Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Vintage Blue Cabinet


My studio.
My haven of inspiration and creativity.
A space where I imagine and ponder and dream and discover.




But the little cubbies in my bookcase were overflowing from stacking, tucking, shoving, and squishing
an abundance of fabric needed to create my dream catchers.
It was getting out of control.
It was messing with my creativity.

The books were taking a back seat, too.
They desperately needed their own designated space
because they all hold a very special place in my heart.




The messiness was really bothering my little OCD soul.
My resolution to declutter was being sidetracked.

Something needed to change.




So I carted the books upstairs,
one heavy box at a time, 
and created a library of sorts in the front guest room.

After organizing the books,
 a sense of peace and quiet and orderliness softly settled in.
It was almost reminiscent of a room in the small library where my mother worked
and where I spent many happy hours during my childhood.




After brainstorming some specs with a talented carpenter friend of ours,
my new craft cabinet was delivered last week.
A special place to hold the supplies I use to make my dream catchers.




Larry created her using bead board backing and pine shelves.




His work is exquisite.




With her vintage closures and "butterfly" hinges...




she will be an heirloom to be treasured throughout the years.




I started working on "aging" her the next morning.
Sanding worn edges ~
places where hands would have reached out to touch, to grasp, to pull.
Creating a rough, chippy patina as if she had been painted many times over many decades.

Staining her was the first step.

 Stain:  Minwax in 'Early American'

Then I painted on areas of Crackle Tex here and there,
concentrating on where a piece like this would naturally crack and chip over the years.

I let that dry overnight.


Crackle Tex can be purchased at Maison Decor.

The next day I made a 50/50 mixture of ASCP  in 'Old White' and 'Pure White', and being careful not to overwork the areas where the Crackle Tex lay waiting to do it's magic, painted on a thick layer.

Within minutes, the aging began.
Small cracks in the paint started to appear before my eyes.

There is a small window of opportunity between the time you swipe on the paint
and when the paint dries
that you can "pull off" the paint by blotting with a rag.
This creates an even more chipped look.







The inside was painted haphazardly with ASCP in 'Provence'.
Imperfection was key with this sweet project.

Vase by Laura Venosa DellaPorta.

By that evening, I was itching to start filling this cabinet with stacks of shabby chic fabric, boxes of beads and shells, and baskets full of yarn...
but I knew that there were a couple more processes I needed to apply yet.

The next day I created a sky blue shade by mixing Glidden 'Totally Teal', Martha Stewart
'Artesian Well', and ASCP in 'Duck Egg Blue'.




I dipped the brush in water first and then into the paint
before washing it onto the cabinet.
More color in some areas,
less in others.




It was almost like swishing paint onto a canvas.

A couple hours of drying time later,
I did a bit of light distressing with my palm sander,
although it didn't take much to age this beauty.
This is the patina that Crackle Tex produces.

Absolute vintage perfection.









I can't even imagine painting another piece of furniture without using Crackle Tex first.
That's how much I love it.




I then rubbed on a coat of ASCP Clear Soft Wax
and buffed out a subtle shine.




Then it was time to dress her up...




and fill her up.







If my arms were wide enough,
I would have hugged her.













Needless to say,
there's a love fest going on over here.





Thank you, Larry, for creating this beautiful cabinet for me.
She is absolutely perfect.

Contact Timberdoodle Wood Works for incredible furniture pieces like this.







~  Eucharisteo  ~





Linking to the linky parties on the lower right of my sidebar.




78 comments:

  1. Oh she is a beauty!! Love your space...all the best,Chrissy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great piece and it looks wonderful.♥♫

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my gosh Laurie!... she is gorgeous!!!... I just emailed you asking how she was coming along... wow!... I am in love love love!... you did such a fabulous job painting her... that color is so beautiful... and your treasures inside look so lovely... I am so happy for you... this certainly will be a treasured heirloom for years to come... as always, your talents amaze me... xoxo... Moi

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful piece! It's all so dreamy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. She is indeed just beautiful. I know she feels the love even if your arms aren't big enough to wrap her up in a hug.

    Be blessed my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautiful cabinet, Laurie! I love the bead board backing and the hardware is great. Such a beautiful color it turned out to be. Such a soft blue.

    ReplyDelete
  7. how gorgeous, she really does look vintage. beautiful job on the paint technique!

    ReplyDelete
  8. That sure is alot of work...layers and layers, but the effect is beautiful. Of course I liked her white and crackled best...but she is lovely lovely lovely. I wonder what Larry thinks? Men like wood so he may think you ruined her! And Laura's itty bitty vase is perfect. I just LOVe her. Your farmhouse has changed so much in the years that I have known you...you keep us on our toes. xxo

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just so lovely, as if she was built years ago!! You did a beautiful job Laurie, I would hug her too;-)
    The blue is gorgeous and the crackling adds to her charm, wonderful, thanks for sharing**
    **smiles**
    Marylou

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fabulous!!! Wow! You have done a wonderful job. Love the aging/crackling technique. What an amazing piece! ....it makes me want to paint something blue... :) Very beautiful! xoxo ~ Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  11. Laurie...this is an incredible work of art...of workmanship for a lack of better words. All the processes you used are foreign to me but I know they took time and skill. And the results? Perfecto!! Love it!

    I am looking longingly at your book shelves as well. And I'm wondering what sort of books you read and have there.

    Much love to you!

    XO,
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  12. It turned out unbelievable... appreciate you sharing your technique too! Xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sounds like a wonderful aging technique. You've made a new piece look like it's been around for years! Love it.

    Hope you are staying warm. More snow is on the way around here with very cold temps.

    xoxo
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love this!! No way anyone would think that this cabinet was anything but a well loved vintage piece ... All that brand newness is replaced with loving use and character.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Laurie,
    You've been busy creating! All the time and layers have rewarded you with a cabinet to enjoy and love. It truly does look very old.
    Vera

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Dear,
    happy you have visited me in Austria! Yes, we do have winter and I feel the same as you.
    By the way: This side board is a beauty!
    Have fun
    Elisabeth

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a beauty - before and after. I can't believe how old it looks, like it has already been loved for many years. You make me want to refinish a piece of furniture, but I don't have any on hand right now. I will bookmark this post for reference for when I do get a piece worthy of your technique. This is what winter is to me - beautifying our homes on the inside when it's too cold and snowy to go outside. Thanks for sharing.
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  18. AMAZING-LOOOOOVE !!!!! I want too :-) -lol- Enojy it !!!
    Have a nice day!!!xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  19. It just turned out fabulous Laurie. You are a good little crackler if ever there was one. Enjoy your pretty little cabinet.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It turned out fabulous Laurie. You are a good little crackler if ever there was one. Enjoy your pretty cabinet.
    Hugs
    Becky

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh I'm so jealous! I want one for my studio, it is beautiful well done :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Just beautiful Laurie and the duck egg blue is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  23. It is beautiful Laurie and the duck egg blue is the perfect color.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Laurie,
    With all the love and care you put into the process,
    this beautiful cabinet will give you a lifetime of service!
    Beautiful, dear friend!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love this and you made it look very doable! Thanks for sharing on the Thursday blog hop!! Hope to see you again next week!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love the blue cabinet. I am going to try and find me one.I am fixing up a corner of a room for my projects.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gorgeous, Gorgeous, GORGEOUS! Laurie ~ I want you to come by and paint my armoire for me, K? ;) Beautiful piece, beautiful finish... and such a beautiful studio!
    xo,
    Lin

    ReplyDelete
  28. the finish is gorgeous, laurie! larry knows what he's doing--beautiful work!

    ReplyDelete
  29. she turned out so amazing Laurie! That is quite a process and you are so kind to share all those details with us to get that luscious vintage patina. Those butterfly hinges are such a lovely touch too. Kudos to Larry for building your vision! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  30. Eucharisteo, indeed!
    Laurie, you do such beautiful things!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Gorgeous makeover Laurie! I was fortunate to watch Annie Sloan (in the flesh) do a demo of this paint technique. I haven't tried it yet but you may have just inspired me to give it a whirl. So glad I saw you over at the Home and Garden Thursday party!
    Marie@The Interior Frugalista

    ReplyDelete
  32. She is beautiful and just perfect for your studio!!
    Quite the Cinderella moment for this piece!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I would have to give her a little kiss every time I walked by. She is perfection.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Absolutely gorgeous!! I love the way it looks like layers of paint with the crackle. Like it has been around for ages. Love love....

    ~Shanon

    ReplyDelete
  35. He does do good work. Love all the detail, even the back looks nice. I love all the vintage looking hardware too. Sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh, my goodness!

    What an absolutely beautiful piece of furniture!

    ReplyDelete
  37. So beautiful. I will always love that crackled, loved look! I wonder if I could paint a pale tint over a piece that is crackled and worn already... By age... It is white... Maybe I should leave it. I've also thought of stencil on the doors... Something pale and maybe French.... What do you think?

    ReplyDelete
  38. wow Laurie what a fabulous craft cupboard ...what a talented friend you have and I just love the way you have painted it ... mind you now I look around my studio I feel rather embarrassed about how messy it has become !! you have shamed me into having a tidy up hahaha ! have a lovely weekend..Gail x

    ReplyDelete
  39. O M G Laurie !!!!! The cabinet is obviously very well made. You really gave it a new breath of shabby chicness ! Great great makeover, just love it ! Congrats on your decision to stay home this spring and invest in your home. I can't wait to see all the progress that will be made.
    Happy Friday !

    XO ~ Steph

    ReplyDelete
  40. Fabulous cabinet. Excellent execution. Have a Blessed Week!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Fabulous and Amazing!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE your blog!...it's fun to see you on FB...and even connect there...with the Lord being our "connector"!...LOVE that too!!!....your Iowa friend...Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  42. It's so beautiful. I love it filled with all your fabrics looks amazing.You do good work ! Enjoy ;)

    ReplyDelete
  43. What a perfect oldish newish cabinet to store your bits and pieces. I love the imperfect finish and soft, watery color. Thank you for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!

    Alison
    Nancherrow

    ReplyDelete
  44. My Heart's a bittering, it is so beautiful, and what a fabulous job you did on bringing her to life with the gorgeous color and antiquing. I can so relate to stuffing and shoveling fabric in to a space that won't hold it any longer. We are both fabric lovers. So fabric and our Lord are our bridge together. Thanks as always for sharing at Sunday's Best. I just am in love with you and everything associated with you. We also have traveled a similiar road together of medical issues, hopefully not again!

    ReplyDelete
  45. squeal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ♥ it soooo much. Thank you for helping to make the Thursday Favorite Things Blog hop so much fun. Big Hugs ♥

    ReplyDelete
  46. Laurie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Absolutely beautiful! I adore this aqua shade you add to finish it!!
    Pinned not to forget!
    Have a nice WE
    Silvia

    ReplyDelete
  47. That is a great color! Love the texture the crackle gives under the paint. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  48. The new cabinetry is beautiful are you carpenter did a fabulous job, but what you did too it makes it amazing. It looks like something that was handed down to you many many years ago. Thanks for sharing all the steps in how you got this finished result. She is so lovely. You have a wonderful space in which to create your magic.
    Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design

    ReplyDelete
  49. Fabulous post... the cabinet is wonderful and I love love love what you did with her. She looks right at home in your studio... Beautiful from top to bottom!
    Thank you for sharing at Dandelion House...
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  50. Layer upon layer you created a gorgeous piece Laurie! She's a beaut and you will cherish her for years! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  51. How beautiful Laurie and so perfect for your studio. You did an amazing job as did the cabinet maker! Thank you for sharing it at What We Accomplished Wednesdays.

    Have a happy day!
    Deborah

    ReplyDelete
  52. Oh Laurie I love what you created! The crust and color is divine looks very authentic. What is it about crusty old pale paints that makes us so happy? You always inspire us all in many ways. Thank you for your mention of the little vase. I am honored & very grateful. xoxoxo Laura

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Laurie,
    I adore her, you have brought this piece to a whole nother level, adding perfection at best.
    Love the colours. Your home is really pulling together taking on all the passion you are creating for it.
    I so remember when you were finding you right kind of style from rustic, to farmhouse to Nordic, to now the best shabby chic ness one can create.
    I adore your style, and want to stay in your Laurie bed and breakfast :)

    I see you featured Laura's vase? I too am featuring Laura's plates.
    I love how they have worked into my look!
    Come see :)

    Love yah girl!
    Beautiful days ahead.

    Xoxo
    Doré

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Laurie,
    I adore her, you have brought this piece to a whole nother level, adding perfection at best.
    Love the colours. Your home is really pulling together taking on all the passion you are creating for it.
    I so remember when you were finding you right kind of style from rustic, to farmhouse to Nordic, to now the best shabby chic ness one can create.
    I adore your style, and want to stay in your Laurie bed and breakfast :)

    I see you featured Laura's vase? I too am featuring Laura's plates.
    I love how they have worked into my look!
    Come see :)

    Love yah girl!
    Beautiful days ahead.

    Xoxo
    Doré

    ReplyDelete
  55. I NEED to have one of these Laurie - how over the top gorgeous- you'd never believe this was just built for you
    Absolutely divine !!!
    XOX

    ReplyDelete
  56. So very lovely! What a wonderful job you did creating an old, chippy wonderfully worn look with a brand new piece! Can't wait to pin this sweet cabinet! Thank you for the inspiration!
    Blessings,
    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  57. Absolutely stunning! What a beautiful transformation.
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  58. Great piece! Looks shabby and clean with it's new color!

    ReplyDelete
  59. You did a wonderful job Laurie, giving this piece a great old patina. The color is so soft and beautiful. Enjoy! ~Ann
    Tarnished Royalty

    ReplyDelete
  60. This is an incredible cabinet! I love it. The way you painted it up is very beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh Laurie, both you and Larry have the magic touch! Such beautiful craftsmanship in the carpentry by Larry, and such an amazing finish in your paint job! I can't get over how many layers and textures you put into this. You've got patience. :)
    I don't blame you for wanting to open up your arms wide and give this beautiful baby a hug. And she looks even more glorious with your precious fabrics inside - sigh...and more sigh....
    When will Rachel Ashwell be over for a cup of tea - she would love to live here! :)

    ReplyDelete
  62. Laurie, You are a true artist. You had an idea and went with it! It is a one-of-a-kind original piece. What a special place to put all your dream catchers. Love it!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
    Hugs,
    Jody

    ReplyDelete
  63. Laurie I love the finish you put on that.
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  64. What a beautiful journey your little cabinet has taken Laurie from new piece to vintage look. You did an amazing job on her and I'm delighted to be featuring it on Shabbilicious Friday tomorrow.
    Hugs ~ Kerryanne

    ReplyDelete
  65. oh my goodness Laurie, what a beautiful job you did on that wonderful piece. I was wondering if you have ever mixed AS paint with regular latex paint. I'm thinking of mixing old white with a greige to get the color I want…xo, Mariaelena

    ReplyDelete
  66. You did a great job with the tutorial on the Vintage Blue Cabinet. You should be proud, the finished product is just beautiful.
    Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I love vintage anything, you did such a beautiful job! ~Kelly @ Eyes On The Source

    ReplyDelete
  68. OMG...I'd hug that cabinet too! Thank you so much for sharing your technique...I really need to try that on some pieces I have.

    ReplyDelete
  69. First of all, I just love the idea of creating a library! An second, that cabinet is just gorgeous! I love the color and finish you achieved! You must be thrilled!

    ReplyDelete
  70. What a beautiful cabinet, and beautiful painting! Wow! I'd be hugging her too!! ~Zuni

    ReplyDelete
  71. That is absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much for linking it up to Twirl & Take a Bow last week. I hope you'll join us again this week!

    - Brooke -

    ReplyDelete
  72. Hi Laurie, WOW this is just over the moon gorgeous. Love the look and the color is so soft and pretty.
    I can see why you would give her a big hug. Your directions, steps and photos are beautiful.
    You are a true talent my friend and God has blessed you greatly.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  73. I can't believe your friend just made that incredible cabinet for you!!! It's woonderful! I was so fascinated watching your technique for aging it too. It totally looks yummy, shabby, age worn. Wow! I am going to have to try the crackle medium. It seriously looks like an antique! And... oh my, best of all... look how organized everything is now. I LOVE organization. I'm so mentally all over the place and disorganized, that when things are in order, i find it heavenly. It's like art to me. Plus, i'm like you... if things are all chaos and messy, i can't create at all. Anyway, absolutely amazing cabinet!

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete

Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie