Sunday 11 November 2012

The finished painted Mule chest

The house stinks of furniture wax. My husband wants to leave me for another woman. Any woman will do, so long as she doesn't keep altering EVERY piece of furniture that comes into the house.
But apart from that, I'm quite pleased with how it's worked out.

Here's the before:


Very useful but very orange.
Here's the after:


I think it's finished. I wanted to add a bit of folk art inspired pattern on the front but keep it very neutral and subtle...



Luckily I have every painted furniture book known to man, so I was able to trace this design onto the chest. And luckily, folk art can be a bit rubbish! Then I clear waxed and dark waxed. I use Liberon Beeswax with turpentine (clear and antique pine on a pale piece like this)

The pic above is after the dark wax. It just adds some age and dirtiness which I like the look of.

with clear wax (a bit too clean and new looking)
With dark wax, the difference is subtle but it adds more character



And here's the flooring sample that's my favourite so far:


Hopefully it will add Scandinavian chic. Vanilla oak. I've got paint on it! (start as you mean to go on)
I've been on the lookout for a large piece of fabric or curtain to use for a door curtain to make the house warmer and struck gold at this mornings boot sale with these:

Huge unopened cream cotton lined curtains! Five quid! Wahey! I can always embellish them if it's looking a bit too cream and white in the hallway. I'm really pleased. Don't you love it when a room starts coming together?

Linking up with
Knick of Time
 Elizabeth & Co
 Faith Hope and Charity Shopping 
 White wednesdays at Timewashed  
 From my front porch to yours  
 Miss Mustard Seed 
 Jennifer Rizzo
 

21 comments:

  1. The chest looks fantastic! Well done you :) I really love when rooms start coming together; and finding the components you've been hunting for at a bargain price!

    xx

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  2. It's gorgeous, looks as if it was made just for that exact spot too!

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  3. Looks fantastic Emma, you must be very pleased! The curtains were a bargain too, you'll soon have your hallway finished at this rate....

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  4. How talented are you Emma Kate!! That chest look amazing, I didn't even recognise it at first, it looks completly different and I am mad on folk art, but I love the way you have kept it subtle xx if that is what you can acheive in your hall way, I can only imagine the rest of the house. And I dont think it is your Man who should look for a new Woman who doesnt change every piece of furniture...it should be you looking for a new Man who appreciates the talent xxx LOL

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    1. HaHa! Sadly the rest of the house is full of furniture wating to be worked on!

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  5. Wow what a fabulous transformation it looks brilliant and so much softer. You are clever, dee x

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  6. Love how it turned out! It has oodles more character now, the little design works so well too. Another great transformation x

    Antonia

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  7. Fabulous makeover and I love the addition of folk art. Well done on finding the curtains too.

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  8. Your hallway is a gorgeous oasis of calm! LOVE what you've done to the pine chest - the wax was definitely worth it!

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  9. Crikey that looks stunning!

    I know how much work you must have put into it too, but well worth it. Even losing a hubby for! x

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  10. Oh my, I positively lustful for that, it's really a transformation. Love the typewriter too! The Ana Mum Diary x

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  11. Wowsers! Looks smashing - time and energy well spent I say x

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    1. Exactly! Who needs clean, ironed clothing, hot meals and a clean bathroom anyway? I've got my priorities right!

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  12. I finished my piece and used the candle wax, put a little thank you shout out to you on the blog!

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  13. A great change and beautiful job !
    Have a nice day !
    Olympia

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  14. It looks fabulous!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  15. How pretty! I love the sweet details you added!

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  16. Beautiful job! Love the details you added to it. Thanks so much for sharing at Transformed Tuesday. I'm a new follower. Hugs, Peggy

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  17. This looks so so gorgeous! You did an amazing job! Feeling very inspired now!
    http://shopaholiconashoestring.wordpress.com/

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I love to hear your comments!