I’ve been searching for a french chest of drawers for a couple months now, and when I found it on craigslist, to be honest, I didn’t even call right away. It was a terrible picture taken, and I could see some damage, and I just wasn’t sure. So I waited a couple weeks. And it was still there. So I finally texted the guy. He actually was kinda weird and told me at first he still had it, then he said he didn’t, and I almost gave up. But then I decided to call him. And good thing, because he may have been a little clueless, but he assured me he still had it for sale. I went them with the whole fam damily and I was so pleased at how solid the piece was and especially the hardware. I could tell the bottom decorative piece below the drawer, was missing so I was able to get it for a VERY good price. 🙂
There was a crack in the drawer front that was repaired (albeit poorly), so I filled in the cracks and bumps with wood filler as best I could, and sanded it smooth.
This was a new challenge for me. I had never actually replaced anything decorative. I think I ended up taking 3 trips to Lowe’s for the right piece of wood. What ended up working was a 1/2″ thick piece of pine that was the right length I needed. Then I drew a pattern on a piece of paper of what I wanted the wood to be cut to. Since I wasn’t sure it if was going to work, I didn’t take any pictures of it. All I can say is, I cut out the exact size of the wood, then folded it in half, then drew the curvy design I wanted and cut it out. That way both sides were the same.
I then went to my good friend’s husband, who has band saw and a router, and he cut a curvy edge edge for me then gave it a beveled/routered edge (what is that even called?) After that I bought some pretty wood applique at Lowe’s that matched the design style of the handles.
My friend’s husband is a master woodworker and suggested I use Titebond II Wood Glue, instead of other brands. He says he’s found it to be the strongest.
I drew a center line, so I knew where to put the appliques, glued them in place, and clamped and taped them while they dried.
After they dried, I stained them very dark, so when I painted over it and distressed, it would appear dark, matching the rest of the dresser.
Not pictured is after I stained it, I was worried about the stain bleeding through the white paint, so I gave it a quick coat of wipe on poly and let it dry. Then I painted 2 coats of Old White by Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, just like I did for the rest of the dresser.
I had to remove the wooden brace pieces and take out the original staples (they were in the way) and then I with glue and a couple small nails I attached the new trim piece into the wooden braces. After that is was just a matter of screwing those wooden braces back into the dresser bottom!
This is what it looks like from the front now!
The bottom drawer front is the one that was repaired, and even though you can see still a slight crack if you get close, it’s barely noticeable if you don’t know to look for it!
Love these drawer pulls! They are (in my opinion) the best part about this dresser! I left them untouched!
I knew ahead of time I wanted to give a little Valentines theme to the decor for this one. 🙂
When I distressed it, I used (I think) a 150 sanding sponge because I wanted the worn away areas to be silky smooth and not over-done.
This is truly a shabby chic chest of drawers, and I love it!
I’m also having a giveaway!
I included the items I love the most when starting a new project and are perfect for the beginner, or so useful for the professional!
There will be 1 winner, which will receive
1. Sample size of Chalk Paint in their choice of color.
2. 3M sanding sponge in 150 grit.
3. Purdy XL- Glide 2″ Paintbrush
4. Roll of Frogtape
Items valued at over $40!
You can enter up to 4 times by doing the following:
1. Follow this blog (if you already follow, comment saying so)
2. Like my page on Facebook (if you like it already, comment saying so)
3. Share this link as your Facebook status
4. Pin it!
Make sure to enter in a comment for each thing you do, so you can comment up to 4 times (for each entry)!
Winner will be selected NEXT THURSDAY, February 21st at 9pm cst, and announced on Friday the 22nd at 12:00pm cst.
Good LUCK!
Linking up to Miss Mustard Seed
Suzan Sweatman says
It turned out gorgeous!!!
And love the valentine’s day decor.!
Hope you’re having a heart filled day
Hugs, Suzan
Allison Tonsing says
I already follow your blog!
Allison Tonsing says
I already like your page on FB 🙂
Allison Tonsing says
I shared this link on my FB page.
Allison Tonsing says
I just pinned it too!http://pinterest.com/pin/26669822765521773/
Patty Gallegos Kyra Castaneda says
I love how your repair came out. Looks very original to the dresser.
april says
following blog
april says
liked your facebook (thought i already had – guess i hadn’t)
april says
shared on FB
april says
Pinned it! 🙂
Vintage Junkies says
Love it! follow your blog!
Rebeca Price says
Love it Rachel!!!
I am a follower! and I pinned it! and I shared on facebook.
I was wondering, where did you get the missing handle for one of the drawers.
Mary C. Nasser says
I follow your blog! 🙂
Mary C. Nasser says
And I “like” your Facebook page!
Haven Rock says
I did all 4 today!
Mel Mac says
Great save. It’s very elegant.
I am a follow via GFC.
Susan D says
I already follow you
Susan
Susan D says
Pinned it http://pinterest.com/pin/264586546830124080/
Susan
Susan D says
Liked you on facebook
nelsons says
Okay so I’ve liked you, obv.) and followed your blog! If I could figure out the other stuff on my phone I’ll do that too! Talented lady, choose me!!
Carol says
Already follow your blog!!!
Carol says
I follow you on facebook 🙂
Carol says
I have pinned it too!!
Carol says
Shared the link on Facebook!!!
Cyndi ✪ Blue Star says
I’m a faithful follower and an ASCP fanatic!
Cyndi ✪ Blue Star says
I’ve pinned to share!
Cyndi ✪ Blue Star says
I’ve shared on FB!
Cyndi ✪ Blue Star says
Liking your FB page, too!
Helen says
I love the heart garland but the dresser makeover is even better!
Magdalena says
Love it!!!
Teri Broberg says
Already following!
Teri Broberg says
Liked on fb.
Teri Broberg says
Pinned!
Lisa @ On Manor Drive says
I’m already a follower of your blog! Liking on Facebook and pinning now! The highboy looks great! Thanks for the giveaway.
Stacy says
I’m following your blog.
amyk5 says
I pinned it!
amyk5 says
I’m now a follower on Pinterest!
amyk5 says
I’m following you on FB!
amyk5 says
I posted the giveaway on my FB status! I really hope I win, I’ve been dying to try ASCP but can’t afford the pricetag. I just found a french provincial buffet that I want to try the chalk paint on that everyone raves about. Plus, I’m too lazy to prime it! Love your blog, glad I found you.
Anonymous says
I follow your blog
Lynn
Lynn says
I pinned your picture
Lynn
Bettsi McComb says
Hi Rachel, I just Liked you on Facebook! I sure would like to win this giveaway!
Bettsi McComb says
Consider yourself pinned, my dear!
Bettsi McComb says
And, I am your newest follower!
Bettsi McComb says
AND, I updated my status on FB with a post about your wonderful giveaway! Crossing my fingers!
Karen in Breezy Point says
I’m already a follower by email–love the highboy and the little hearts are so sweet!
Karen in Breezy Point says
You are pinned!
Karen in Breezy Point says
And liked on FB!
Karen in Breezy Point says
And also updated my status at FB–thanks for the chance to win a great prize!
Annie says
I subscribe to your blog.
Leia says
Love the dresser!! I loke your fb page. 🙂
Leia says
I also follow your blog!
Leia says
I pinned your link, too!!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
What a lovely piece! I’m following along! Looking forward to seeing more!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
Liked you on FB too!
Sally says
I follow you via email 🙂
sally.puckett@yahoo.com
Sally says
Following you on Facebook 🙂
sally.puckett@yahoo.com
Heidi says
I follow your blog, thanks!!
Heidi says
I also follow you on facebook!
lauren @ West Furniture Revival says
WOW , WHAT A DIFFERENCE, I WOULD LOVE TO FEATURE IT ON MY REVIVAL MONDAY, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THAT WOULD BE OK,
LAUREN
Art and Sand says
You rescued a dud and turned it into a princess.
I am your newest follower and would love a chance to win any of the items.
Carla Clark says
Excited to watch your blog. Your work is inspiring!
Carla Clark says
Following you on Facebook!
Carla Clark says
I gave you a shout out on my facebook page. I would so love to win your chalk paint giveaway!
Carla Clark says
PINNED! 🙂
throuthehaze says
GFC: Throuthehaze
throuthehaze says
Facebook: Rae Pavey
Debra Lee says
I’m a follower!
Debra Lee says
Liked on Facebook under Needle d
Debra Lee says
Shared on Facebook!
Debra Lee says
Pinned by Debra Lee!
Debra Lee says
I’m a follower!