Finally, the weather is cooperating, and I can get at some of the projects that have been staring at me ever since last summer. I had so many plans until I found out I was expecting, and of course that put a hold on LOTS of things. But…I have never been happier to have my 6 kids and am now able to make some headway in my stash. Here’s the antique makeover lineup: a chair, a foot stool, and a washstand.
Check out my first project…a totally unloved chair.
This hand-carved beauty was given to me by one of my best friends who thought I could bring it back to life. It sat for a year waiting for a makeover.
Isn’t that carving great!?
FIRST PROJECT
When she gave me the chair I knew right away I wanted to have it done it time by her birthday in May so that I could give her a gift from the profit of selling it.
A few days before her birthday, I got to working on it and prayed the whole time that it would sell not only for what I would ask for it, but that it would sell quickly so I could bless her with the gift.
I decided to stick to the chair’s original primitive state and just give it a good cleaning. All the gorgeous piece needed was some linseed oil to bring back the rich wood and some upholstery.
To keep the primitive vibe, I used red ticking to upholster the chair, but also decided to do some piecework to the back to give it an extra-special touch.
What do you think?
I love it, and guess what…the chair sold within a couple of hours of listing it in my shop!! Praise God for answering my prayer and that I was able to give her such a nice gift, just to use on herself. *secret* she rarely treats herself to anything, and as a mom of 5, and she needed a treat!
SECOND PROJECT
Up next is a footstool that had use as a vanity seat at one point when I bought this piece for a custom client.
It obviously did NOT match that gorgeous walnut Queen Anne vanity with its pine wood, chunky legs, and awful upholstery. The synthetic red velour is trimmed with decorative upholstery tacks and was just…well…tacky.
Of course, it was replaced with a suitable replacement. Much better, right? You can read about the full transformation here.
Back to the foot stool. That red fabric was screaming at me to be ripped off and replaced with something a little more primitive as well. Off it came, and I decided to give it a faux grain sack looking using a freezer paper stencil.
Upholstery nails were used to give it an even more rustic feel and left as is.
It so fits the stool better, doesn’t it?
It sold quickly in my online shop. woot!
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
LAST PROJECT
Last, but not least is this sad antique oak wash stand.
Falling apart, missing sides and a bottom, doors in pieces, but oh so full of life…just needing some attention.
Since I was pregnant at the time I finally started it, it was slow going for a while because I was taking it easy. One day while enjoying a freak day of late winter sun, I was walking through our workshop and injured myself. I knocked this horrific drill bit attachment that went 3/4″ into the top of my foot. Fun days…yessss.
So it sat partially done because my water broke a couple weeks later, which brings us to May. Antique makeover on pause.
JC gracefully stepped in and helped me out by cutting a new rail for the side (he is so handy with wood!!), and some side panels out of bead board (wainscoting).
NEXT
Finally, in this antique makeover, I stain the wainscoting to match the original washstand, but then want to whitewash them for a time-worn feel.
To replace the bottom, I found some perfectly chippy barn siding in my stash that would add character. I tell ya, everyone needs a stash of wood!
My hubby came to the rescue again and replace the bottom for me while I stood by holding my newborn and aching to help. Aack! I’m not a someone who is an onlooker…I’m a doer!
The doors are missing a couple things and needed glued. However, for the most part are in great shape.
I just cut some piece to match, glued, and then whitewashed them as well to match the rest of the character of the wash stand. The original pulls are back on. Yahoo!This one would be a keeper for me if I had the room. I love it!
It turned out better than I’d hoped.
Totally rustic with oodles of character…AND sold from my online shop…woot!
So although antiques may be lacking love and falling apart doesn’t mean they should be cast off. They just need love, right!?
Also, pin and share this antiue makeover goodness to inspire others to give DIY a try too.
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What is more, come check out some more antique makeover goodness:
I totally understand about putting protects on hold to have a baby! My favorite is your chair, love how you gave is such character.
Darn it Larissa you have done it again! I am always a bit squeamish on painting wood but once AGAIN you have shown me the incredible transformation in painting that vanity! That …is … gourgeous! What paint did you use on it? I love the mellow softness to the color appropriate for it’s age and not a hard shiny black. I have an item from my stash in mind for this same finish detail- do tell – thanks!
popped on over from MMS. I love the wash stand. Ok, the others are great too, but I have a personal soft spot for wash stands. Great job 🙂 Oh and congrats on the baby. I’m one of 6 myself. 🙂
Fabulous projects and congratulations on the new baby!
You are amazing. What great transformations and congratulations!
I’m interested to find out how much the trifold 2 drawer dressing table is worth..
Are you referring to in the original condition? No need for me to know now as the new owner is enjoying it. 🙂
Love the chair. The other pieces are great too. Is there anything you can’t save? I think not!
You are so fun, Rita! Thank you for that awesome vote of confidence. I have fun trying!