My friend Cathy and I had a yard sale. Cathy had this dresser at the sale, it didn't sell. While we were cleaning up, I asked her "garage or shed". Which means where were we going to store it. She said "curb". I was like "huh". She said I'm tired of messing with it. I told her I would take it, you know I love a good curb find! This was a huge curb find! I loved the legs. It had really nice bones, and was a very sturdy piece. It was painted a really pretty brown, however the top was not in the best shape due to it's age, and being in the weather.
I brought it home, painted it with some oops black! Can you believe I got a one gallon can of Behr oops (black) for $5.00? Talk about the right place at the right time! Okay, back to the story. I painted it black, and did the brown paper bag technique on the top, sides and drawer fronts.
After doing the brown paper bag technique on it, I diluted some of the black paint and did a "wash" over the brown paper. I then sealed it with a couple of coats of polyurethane.
Check back at a later date, to see another brown paper bag technique project. Same yard sale, same response from Cathy "curb, I'm tired of messing with them".From another post:
My friend Cathy and I also curbed these nightstands. Actually if you look closely you can tell that they were once a vanity. As usual, the veneer was in really bad shape. Cathy painted them a delicious espresso, and put them in a yard sale. Unfortunately, they didn't sell. At the end of the day, I asked her where we were going to store them. "shed or garage" I said. She said "curb", meaning she wanted to place them at the curb so they could find a new home. I said "I'll take them". So I brought them home and did the brown paper bag technique on them. I did not do a black glaze on them like I did on the dresser above. I think they look okay, but looking at them after looking at the dresser, I like the black glaze over the brown paper better.
This post explains how I did the brown paper bag technique.
I'm curious to know... which finish do you like better? No glaze? Black glaze like the dresser, or a brown stain treatment like I did on the vanity?
gail
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Sandra
I am a follower also. Love your ideas.
I liked the black on the dresser and the vanity. But I also like the dark brown that you used on the vanity/night stands.
I liked the contrast of the black and brown-bag, But I also really love the homey style the brown gives the night stands.
Thank you for your wonderful blog.
S
Cindy
I love the light stain of the night stands. I would love to have these in my bedroom. I'm really attracted to that style.
Debilou~Mississippi Mama
I love how you did these. I actually have two of these and the mirror that went with it that belonged to my grandmother. But they are in need of some fixing up,, hadnt thought about doing this to them. Thanks for sharing
rosemst2t
They ARE all great, but my fav is the vanity with the brown stain. As Debra said above, they look like they could be burled wood! I think the nightstands look great the color they are too. Isn't it nice to have so many choices?
Rose
Anne~fiona and twig
I think I like the brown stain best. But to me, that's like asking me if I like Double Stuff Oreos or Hershey's Kisses best!
I love 'em all!
Thanks so much for your well wishes for this week!
Hugs,
Anne
Brenda
I am also a follower!
Brenda
I like the brown stain the best. Are you using them for bedside tables? Really like the look. I think they would also look great with some kind of top for a desk. Great extra storage. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my DIY project!
common ground
These are incredibly AWESOME!! I love the black and the lighter brown technique. From the photos they have an appearance of "burled wood". You did an excellent creative job. Love your blog!
Debra
sassytrash
I kinda like the lighter finish on the nightstands, but it does depend on the individual piece, doesn't it? I really enjoy seeing your unique repurposing ideas and creative finishes!
Proper Prim
hmmm.... that is a tough one... I like them all ways too... I think these look great just the way you have them... great job.