Being a mom to six kids comes with a bit of pressure and a whole lotta blessing. Here I am responsible to teach, enable, and to encourage. My kids just love giving DIY a try. When my second oldest daughter, Miss S., decided she wanted to have at another large piece of furniture. How exciting to help her start! Here is the Art Deco waterfall dresser we pick to work on. Isn’t it a beauty?
As you can see, there is much that needs done with this piece, but nothing I knew she could’t handle. Miss S. has seen me work, helped me finish projects, and has done her own projects as seen in these posts. However, it’s just been awhile since she’s done something of this size, so I couldn’t wait to see what she would do with it.
The dresser has some missing veneer with bubbling on top, the wood is very parched, and really ready for a fresh new look.
TIME TO START
She couldn’t wait to get started, so I gave her some tips and let her have at it. Miss S. started by removing the flaking veneer off the bottom scalloped piece. It all literally fell off except one piece that had apparently been glued back on…sideways. haha.
I helped her glue down the bubbled/split parts on the top, the lifting veneer on the sides, and patch the missing veneer on the drawers with wood filler and wood glue. Basically we were doing all the prep work so she can be ready to start. You know this is the longest part of any makeover, but soooo worth the effort to do it right.
If you look at dresser, you would assume that those pulls and knobs were metal. BUT…they were plastic. Yes, plastic!! I was surprised as this was only the second time I had ever encountered plastic pulls on a nice piece like this. Crazy, I tell ya. Obviously, Miss S. was going to swap them out for new. In order to do so, she needed to use my Kreg Hardware Jig to makes new holes on the top drawer. This tools made it so easy for me to show her how to set it up and have at it with my drill.
NEXT STEPS
Once all the prep work was done, we took this Art Deco waterfall dresser back outside so Miss S. could give it some love using my sander. She’s not new to this tool and knew exactly what to do.
After the sanding, she blew it off with our compressor, and then wiped it down with a lightly dampened cloth. Time for the fun part!!
Since the dresser already had wear, Miss S. and I agreed it would be fun to dress it up a bit with some details. First, we use my nailer to attach the braided upright wood trim. Next, we added this beautiful millwork applique in the center, but cut it in half first so the drawers could open.
TIME TO PAINT
Then the even more fun part…paint! haha. When choosing what color of paint to use, my guys always ask me, “What will make it sell?”. I guide them a bit, but truly leave it up to them. In this instance, Miss S. chose to go with one of my favorite colors.
Miss S. gave it two coats of paint allowing cure time of approximately 2 hours in between. She also used a antique white color to paint the added trim and applique for a soft contrast.
When all was painted and ready, she lightly distressed and then gave everything a light coating of gray wax.
THE BIG REVEAL
Are you ready for the big reveal of this Art Deco waterfall dresser? We are!
The dresser looks so good with that gray wax to give it the aged appeal Miss S. was hoping for.
To add even more fun, we added a pretty embossed wallpaper lining to coordinate with the details we added to the front. It’s those kind of peeks inside that make it fun to put your things inside.
Swapping out the ugly plastic pulls for those beautiful bail pulls was smart move. They really dress up this classic piece. We both agree the mirror is our favorite part. Neither one of us has seen one like it. Have you?
With much pride, I can say that my daughter originally had the intent of selling this piece, but instead decided to donate to our Finding Home program. I am so proud! You can read the recipient story HERE.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
SHARE
Do pin and share Miss S’s. remake of this Art Deco waterfall dresser. She hopes to inspire other parents and kids to give DIY a try. It’s so fun!
Up next, I’m working on with this pair of louver doors I found during my recent spring city cleanup. Any guesses? See what they became HERE.
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More projects like this Art Deco waterfall dresser:
Great job looks beautiful!
Thanks!
Beautiful make-over. Miss S. done a wonderful job.
I have a couple of bar stools that need work so would probably start with them.
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity
Thank you, Colleen. Sounds like fun!
What a wonderful job Miss S. !
Thank you for making her day, Kelly. 😀
An advantage of homeschooling is that your kids have time to do things like this-and build skills that they just don’t get in school. Job well done! Give her an A+ for the project!
Yes, I am eternally blessed to be able to have my kids with me and teach them in more ways than one. Thank you for the rave review! 😀
She did a beautiful job!
I’m so proud of her. Thank you, Lori.
The dresser is just beautiful. It is great that you support your children the try bigger things and are right there helping them learn what and how to do diy’s. Repurposing old to new and saving all these old broken pieces to beauty. Miss S did a great job.
It is pure delight for me to see them go. Stretching their wings and flying! Thank you so much, Norma.
The dresser is gorgeous!! Love the added detail on the front. Miss S. Did a fantastic job! Now if I was to win those awesome brushes I would give my dining room table the love it deserves after all we’ve put it through! lol
Thanks for the love, Sherry! I’m a proud mama. You will love them!
Beautiful! I like the added moulding detail the best. It gives the piece an added touch! I have so many projects that I’d like to paint with th Zibra brushes. Too many. ?
It seemed like a blank slate to us, and we had fun. Thanks for the love!
Miss S. has done a lovely job on this dresser!!
Thank you for saying so, Robin. Made her smile!
very impressive, Miss S!! Beautiful work!
She says, “Thank you!. and I do too.
Wonderful makeover. What amazing skills of self reliance and confidence you are teaching your kids. Proud of Miss S. and proud of you too!
Some Zibra brushes would come in handy for painting a rocking chair.
It was crazy as I was busy doing my own project and kinda forgot about her and come to find her done. So cool!! Thank you, Rebecca.
She did a great job! It’s beautiful. Those brushes would come in handy for a lot of things,
We’re happy to hear it, Carole. Thank you!
Looks like Miss S. is definitely following in her mom’s footsteps. It look beautiful! I know you are proud of her.
You bet I am. Thank you, Michele. 🙂
Well, there you have it………like mother, like daughter! What a dynamic duo you are!
BRAVO, Miss S!
Yahoo! How fun to hear, Nancy. Thank you!
The first thing I would paint with the Zibra brushes would be a dresser I have that is going to be made into a kitchen island. Thank you for your blog because it has given me so many ideas and practical info. Btw, beautiful dresser and awesome work by your sweet kiddo!
Sounds good! Thank you for the kind words.
I agree, the mirror is beautiful. I love the trim added. I think it really makes the piece!
Those curvy designs have me swooning. haha. Thanks from the two of us, Rebecca.
Another beauty, Larissa! Your skills always amaze me. The first project I’d use my brushes on is a small chest in my guest room. It looks rather shabby and needs some life!
All props go to my daughter. She worked so hard. Thank you, Kathy!
An inspiration, as usual!
Thanks so much!
I am not a fan of gray anything, but I have to say, that is beautiful. The white detail work on the front and the pulls really break it up and add to the charm. She did wonderful. You are truly blessed!
Beautiful job. I am blown away at the new look of this dresser. I especially love the wood accents and the color of the duck egg after the wax.
Hooray! So glad to hear it. Thank you.
You are teaching your children by example. What energy and pep all of you have. I love your before’s and after’s. God Bless your family as you all work together.
You’re the best, Sherry! Thank you so much for all your support in all we do.
Lovely piece.
Thank you.
She did a beautiful job! And boy you are right about those Zibra brushes, they are the BEST for no brush strokes! I seriously want them all ;-). I am fixing my house to sell and will have a new home to decorate soon, no telling what will be my 1st project but there will be many! Thank you for this chance to win!
Thanks! They sure are. I am wholeheartedly addicted to them. haha. Hope you win!
what a lovely job on this, Miss S! Your choice of color was spot-on! Great skills for your adult life too! Congrats!
She’s loving all this attention and she deserves it because she worked so hard. Thank you, Kimmy.
What a delightful new look ! Your daughter has inherited your talent as well as your work ethic. Great job !
She is such a driven person. I’m so proud of her. 🙂 Thank you!
So beautiful! Great job Miss S! I’d love to try those awesome paint brushes to paint my daughter’s furniture.
Thanks! Sounds like a plan. 😀
Wow, you rock Miss S.! I love how the color reminds you of your favorite pair of comfy worn jeans. Good job, sweetie!
She loved reading that! So fun to hear, Kenda. Thank you!
Larissa, Another proud Momma moment for you!! Miss S. your vision for this piece was spot on! The trim work, applique and hardware, work beautifully on this dresser. The color and wax choices are perfect!!! Well done Miss S.
Thanks so much, Kaycee.
If the plastic knobs were original to the piece, they could be Bakelite, which is collectible. It would be interesting to check them out. I love the finished job, beautiful!
Not Bakelite, just plastic…trust me. 😉 Thanks!
Wow! What a makeover! Timeless beauty
We just made over a table and chairs, with the same Dixie Belle colors…..love the feel and look…
I would use the brushes for a dresser makeover similar to yours, I have 2 plain, flat front dressers that need freshening up….thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks! So fun to share.
Perfect! What a great job! I would use the brushes for upcycling old jewelry boxes.
Thank you. Sounds like fun!
Your daughter is amazing! Talented just like mom…. The dresser came out beautiful and the color is perfect.?
aww…thank you. She is delighted to hear it. Tough girl she is! 😀
Great job! Because of you, I now recognize “waterfall” dressers when I go to the thrift store.
Awesome! Happy to help. 😀
Congrats on teaching the next generation. She is certainly a quick student. O
I just love it! Makes my whole world to see them go. Thank you!
Great job Miss S! She is as talented as her mama. It’s wonderful that you invest the time in teaching your children. I’m sure you’re very proud of all of them!
I’m can’t say enough how proud I am. Thank you, Debra!
Miss S did is such a beautiful job! Talent definitely runs in the family!
Thanks so much! Happy to hear it, Janette.
I only have on Zibra brush, but I love it! Thanks for introducing us to this brand.
You bet! Happy to share what I love. 🙂
Wow! What an inspiration! I’m looking forward to working on some projects this summer myself. I’m always thankful to see what products you have used. I’ve been learning to hold out for the best. Thanks for sharing.
That’s an awesome thing to hear. Thank you, Lisa.
This is so inspiring! Thank you. I would love to use the brushes on a curio cabinet that needs a face-lift.
Wonderful! Sounds like a fun piece.
She did a fantastic job and I love that she is following in your footsteps.
Every mama’s dream, right? I love it.
Looks great! Love the applique! We have a buffet in our dining room that doesn’t match with our style anymore, but with some paint, it would work quite nicely!
We both felt we needed to add some pep to this piece. Thanks so much. Sounds like a great project piece.
Larissa the depth that is achieved with the paint and wax is amazing!! It almost looks like a fresco.
She loved hearing that, Mary. Thank you from the two of us. 😀
She is a very talented patient young lady. Wonderful job!
Her determination is amazing. I love it!
Great job!
Very Nice ! I LOVE the color and the detail piece that was added. That really made it extra nice.
What fun it was for her to have at it. Thanks so much!
Your daughter did a beautiful job. I love her paint choice and her choice of handles she used. She is very talented. She is her mother’s daughter for certain.
Thanks! We both couldn’t be happier with the outcome. So excited for her!
Wow, Ms. S! I always show my husband your kiddos’ workmanship. There seems to be a common misconception that young kids are unable to accomplish more than adults give them a chance or credit. Kuddos to mama for thinking otherwise and inspiring your kids to be creative and an avid recycler. We need more parents to teach kids to be independent, creative, and skillful.
Hooray! That is so awesome to hear. Yes, I believe people tend to underestimate kids abilities and they can do far more if we give them the skills and our time. It builds confidence and create memories that last a lifetime.
My daughters twin bed is from the 40s, I would like to freshen it up a little. Then maybe move on to the other pieces in her room so that it all coordinates!!
Great job! I have some chairs I’d like to paint with the brushes if I win.
Thanks!
I would paint all those craft and home decor projects I’ve been meaning to do.
Sweet.
Beautiful work Miss S!
Thank you, Lisa. 🙂
Not sure if your kiddos inherited your talent or you taught them well or BOTH, but this is gorgeous!
This girl has such drive that I think even if she didn’t inherit it she would make it happen. haha!
Great job! Takes after he mama! Talent runs in the family.
I sure feel so blessed to have them as my family. Thank you.
This turned out so lovely. I would use the brushes to repaint an old vanity that’s been in the family for years.
Thank you.
Great job Miss S, the dresser looks gorgeous. Your as talented and as beautiful as your Mama. Zibra brushes are great. ?
Thank you, Pamela.
What a beautiful job she did! And I just love the extra touches!
So glad to hear it. Thank you!
That’s gorgeous! May I ask, did you replace the veneer on the scalloped bottom?
Thanks! She just sanded, stained, and painted. Most often the wood is just fine under the veneer for painting.
Miss S did a beautiful job! Love the color, her grunge wax application, and those pretty extras. Finger’s crossed her hard work pays off very soon 🙂
Great job! I need to get my daughters to help me ?
Miss S did an absolutely lovely job! I am very impressed with her abilities! BRAVO!
Thank you from the two of us, Barbara. 🙂
Beautiful dresser!!! Love the color
Thank you, Deidra. 🙂
She sure worked wonders, I’m impressed!
I am so happy for her. Thank you!
Wow, that looks fantastic. I am impressed with the painting skills. I am planning to paint my bathroom vanity.
Thank you, Melissa.
I have a similar piece given to me years ago from an elderly neighbor. It desperately needs to be refinished. I’m wondering what you used to strip it and the steps involved. Beautiful job.
Good on ya. We typically just sand and then go from there. If you want to use a stripping solution, CitriStrip is your next best bet.