A Traveler's Cabinet

Sorry that I haven't posted recently, but I promise to start making my blog more of a priority. 

Summer with two active boys keeps me extremely busy, but it doesn't keep me totally away from creating. I just don't get to do it as often as I'd like! And if I am creating I'm either helping the boys with their projects like our current fun....perler beads. 

Here is one of my recently finished custom pieces. This cute little cabinet was found by my client at a yard sale for only $3!!!!! Seriously?! Isn't it adorable?!

Unfortunately I started taking off the hardware before I remembered to take a photo. Sigh! But here it is before the makeover. 

I painted the outside of the cabinet with folk art chalk paint. After a couple coats I sealed the cabinet first with clear finishing wax, and then used dark wax to distress it. 

I didn't bother painting the inside of the drawers because the wood was beautiful enough. I also didn't paint the drawer fronts (see below). 

My client loves to travel and loves maps, so I knew exactly what it needed!

I traced the front of the drawers onto the maps and cut them out so they were a perfect fit. I used matte Mod Podge to glue down the maps, and also to seal it. I wanted it to look aged, so I sanded the edges so the wood could show through. 

To reassemble the hardware, I used a mechanical pencil (with the lead retracted) to find and punch out the holes for the hardware. I then screwed on the plates. 

I wanted to give it a little character, so I used ink to distress the labels that go onto the front (again to make it appear old and worn). 

Here is the piece all complete! I think it's quite lovely! The client loves it which makes me happy! Until next time..... 

Current Project

Here's a glimpse of what I'm currently working on here at RAS Designs. Bought these cute little side tables while on vacation for $2.00 each! Not a bad yard sale find at all!

As you can see by this closeup, there was a little bubbling going on....but that doesn't stop me! 

With the help of my trusty assistant Ben, we sanded off the bubbly and she's ready for a coat of paint!

I'm sensing beachy end tables...what do you think?! Come back in a few days to see the progress! 

Finding The Beauty In Unwanted Things

Thank you for visiting my blog! Here I plan to share weekly inspiration, and the projects that I'm currently working on. I hope that you leave feeling inspired!

I'm a sucker for old things! I tend to find the beauty in the things that most people would discard or find unattractive. Below are a few types of things that I love and consider to be beautiful, despite their flaws.

I acquired this Virgin Mary statue from a yard sale. Isn't she beautiful? I've gone back and forth as to whether to repaint her or not. I've decided not to! She's perfect the way that she is!

Love her chippy texture!

I happened to come across this abandoned car while driving one day. It instantly caught my eye, and I thought it's rust and beautiful blue color was just gorgeous! If you're interested in buying this print it can be found in my etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/217206396/car-photography-roadmaster-antique-car?ref=shop_home_active_10

And this print can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/217210013/car-photography-roadmaster-abandoned?ref=shop_home_active_8

Here was my latest project. Please excuse my messy basement, it's currently being gutted which makes a great place to refinish furniture! 

This chest was salvaged from the road side. It's hard to believe that someone wanted to throw it away. It had gorgeous details but otherwise was in pretty good shape-minus the dust and light scratches on top. I new it could be a beautiful piece given a couple coats of paint. 

It was a little rough on top, but that didn't stop me!

I gave it a few coats of chalk paint, which gave it a matte finish in the color "Nautical Blue." It photographs purple, but it's a dark blue color.

The ornament on the bottom reminded me of a seashell so I gave it a nautical theme.

On the front plaque I stenciled an anchor, and it really pulled my nautical theme together. 

Here is the before and after of this beautiful little piece. 

After she was finished with her makeovers gave her a couple coats of wax which gave her a beautiful sheen! 

Now that she's finished I hope she'll find a good home. As much as I want to keep her, I'm going to let someone else love her!

I can't wait to share my next furniture project! It involves the color gray and chicken wire! Hope you have and incredible day!