Well, it seems like forever since I’ve shown you a furniture makeover around these parts. I’ve painted plenty, but rarely gotten around staging and shooting.
So I’ve decided to be a little less worried about such things, and snap a picture literally as the pieces are on their way out the door.
And this technically doesn’t count as a makeover, since I can’t find the before’s. I LOVE these cottage-style chests with the huge knobs…I could paint a million and never get tired of them.
I painted the body of the dresser in French Linen Chalk Paint™ & the drawers in Old White. After painting, I finished it off with distressing, and clear and dark wax.
But I had special plans for the top…
I used Annie Sloan’s Craqueleur (2 steps) on it, and I love. it. This is not like a big box store crackling product…it creates these tiny, beautifully worn cracks…the kind you actually find on antique furniture.
They are actually sooo difficult to see until you dark wax, but after that?
Magic.
If you haven’t given it a try, do it! I also put the craqueleur (which Matt calls Crack-a-lack-in) here and there along the sides and edges of the piece, and it was a beautiful touch.
I realize I didn’t take pictures of that, but snapping on the way out the door, remember?
What have you painted lately? I’ll be back to show you a fun little boy’s dresser tomorrow!
I think you have inspired me. We have an old desk with the drop top- It’s quite banged up and needs help. I have been hesitant to paint it- BUT NOW…. well no time soon but I am going to do it. THANKS
Soooo purty! Craqueleur makes me ridiculously happy too. You think it’s nothing, and then, BAM! The dark wax kills it! It also made me giggle when I overheard my son telling his friend that I used crack on a hutch… YIKES!!
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I’m so happy I decided to check out your site this morning! I am just about to start a new painting project on a friend’s little hall table. I was wondering what to do with the top, something different perhaps? And lo’ here is your lovely piece with the confidence-building commentary on the 2-step ease of crackling. I can’t wait to give it a go!
LOVE the Craqueleur! I’ve used it a few times on my frames but have big plans for it on a few pieces I’m getting ready to finish! The chest is gorgeous!
I love the idea of this Craqueleur look! However i find with the look of the drawer like that it doesn’t blend with many other peices in my room and you would need a very simple style making that your main furniture piece. I love the idea of the frames though because those are very simple but you could do many of them and start a whole look for cheep. I want to try the Frames before a huge project like a drawer.
Frames could be very cute and easy to help change the style of my room and a great practice with using Craqueleur.
Absolutely beautiful! Great idea!
Love it! In my shop I have sold so many pieces that are gray and white! It’s my new favorite. I just recovered some dining chairs with fabric that was gray, white and yellow! Keep up the inspiration. I love your blog.
Great chest – I love it. I see it sold already, and boy am I not surprised! I’m coming to Gulf Shores for Christmas with my preggers daughter – we are hoping we can stop into your store while we’re there. I can’t wait to see it!
This worn cracks effect is really impressive – so realistic! I’m actually in the middle of remaking a few pieces of furniture and really need this kind of ideas. Thanks!
Wow, I LOVE that piece of furniture. I actually have a chest very much like this and we’ve been using it in its wood condition because I have not been able to figure out how I wanted to paint it. I think I found my inspiration!!!
I love this crackle look. I’ve been wanting to try it but didn’t know ASCP had one. I will have to get some. Here’s what I’ve painted lately. Its a little bit of a departure for me from my normal “shabby/vintage” style but I am in love!
http://blog.lisajaynelee.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5849.jpg
And I totally get taking a picture that’s not perfect. That just takes waaaayyy too long and I would rather be paintin’!
Cheers! Lisa
Love this! Exactly the look I’m looking for my bedroom re-do!