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
It turned out gorgeous!!!
And love the valentine’s day decor.!
Hope you’re having a heart filled day
Hugs, Suzan
I already follow your blog!
I already like your page on FB 🙂
I shared this link on my FB page.
I just pinned it too!http://pinterest.com/pin/26669822765521773/
I love how your repair came out. Looks very original to the dresser.
following blog
liked your facebook (thought i already had – guess i hadn’t)
shared on FB
Pinned it! 🙂
Love it! follow your blog!
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.
I follow your blog! 🙂
And I “like” your Facebook page!
I did all 4 today!
Great save. It’s very elegant.
I am a follow via GFC.
I already follow you
Susan
Pinned it http://pinterest.com/pin/264586546830124080/
Susan
Liked you on facebook
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!!
Already follow your blog!!!
I follow you on facebook 🙂
I have pinned it too!!
Shared the link on Facebook!!!
I’m a faithful follower and an ASCP fanatic!
I’ve pinned to share!
I’ve shared on FB!
Liking your FB page, too!
I love the heart garland but the dresser makeover is even better!
Love it!!!
Already following!
Liked on fb.
Pinned!
I’m already a follower of your blog! Liking on Facebook and pinning now! The highboy looks great! Thanks for the giveaway.
I’m following your blog.
I pinned it!
I’m now a follower on Pinterest!
I’m following you on FB!
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.
I follow your blog
Lynn
I pinned your picture
Lynn
Hi Rachel, I just Liked you on Facebook! I sure would like to win this giveaway!
Consider yourself pinned, my dear!
And, I am your newest follower!
AND, I updated my status on FB with a post about your wonderful giveaway! Crossing my fingers!
I’m already a follower by email–love the highboy and the little hearts are so sweet!
You are pinned!
And liked on FB!
And also updated my status at FB–thanks for the chance to win a great prize!
I subscribe to your blog.
Love the dresser!! I loke your fb page. 🙂
I also follow your blog!
I pinned your link, too!!
What a lovely piece! I’m following along! Looking forward to seeing more!
Liked you on FB too!
I follow you via email 🙂
sally.puckett@yahoo.com
Following you on Facebook 🙂
sally.puckett@yahoo.com
I follow your blog, thanks!!
I also follow you on facebook!
WOW , WHAT A DIFFERENCE, I WOULD LOVE TO FEATURE IT ON MY REVIVAL MONDAY, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THAT WOULD BE OK,
LAUREN
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.
Excited to watch your blog. Your work is inspiring!
Following you on Facebook!
I gave you a shout out on my facebook page. I would so love to win your chalk paint giveaway!
PINNED! 🙂
GFC: Throuthehaze
Facebook: Rae Pavey
I’m a follower!
Liked on Facebook under Needle d
Shared on Facebook!
Pinned by Debra Lee!
I’m a follower!