Layers of life. I’m so thankful for all the layers my life has had thus far. Each and every one teaching me new lessons, gifting me with more memories, granting me with more grace, blessing me with more blessings.
I picked up this piece amidst one of my life layers back in 2019. It sat up in our shop loft for 4 years. 4 years… you know, pretty much the blink of an eye! I moved many pieces past it, and it witnessed many farm shop activities! From calves being born, to barn cats getting into mischief, to dogs chasing cats, to cats chasing dogs, to arguments, to messes, to clean-ups, to more messes, and to so many farm and family memories that I wish I could bottle up! It was the first and only antique dresser with OVAL mirror that I’ve come across to date. I had to think about it for quite some time before dipping my brush. And despite my 4-year wait, I still managed to fail it with my first attempt.
BUT life is all about learning. I learned much from my fail, and will undoubtedly fail again and learn again!
My Layered Labour of Love process:
- Removed original mirror ~ ever so carefully; for ease of product application
- Removed original hardware ~ with plans to replace
- Thoroughly vacuumed and washed ~ certainly required before transforming preloved furniture
- Applied 3 coats of HOMESTEAD HOUSE MILK PAINT in the colour ‘Porcelaine’ ~ with hopes to achieve a layered chippy finish
- Applied 2 coats of HOMESTEAD HOUSE MILK PAINT in the colour ‘Matinee’ ~ which turned out a far different colour than I anticipated
- Milk paint application turned out FAR too chippy for my liking ~ hmmm what shall I do now?!
- Heavily sanded down all milk paint from the dresser top and first drawer ~ with a second plan to two-tone
- Lightly sanded down remainder of milk paint from the dresser body ~ intentionally leaving some of it behind for a desired textured/time-worn finish
- Applied 2 coats of FUSION MINERAL PAINT in the colour ‘Homestead Blue’ ~ a colour that has NEVER failed me, and quickly became my favourite to-date
- Applied 1 coat of Fusion Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO) in the colour ‘Cappuccino’ to the painted portions of the piece ~ a wood conditioner, stain and top coat all in one
- Applied 1 coat of HOMESTEAD HOUSE MILK PAINT in the colour ‘Homestead Blue‘ to the entire piece ~ because I wasn’t pleased with how the SFO finished on the mineral paint
- Applied 1 coat of Fusion Stain & Finishing Oil (SFO) in the colour ‘Cappuccino’ to the painted portions of the piece ~ ahhhhh so much nicer on the milk paint
- Applied 1 coat of Fusion Furniture Wax in the colour ‘Ageing’ ~ for some added time-worn depth
- Applied some Country Chic Paint Metallic Cream in the colour ‘Belt Buckle’ to chosen areas ~ because I was still looking for more pop
- Applied 3 coats of ‘Espresso’ colour stain and poly to the dresser top and first drawer ~ for a two-toned transformation
- Reinstalled original mirror ~ ever so carefully
- Selected, purchased and installed new CHARTRES CUP PULLS ~ from Lee Valley; I am seriously in love with this hardware
- Decoupaged drawer sides with Re-Design with Prima’s PATINA FLOURISH DECOUPAGE TISSUE PAPER ~ what I feel is a perfect match with the colour ‘Homestead Blue’
- To Do: I still have to install new drawer bottoms! Just haven’t got to Home Depot for material yet! On my list for this week!
A transformation of many trials, tribulations and triumphs! A layered labour of love! I’ve been all over everything with this antique piece! From milk paint, to mineral paint, back to milk paint, to stain, to oil, to wax, to cream, and to more wax! From original hardware, to what I thought would be the perfect replacement hardware, to a completely different style of far more perfect hardware! From warped drawer bottoms, to no drawer bottoms, to waiting for material for new drawer bottoms! But geez… I’m so glad I didn’t give up… because honestly… it just might be my fav flip to date! My 2023 is off to a trialling and triumphant start!
* All of my furniture pieces are preloved, with expected signs of age and use — sweet imperfections which I believe adds to their unique character and charm.
❤️ This Layered Labour of Love ~ SOLD to Steph ❤️
Dimensions: 34”+40”H x 34”W x 17.5”D
Note: Although I typically create and share ‘Take a Closer Look‘ vids of my pieces; I don’t for those that sell swiftly… this piece being one of those swift sales! 🤗
I hope you visit again! My #farmlifebestlife awaits more simple living, generous loving and constant learning — graced with an abundance of farmhouse chic character and sweet imperfections, both for me and for YOU! ❤️
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