Sunday, April 17, 2011

Sweet Blue Chest

I found this chest at an auction…here is what it looked like when I first saw it!  It has some great details and trims and I could see the potential through the antiquing that had been done a while back over about six layers of paint.  I knew those pulls had to go…IMG_1136
I had started out looking for a bookshelf, for my bedroom to replace a kitchen trestle table that I have used as a desk for oh, lets say 10 years!  I envisioned a bookshelf with wicker baskets lining the shelves with all my things tucked neatly away!
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I had found a rough basic handmade (probably shop quality) bookcase that I was going to fix up with some molding and paint and probably lots of time.
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Right up until I saw this baby!  I got it for $65!
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It couldn’t be more perfect for what I wanted.  The drawers are very deep and wide and hold everything that I need to stow away.  The bottom drawer is dedicated to my things listed on etsy.  Very handy to have them all in one drawer.  I sanded it really well, learning fast that the trim is actually plaster, not wood, so I had to be really careful. 
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I used Glidden paint with primer, not my first choice, but it was OK. The color is a soft blue, sort of a blue waters color.  I wanted to do some glazing but loved the color so much that I decided to distress the piece and not glaze.  I used two coats of paint and then Minwax satin lacquer.  I love that lacquer—it gives such a nice luster to the piece and it protects the paint. 
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I am so pleased with it and it looks great in my bedroom. 

I am linking to parties listed here…

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29 comments:

  1. AmandaApril 18, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    You've done a fab job! Love the detailing on it!

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  2. GingerApril 18, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    Awesome change! Thanks for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!

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  3. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.April 18, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    So pretty!

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  4. AnonymousApril 18, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    LOVE that color!! I am wanting to refinish a dresser too! Thanks so much for linking up to Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings.. www.ladybug-blessings.com

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  5. SusanApril 19, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    I love that you chose blue!! How pretty is that?

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  6. Decor & HarmonyApril 19, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    The dresser looks wonderful, I love the color very nice choice!

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  7. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovementApril 19, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    It looks great! I love how the details pop with the new color.

    Visiting from Type A's party. I'm looking forward to following your blog.

    Have a great day.
    Pam

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  8. Cassie BustamanteApril 19, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    that looks so pretty and beachy! the color is gorgeous!

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  9. Tammy @ Type AApril 19, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    it is so sweet, great job! thanks for partying at Type A!

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  10. JacquelineApril 20, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    love the color blue you chose. Great makeover.

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  11. MelissaApril 20, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    I love how this turned out! It looks so pretty and I would love to have something like that in my home. Thanks for sharing over at Tuesday Tell All.

    Melissa

    MyCraftieLife.Blogspot.com

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  12. oops!April 21, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    This dresser has so much character and with the new paint it is gorgeous!

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  13. DIYbyDesignApril 21, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    I just love the color you chose. It really looks beautiful.

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  14. KristinApril 22, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    Hi! Love the blue dresser makeover! Commenting from 504 Main!

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  15. ErinApril 22, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Oh, that blue really compliments this piece, Ellen! I couldn't see the gorgeous detailing in the before photo, but it pops with that coat of blue on it now. Great job--just beautiful!

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  16. ErinApril 22, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    And I forgot to say I'm visiting from Primitive and Proper! :)

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  17. Melissa MooreApril 22, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Cute redo...love the color choice. Visiting from LovelyCraftlyHome.

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  18. cucumbers and vinegarApril 23, 2011 at 12:13 AM

    Looks beautiful, Ellen! I LOVE refinishing old furniture!

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  19. Katie @ OhhBabyApril 23, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    I really like the color that you used! It looks so much better!

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  20. Megan GunyanApril 23, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Oh, Ellen, it looks AWESOME! I just love that happy blue color!

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  21. KatieApril 23, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    I love that blue! This is such a cute dresser!

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  22. JillApril 24, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Beautiful! I love the colour!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a great week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  23. UnknownApril 25, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    Hi Ellen~

    What a great find! The color is beautiful & the detail is really special. So happy to be a new follower of your lovely blog. :) Please share your Sweet Blue Chest with my follower, link to my blog bash K.I.S.S.

    Drop By The Tattered Tag

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  24. SJ @ Homemaker On A DimeApril 25, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Hi, Ellen! I'm admiring all your creative posts here so can you please share them with us at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop? The link is at http://www.homemakeronadime.com/2011/04/creative-bloggers-party-hop-042411.html.
    Thank you so much :)

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  25. At The Picket FenceApril 25, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    That looks absolutely gorgeous Ellen! The detail on it shows up so much better now. Thanks so much for sharing it with us last weekend at Inspiration Friday! :-)
    Vanessa

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  26. Jenn EricksonApril 25, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    Ellen, it's so lovely! Good eye! I has beautiful detail and the new paint and darker knobs make it an absolute treasure!

    Jenn

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  27. c.w.frostingApril 26, 2011 at 12:44 AM

    Beautiful color choice & hardware! Following from Making the World Cuter =)

    -caroline @ c.w.frosting

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  28. AnonymousApril 27, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    I am such a sucker for anything blue these days and this is so cute!

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  29. avisiontorememberApril 30, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    I love this! I just featured it on Check Me Out Saturday with A Vision to Remember. http://iamonly1woman.blogspot.com/2011/04/check-me-out-saturday-week-63-crafty.html

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