On Facebook, I’ve been giving picture hints of the project I’ve been working on. I am not ready for the complete reveal because well, it’s not completed…but it’s really close. As I was going through the before pictures last night, I realized I needed to make this a two part post because I have a gazillion pictures that I think you need to see.
I have been inspired by the makeover projects on many of your blogs so I decided to try to restore the beauty to this bedroom suit, beginning with the dresser.
This dresser was my grandmother’s and will be my daughter’s when it is finished. It is (by our guesstimate) from the 1920s. My parents had a house fire 15 years ago and this has been sitting in their barn ever since. It was not damaged by the actual flames of the fire but water and heat caused warping damage and some of the adhesives to lose their stickiness. The layer of soot looked intimidating but came off with water and TSP.
Isn’t this dresser beautiful?
I can’t believe all the ornate detail. Every drawer designed differently and all the extra fancies make it spectacular.
I especially like the little box on the top. I wonder what my grandma used to hide in there? I can’t wait to see what Kiersten will do with this space.
After getting the dresser cleaned up, we took it apart to prepare for the makeover. We sanded all the varnish, shellac, and stain off the top and were AMAZED when this beautiful wood grain was revealed.
It has just a little danish oil on it to bring out the color of the wood and for protection.
The trim along the top is poplar. That is why it is somewhat green and lighter brown. I am thrilled though. I think it totally adds to the character of the piece.
OK, that’s all the sneak peeks for now. Next Monday night I’ll reveal the completed project. It’s gonna be GOOD!!!
Oh, good grief!! I'm on pins and needles!! PLEASE don't forget to link up to Tip Junkie! I'll be stalking over there until I see the finished product! Can't wait!
Oh my goodness…this chest is AMAZING!!! Cannot wait to see the reveal. Just became a new follower:-)) Julie
Oh it is pretty!
So far so good! So glad you were able to get the soot off!
Oh wow that's going to be something really beautiful when it's fully restored. I can't believe all the ornate details. They don't make them like that anymore!
I am oh so glad you just cleaned it up and brought it back to its former glory! I see so many beautiful old wood pieces of furniture ruined by painting them that it makes me want to cry. Bravo for saving its beauty!
Gorgeous piece of furniture. I can't wait to see what you do with it!
Followed you over from Someday Crafts.
I'm your newest follower.
http://www.projectqueen.org
Lovely! Reminds me a little of a dresser DH got when we got married, but I doubt ours is nearly as nice (especially not now that yours is restored!).
Well and beautifully done. Furniture is just not made with this kind of workmanship or fantastic detail anymore. So glad you shared!
That’s such a gorgeous dresser. You’re so lucky!
That is the most beautiful piece of furniture! Looks like she’s well on her way to a fourth life!
Oooohhh, will DEFINITELY come back on Monday!!
Deborah (happily visiting from
http://upcyclingmylife.blogspot.com)
What a beautiful piece! Lucky little girl.
Lovely Post 🙂
and do not miss…..
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WELCOME 🙂
Håkan ( The Roseman)
Can’t wait to see it finished! It’s gonna be wonderful I can tell already! I would love to have you share your talents at my VIP today =) http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/09/vip-party-26.html
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!! XO
I look forward to seeing this finished! What a wonderful piece. I so treasure anything that has been in the family a long time. Thanks for sharing
I can hardly wait until next week to see how you will transform this fine piece!
im just putting my hands together in a prayer that your reveal is NOT going to be PAINTING it!
nothing wrong with rehabbing a piece of furniture with paint, but when you become so addicted to this annie sloan stuff that you even start slapping it on quality pieces of funriture made from solid woods, and then even on , god forbid, antiques and share it like its an improvement, i want to just scream, and then call the keno brothers and tattle.
Oh I so can’t wait to see what you do with this fabulous piece. Plse come share at Market Monday!
http://mollysusanstrong.blogspot.com/2011/09/market-monday-with-linky-creating-from.html
Oooohhh, what a BEAUTIFUL piece!!
Deborah (happily visiting from
http://upcyclingmylife.blogspot.com)
Hope you’ll visit too…
That is a beautiful piece of furniture!
I’d love to have you share this and any other of your amazing posts over at my linky party Create and Share. It posts every Wednesday. We open the party Tuesday evening at 8 pm for those who like to link up early. Hope you stop by… http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2011/09/create-and-share-features-too.html
Tara @Trendy Treehouse
http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com
Gorgeous! And what a gift for your daughter! Can't wait to see the reveal.