My coined word is Trashure – one man’s trash is another woman’s treasure. I’ve been using it for ages and first debuted it a few years ago when I found a chest of drawers curbside. Well, today is Trash to Treasure Tuesday, the one day of the month where my blogger friends and I take something worn or dated and make it new. The subject for this month’s makeover is a child’s chest of drawers my daughter found sitting with the trash (aka trashure). We decided to make it into a card catalog. Yup, a whole new look. AND… I have a sweet giveaway for you too!
Here’s the story: My gaggle of kids go with me everywhere I go. Yes, even to the grocery store and all errands – we have a blast! This day in particular, as we headed out to get some food essentials, I noticed it was trash day and I turned and told the kids that today would be a good day to keep your eyes peeled for some trashure set out.
BACKSTORY
At that same exact time I was speaking, one of my daughters, Miss S, said, “Mama, there’s a dresser!” Apparently, I totally missed it as my head was turned to tell them to keep an eye out. I braked and turned around and here is what she found.
*Post sponsored by HomeRight, product provided by D. Lawless Hardware (see full disclosure)
Isn’t it cute? It’s got some damage to the drawers, missing some of the skirt, but really not too bad. I do believe it was handmade at some point and full of charm. Now, we couldn’t let that go into the trash, could we?
I will admit, we found this last November (gulp) and I told her we would get to it as soon as I could. Well…I wasn’t lying and now is the time. Since most people don’t have use for a tiny chest of drawers – this thing is less than 3 feet tall – we decide to give it new life as a vintage card catalog.
DIY TIME
First, we took off that decorative piece on the top, and removed the broken bottom skirt. Then I removed the decorative piece between the top two drawers and cut the center spacer with
my jigsaw
.
Miss S and I wanted to make the top two drawers into one, so we were removing the tracks to make that possible. Next, we added some scrap wood with my drill between the two drawers to make them the appropriate width.
I love that my daughter is old enough I can hand her the tools and watch her light up. She’s becoming fast addicted. hee hee hee.
NEXT STEPS
Since we removed the front skirt, we needed a replacement. We used the decorative top piece that we removed earlier as a stencil to create a matching board.
So far so good, right? Now to attach the skirt, I show Miss S how a Kreg Jig Master System makes pocket screw holes that allow us to easily attach the skirt. This is where she becomes hooked. I don’t blame her!
I use my jigsaw to cut the decorative design out of the skirt and then Miss S give it a light sanding with my sander Using our Kreg Clamp Trak on our DIY workbench makes the job so much easier.
NEW HEIGHTS
We attach the skirt and now it’s time for the legs. I have a glorious stash of table legs that I got at the garage sale to end all garage sales, and have used them to make tiered stands, wooden totes, and our floor lamp. This set would be perfect to take this child’s dresser turned card catalog to new heights.
Miss S and I use my miter saw to make corner braces. I just have to say how much I love that saw! My project was made so much easier because it is a double bevel sliding saw with a 12″ blade so now the sky’s the limit!! (sorry…I got lost in the moment. ahem) After using the Kreg Jig again to make pocket screws, we attach the legs.
Now for the drawers. In order to create the card catalog effect, I used my table saw and miter saw to cut some scrap luan I had leftover from our bathroom remodel.
RAW
We attach the faux drawer fronts with my nail gun and some wood glue, and when finished it looks like this in the raw.
At this point, Miss S and I give each other a high-five because we’ve worked our fingers to the bone and our vision is finally coming together.
Now for the fun part! You know I love my paint sprayer that I used on this dinette set, this highchair, and my patio furniture, so of course it was the perfect way to finish this card catalog. But, just like when I sprayed our dining room chairs, the spray shelter came to our rescue.
PAINT TIME
Here in Ohio our leaves on the trees are just budding which makes for some cooking sun rays. Miss S and I are able to get the shelter up in about 10 minutes with the easy-to-follow instructions, and we are ready to rock ‘n roll. We just snap together the poles, attach the hooks, and anchor it down with anchors provided. Easy!
Now for photo’s sake, I have the shelter pointing towards the sun so you can see how it looks set up, but ideally you would turn it away. We were having some gusts of wind that day and the shelter was also turned away from the wind so we could paint. It worked like a charm!
Miss S is no stranger to the sprayer as we used it on her Mid Century Modern starburst table, so she had at it like an old pro. She did the sides, and I finished the rest because that’s what mama’s do, right? The color we used was the same seconds paint I used on our bathroom vanity.
We got one coat in 10 minutes, and then used our HomeRight Rapid Clean Kit for a 5-minute clean-up. You can’t get much better than that!
A second coat was applied after an hour or so, and then our card catalog bin pulls from D. Lawless Hardware and my self-made labels.
THE REVEAL
Ready for the reveal? We are so excited to show you our curbside child’s chest of drawers turned vintage card catalog.
We totally had fun with it and love how it turned out.
Likewise, this fun piece is now available in my online shop, and we even deliver to your door.
SHARE
While I adore hearing from you on projects, it also is wonderful when you pin and share to inspire others. It’s what we’re all about!
In addition, we hope you’ve enjoyed our card catalog project and want to inspire others to think outside the trash. Also, pinning and sharing shows love. What is more, to get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
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What a brilliant makeover! You have given it a whole new unique look. Love the legs and front skirt!
It was fun to do, Sam. Thank you!
Great makeover, Larissa! It turned out fantastic! I love that you teach your girls how to use power tools. I’m sure they’re proud of the projects they helped working on.
Thanks so much, Julia. They love to learn and get a kick out of being able to “do it all by themselves”. Thanks!
That is so cool! Love it!
I posted it on my DIY BOARD on my Pinterest account and am working on posting it on my Facebook page.
I asked my husband for the HomeRight shelter and sprayer for Mother’s Day and have not purchased it yet. I plan to use it to paint my dining room set and I am sure I will use it for many other projects.
Thanks for the opportunity to win th system!
For the sake of all mothers, I hope you win!! 😀
I shared this posting on FB. I would spray a buffet that I am planning to bash into a tv console.
Ooh…now you’re talking!
What a fabulous makeover.
Thank you for the everlasting support, Debra.
What a redo! Such a great thing for you to teach your children your passion. I hope you blog for awhile so we can watch that pretty little girl grow up and share her masterpiece’s! She’s a fast learner and did a great job! Great memories!!Way to go Mom!!
I sure hope I can! They all are eager to learn and we do have fun. Thank you!
Loved your idea. I shared this on facebook. I would paint my Trashure of a Large china cabinet my daughter and I found at 11:30pm while chasing one of our dogs that got loose. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Thanks! hahahaha…I die! Totally providential you found it.
Wow. Simply wow. Love this
Awesome! Thank you.
Had to share- love card catalogues but never thought I could have one. You have shown me the path! Thanks so much.
Awesome! Yes, all those little drawers would be mostly pointless for me, but the look of them is what I love.
So clever; love it!
Yay! Thank you, Carol.
I love love love this makeover! I am a huge reader and miss the old card catalogs at the library! You did an awesome job and I love how you’re sharing this gift with your daughter! Thank you!
P.S. I am sharing this blog on FB and if I won the sprayer, I would first paint my cornhole boards that I just finished 🙂
Good for you! That is a fun family project.
this is a great makeover – love how you transformed and the products used
Thank you, Linda. 🙂
What a clever makeover! I wish I had space for this. I love it! My metal glider would be WHAT I’d spray first. It was my grandparent’s and needs some TLC. Thanks for the inspiration and a chance to win some great tools!
Thank you, Kimberly! Ooh…I love those things! They’re fun and functional.
Forgot to say I shared on Facebook!
It’s all good! 😀
I shared your beautiful piece. The first thing I would use the sprayer and shelter for is my bedroom set. I put it together and stained it over 20 years ago, with only minor updates since. Time for paint 😀 .
Kudos to you for taking it on again. It will be a breeze with this set!
I’ve shared on Pinterest on my upcycled furniture board. This spray shelter and spray gun are on my Amazon wish list so I can paint my kitchen cabinets!!!!!!
Ooh…this would be perfect!
Hello Larissa, I found you on Pinterest! I love your furniture makeovers and especially your bathroom renovation. I am currently in the process of doing the same with my upstairs bath. It’s very nice to see you getting your children involved in projects. Life skills are very important for us to pass on to the younger generation. I am your newest follower 🙂
I’m so happy you found me! Sounds like you have a whole lotta DIY going on too. Thank you for you encouragement. 🙂
You never cease to amaze! Love the makeover you and your sweet helper dreamed up for this piece! And I love my spray shelter!! I have used it several time already! ?
I SHARED ON FACEBOOK. THE FIRST THING I WILL PAINT IS M 40+ YEAR OLD DRESSER. THEN THE NIGHTSTANDS WILL BE NEXT!
BEAUTIFUL WORK AND THANKS FOR SHARING!
Don’t I always say…. that is ahhhmazing!!! on your project posts??? I do, they are! Love this. 🙂
I have a tiny child’s chest that I’ve been wanting to turn into a “catalog cabinet” ….one of these days I’ll get to mine too!!
I’m very inspired to get it done now!!
xo
Nancy
hee hee… you really made me giggle. You know you’ll rock your cabinet, girl!
Shared and I would paint a sofa table that needs a make over.
Sounds perfect, Sandra!
Oh the list!…some unsightly nightstands that we use in our master, a bookshelf for my toddler’s reading closet, a child’s rocking chair, etc., etc.! My brother would be begging to use it too, since he’s caught the woodworking bug and is constantly making new amazing pieces! (shared the facebook post)
Whoa…you are my twin! 😀 Maybe birthday gift for brother?? 😉
Shared! I have way too many projects I could use this on! Your daughter did a great job with the card catalog!
That’s awesome to hear. Thank you!
I love the height of this piece! I want a sprayer so badly-hoping to do cabinet fronts and a new-to-me dining room table!
It add much more form this way. Thanks! I hear ya on the cabinets and dining table…no fun without a sprayer.
What another beautiful transformation! Your daughter is already a pro. I shared this on Pinterest and Twitter. I would absolutely love-love-love to win the home sprayer & shelter. I have a vintage sideboard waiting for a makeover. Thanks for the giveaway op!
Yay! Thank you from the two of us, Doreen. 🙂
Shared your post, love the project and you have an awesome helper. Could have used the sprayer and shelter on two dressers I just finished but still have on more to go, so would use it on that to start with. So many projects and so little time, sprayer would certainly speed things up! Thanks your all your wonderful projects and tips you share.
It will certainly be a blessing as it is to us. Fingers crossed!
What a beautiful surprise this was Larissa! When I saw it in the raw I was sceptical, but now that it is finished it is a dream. Love the color you picked.
You know me, Marie…taking the funky and unloved and having fun!! 😀
I shared your fantastic chest on Facebook!! I have a chair fetish, so the first things I would paint would be chairs! The sprayer and spray shelter would make my hobby less time intensive and MORE FUN. ? Thanks for having the give away. It’s great to find out what tools crafty people use and love.
I must have that same fetish. Ha! Thank you so much.
Holy smokes! This turned out soooo perfect! You are such a good mama for showing your kiddos how to carry on your handy genes. 🙂
You are too sweet, Lauren. Thank you! You know we have a blast. 😉
I love the legs on this! What a fun piece and how fun that your daughter got in on it! Makes me wish I could be one of your kids 🙂
She did so much work, and took my guidance well. I love it! If you can live with 8, a cat, and a dog with one bathroom, you’re are more than welcome. 😀
That little dresser is the cutest thing ever! What a great job. I also think it is so neat that your kids are interested in what you are doing. What a great ability to pass on to them. Very good mama! If I would win, I have an old mirror that I would like to tackle first for my daughter’s wedding. Then an old bedroom set would be next on the list. I have shared and thanks for the give away!
It was such a trashure find! Thank you so much.
Your skillset always amazes me, and I love that you’re passing down your skills! I have pinned this to my Furniture Refinishing board on Pinterest. No wonder I always read your blog posts first! I would love to win this to do refinish my dining room set which I hope to tackle this summer.
Aww… thank you so much, Fran! That’s awesome to hear.
Love the transformation and the trashure team! I would spray paint the chairs and table base of a dining room set. Thanks!
hahaha…love the trashure team! 😀
Fantastic transformation, you and Miss S did a wonderful job! You must be so proud of her! I’ve pinned this to my “Furniture Fix” board, thanks!
Thank you for the love, Nanette! I am one proud mama. 🙂 T
What an amazing flip! I shared on Facebook and put a link to your blog because others need to see your talents! I have two garages full of furniture I need to transform for my booth sooooo…I would DIE if I won the sprayer and tent. I think I would spray the base of a diningroom table I’ve had forever and the accompanying chairs first, something I have been putting off transforming! Thank you!!!!
Woot, Woot! Thank you. This is perfect for dining sets and saves so much time and aches and pains.
Love the vision you had for this piece and how it turned out. I would love to win this package. I shared on facebook. Thanks!
We certainly had fun seeing it come together and totally stoked we can share a wonderful package of painting fun!
What a wonderful makeover you and miss s pulled off. By the time Miss S is 16 years old she will be building her own line of furniture.
I love the way you are raising your children, I know I have told you this in the past, but I just have to tell you how impressed I am. If I were a young mother today I would home school and hopefully teach them the same work ethics and moral values and ethics to become responsible, respectable, moral adults.
I did share on FB and boy could I use this HomeRight paint shelter and Finish Max paint sprayer. I have a little antique kitchen cabinet that I need to paint and another little cabinet I bought at a thrift store that fits in my mud room perfectly, but needs a paint job, I have a bathroom vanity to paint and bedroom walls, that paint sprayer would sure make my life easier, and for the furniture I could set up the shelter outside and on cold days I could set it up in the basement. I have several pieces of furniture already in the basement waiting for a make over.
Yes, she’ll be taking over my job one day. Thank you for sharing the post, and for all the wonderful words you have given me. I do try the best I can. 🙂
What a blessing to hear. Thank you so much for the support. You could definitely make use of this package with all you have going on!
I think this is the BEST MAKEOVER I’ve seen in a LONG TIME!!!!! GREAT JOB!!!
How awesome to hear! Thank you so much, Karen. 😀
Well, that made our day! Thank you, Karen.
Amazing transformation! I have a backlog of furniture projects and I’ve been considering getting a spray tent, so this is very timely. I wonder how chalk paint would work in the sprayer?
Thank you! I have yet to use chalk paint in the sprayer myself, but my blogger friends have. 🙂
So cool!!! Thanks for sharing! And I shared to win! I would paint a gorgeous buffet that’s sitting in my shop.
That would be an enormous help for sure!
I love this and every piece you’ve done! I could use a sprayr because they say its a much better finish! I will share this post righ now on Facebook!!
Well, you just made my day, Mary! Thank you.
Wow, what a makeover! I never would’ve guessed this was the same dresser you found curbside. Excellent job Larissa!! (and Miss S!) 😉
Thank you, Jen! It was a lot of work, but worth it. 🙂
This is a super transition! I shared on Facebook. I know my friends will enjoy your project with your daughter. If I am the winner the first thing I will paint is a sweet little table I hope to use as a night stand.
GOD bless you Larissa.
ELAINE
Thank you, Elaine!
Love love love your work. You are such an inspiration. I have shared your post in Facebook. I would use these products in my little growing up cycle business to paint rescued furniture.
I love, love, love to hear it! 😀 Thank you, Deb.
I just posted on my Facebook page. I already bought the homeright sprayer because of your recommendation, but haven’t use it because I want to spray an armoire and I have to wait for a day with not much wind.
Love everything you and your children do. Blessings.
I hope you love your sprayer as much as I do. Thank you, Wilma.
a. Love it! You guys did a great job.
b. Somehow I still don’t have a paint sprayed and would love to have one.
&
c. Shared on Pinterest : http://pin.it/f2wY1tX
ABC – thank you!
Shared. Your work is so original and fresh!
I’d paint the motel chairs in my yard.
Thank you for the love!
Very nice conversion! I would love to paint several bed frames, a dresser and a desk for my son.
Thanks!
Wow, Larissa once again, you outdid yourself! And kudos to Miss S!
I did share on FB and Twitter…the first item I will be paibting is our dinning room table, then our coffee table, and then the shutters I have displayed in the living room!
“May the best man win!”
Be blessed!
You are so kind. Thank you, Yolanda. 🙂
I shared this post on my facebook page. I have so many projects that I need to do that it is hard to say which one would get done first if I won the paint sprayer and tent. I think I would probably start with an old office credenza that I bougt from a man who liquidates furniture for businesses when they change their décor. It is solid oak but I want to give it a new look and us it as a media cabinet in my living room. It would be great to be able to spray it inside and out and this prize would make a big job so much easier. I hope that I win!
Great idea!
LOVE THIS!
I shared it on Pinterest!
I have an old bookcase I want to re-do, so that would be a perfect project for the shelter and sprayer.
Thank you!
Wow! I never dreamed that you’d make it over like this! It looks so great!
Tania
How wonderful to hear! Thank you, Tania. 🙂
I never knew they had a product like this. I’m always bringing in furniture so this would help a lot. I shared this on Twitter, and facebook.
I shared on my Facebook page. I would paint my dining room chairs with Finish Max Paint Sprayer. I seriously love everything you do. Your skills are out of this world.
You are so kind. Thank you, Michele.
That’s very clever! I’m wondering if you had to use primer first? Or if you just went straight to the paint. I’m getting ready to paint some furniture and am confused as to what to do first!
Thanks! No primer, just paint directly on. It would depend on the piece I was painting to use primer. If a mahogany or cherry stain is on it or it is laminate veneer, then I prime. Or to hide dark base coat of already existing paint. Use a bit of rubbing alcohol to tell if it is a latex or oil-based paint. If paint comes off then it’s latex. 🙂
Shared on Facebook! I have been wanting to paint a vintage side table, so tgat would be a great help!
Shared on Facebook. Would love to paint my bedroom suite.
Shared your post on my Facebook and Pinterest, love love LOVE this piece! Extremely excited that I came across your blog not to long ago. Not only do I love the things you make and your blog, but appreciate how you have gotten your kids involved. Thank you for the tutorials and look forward to your future posts!
I forgot to add that if I were to be so lucky to win this system, I would get to work on a piece of my Grams that I have been waiting to refinish.
Thank you for the encouragement, Kim. I’m so happy you found me! 🙂
Shared on Facebook. I have been wanting a sprayer and the shelter would be great! I have several pieces that I need to get busy painting, but the first one I would tackle is a chair my husband made.
I have heavy piece that I do not know what to call it exactly, that is desperate need of a makeover so it can become my television table. it is a really cool piece but heavy dark wood. I shared on Facebook and am saving to
Pinterest. Love your color choice!
It’s one of my favorite colors, Beverly. Thanks!
I absolutely love this idea and total think I need to do it! I have 2 storage units and a garage full of furniture so if I won the possibilities would be endless! And I shared on facebook.
Go for it, Sheri! 😀
This is a great make over! I shared on furniture album on Pinterest! And if I can figure out my new phon, I’ll share on Instagram too 😉 that’s where I first came across you… Some great pieces you have done! And what a blessing to share in your passion with your daughter’s. My husband and I try to do the same with our natives, when it comes to home projects.
If I were to win a sprayer, I think our first project would be our kitchen cabinets! We just moved to our little home in the woods last fall, and have SO many options when it comes to “what to paint next”.
Thanks for the opportunity!
I love to hear where I am found and thank you for the kind words. We love spending every minute with our kids.
Amazing makeover! Love it!
We’re so happy to hear it! Thank you, Kristy.
Those legs!! Love the height the most. Gorgeous!!
They took it to a new level…really! 😉 Thank you.
I love the card catalogue! I shared your post on Facebook. If I won the sprayer and shelter, I’d paint my dining table and chairs!:)
Thanks, Mary!
Shared …I would use it to paint my kitchen table. Thanks for the chance!! 🙂
You bet!
So beautiful! I love the legs!!
They were so fun to add. Thanks!
I have shared on my Facebook page. You are very talented. It’s so cool to see you and your daughter working together. My first project will be an old family dresser and headboard.
Thank you. We have a blast! (literally) tee hee
I shared in FB! And if I win I will be able to finally redo a China hutch and an antique bed. I’ve been procrastinating over a year due to the size of the projects and this would be a tremendous inspiration to get started.
Shared and I would love this to paint a dresser I have wanted to paint for a long time.
Beautiful! Never would have expected this type of re-purposing! LOVE.
Thank you, Jessica!
Cute redo , having that sprayer sure makes painting easier , totally need one in my life , wood love to win it ?
Thanks!
Wonderful make over! I totally love it! I SO need that painting tent! Sharing in hopes of winning!
Thank you so much, Leah. 🙂
I have a ton of different projects I would use this for but first up would be repainting my shutter island. The thought of hand painting those shutters again makes my arms sore and puts a knot in my neck. This would come in to handy on so many projects just not in my budget yet. Fingers crossed I dot have to wait for the vudget to allow it.
Share post on Facebook.
Thanks for the opportunity!
My pleasure to share! 😀
I shared.I definetly will paint my desk and chair and Bookshelves for my Girly Office. I love the Card catalog really cute idea.
Thank you, Cheryl!
Since my historic home has no garage (yet!), I really don’t have a place to paint. This would be so handy! My first project would be redoing my grandmother’s 1930s record player.
Wow! What an amazing piece!
I have recently been given a large piece of furniture from my grandmother that has passed away last year. It will be a big project and I would love to win this prize to make the transformation easier!
Love your work!
Thank you. I’m sorry to hear of you loss. It would definitely make the job easier!
Beautiful card catalog Larissa! I gave away my sprayer to a friend who needed one before I even got a chance to use it and now I wish I kept it… hoping to win another one so I can give it a try!
Well, you’re an awesome friend for sure. You will love it!
Shared on FB! Really need as my hubs has kicked me and my projects (and there’s many!) out of our garage. First projects would be a couple of small bed side tables.
bwahahahaha…oh no!! 😀 Sounds good to me.
Wow, what another awesome job there so I can’t believe all the cool things you do that paint sprayer and both look amazing I would love to own one of those have a blessed day
Eric Rollins Rustics
Thank you, Eric. We have fun!
I shared your post on FB! I have a book shelf waiting for paint, but haven’t been able to do this because of our windy days.
Same here…rain, rain, go away! 😀
I would love to have both of these products! It would make life so much easier!
Yes, they would!
I love this! I would have never thought of it in a million years! Such creativity! And I NEED that paint sprayer and tent! Amazing!!
That’s wonderful to hear, Leanna. Thank you for the love. 🙂
I cannot believe my eyes!! I had to go back and reread the entire process. It is unbelievable. Great job!
hahaha!! Awesome, Joanne! We certainly had fun.
You do beautiful work and love that your kids are involved. Shared and I would love to spray my son’s large dresser, which I’ve been avoiding because of the extra time it takes with a brush.
Thank you, Jess. This would be perfect for that. 🙂
I love your creative thinking! I never would have thought to make that little dresser look like a card catalog. It looks great! Please tell your daughter that she did a good job of helping you with this project.
She is reading all of these sweet words and I love to see her blossom. Thank you, Paula!
I am so totally in awe of you, Larissa. The knowledge and ability you are passing on to your youngsters is beyond price. One day I hope I’ll pluck up the courage to ‘play’ with the tools and create something like this piece. Love your posts – keep it up and thank you xx
I whole-heartedly appreciate your comments, Helen. I do try to be all that I can for them, and they are a huge blessing. Thank you for making my day!
amazing redo – you and daughter got it “spot on” !! Sharing this for a win & painting my storm door that is now laying in my garage waiting for me to hand paint (ugh)
Thanks so much, Mary!
Your kiddos helping is the highlight! What a great project and better sidekick! I love sharing your work! It is SO GOOD!
Yes! Thank you, Kim. We certainly have fun.
Shared on Facebook. My plot is to win the sprayer and use it to introduce my sister to the glory of power tools! This card catalog would probably be our first project together.
What fun you will have! 🙂
Where did you find the handles and most iof your numbered handles.Im in love with them…Thank you
Thank you, Debbie. I have the link in the text,but you can find them here. 🙂