantastic, it's filled me with excitement to start a project! So many great ideas and the book is so well put together. 5 start