Island Dream Dresser

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So in the midst of getting the shop up and running, yeah still not done…. I got an email from a local girl who wanted her dresser painted. Since I now have rent to pay I of course said of course!

She had grabbed it from the neighbor's trash and it had been "makeover" before with some really thick white paint, a bad brush, and some even worse hardware. But I am glad that Sarah could see the potential because is still had its original casters and the dresser was very sturdy. She picked a beautiful turquoisy teal color called Island Dream from Behr.

I had to take all of these photos with my smart phone since I haven't been smart enough to get my real camera down to the shop so I apologize but I think you get the idea. Here are the befores:

I had to use Bondo, an automotive epoxy to fill in the missing paint since they had really piled it on thick. You could see all of the brush strokes and wood filler does not do a good job in these kinds of situations where there is an actual ledge where the paint meets the wood. Because I had such large patches to fill in a used a little less accelerator than I normally do so I had a bit more working time. I needed to get the Bondo all on and then have time to smooth it out using my wide scraper. It sands so nice and filled in some other deep dings as well. 

Once I gave the whole thing a really good sanding, then it was time to get to work on the drawers. 

 Because Sarah had chosen single pulls for the drawers, I filled in all the holes with wood filler and once dry,  gave the holes a layer of the Bondo since there were heavy gouges around the holes where the previous hardware had been. Then these too got a good sanding and we are ready to paint!

Want to see what Island Dream looks like??

I'd say it looks pretty dreamy! Love the mercury glass knobs from Hobby Lobby.

When I first painted the dresser and drawers, I liked the color but it looked a little flat. The left is the original and the right is with stain. Even with the distressing, I wasn't thrilled. So I used Dark Walnut stain from Minwax on one of the drawers and texted Sarah a photo to see if she liked it. I figured if she didn't, one drawer wasn't too bad to paint all over again. She loved it and so the rest of it got stained as well. Stain just changes the color subtly but gives your paint color more depth.

I have absolutely no props down at the shop yet except so I had to use my tree stump for "ambiance".

I think it is kind of dreamy.

If you want to stay more updated on the progress of the shop, follow my Instagram feed since I am way more on top of that than the blog right now!

Always being renewed,

Please see the link party page to see where I link arms with those blissfully beautiful bloggers that host every week. So gracious they are along with these other sweet ladies!

Read more at http://diyshowoff.com/2013/04/01/that-diy-party-10/#xgMAcRCgRocl5vmh.99       

 

 

http://www.remodelaholic.com

The Studio, the pics

Please sign up for the newsletter, on the right there, to get all of the shop event information, holiday sales, and upcoming fun times!

I talked about the shop about 2 weeks ago when I first got the keys, now I want to show you what it looks like! I have never had this much space so I am a bit giddy with organization.

There is a little bit of sprucing up to do but I kinda like its warehouse/workshop feel so I think I am going to keep it rustic and raw and let the furniture and other items have center stage. That is not to say that the paneling is not going to get painted…..but right now I am going to work out of the workshop area and do the creative workshops/painting classes in the workshop area and display on the more open storefront side. I like the flexibility that the openness affords and I can serve food there during the classes and shopping events. The smaller front storefront will be storage for right now. I am looking to get someone in there possibly that needs a workspace or display space as well that will be compatible with my vision and aesthetic so if you know anyone!

The owner was a smoker so all of the ceiling tile is yellow. I am thinking I will probably have to paint the ceiling tile but I am in denial on that one. So lets have a look shall we?

Store Front #1, the divided space

yes, the gentleman loved paneling and dropped ceilings. This used to be a hotel so it is a shame that he dropped the ceilings so low. I peeked up into the ceiling and there are some cool light fixtures and amazing details hidden.  I understand he probably didn't want to pay to heat all of that space but I am a restorationist and dropped ceilings just don;t cut it when you have amazing architecture that they are hiding.

This huge cabinet got moved to the back workspace and it made a big difference in how open this side looks. This storefront used to be his office and his computerized printing area.

 I actually like this tile if it was in better shape. Maybe going to paint it….

Looking into the back workspace

This is the walkway that joins the two storefronts…and leads to the only bathroom. This is a critical pathway and one that must be protected!!! 

Storefront #2, the open space

This was the side that had his huge printing presses! The floor is worn away from where he used to walk back and forth so much. I love history and the stories behind the patina a little bit, can you tell?

There is ink stains on the pole and on the floor there on the left. It is coming up pretty well with scrapers and elbow grease. 

loads of shelving for future merchandising and or paint retail

Great windows on both storefronts

So now I ask you…Any ideas how to cover up the ceiling tiles or be creative with making them look better?

I already have an idea for the ugly lights but those tiles just make me go "ick".

Any and all ideas welcome!!!!

Progress is often updated on my Facebook page and Instagram so please feel free to follow along!

Always being renewed,

Please see the link party page to see where I link arms with those blissfully beautiful bloggers that host every week. So gracious they are along with these other sweet ladies!

Read more at http://diyshowoff.com/2013/04/01/that-diy-party-10/#xgMAcRCgRocl5vmh.99       

 

 

http://www.remodelaholic.com