Y’all ready for this? It’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday! My blogger friends and I love to share with you fantastic projects to inspire you to give DIY a try. My project piece for today is my very own blanket chest. It’s looking kinda shaggy, isn’t it? Let me show you how I took it from shaggy to rustic chic. (aka. #trashure) You’ll get to see my friend’s projects at the end.
I originally purchased this piece to redo thinking it was wood when I bought it sight unseen. Little did I know it ended up being coated in multiple layers of paint…ugh. If you remember from this post, I promised myself to never buy another painted piece to work on. When it arrived here I decided it would find a place in my kitchen during our remodel to help store our homeschool items for the time we are in mess mode.
It wasn’t until I moved it to the deck of my shed that the climate began to make the paint peel and flake horribly that I spied beauty…oak. SCORE!!
It was then that I knew I absolutely wanted to keep this thing since I have a sweet spot for a blanket chest. They are functional decor in being that the are awesome for seating, and, of course, storing blankets, etc. This one fast became one of my favorites because of the awesome hydraulic closure it has. Smooth and safe to close…I love it. And, notice they even painted the inside a gorgeous “puice” color (sarcasm intended). meh.
DIY TIME
So, as you can imagine the first order of business was to remove those blucky layers of paint. Out comes my heat gun like I used to create my door mirror. (see the video in that post for a demonstration) Before I started, I chipped up a piece so you could see the 5 layers I’m up against.
We’ve got white (most likely primer), orange, red, dark brown, and then light brown on top. Whew! The worst color was that bright hunter orange. It was both inside and out. At this point, the FedEx delivery guy shows up with some happy mail and asks what I’m doing. hahaha… I’m like, “Doesn’t everybody get up early Saturday morning to peel paint?”
It took me a bit, but here it is… a hot mess…literally!
Once all that gunk was off, I broke out my sander and took it down to bare bones. That’s when the disappointment hit. The side panels and top ends were made of PINE, not the gorgeous oak I dreamed of. See how they look whiter than the legs, top, and front? The pine had soaked that orange paint up so much that it looked like it glowed. Now what, right?
I decided to continue with the oak that I could save and paint the ends, and interior. For the inside, I wanted to lighten it up a bit and chose a soft, light gray to refresh and hide that blucky color.
It only took one coat of paint to easily cover that old color. Woot! Then, for the sides I used a dark brown I had on hand as a base coat, then choose creamy white for the topcoat.
PAINTING FUN
I wanted the bottom layer to peek out through the top after distressing. A dry brush technique helped me get a washed feel using my paint brush.
Now for some fun! If you have been around me, I like to add a little typography when I can, like in these projects. Subsequently, I find such therapy in painting – it’s fun! My goal was to create a piece that looked like it had been around for years, so I didn’t mind a worn look.
Last, to revitalize and seal the wood, I used a poly topcoat. Likewise, this protects the wood without giving it a sheen to keep with the aged look I’m after.
FINE DETAILS
In addition, I even had a super-cute helper. She works like a pro.
Finally, the blanket chest is done.
My little sheep guy is like…Baa! I see you. (tutorial for those are HERE or purchase one ready-made in my shop)
ALL DONE
I couldn’t be happier with the outcome, even with the pine issues I had. It looks just as I had hoped. For added texture, I use some cast iron bin pulls to the sides.
The inside is refreshed and no longer has that smell and awful color. Hallelujah!
Even though it’s sitting in my bedroom, that’s not the forever home (I think…hahaha). I do have plans for another big project by the end of the season to set it in its new home, but we’ll see.
And, of course my favorite part of this blanket chest is the woolly sheep graphic. I designed and added it by using my transfer method. I have more things planned for this graphic, so stay tuned!
Additionally, inspiring others to give DIY a try is what I’m all about. In addition, pin and share to inspire others too!
Up next, I’m sharing a quick-fix breakfast that is sure to nourish and tickle your taste buds. And it’s grain-free! See my recipes here.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Now, time to head below for more fun!
WAIT!! You just have to see what my Trash to Treasure Friends have created for you.
Also, more DIY projects like this blanket chest makeover:
WOW that turned out amazing, glad to see you keep going until it was right! It turned out beautiful!
Thanks, Mary. I kinda was like I’m going to finish it or else!!
I would wear the apron for everything I do around the house, including refinishing furniture. LOVE the pockets to keep all the stuff I am constantly searching for, it is a beautiful thing!
I love my pockets too!!
My biggest issue with finding my spark a little later than most, is that I can’t remember where I put things (screwdriver, scraper, etc) down, so alot of time is spent hunting then down, lol. This apron has pockets to help this lady get the job done, bonus it’s long enough to spare my clothes from inevitable Splatters and slashes. Thank you for the contest
My pleasure, Linda. We are much alike. 🙂
I love the graphics on the trunk! I love seeing the before and after pics of all your projects. I think I would get the most use out of wearing the apron while I am painting and creating my own own projects. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
Thanks! It was fun to add that little touch.
That was quite a lot of work! I love how it turned out! I love aprons and wear one every day for washing and cleaning.
It sure was, but the heat gun made it easy. You sound like me – I wear aprons all the time.
Oh my goodness, girl, I know that was a ton of work, but so worth the end result! The graphic is just perfect! XOXO
You ain’t kiddin. I told you it was a hot mess. Ha! Thanks!
Very lovely! I have an old chest I was thinking of doing over only it the old 70’s metal kind! Needless to say I am still thinking lol
haha…truth be told. 🙂
Another fantastic makeover. The graphic gives it the farmhouse charm we all love.
Thanks so much, Debra.
BTW, I would use the apron for my paint party I am doing at the end of the month. I was planning on making an apron and still haven’t done it yet.
I would be honored, Debra!
Wow, Larissa, you definitely worked your magic, that is stunning now! So much work but so worth it! xo
I am in love with the graphic you painted! It looks gorgeous! (Plus the gray o the sides really gives the look of a galvanized metal.) You’re amazing!
Thanks so much for making my day, Rebecca. I can’t wait to put it in its new home.
You definitely gave that chest a new life! Sooo much better than the “before!” If I won the apron, I would most likely use it to cook in. I always wear an apron and could use a new one! I love the idea of a linen apron, too. Good thinking!
I’m happy to hear it Sue. Thank you!
Would wear this while doing projects, hoping for inspiration 😉 This chest may be one of my favorites!
Woot! I’m happy to hear it, Cindy. Thank you!
Did you freehand paint the graphic? It looks great. I wish I had your talent.
I did hand-paint in on, but used my transfer method to get the graphic I designed on it. Thanks, Geri.
Love the apron! THe chest is awesome, more work than I am willing to do however.
Thanks! Yes, love comes with labor. 🙂
The blanket chest looks beautiful! What a lot of work….but it is worth it! I absolutely love the sheep graphic and the writing – perfection! 🙂
It actually went pretty fast with the heat gun. What would have otherwise took me days only took me a few hours. Thanks!
The blanket chest is beautiful. I didn’t jump ahead to see the finished piece, so was a fun read that totally “wow’d” me! Thank you for sharing.
Good for you! It’s fun to read a transformation. For me it helps me understand what the person went through to get the end result. Thanks, Susan!
Great job on the chest. It really turned out beautiful and looks great in your bedroom.
Being the inside isn’t cedar I would suggest putting a cedar piece of wood inside.
Love, love that apron. ( I want one) I wear one all the time while I’m cooking or baking in the kitchen. One time when going to a pot luck I had forgotten to take my apron off and ended up wearing it to the potluck but must admit it did come in handy when it was time to eat as it covered my lap like a large napkin.
Honestly; I could wear a different apron each day of the month and still not wear them all. (can you tell I love aprons)
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
Pinned :}
That piece took a lot of hard work! It’s beautiful! The graphics add so much. Love your apron too. I’m a home cook &I usually wear one in the kitchen. Thanks for the opportunity to win one
It was about as much as restoring some of the awful pieces I work on, so not too bad for me. haha… Thanks, Denise!
You put a lot of work into this makeover and it was well worth it. The end result is fabulous!
Love your new apron. I pretty much only wear an apron in the kitchen but if I ever get back to painting furniture, it would be good to wear while doing that.
Thank you, Paula. The apron is for anywhere you want to wear it: kitchen, cleaning, art, wood shop…you name it. Hope you are having a good day. 🙂
Love the natural wood next to the painted sides, and the graphics are perfect! I would wear my apron for DIY projects – stripping, sanding, and painting rescued items. Thanks for opportunity 🙂
Thanks! I’m happy it came out as I’d hoped.
I pinned project to my “furniture makeovers”
Got it!
The graphic was the perfect touch!! We just bought a ‘new to us’ home and I’d be using that apron for all the projects I have planned.
Thanks! I couldn’t wait to add it. Such fun!
I’m always inspired by your projects, but rarely come across old furniture that needs a rehab. Just last week, tho, we drove past an old entertainment center that had a “free” sign on it. We picked it up and now I have a project to work on. I plan on putting it into my sewing room to store fabric and books. It’s the perfect size and not in bad shape!
Score for you!! That will be such a blessing, Kathy. Fun!
I would use the apron for all my projects. Love the pockets.
Excellent to hear, Donna. 🙂
Love, love the chest transformation! I’d wear the apron to cook. Or maybe to clean– oh I really don’t do much of that it seems. AHH to create.
Great makeover!!!!
What a hot mess, eh? hahaha…thanks, Lindsay!
This blanket chest looks awesome. I have been looking for aprons… what a coincidence!
yay!! Thanks for the love.
I would use the apron when I am in my booth at a vintage sale!
Perfect!! Thanks, Terri.
The blanket chest turned out great!
Thank you for saying so, Janina.
Love the blanket chest
It was a bit of a trial, but paid off. Thanks!
Oh I love the chest and what you did. The sign on the front is adorable.
I would use the apron for baking!
Wahoo! I was just using mine now and the pockets come in so handy.
I really love this. Like how you let yo little one work on it too. I would use the apron for cooking. I do that with my girls a lot.
Thanks for saying so, Robin. We have such fun!
You did an amazing job on this chest! I know how much work it is to strip off all those layers. I ❤️ the typography and sheep transfer! 🙂
It sure is, but easy with the heat gun. Thank goodness!! Thanks for the love, Denise.
Almost fortuitous that the ends were pine, because I think this two-toned look is even better than solid oak.
Love your apron design. I love to wear an apron for everything, especially cooking.
I agree and had another plan, but ya know. Roll with it, right? Thanks for the love on my apron. 🙂
Love how your blanket chest turned out! #trashure
Awesome to hear!
Love the blanket chest. The graphic is perfect.
I just love it to pieces. Thanks, Jeane.
Painting, staining, sanding, all of the above. And I love the chest. I love the wood and paint combo.
Thanks for the giveaway!
That’s the spirit, Rebecca! Thanks for making my day.
Oh my word, your creativity sometimes leaves me speechless. The apron is awesome and I would totally wear it to my job… teaching preschool❤️ But the blanket chest makeover is amazing.. that typography ❤️❤️❤️
Your words are music to my ears, Julie. Thank you!
Looks amazing Larissa, especially with the adorable graphic and of course your handmade sheep just ties this lovely ensemble together. Pinned
Had to be a sheep, right? haha… Thank ewe! 😀
I so enjoy your tutorials! Watching your pieces change before my eyes! You are talented lady! This piece just speaks to my heart. ? It seems like you know exactly what your “people” like…..that apron! Nice! Can’t wait to see who wins! ?
It is such a blessing to be able to share and that my work is enjoyed by most. Thank you!
Such beautiful work always. I would use this apron for pretty much anything and everything. I would ever be so proud to show it off anywhere I went. Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Lorna. I’m happy to share!
I would use the apron for all of my DIY painting projects!
A gal after my own heart! 🙂
Super cute! I’d wearing the apron when I’m painting on furniture, barn board, artwork, people, you know me, lol 😉 ! <3
Thanks! You are an amazing artist and I’d be flattered. 🙂
Seems like I’ve got my favorite, Larissa!! I.love.it!!!! The wood, the sheep graph. And I like to read about all the details- feels like it was me who woke up early to go through that layers-of-paint-pain. Wonderful chest! And apron is the cherry on the top 😉
Yay!! Your words have warmed my heart. Thank you!
Very nice ! Love the graphic.
Thanks!
I’d use it for cooking because I wouldn’t want to ruin its beautiful denim and ticking awesomeness by wearing it when I paint!
You are so cute, Donna. Thank you!
This came out beautiful, Larissa! You had an especially cute helper for sure! I love the sheep graphic. I have a blanket chest I am debating about redoing as there is really nothing wrong with it, it’s just stained oak.
I actually have my own hope chest from my childhood and love it, but the stain is not my thing. Debating too.
Larissa so many treats in one post. My cup runneth over! Love your chest transformation and the stencil is so, so cute. And of course I am so happy to hear that you have made those pretty and practical aprons!
Your words are so sweet, Mary. Thank you! I had fun painting that sheep and getting the design out of my head. haha… And, same for those aprons. Mine was getting awful! 😉
Oh my gosh, the style of your chest (after getting the old paint off and before you worked your magic on it) is so similar to the one I worked on a couple months ago! Really good bones – and you did a beautiful job on refinishing it, as usual Larissa. xo
Oh – and you and Mr. Prodigal Pieces look so adorable in your aprons. 😉
woot!! Thanks, girl!
Really? Great minds work on hot messes alike!! Too funny. 😉 Thanks, Jen!
It turned out absolutely beautiful! I have a turn of the century church pew that needs a bit of a refresh and I am going to try Gator Hide on it! I have never seen it before! The apron is perfect also! I am not a neat painter! I usually finished up covered practically from head to toe so this would save me some time scrubbing paint! ?
Thanks, Tiffany! I had a pew too and it was a sore sight. You can see it here: http://www.prodigalpieces.com/2013/09/blessings-before-words-are-spoken/
Absolutely love this chest, Larissa! The graphic is awesome and I want to know more about how you did it. Please! SUH-WEET apron! Would love to win one! wow, that’s too many exclamation points. 🙂 What would I use it for ? Not really sure. I do plant sales and I like wearing something with pockets for price tags, change, scissors, etc. This might work for that! When I get more into my painting, I think it would be good for that. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
You are so cute, Patty. 🙂 I designed the graphic on paper, created it in my software, then printed it in large. Used my transfer method to get the jist on and then hand-painted it on and filled in details.
Larissa, in the directions for the widget it says we could enter daily, but it doesn’t re-set for us to do that. Just so you know. I’m hoping my original entry will be lucky enough! I don’t tweet or instagram so I miss out on a lot of giveaways. 🙂 Maybe I missed it, but what type of paint did you use to paint the sheep and words ? I always worry that brushing on a sealant afterward will smear the graphics.
Just a daily Twitter entry. You are good to go. Hope you win! For the paint, I used a basic acrylic paint. As long as you’re not heavy on the topcoat and let the paint cure first, you will be fine. The wood was pretty dry and soaked it right up.
Pinned to my Pinterest board !
Love the blanket chest and the apron!
What a treat to hear, Nancy. Thanks!
Love the apron and the chest! I wear an apron every time I cook, so I would def. wear it a lot!
How fun that would be. Thanks!
I keep thinking you’ve hit your peak — and then there you go with yet another fabulous fix/redo/transformation!!! I admire your varied skills and abilities very much!
awww…thanks for the encouragement, Marti. Thank you!
The sheep on the chest is so cute! Love the two tone effect! I would love the apron for use in the kitchen! I cook a lot and aprons always come in handy!
It was fun to see this come to fruition after having it for so long. Thanks, Tyler!
Pinned to Pinterest!
Got it! 😉
LOVE the apron- it’s not only functional, it’s also good looking 🙂
Yeah, baby! 😉 Thank you.
I would use the aprons for indoor and outdoor cooking…Love it!
That’s awesome!
I love the sheep graphic! The chest looks amazing! I would wear the apron while cooking, canning and gardening.
Fun to hear! Thank you.
This chest doesn’t even look like the same piece of furniture. That apron is phenomenal!
Hallelujah!! 😀 Thanks, Teresa.
I will use it for all things messy and I am a messy person. Thanks.
haha…you go girl!
Your chest turned out beautiful. I love the sheep design that you painted on it too. If I won an apron, I would wear it as I clean and organize my garage. My garage is so messy and this apron with the big pockets would really help me to get it done already!!
Now to get it in its new home. Soon! Thanks so much, Bonnie.
As I mentioned to you on Instagram, another beautiful update Larissa!!!! Also, great apron and you and JC are awesome models!!!!!
You are just too sweet, Kaycee. We thank you!
I would use it for cooking!
Perfect!
I would use it for painting.
Sounds good to me! 😀
I love the apron. I am messy whether cooking or painting and would
Enjoy covering myself up. I love the graphics on the chest!
haha…truth be told, right? Thanks, Frances!
Pinned
Got it! Love your email. 😉
Larissa I love it! Well since I don’t cook I would use this apron for painting of course!!
You don’t cook? 😀 Thanks, Susan.
Pinned it!
Got it! 😀
I really need to get going on my chair project and try out some of the Dixie Belle paints!
You go girl!! I hope you have fun.
I would use it to wear while I’m making your Dutch Baby recipe!!
happy dance!! Thanks, Sherry. 😉
I love the blanket chest re-do! Would you ever consider sharing your graphic?
Thanks, Nancy. I have more projects I’m making for my shop in the works with it, so not at this point, but maybe in the future. 😉
I love this piece. It’s gorgeous and love the writing. Great aprons too. ❤️
Thanks! I’m so excited to have them available.
Love the chest and would love a apron thank you
You bet!
That chubby sheep puts the world’s biggest smile on my face!!! ??
Aww..it’s my favorite thing as I made it from a cashmere sweater my brother gave me ages ago.
What patience you had in removing all that paint from the blanket chest. The outcome is amazing. You do such great work you have inspired me to try my hand on refinishing a hope chest I have.
That is music to my ears, Mary. Thank you! and hope you have fun. 🙂
The apron you have designed is perfect for anything. I would use it for cooking and just general crafting. Love it!
I sure tried to think of everything. Thank you!
Love your blog, you are so inspiring!
Would love to win the apron, is awesome!!!
Hugs to you, Vanesa!