If any of you have read “The Secret” you may understand what I mean by manifesting good. (by the way I actually really liked the book- it is in video form too, so I hear)
I have been needing a dresser, but not wanting to spend the money, so I have been manifesting a good deal.
While checking out some garage sales one random Friday morning, I happened by a dresser, on the side of the road. FREE!! Not even at one of the sales, and I was already on my way home. I packed it carefully in my car, cuz, I’m prego, and helpless…urgh (toward the helpless part!!)
It was a little sad, well, a lot sad actually. It was highly offensive really, uglier than I can stand. But -I just knew it could be good. I mean- check out that faux marble finish? Huh?.. Huh? Nice!
And the Aztec inspired handles that are the size of flying saucers?
I showed Justin- he was not impressed. But I had more faith in our abilities.
The state of things was bad, first, one drawer was in about 4 pieces, missing the whole bottom. Another drawer was falling apart. The front of the Dresser was missing a few of the rails on the face frame (the horizontal pieces that run between the drawers). And lets be honest it was just plain ugly.
This Saturday we got to work. Justin had a bit more work than he planned. The prior owner had tried to repair the drawer before, with HOT GLUE, so he had to scrap that out. Then re-route a groove for the new bottom, that was a bit thicker. Wood glue, some staples and presto we had a drawer. Then he had to do that again. After that, he replaced the missing rails.
Meanwhile, I sanded. This was not my smartest move. I was outside wearing a mask, but afterward I was like- Oh holy cow! what if there is lead in that paint?! Rest assured though, I researched the manufacturing company, an American based company and the date of the piece was April 1999, so I should be safe- But I promise, I won’t do it again!
I did however spray paint, but I contacted the company first about hazards. Then I did it outdoors with gloves, mask and safety glasses.
The spray painting technique I used is actually a favorite. We use a really cheap flat black. Put on two coats til dry (if in a hot area I only wait an hour or so) then with a fine grit sanding block, sand in one direction to burnish the finish, then wipe in the same direction with a wet rag, followed up by a dry rag (all wiping and sanding in the same direction). Repeat painting, sanding and wipe off, then, if needed repeat again. I don’t go crazy on the corners, so it doesn’t look distressed. But is has a slight shine and a fabulous finish.
We did spend about 16.00 on new handles but I figured it was worth the investment, in a piece that can last our child through the years.
Oh man, aren’t those cool handles? We even put it in Etta’s room (technically, it is in her closet) But, last night I took my time folding all the wonderful girl clothes that I got from Donelle! THANK YOU- I am so excited for playing dress up!
>Holy Cow!! That looks fabulous! And to think, I would have left it on the side of the road…
>Lovely!!
>That is gorgeous. I am with the first commenter though. i would have totally left it on the side of the road. Who would have thought it could look so fabulous with a little elbow grease.
>Again…I am amazed!! I would have never guessed that was the same dresser! That’s awesome! I love the new blog look too by the way- the header is way cool!
>GOOD GRAVY, you two are incredible. I told Drake you both should have your own TV show all about your adventures in thriftyness! Good work!!!
>I need to channel you… since I’m moving, I want to trash all my old furniture and start fresh. Maybe I’ll just fly you up here for a week… That dresser looks great, and you can’t beat free!
>Wow – that is night and day! It’s amazing that you can see the possibilities in what someone else would think was a piece of junk, and then actually have the ability to follow through and make it a reality! Way to go! (:
>You guys are amazing!
>You ROCK! Now here is a test for you: What can you do with the big Aztec inspired handles that are the size of flying saucers?… You probably already throw them away, but I bet if you hadn’t you could have made something awesome with those bad boys!
>Your dresser looks great! I love to do things like that do- I just wish my husband did too. Its usually me and Callie doing it in the garage. By the way I have a square wood coffee table I am putting out on the curb this coming weekend- its up for grabs!
>Okay, I will agree…you need your own show!!
And I would TOTALLY watch it!
I. LOVE. that. dresser. (the new and improved way)
>WOW Thats NICE! Ill have too take a second look at the free section on craigslist I saw some AWFUL dressers there too! hehe