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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Romantic Jewelry Armoire

I loved working on this project.  It's for the total girlie girl in all of us.  I found this little jewelry armoire a couple of weeks ago at the flea market.  Her legs were wobbly, which was an easy fix, and she really isn't a great quality piece, but I met the challenge of re-inventing her.
I've sold many of these over the years, and I always wanted to paint them, but I thought it would be too big a deal.  Guess what?  It was so easy.  I'll never sell another one without adding my own decorative touch to it.
I found this image at Our Cottage Garden.  They have fabulous digital images that you can download to your computer, and the average cost is $3.  I love their images because they are easily re-sized.  I emailed this beauty to my Fed Ex Office store and had them print this on a legal size page and it was only 50 cents.  To do the transfer you need a laser copy.  Now, some of the paper was worn away at the bottom, and on the bottom drawer, I didn't use a razor blade to cut between the drawers so a little of the paper tore, but the end result is a very vintage looking piece which is what I want my end result to look like.  I would recommend, however, using a fresh razor blade if you are going to be cutting the wet image like this.
So I know I sound like a total broken record, but I did my reverse mod podge transfer on the front, and on the side I used my raised plaster technique using joint compound with the usual stencil of my choice.  Yes, this is my newest Maison de Stencil.  Isn't it gorgeous?  I ordered it just to put on my furniture pieces.  This was waxed to give it an aged appearance too.
The biggest reason I love these methods is not just because they turn out so beautiful every time, but because I am selling my pieces and I need to keep my costs down so I realize some profit from what I sell.  I love my furniture appliques, but they are expensive when you start adding up the cost of putting them on little pieces like this, and then to add in my labor - well, it just isn't cost effective.  I know a lot of you out there sell your work, so keep these two methods in mind.  They are easy to do and the results are fabulous.

Here is the before photo of what I started with.  Notice I didn't put the pulls back on the front of the drawers.  I really didn't think it was necessary, as the sides open up and you can just grab the little drawers by the sides.
Thanks for stopping by.  I'll be responding to comments very soon.  I was so busy playing with this baby, I lost track of time.

I may be partying at...


Mondays          Le Chateau des Fleurs       The Graphics Fairy    
                                      Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
 
Tuesdays          Knick of Time       Coastal Charm  
                                      Boogie Board Cottage    A Stroll Thru Life   
                                     Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday
Wednesdays     Savvy Southern Style
                                           
Thursdays        The Shabby Creek Cottage    No Minimalist Here 
                                     Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday    
                                     Rustic Restorations Homespun Happenings
Fridays            French Country Cottage       My Romantic Home        Miss Mustard Seed
                                    Potpourri Friday     Common Ground
                                    The Charm of Home    Rooted in Thyme
Saturdays        Funky Junk Interiors

Sundays           


15 comments:

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

It's gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your thrifty techniques, it's so important to keep our costs down when we're reselling. I'm glad you didn't put the knobs back on, they'd just get in the way of the pretty graphic. Great job and I know it won't last long.

Susie said...

Maggie, You continue to amaze me. That little piece is so grand now. I love that you used your raise texture on the sides. Sweet !!! xoxo,Susie

Kassandra said...

What a beautiful work, Maggie! I´d love to have one like this for my personal use (you know, not only for jewelry but also for those little tresures we find here and there and usually don´t know where to store...) Oh, and your step-by-step techniques have been very inspiring to me, I´m about to try the raised plaster stencil on my french night tables right now. You´re really generous for sharing all this stuff!
Have a nice day,
K.

Donna said...

Wow, wow, wow! What a gorgeous transformation, I never would have guessed it was the same piece! I am in love with the image you chose, and the raised detail is just amazing! Your work just keeps getting better and better!!

Irene Helms Designs said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. I love to see your amazing transformations!
Irene

Bliss said...

That is quite the transformation!

Bliss

NanaDiana said...

Maggie- That turned out so nice and it looks just BEAUTIFUL. If I were in the market that is a piece I would snatch up if I saw it. Love the sides, too- xo Diana

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Maggie, that is wonderful, I have passed those up because i thought I would be to hard...Glad to hear it's not. I hear you on the over head cost, you are soooo right!

Carol

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

I love the image you chose for the front of the cabinet! I imagine it won't last long in your shop.

Deneen@dreaming-n-color said...

This is fantastic! What a difference and the technique made it over the top! I love everything you do Maggie!

miss flibbertigibbet said...

That looks so lovely Maggie! I agree that the torn paper gave it a vintage look. Sometimes the 'mistakes' turn out to be great! I bet it will be gone in no time!!

Unknown said...

That turned out FABULOUS Maggie!!!
What an over the top transformation - just loving it!
XOX

Myplace4tea said...

This is to die for! You have done an amazing job!
Your newest follower, Angela

Danni@SiloHillFarm said...

Another fabulous job Maggie!! I love your techniques!

The Tablescaper said...

I host a weekly link party called "Seasonal Sundays". This week, in honor of my fourth blog-a-versary, I'm having a giveaway of a $100.00 gift certificate to HomeGoods/TJ Maxx. I'd love to have you join the fun!

- The Tablescaper