My family thought I was nuts when I had them help me pull this out of the back of the Suburban a couple months ago.
But when I first saw it while browsing the thrift store, I immediately had a vision of what it could be.
Could it be my addiction to frequencing antique shops has come to some use? (I’m trying to find justification….e-hem.)
(this Antique shop is currently one of my two favorites!)
And when I asked the furniture clerks to help me after I had paid for it, one of them said to the other, “that piece has a lot of potential.”
I told him that’s what I thought!
I immediately got to work on it. THAT NIGHT (not typical of me), sanding this baby down and pealing off that front layer on the drawers. They were not salvagable. The whole exterior had the look of having been left out in the rain. I knew I was going to have to paint it, so I stripped it down and started painting with a coat or two of paint and primer in one that I had on hand.
After I sanded the top, I just couldn’t bring myself to painting it. This picture doesn’t do justice to the kind of wood it is. SO beautiful! So I just put a coat of wax over the top.
after a few hours and painting and waiting for it to dry, I gave my attention to one of my best friends:
Yep, Brasso. I use it on my jewelry all the time. It is a wonderful cleaner, should you ever need to clean the tarnish off something. Especially if you own one of my sterling silver beauties! *wink*
Shined those handles and knobs right up! Aren’t they beautiful?
Here’s a crummy picture of the dresser after I finished cleaning the handles. I know, doesn’t look finished does it? That’s because it took so much longer than I anticipated that I PUSHED myself to putting on the knobs and handles and this is the way it sat in my entry. for. WEEKS. Yep. Funny thing is, People still complimented it! *ugh!*
That doesn’t do much to encourage me to finishing it.
I went through quite a time trying to decide what to do with the bottom, feeling like it needed a little something more. A design of some kind. That is when these placemats served as inspiration.
And I was dying to try this technique I saw somewhere else on pinterest. It’s been on the back of my mind for months now!
(you can see the link here). This is the part that required a few steps.
1) draw on a design
2) Go over design with Tulip puff paint
3) Paint over the top
4) Stain over all to accentuate detailing
5) Let dry and enjoy!
So we started with this:
And ended up with this:
Not bad for $16
Huh?!
Shelstring 
Hi Michele, you did a super job on this great dresser. So glad you could salvage it. Love the paint technique and the wonderful design on the bottom. thanks for joining in for the party!
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What an incredible transformation! I've never heard of Tulip puff paint what is that exactly?That dresser is magazine worthy now!!Definitely your newest follower – would love to have you come by and follow back when you have the timeHugs,Suzan
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What a beautiful dresser she is now. You did a wonderful job on her. Thank you for sharing. Visiting from Bacon Time. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House which goes live at 8am CST on Monday. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
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I love the shape of the dresser. I would have snatched it up too, it looks great! You did a wonderful job! Have a great Day! Susan@pineapplehillinteriors
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Beautiful job of transforming this piece. Saw you at Make Me Pretty link party. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
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Seriously? that is tulip puff paint? I would have never thought of that! Looks wonderful. Love it. I just came here from K.O.T.T.– love this vintage dresser. Looks remarkable. Pat
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You much improved the dresser! Great makeover! I am not a good DIYourselfer. Probably partly because I can't see the potential in things.
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What a great transformation. It looks awesome. I'm your newest follower. Come check out my blog when you have a minute at http://sister-number-5.blogspot.com
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What an amazing and beautiful transformation Michelle… well done. Thanks for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday last week. I will be featuring your beautiful chest of drawers at tomorrows party.
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It is truly heartwarming to see beautiful pieces of furniture come back to life like that. Gorgeous.
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Jings! I love that dresser! It's gorgeous!! I love that you left the chipped little bit of decorative wordwork at the top and the design on the footer! LOVE LOVE LOVE! And pinned for inspiration!Found you on the Ironstone Nest!Kristy @ Shona Skye Creationshttp://shonaskye.blogspot.com
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not bad?? its stunning now great job
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Great redo! WooHoo!
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Now that is one pretty awesome make over – you had the vision! Great job! yay!
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