Friday, January 11, 2013

1930s Cabinet Reveal

After working on this cabinet for about 2 weeks, then waiting for hardware that was back ordered, I can finally say I'm finished with this project.

                                             

After I bought this cabinet, I thought about what to do with it for about 2 weeks.
I wasn't sure if I should paint it or not.
Then, when I did decide to paint it, the color combinations were endless.

In this "before" picture you can see a part of the beautiful fretwork was missing.
Also, there were no castors.
What you can't see is how dirty it was and it was really stinky.

I started this project by taking it apart and giving it a quick sanding, using my Makita hand sander.
I removed the back so I could work on the inside more easily.
The two wooden shelves were alright but I decided to add glass shelves at a cost of about $36.00.
Also, I did away with the pediment, which was not original to the piece.

I primed the entire piece using DIY chalk paint.
I mixed some blue "oops" latex paint with Kilz 2, then added a handful of Plaster of Paris.
I got some of the mixture on my skin and could not wash it off with soap and water.

When I finished all the painting, I gave it a light distressing.
Then I waxed it using SC Johnson Paste Wax.

This is what I call a light distressing.
I love how the blue primer peeps through.

I love, love the fretwork.

Mr. Shabby repaired the fretwork.

This is the fretwork all repaired and primed.

This is a close up of the inside.
Very dirty, very stinky.

What a difference paint can make.
Not only does it make it beautiful, it makes it a lot cleaner and improves the smell.
And I'm glad I sprung for the glass shelves.

I bought a new lock with an extra key for about $30.00.
Then I went to Lowe's and bought a cabinet light that cost around $10.00.


The reproduction, wooden castors make all the difference.
Now I can move it easily.
Before, it was heavy and awkward and it took two people.

On the outside of the cabineet I used latex Heirloom white.
The pop of color on the inside of the cabinet and drawer is Bird song Blue.
I also painted all the hardware with Rub 'n Buff Grecian Gold, purchased at Michaels. 

I painted the beveled edge on the door the same shade of Bird Song Blue that I used on the inside, but somehow it looks a lot lighter.
I couldn't be happier with the results.
Linking to:
Furniture Feature Friday
Shabbilicious Friday
Show And Tell Friday
Be Inspired Friday
Fabulously Creative Friday
Feathered Nest Friday
Frugal Friday
Blissful Whites Wednesday

24 comments:

  1. What a wonderful project-the transformation is amazing!

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    1. Hi, Thanks for the nice comments. Have a good day...Connie

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  2. All your hard work on this cabinet has certainly proved it's worth. The finished piece looks amazing. I hope my piece I want to paint looks even half as good as yours I'll be pleased. I want to use Chalk paint but living in rural France I haven't found a stockist near enough to where I live. So I'm still undecided on what paint to use. Maybe if I used an eggshell finish & rubbed it down a little then waxed it ? Do you have any suggestions that would give a chalk paint effect.

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    1. Hi Barbara, Thank you for your kind words. If you don't have access to Chalk paint it is real easy to make your own. You could start by mixing 1 cup of your favorite latex paint with about 2 or 3 tbsp of Plaster of Paris and stir it up real good. Stir long enough to get rid of the lumps. If it gets too thick add a little bit of water. Try it on an experimental piece to see if it works for you. (In the good old days Plaster of Paris was used by doctors to make casts for broken bones. When mixed with paint/water it hardens nicely.) Have a good day, Connie

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  3. it has a churchychic to it, yes?

    hope you'll stop over soon--we'd love to have you.

    michele

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    1. Hi, Yes, it does have that quality. Thanks for stopping by...Connie

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  4. Connie,
    I saw your problem on Debra's Common Ground blog and have had the same problem. This is what I have been doing to fix the uploading of pictures. I browse and upload in the html and then click on compose and the pictures go into a regular picture that you can see and adjust for size etc. I compose my text first and then hit html to browse the pictures I want then upload and hit back to compose and they are all like you are use to doing in compose mode. I hope that makes sense. This blog world is hard enough and then I never know if it is me or the computer or blogger when this stuff happens!!!!! Hope this helps.
    Kris

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    1. Hi Kris, Yes, that makes sense. That's how I did my last post. Also, someone suggested I not use Internet Explorer but instead use Chrome. I downloaded Chrome and signed in using Chrome and things worked fine. But, I think I will stick to the way you suggested. It worked okay for me. Thanks for your help...Connie

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  5. Beautiful!! I am planning on trying something like this on my bedroom furniture come the Spring...

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  6. Wow --what a great piece! You did a wonderful job with this :)

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    1. Hi Sandy, Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Have a good day...Connie

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  7. When I first saw this, I wondered how in the world you painted the fretwork so neatly and then I saw it was taken off. You should be so so proud of this! It's just beautiful. Love the blue background and the light inside. FABULOUS!

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    1. Hi Lynn, Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. Have a good day...Connie

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  8. Hi Connie! Glad I stopped over for a visit. This piece is gorgeous! Beautiful work.

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    1. Hi Nicki, Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. Have a good day...Connie

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  9. It looks sensational Connie. Thank you for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday.

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    1. Hi Kerryanne, Thank you. It's always a pleasure to join your parties...Connie

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  10. Great article! Thanks for sharing and more power to you!

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    1. Hi, Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment...Connie

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  11. Wow Connie, this piece is amazing! Love the colors and that fretwork is gorgeous. Great that hubby was able to repair it. Happy to be following you. I have a link party, Share Your Cup Thursday. I would love if you shared some time!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Hi Jann, Thanks for the comment and following. Yes, I will be happy to come see you soon...Connie

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  12. What new Life you have breathed into this Beautifully crafted piece! I Love a good makeover story with a happy ending... Bravo! And Thanks for Sharing the 'Process' of how to do a good makeover right.

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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    1. Hi Dawn, Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment...Connie

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I would love for you to leave a comment and I will be happy to leave one for you, too.

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