I’m not one to quit. Once I start something I aim to finish it. However, I also know when to draw the line. In this instance, an antique empire chest gave me a run for my money as far as my imagination goes. I’m happy to say that today I’m finishing this project with Part 3 with upcycling broken drawers into something more.
What you see are the sides and bottoms of the drawers that first started here in Part 1 and then I used the fronts up in Part 2. Take a peek because both projects are aimed to inspire you.
DIY TIME
First, when I start a project I like to pick up the pieces, turn them this way and that…kinda letting them talk to me. Though, this time around it didn’t take long for me to be inspired. Crazy enough, the short sides of the drawers perfectly fit on one of the drawer bottoms. Meanwhile, the long side of the salvageable bits of the drawers fit on another drawer bottom. Sweet!
Then, the next step is to assemble and create some home decor. You know I love typography, so I feel some signage coming on. woot!
Since the drawer bottoms are kinda boring and the short sides are a bit busted up, I wanted to accent the backing on the one side. First, I use a reactive stain (it works naturally with the tannins in the wood to age it) on both drawer bottoms.
You can see it wet and drying on the left and the raw wood on the right. Once dry, I felt one of them needed something more, so I use another reactive stain to give it a charred wood look.
Before I add the finishing touches, I assemble it all with my nailer.
THE REVEAL
Here’s what my broken drawers inspired me to create. I hope you enjoy! This first one has the vertical vibe goin’ on. You know I had to add typography. You can too with my transfer tutorial.
I don’t know about you, but I adore springtime and summer as it affords all the blooms my heart can handle. Do you have a favorite?
Before I finish off, I also have the second makeup of my broken drawers. However, this time instead of a vertical art, I went horizontal.
I’m not sure which one I’m partial to exactly, but I’m smitten that I am able to use every bit of what’s left of that antique empire chest.
So, which one for you? Both are available in my online shop along with other redeemed furniture, vintage finds, and handmade goods.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
SHARE
I invite you to pin and share my broken drawers decor. I’m sure there are others out there just waiting for revival. Much like us…we just need a Savior who sees our potential.
Up next, these two silverware boxes are ready for a brand new lease on life. Stay tuned! See my other silverware box upcycles HERE.
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More upcycled projects like this broken drawers turned decor:
Incredible!! I’m stunned at how you were able to use every bit of this dresser and make it as useful as it ever was!!! ?
Sharing what I envision is so fun for me, but definitely hearing from you is the icing on the cake. Thank you, Rebecca!
The saying “waste not, want not” is definitely meant for you. Your vision is incredible. Is there anything you cannot do, I don’t think so.
Aww…you just made my day, Rita. That means much to me. I believe we are given so much and it’s just a matter of what we do with it. Hugs!
Wow, I love them both. You never fail to impress.
Such sweet words to hear, Vickie. Thank you!
I love everything you created from the broken dresser. The signs are the icing on the cake – fabulous use of the old wood from the drawers. And I love that you left the dovetailed edges just the way they! Embrace what it they are rather than trying to make them look like something they are not….whoa – something Jesus taught us to do with people!!
I just love the texture they added to my art. Thank you for the wonderful smile, Judy! Yes, just like Jesus.
You squeezed out projects from every little last bit of that dresser. You go girl!!!
woot! I couldn’t let any go to waste. I still have one drawer bottom and the knobs. tee hee.
I love that you salvaged and breathed new life into every piece of that empire dresser, Larissa. The broken drawer signs are both fabulous and I’m sure won’t last long in your shop!
I couldn’t resist the challenge! 😀 Keep my ol’ brain poppin’. haha. Thanks, Marie!
I love following you & seeing your visions and creativity. You truly inspire through your creative, “outside the box“ successes & sharing your philosophy and faith. Thank you. I absolutely love the results of this three part inspiration. You are amazing.
Evelyn, your words mean so much. thank you for the assuring words and love.
Oh my gosh! I love them both, but my fave is the vertical.
Love them!
Thank you, Kim. I felt like those dove-tailed edges reminded me of postage stamps. 😉
Every time I start to read one of your posts, I think “Nope. I’m not seeing it.” In the middle, I’m still thinking there is no way you can pull it off, and then you reveal your final product. And it’s amazing. Creative and fabulous and something I never would have imagined from whatever you started with. You have a wonderful gift. Thanks for sharing with us!
Aww…I could hug ya, Dana. Such sweet words and so needed. Thank you!!
Larissa, this whole project is so inspiring! I do a weekly round-up on my blog and I am including this project!