I'm Tackling It

I'm going to be productive,...and creative,...and crafty. (I hope!) For years, Trent has asked, "What are you doing with this?" (in reference to an old bookshelf, a never used stool, and a display shelf for miniature tea sets that was in an unfortunate shade of green. Not a bad color ten years ago and it did match the $20.oo floor lamps I bought at Kmart, but hasn't matched my decor for 6 or 7 years now.
"DON'T THROW THAT OUT", I shriek in a panic, followed by a meek, "I'm going to paint it..."

So, these items have made multiple moves from home to home; each time with good intentions. I even spent $100.00 on the paints, brushed and faux producing products I would need...all while Trent in the background mumbles about it not being worth it, and will I really use these supplies? When did I buy these, you may ask? Last winter...

Well, Friday Trent cleaned out the garage and I jumped on the opportunity to use said garage for my project headquarters. "Let's not park the cars in here today, honey", I say. "I'd like to paint in here, it's so clean without any dirt or leaves; just what I need."

I almost jumped on the opportunity...I started three days later - today! One coat of barn red paint currently adorns each item. And I've officially decided never to paint anything with dowels EVER again. So, now for your opinions, yes YOU, my one and only follower. First, my vision: a coat of red followed by crackling for effect and then a tan to cover (almost) the red followed by a brown glaze. Similar to a clock Andrea's ward did. I can do it when someone stands next to me and walks me through the whole thing. On my own? Who knows what could happen...

Let's start with the stool...
I'm thinking leave the top red and crackle/tan the bottom portion. Ideas?

Next bookshelf...

Leave the inside red or tan?

Crackle/tan the exterior.

Last, the dish displayer...

Garbage?

Continue toiling with long hours of labor just to paint the dowels?

Cover the red with tan, sand mildly in some areas. Use crackle in strategic locations only and then glaze?

I should mention these will all be in different rooms and hopefully not overwhelming....

All suggestions welcome (Andrea!)