Little did I know one day that I would be bringing home FOUR pieces of furniture at the same time. You would think that is normal around here as it’s not the first time, but I have been trying to scale back until I can find suitable storage. However, who can blame me when I guy offers antique pieces from a storage unit for an amazing price? This antique dresser was one of them and the subject for my Trash to Treasure post today. Likewise, read through to see what my blogger friends have for you too.
This lovely lady had a good face on front, but the sides left you wanting. See what I mean?
GAME ON
That damaged veneer may scare most away, but I’m here like…BRING IT! Woot! Thankfully, the veneer was not a hot mess to remove and came off fairly easily. I was so delighted I didn’t have to use my towel-soak method because that would have also made me have to remove the second layer of veneer.
After removing the top layer of veneer, I glued down all the loose parts and filled in all the holes, gaps, etc. on the rest of the dresser with wood filler. Looks like a hot mess going on, doesn’t it? You can see at the bottom edge there’s still a huge chunk of veneer missing. No problem. mwahahaha…
Next, after all was dried and cured, I sanded down the top with my orbital sander and then hit the corners and edges with my Corner Cat. Love that little thing and my new orbital. Truly essentials, I tell ya.
TIME FOR PAINT
Sanding is complete and I go back inside to get the finish work started. Since I planned to keep the top wood, I chose to use a soft finish. Super easy to apply with my paint brush.
First, the top gets two coats with time to cure in between. Then, I begin on the cabinet. Since I need to paint, I also need to stain that raw veneer to get it to blend with the rest.
Much like my last dresser redo, I had planned to blend several colors for some really cool effects. I’m using 3 colors and three brushes to get the job done.
I begin with the darker shade and work my way up to light, blending as I go. It’s a quick process that is done in two coats.
FINE DETAILS
Then, once the frames of the antique dresser cabinet were done, I moved on to the drawer fronts. The same technique is applied and creating the depth I’m after.
The mirror and the harp got the same soft green color as the main color of the cabinet.
If you know me, I love to highlight the little details and this piece was begging for a unique design. Next, I use my recent thrift store find, an overhead projector, to get the frame on, and then added the rose bouquet by hand.
Once all the details were added, I used a dark wax and lightly distressed to add more dimension. Finally, to seal the painted cabinet, I rubbed it down with Hemp Oil. Love that stuff for so many uses.
THE REVEAL
Ready to see this lady all put back together? I am!
Not only is the damaged veneer is gone, but also now new life graces this classic beauty. I left the top in its raw state, but finished with a topcoat. The way the wood tones compliment the green shades really makes my heart happy.
The week I was working on this I even found a gorgeous unopened roll of embossed wallpaper. It was perfect for lining the top drawers.
THE ROSES
And… of course my favorite part is the detailed front and the little touch I added on the top of the mirror. Those carved wood trim pieces look like embroidered stitches to me. Also, it was so nice that I didn’t even have to do anything to the hardware. It’s beautiful as-is, don’t you think?
It’s truly a treat to get to recreate otherwise cast-off furniture. Additionally, there’s nothing like seeing a sad looking piece come back to life and sharing it with you is even better.
Likewise, I must say this dresser looks so good in my bedroom. It’s making me consider redoing my own antique dresser too. Hmmm…dare I? If you would love to have this piece in your home, you can find it available in my shop along with all my other recreated pieces and finds.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
Can you see past the obvious? Let’s focus on the potential in old furniture…and even people. So much joy when we do!
SHARE
In addition, pin and share my antique dresser makeover to inspire others too. Thank you!
MORE FUN
Up next, I’ll be sharing some spring-cleaning fun to get you in the mood to freshen up your home. To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Now, it’s time to see what my Trash to Treasure Friends have for you!
Also, more projects like my antique dresser makeover:
I can’t say enough about this piece. You always amaze your followers. This is such a beautiful makeover and you should be so proud of your work. Another job well done!
This one has easily become one of my favorites. Such fun to do and share with you. Thank you, Bonnie!
Wow this is so beautiful! You are really talented!
You made me giggle, Deb! Thank you!!
Larissa, you knocked it out of the park with this one! Wow! Beautiful and I know she is going to be snatched up in a hurry in your shop. The depth of color and your rose painting are stellar. Create on!!
How fun! I sure hope so as I’m tempted to keep it for my girls…they have too many already. haha!
The whole piece is beautiful, but it is your hand painted details that really makes it! Beautiful!
Thank you so much, Claudine. I love to paint, not just furniture, and find it therapeutic. 🙂
You always bring beauty back to things that have long lost the sparkle…I love this, such soft feminine colour tone, so pretty.x
I’m delighted to hear your words, Janette. Thank you so much for making me smile. 😀
Beautiful beyond words! (As always).
Thanks so much!
This turned out absolutely gorgeous! Love the hand-painted details! XO
I just had to have a go a this one. Thanks, Christy!
I am just blown away by the changes you’ve created on this dresser. You are so talented!
Wahoo!! So fun to hear and I’m delighted to share. Thank you!
Oh wow Larissa, that was so unexpected. It turned out lovely! That veneer would have shut me down! I have the same problem and have been staring at my mess for a month now wondering what to do. Your paint job is also very original and unexpected! Another great save!
This was fun to get back to my painting. Thanks so much, Mary!
Simply stunning! What a completely CHARMING piece. Makes my southern heart squeal!
How super fun is that?! Thank you, Kelly!
Truly trashure, Larissa. It sure came a long way from it’s “before!”
Love it! Thank you so much. It was fun to do and share.
wow is that beautiful
Thank you, Jolinda.
That is just absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous! My personal preference would be a darker stained top but the rest is just perfection! So amazing! I pinned it too!
Thank you, Sue.
Beautiful save, Larissa! The wood top and green tones are lovely together. I know you put a lot of love into this!
I am still sore from it. haha. Thanks so much, Jen!
You are truly an artist. Those roses you painted on that dresser are beautiful!
Thank you. I think of myself as one, so it’s fun to share. I do many things and don’t always share them or have time to. Love to have you all enjoy with me. 😀
I can’t say I LOVE this dresser enough, love the colors, the style and especially your wonderful art work. I think it does look beautiful in your bedroom. I know this is what you do, but how you don’t keep every piece, lol. One day I will have one of your beautiful pieces in my home. For now I’ll just have to be happy with my little hippie family, lol.
I know, right? So hard to let them go…that is until you see my living room is a warehouse. haha. Thank you, Pamela!
oh, Larissa, this is gorgeous! You’ve done a beautiful job painting the roses on the front. Is there nothing you can’t do? No….really….
haha…maybe. Just kidding!! Thank you so much, Patty.
This is beautiful. I found this through Artsy Chicks Rule and didn’t think it would look as good as it did when I saw the “before” photo. You truly have a talent. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work.
I’m so happy to have you hear, Lena. I hope you love what you see. Thank you!
Another beautiful makeover! Love the paint layering and the hand painted rose details are stunning! I always look forward to seeing what you have in store for us next!!
That’s what makes me keep doing what I do, Debra. Thank you for the love!
You are a very talented lady Larissa. This turned out beautiful!!
I’m truly delighted to hear it. Thank you!
this is beyond beautiful! it is truly a one-of-a-kind treasure —–BRAVO!
Yippee!! Thank you so much!
Sa Weet!!!!!! :o)
Woot, woot!! 😀
Larissa,
You continue to delight me with these beautiful restorations…I see that I’m going to HAVE to learn to do this as I have several very sentimental pieces that are in sad need of new life. Wish you could pop over and help…I’d make you a yummy lunch and as much coffee as you could drink. heehee
Blessings to you~
Cricket~
I’m on my way!! 😀
Oh my gosh, you outdid yourself! That is stunning Larissa!! xo
You just made my day, Nancy. Thank you!
Just beautiful, as always. Trash to Treasure Tuesday is my favorite day!
Wahoo! It’s so fun for us to share. 🙂
Larissa, this sad piece turned out absolutely FANTASTIC. I’m not into greens at all, but this one is beautiful!!!!! You are so good at what you do. I just love this one!
Thanks so much!
I have an almost identical dresser. I can’t wait to get to it this summer.
Fun!
BEAUTIFUL……….I love it. You did a great job on this dresser!
You’re sweet to say so, Terri. Thanks!
This is breathtaking! I would love to see a video tutorial of how you actually do the blending process using three colors. I would love to try my hand at that technique some day.
Thanks! Maybe one day when I get some free time. 🙂 Crazy busy at the moment! haha.
Larissa, she.is.absolutely.gorgeous!!!!! I have a theory – all those old and not so happy pieces put themthelf on a some sort of waiting list. They talk to each other behind the scenes to decide who’s gonna land into your hands next ;)))
Fantastic job!
Seriously Larissa, I love all your work, you’re truly brilliant! But this is one of my favorites!!! So well done!!!!
Awesome! It’s one of my top faves too. Thanks!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the detail work you did!!! Stellar!!! You are very talented artist as well as a talented furniture painter!! You amaze me!
You made my day, Marti! Thank you so much for the hug.
I have been reading your blog (and several other blogs)for a while and i have to say that this is by far the most beautiful piece I have seen to date. It’s an amazing transformation! The hand painted rose is the perfect accent! You have a great eye for seeing the potential in all your pieces and execute that vision perfectly. Thank you for sharing your talent and ideas with us and giving your followers the confidence to try some of these things ourselves.
How wonderful your words are to me. Thank you so much, Barbara.
It looks beautiful. I love the shading you did with the different colors.
Thank you. I love the drama it adds.
Wow… this is amazing! GREAT color choices! Such a pretty end result!
It felt so good to get it done. Thanks!
Stunning makeover Larissa! Such a beautiful piece. 🙂
Thank you so much, Denise. 🙂
Stunning!!! My jaw dropped when I saw the finished piece! You are an amazing artist. Pinned!
happy dance!! Thank you so much, Kristina.
Beautiful & inspiring as always. i love your work and the blending is gorgeous! I was flipping through a home decor and furniture magazine last week and came across a mass-produced cabinet designed exactly like “Beep” and got so angry. My family couldn’t figure out why I was so mad until I showed them the original “Beep” – they agreed that you should be making money from every sale they make. They could have at least givenyou credit for the original idea!
I thought I was the biggest Zibra paint brush fan but you may have me beat – by just a little. The only ones I don’t have are the sash brush and Palm Pro. I shall have to rememdy that.
As always, thank you for sharing your knowledge, thought and work process with us. You are inspiring and your work is always unique. You are the person others copy – including me. I’ve printed out pics of your detail guilding to copy on a special dresser of mine. It came out perfect and I always tell people I learned how to do it at P.P.!
Ugh…that makes me mad too. Not much I can do and makes me hesitant to share my creations. Something needs to be done!
Just know that there are lots of us out there who are angry for you. I keep bringing it up & my husband says “I know, you’ve told me”. I tell him he doesn’t get it. They ripped off your art and gave you nothing in return. Once I put it that way, he got angry for you too. My 11 year old son got it right off the bat. As soon as he saw your Beep & compared it to theirs, he got MAD & said they should at least be paying you a percentage of their profits or given you a large lump sum to use your idea. I just wish there was some way to prevent companies like that from stealing others ideas and work. Too bad I’m not a lawyer or I’d take your case pro bono! Please keep sharing your creations. I will continue to tell anyone who sees my work that I learned my techniques from you! AND, I won’y just rip off your art!
I would love to know where you saw this so I can look it up. There are certain rights and I might have my trademark attorney look into it. Thanks!
I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you with the information. I just saw your reply. It’s on page 46 in the early Spring edition 2018 of Seventh Avenue. It’s a magazine that sells various household items and furniture. It’s definitely a copy of your “Beep” done on a cabinet and I hope your attorney can do something for you!
No worries! Thank you.
Hello, Just wanted to say how beautiful that dresser turned out! Of course, your wonderful painting didn’t hurt! You are very blessed to have such wonderful skills! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to your next post!?
Thank you so much, Rita. 🙂
Truly a fabulously stunning transformation! Bravo!
You just made my day, Molly Jo. Thank you!