Frenchie Dresser Makeover

Oo la la.  I loved this little dresser as soon as I saw it at a yard sale.

The size is so versatile--you can use it as a dresser, a bedside table, a console in the entry or living room, or even in a bathroom.

Once I was done with it, I knew that it would be similar size and style-wise to these chests from Wisteria, ranging (on sale) from $800 to over $1000.

 

 

The issue with these 60's to 70's French Provincial pieces is they have laminate tops, and sometimes drawer fronts.  If you've ever tried it, you know that painting over laminate is a pain in the old patooti.  It involves a really good primer.

Chalk paint to the rescue!

I decided to use ASCP in Paris Grey.

After painting, I went over it with Briwax in Golden Oak.  I love this wax over Paris Grey.

 

 

I wet scrubbed a couple of areas so the original finish came through.  I liked the cream against the grey, giving it a worn, aged look.

Then I finished the entire piece with ASCP clear wax and put back the original hardware.

I'm really happy with the end result--what do you think?

Before:

After:

It will be going to Mr. P's Emporium soon--I'll be pricing it waaaay less than the Wisteria Chests!


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Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Desk Makeover

Well, it's hot, humid and plain old yucky here today, with no end in sight for awhile.  Which means I'll be working inside this week in my air conditioned, messy basement instead of my hot, messy garage.  I have dreams of having a beautiful, organized workplace one day ...

 

Sigh.

 

Anyway, I finished this desk last week and wanted to show you how it turned out.

 

 

You may remember I picked it up at Goodwill.  It was in basically good shape--just a small crack I had to fix--but I've found that plain maple doesn't sell well, and it was a little boring. So I decided to give it an update.

 

I painted the base and top in ASCP Old White.

 

 

 

And the drawers in Ce Ce Caldwell's Seattle Mist. 

 

 

 

I did a little dry brush of the Old White on the handles.

 

And distressed the piece to make the details like the scalloped top stand out.

 

 

 

Then I finished it with Ce Ce Caldwell clear wax.

 

 

 

Before ...

 

 

 

And after ...

 

 

 

I took it to the booth today.  I hope someone likes it and buys it soon, so I can get some more stuff out of the basement!

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Cottage Buffet Makeover

I apologize in advance for the photos in this post.  It's a combination of the fact that I was painting in a tight spot in my dining room, the piece is too heavy to move by myself to a better place to photograph, and my poor photography skills, which I'm working on.

Anyway ...  I found this buffet on Craigslist.  It really wasn't in too good of shape, but it was cheap, sturdy, well-made of maple (like I said, the sucker is heavy!), and I thought with some love it could be cute.

It had a lot of surface scratches, which I sanded, and chipped veneer, which I filled it with wood filler.  It was also missing some screw caps. 

I'm not a big fan of screw caps, so when they're missing I usually say good riddance and fill in the holes, but there were caps still on the piece so I decided to replace the missing ones.  They went along with the cottage style I was going for anyway.

I removed the old hardware and filled in the holes on the drawer. 

I lightly distressed the outside, and put on new hardware in a retro style in celadon green.

Inside the cabinet I used Ce Ce Caldwell's Nantucket Spray which matches the hardware, and on the outside I used Annie Sloan's Old White.

Wax on the inside and sides, and a couple of coats of Miniwax Wipe-On Poly to protect the top, and it was done. I think it would be perfect in a country kitchen or cottage dining room.  

 

Before ...

And After.

See what a little love (and paint) can do?  It will be going to Mr. P's Emporium.


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Last Piece for Lucketts

Of course, leave it to me to finish up the last piece for Lucketts the day before we have to pack and set-up for the sale!  Once again, my time management skills seem to leave a lot to be desired--especially since I still have to finish tagging everything!

 

But I thought I'd take a break and show you a quick before and after of this little cabinet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got it from another vendor who was closing out her business.  I know she got it at an auction, but where it was before that I have no idea.  From the crud that needed to be sanded and cleaned off, I'm guessing it was in a barn or old basement somewhere.

 

I painted it in ASCP Paris Grey and waxed it with Liberon Wax Polish.  This was the first time I've used this wax, and it goes on really smoothly.  Plus, I think it smells good!

 

 

 

 

I had to use the shellac trick because the wood bled through in some areas.  Do you know this trick?  Sometimes you'll get a red hue bleeding through the paint--usually from mahogany pieces from around the 30's for some reason.  Just give the area a coat of shellac and paint over it to take care of the problem.

 

 

 

 

I distressed the piece with a sand block, and because I didn't have time to get glass cut for the doors, put in some chicken wire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had to use new knobs as the original ones were broken.  They're from Hobby Lobby, and I think they're pretty cute.

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the before again ...

 

 

 

 

 

And the after.

 

 

 

 

 

A big difference!

 

Now  I have to finish tagging my small items and pack up for tomorrow.  We're picking up the UHaul bright and early!

 

Did I get everything done I planned to?  Nope.  Between going to Seattle, getting sick, and like I said--my time management probably isn't the best--I didn't get to any of the things I wanted to make for the sale.

 

And despite starting earlier this year, I think I have about the same amount of pieces as I did last year.  I didn't have my booth space last year, and some pieces that were slatted for Lucketts had to go there to replace items that sold. (Not that I'm complaining about selling things!)

 

But ready or not, here I come Lucketts!

 

If you are local you won't want to miss this sale.  And when you come, please stop by and see me!  I'll be near the back entrance (the one by the Design House--which will be open during the market!).  Between the first and second row to the left if you come in that way.

 

A couple of tips:  For best selection, come early on Saturday.  To get the best deals, Sunday is your day. Most vendors will mark their remaining items down or negotiate with you since they don't want to have to pack and take the items home.  Since it's been raining, the parking lot may be muddy so wear appropriate shoes.  In addition to 170 vendors, there will be food available and entertainment for when you want to take a break from shopping.

 

I'll try to post photos of the booth set-up tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

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