Before repainting the dining room table, I wanted to try out the crackle paint on something.
This is an itsy chest of drawers I'd found at an estate sale for ten bucks and it desperately needed a make over.
But I liked the two toned style of it as it was. Just not quite as it actually was… Seriously, there was a desperate need for a redo.
I decided to paint the cabinet and cover the drawers in paper.
Personally, I dislike modpodge. I live in Kansas, which is very humid and I knew that a piece of furniture with that on it would be a sticky mess in July.
Also, I didn't want the over 100 year old handwriting on the paper to smear. So I drizzled The Ultimate glue over the drawer fronts and pressed the pages into it, burnishing it well.
I don't pre-cut or measure. The paper gets glued down, then trimmed off with a sanding sponge.
Not only does it give the edge a clean cut, it helps adhere the paper to the wood.
Because the paper is so old, I couldn't use a top coat over it. I didn't want that ancient ink to run. This probably isn't a good idea for a piece that will get heavy use, so wherever I decide to put it, should be a low traffic spot. I might use it in the studio, or a guest room.
Funny, I didn't have any place in mind for it when I bought it. I simply wanted to save it. Years ago, I redid furniture for a living, and I miss that sometimes. When I see a small (NOT heavy!) piece for cheap, I can't help myself. I have to snag it and fix it up.
And I'm glad I got this little guy.
I think he fits in just right at my house, wherever I end up using him.
I modpodged. Dresser about 12 years ago with wallpaper. It has never been sticky! Love the vintage pages you used!
I really need to read before hitting post!. I used modpodge on a dresser 12 years ago!
This looks terrific Karla. Much improved — a $10 chest is a good thing if you can make it look like that!
Thanks, a $10 chest is hard to resist!
Ive never had luck with mine, Gail. Glad it worked well for you!
What a cute dresser! No matter where you put it, it will look perfect in your house!
Its a handy, little shape, isnt it?
Oh my gosh, Karla, this is fabulous! I have a similar dresser that belonged to my dear great aunt and I will never part with it (it even has the original paperwork on the back of it showing where it came from) but it needs a serious facelift. I must try this technique! Using the sanding block instead of cutting it is perfect. This turned out absolutely charming as heck! Yes there is nothing worse then when modpodge gets sticky. This is just beautiful and will fit in perfect in your gorgeous home! Leslie
Good luck with your project, Leslie. Sanding blocks are great for cutting perfect paper edges. Im do this with small craft projects and book covers too.
All such great ideas for using the sanding blocks, Karla! Thanks! Leslie