Antique Dresser in Coral

I love all kinds of furniture but definitely have a soft spot for a petite dresser.   This cutie was in good shape and had all the original hardware. 

After seeing a gorgeous coral dresser Sharon from Elizabeth & Co. did I was feeling inspired and couldn't wait to try my own!  Thanks so much Sharon!! :)  

(Btw--I just love her.  She is a talented and kind hearted woman.  Stop by and pay her a visit!!)

I'm wrapping up painting for my show so this will be one of my last pieces before Saturday. 

 LoViNg the color!

Before

 After

This color is very chameleon like and hard to photograph.  It's a beautiful melon color.  Not too orange, not too pink. 

 I sanded the bejeebers out of this thing too.  I actually love sanding.  Is that weird?  

Don't answer that. ;)

 I sanded the top down and it was absolutely gorgeous.  I restocked my shelves with Java Gel, so I gave her a coat and 3 coats of a polyacrylic.  So pretty, and perfect with this color!

 I loved the gold hardware Elizabeth had on her dresser and did try painting the originals gold for this one, but I didn't like them.  I also had white rosette knobs and didn't like those either.  I was a little bit panicky about what I was going to do for the hardware!  I finally decided to paint the originals with Oil Rubbed Bronze and really like how the tie the top in.  Phew!!

I found the sweetest fabric to line the drawers.  It just makes me happy-what a great color combo!

I'm so glad the weather is warmer this week, but I hear it's supposed to be 45 and windy on Saturday.  Bundle up and come on out to my show!! :)

Linked up here:

Miss Mustard Seed

Antique Sewing Machine V

My daughter, Ania, loves to ask me questions like the funniest thing I've ever eaten, the most embarrassing thing I've ever done, etc.  If she ever asked me the most unlikely place I've found furniture this would have to be it!

A lovely friend of mine called and said they had purchased a house that was going to be torn down.  The couple who had lived there had left a few things and she wanted to know if I was interested.  I really didn't know what to expect.  When we pulled up I though "hmmm".  

There were a few treasures inside and this little table was one of them.  It's nothing fancy, but it's got a great little shape and I was happy to be able to save it.  This is #5! :)

Before

I recently used French Blue from Old Town Paints on a hall tree I just refinished.  I loved the color so much and couldn't wait to find something else to put it on.  This little cutie was the perfect candidate.  

 After

 I absolutely adore these cute little knobs! 

 It had a nice cherry top on it.  I stained it in Espresso from Varathane cuz I was out of Java Gel. :(

 I know why I switched now, but I think the top fits the style of the piece since I distressed it a little more. 

This piece will be available at my upcoming Refuge Home Decor Event on April 26th, 10-2

254 Miramar Dr, Allouez, WI

HAPPY EASTER!!

Oak Hall Tree

This hall tree came from a secret spot ;) and I thought it could be so cute! Craig knew right away that I would love it.  Have I told you lately that I have the most wonderful, awesome, and incredible husband that ever lived?  Well, if I haven't I am now!! :)

Before

 After

I used French Blue from Old Town Paints and then whitewashed it (which I rarely do).  I normally hate painting oak because the grain is so heavy and doesn't leave a nice smooth finish, BUT I really love how the white paint brought out the grain!  It's more noticeable on the sides than the front.

 I kept the original knobs because I loved the color of them with the paint color. 

 And, there's nothing like a crisp white for the inside of a piece!  It's such a clean look and begging for someone to put their pretty things in there!

 Great detailing that was lost in the wood, but not anymore!

Cute little feet...

This is one that's way better in person, but I hope you get the idea! :)

This piece will be available at my upcoming Refuge Home Decor Event on April 26th, 10-2

254 Miramar, Dr  Allouez, WI

Dresser turned Bench

I found this dresser not to long after I started painting.  I wasn't very picky then.  I knew the drawers were broken and thought it would be an easy fix. ;)  Well, I never did fix them so ended up keeping it instead of selling it.  I recently did a hutch for myself and it replaced this dresser.  I didn't want to mess with all new drawer glides so I decided to repurpose it.  

I just want you to know I have an amazing husband!  Truly, he's spectacular. :)  I told him what I wanted to do and he hauled it to the shop and got to work.  And, he's good at what he does!!  I owe him more than I can ever pay (and for more than just fixing my furniture!)

I am so stinking excited to show you this one!   

 Not the original before, but

Before

 After

Ahhhh--it's so adorable!!  Yes, my kids think I'm a freak! :)

The color is Covington Blue by Benjamin Moore.  I actually glazed it once and decided I liked it better before glazing so had to repaint it.  I hate when that happens, but oh well!

 I love dark knobs against a lighter color and I love how the glass in the middle helps them not look too heavy. 

You know I love a dark top and I couldn't let the opportunity to have a little contrast go, so I opted to stain the arm rails.  Love how rustic they look with the grain. 

We had to cut the legs off so it would be the right height for sitting.  And, although I was sad to cut any of them off we left the best part! :)

Seriously, loving this one so much!! 

Hope you have a great rest of the week!! 

This piece will be available at our Refuge Home Decor Event on April 26th, 10-2

254 Miramar Dr. Allouez, WI

Linked up here:
Miss Mustard Seed

Antique Highboy goes Industrial

I'm really good about seeing past the ugly.  Pieces others scoff at and turn away I snatch up knowing they can be beautiful again.  Well, most of the time.  Usually when I buy a piece I have a pretty good idea what it can look like.  And, sometimes not so much.  This is when I get home and have buyers remorse, thinking, "Why in the world did I haul this thing home?!"

When I was shopping around I saw this guy.  The first thing I do is check to see if all the drawers work.  They slid beautifully and I noticed they were mahogany lined and in perfect condition (very rare for an antique).  Definitely a bonus.  BUT, I could not get past the blocky shape and lack of detail.  So, while I was standing there pondering Craig walks up and says, "Hey, I had one just like this growing up right down to the ugly handles."  Well, that sealed the deal!  This puppy was coming home with me!

In comes the previously mentioned buyer's remorse.  It sat in my garage for weeks and I worked around it.  As if putting it off would magically  make it disappear. ;)  Yesterday I knew it was time, so I pulled it to the middle of my garage and then it all came together. Love when that happens!!

I started by scuff sanding the whole thing and then giving it two coats of shellac because I hate nothing more than bleed through!  

 Before

 After

I am still so excited!  I love this warm medium gray (it's a custom color so I can't give you a name, sorry!), the simplicity of the stripes, the brassy color of the pulls, and the wood top all together.

I opted for the stripes in keeping with the original.  These are just more modern. 

Hardware can make a piece and it's what pulled this one all together.  It was still a little blah until I put the knobs and pulls on.  

Tip: I always buy the same screws and then paint the heads to match the pull.  For these, I sprayed a puddle of Oil Rubbed Bronze on a piece of cardboard and then used a small craft brush to dab the paint on the screw heads.  Voila! :)

The grain in the top is just stunning.  I was going to paint it, but when I started sanding I knew there was no way I could cover it up!  I sanded it down to the bare wood (being careful because it's a veneer), then stained it with Java Gel from General Finishes, and gave it 3 coats of a satin poly. 

I've had questions about applying a stain gel and it really is easy peasy!

1.  Prep your surface.  Working on clean, bare wood gives the best results.

2.  I apply the gel against the grain with a chip brush.  But, you don't have to, it's just the way I do it.  You can also wipe it on with rag.  Wear gloves-it's messy!

3.  As soon as your surface is covered wipe off in the direction of the grain.  I use heavy duty shop paper towels. You do not want the stain to dry on your surface, it will be a nightmare to wipe off.  If you discover it has dried too much to wipe off easily go over it with more stain (it "rewets" it) and immediately wipe off.  Make sure all the stain is wiped off.  If your paper towel comes away fairly clean then you've done a good job! :)

4.  Let dry and then use a protective top coat to seal.

Look at him glow!  So happy to not be ugly anymore! ;)

He's spectacular!! :)

This piece will be available at my upcoming Refuge Home Decor Event on April 26th, 10-2 @ 

254 Miramar Dr, Allouez, WI

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