With Lydia getting older and taking up more clothing space, I decided to move her clothes out of my dresser and into Elsa's baby dresser (which was also mine when I was a baby).
I chose to get Elsa something a little more sophisticated as a replacement.
AFTER:
Craigslist is my go-to place to furniture, and though our local one here in Fairbanks is limited, I still managed to snag a great solid wood dresser for just $60.
I somehow don't have any before pictures. I thought I took some, but they are missing. Grrrr. THIS LINK has the exact dresser though, so if you want a before style, click there.
I did snap a photo of the wood grain
Yeah, it was dated, but it had some cute curves at the feet and was in great shape. Paint can be miraculous, so I only look at the shape of the piece.
This is random pic I found that was taken when I was working on another project. You can see how I tested the colors on the side.
We found a base quart of Martha Stewart paint on clearance, so Elsa chose the color and we had it tinted.
To start with, I
painted a base coat of ASCP in Duck Egg Blue so that I didn't have to
sand and prime. The oak toned wood has some serious varnish on it, so
normal paint would not have adhered well.
For financial reasons, I didn't change the handles, but opted to redo them with spray paint. They started out gold and we tested them in white, silver and black to see which one we liked best.
We chose silver
When the base coat was done, I followed with one coat of Martha Stewart's "Plumage" with some Plaster of Paris added for a very chalky/matte look. The color is just gorgeous.
Then I tested 3 different styles of details.
From right to left: As Is; Sanded Edges; Antiquing Medium.
Elsa chose the sanded version, so I repainted the two drawers I'd messed with and then started the process of finishing. 
The look I was going for was a dresser I'd seen at a vintage store in Anchorage (at somewhere around $800, it was way out of my budget).
Here is "Sassy Plumage" as I'm calling her 
I hand sanded with a rough grit for a heavily distressed finish and then sealed with Polycrylic in satin
I'm wishing I'd not sanded the center of the drawers, but Elsa loves it, so who am I to disagree?
I do love the knobs and handles against that gorgeous blue/green with the duck egg blue peaking through
Overall, I love the way she turned out.
A modern beauty I believe.
Linking to:
My entry into Overflowing with Creativity at It’s Overflowing is sponsored by Appliances Online and their Best Freezers!
My entry into Overflowing with Creativity at It’s Overflowing is sponsored by Appliances Online and their Best Freezers!
Sundae Scoop Party @ I Heart Nap Time
Restyled Sundays @ Stylish Once Again
Restyled Sundays @ Stylish Once Again
I Gotta Try That!
lMaking Space Mondays @ Debt Free Mommy
The Dedicated House
lMaking Space Mondays @ Debt Free Mommy
The Dedicated House
Beautiful update. What a gorgeous statement piece now.
ReplyDeleteThat is just stunning! And, so close to your inspiration piece!! I love how you let your daughter lead the way in it's design!! So cute!! :)_
ReplyDeleteReally gorgeous Mir! Elsa is a lucky gal!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty color you chose, and the silver knobs are perfect!
ReplyDeleteOh she turned out just gorgeous - what a beautiful color for an "antiqued " piece - and I love her curves -
ReplyDeletePerfect!
I'm your newest follower - would love to have you visit and follow back when you can
Hugs,
Suzan
It has turned out amaizing! I would love to have something similar in our bedroom! Beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! That is one of the most beautiful colors ever. I love how you distressed it, too. I'm your newest follower after finding you on At the Picket Fence.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Angela
Hi Miranda,
ReplyDeleteI'm visting from Shabbilicious Friday and I really love how you transformed your piece.
the color is amazing and she has been distressed to perfection.
rita
Looks great! Beautiful job transforming this piece!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful Miranda. I'm trying to refinish a primitive red bench to make it more shabby chic~ you've inspired me to continue!!
ReplyDeletePatty
That is really gorgeous! Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Visiting from Blissful Bucket List. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-8.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful transformation!! Love the silver hardware!! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful color! The silver hardware looks great against it.
ReplyDeleteVery cute! I love the rustic look. The silver spray painted hardware looks great. No need to buy new ones.
ReplyDeleteIt's party time over at Debt Free Mommy Blog! Please come by and link up your spaces with Making Space Mondays link party #10. I hope to see you there at www.debtfreemommyblog.blogspot.com! -Tabitha
ReplyDeleteI like yours better than that vintage one! Way cute.
ReplyDeleteWow! You did a great job. I love the color, and the sanding.
ReplyDeleteomigosh it looks just like the one at the vintage shop! super shabby chic, i love it!
ReplyDeleteYou know this dresser looks to be of very good quality. I have one the same size, same feet on it too, but it's made out of solid maple, drawers lined in cedar it was purchased by me in 1959 when I had my first job and I got it on credit. I still have it today. I would love to change the finish but don't have the nerve to try that, it also comes with a full mirror. You did a wonderful job on this and I love the way it came out.
ReplyDeletegreat job on the dresser love love love it
ReplyDeleteYou should be so very proud of the job you did here! This is stunning! I love everything about your work here! Beautiful..........
ReplyDeletebeautiful! I would love to feature it, if that would be ok with you please let me know
ReplyDeletelauren
This is gorgeous! I'm so in love with the color. I'd love for you to share this at my link party. http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/2012/08/terrific-tuesdays-27.html
ReplyDeleteRachel
I love what you've done with it! The color is very appealing, and the silver handles go nicely with it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thanks for showing all the color testing, too.
ReplyDeleteLurvs the color you chose, but I'm with you, I wouldn't have distressed the center of the drawers.
ReplyDeletePopped in from Time Travel Thursday.
thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com
I love the color. It looks awesome. I'm your newest follower. Come check out my blog when you have a second. http://sister-number-5.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGood golly molly! You did SUCH a fantastic job! Well done, lady! I'm featuring you today! : )
ReplyDeleteso pretty! i love that rich color!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Stunning color and beautiful job! It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a beautiful piece! Great job. Thanks for linking up to our "Pretty Things" party! Hope to see you back here next week.
ReplyDeleteWow!! So beautiful! Nice work.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up at I Gotta Create! <3 Christina
LOVE that piece!! WOW!! What a FABULOUS job!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
What a gorgeous color! And I am glad to know I am not the only one who "misplaces" before photos. Thanks for sharing on Tout It Tuesday. Hope to see you tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT!!!! gorgeous!! and 'my' colors!
ReplyDeleteReally cute! I'm sure your daughter will get many good years of use out of her. Thanks for linking up with Making Space Mondays! I hope we see you back again soon. -Tabitha
ReplyDeleteLove this!! I have seriously looked at this like 40 times this week! Haha Anyways, I'm featuring you this week on Well Crafted Wednesdays! Can't wait to see what you link up next!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous color! Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThis is just gorgeous!! Your daughter is a lucky girl :) And I wanted to let you know that I featured you at this week's Throwback Thursday party! Come by and grab your button if you want it and I hope you'll join the party again this week! :) http://www.hubbymademe.com/throwback-thursday-no-6/
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I would like to invite you to enter my HomeGoods 50 dollar gift card giveaway. The card can be used at TJ Maxx and Marshalls as well.
ReplyDeletePlease visit my site to enter :)
Wow, this dresser came out beautiful! It looks just like your inspiration piece. I love how you used the chalk paint as a primer. I hadn't thought of that - great idea.
ReplyDelete