Sunday, August 30, 2009

Project 1: A Dresser Re-Dressed

"Tackle the easy ones first." This is project #1 of my "Lose the Piles" Project... click on Piles to see them.



This is the first step in attacking a huge pile of projects that need to be done before the snow flies here in Northern Illinois.



This little $6 dresser didn't need much... just to be freshened up with a new coat of paint...I am a "Navajo White" Girl.



Now it is repainted, sanded and waxed...ready to be find a new home. It is a cute little size, with a Frenchy shape.

Why did I take the SAFE white color choice? It is about appealing to the most customers. If it doesn't sell with a simple redo, I'd try something more flashy.




Just a personal pet peeve... repaints where the drawer sides are not painted...doesn't it look much more professional this way?

ONE down ~ 6,357 more projects to go...
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108 comments:

  1. DeeDeeAugust 30, 2009 at 4:23 PM

    hey I have the long dresser that matches this little stand..I use it in my craft room...same handles and all..

    Love it....

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  2. DeeDeeAugust 30, 2009 at 4:34 PM

    I wish you didn't live so far away I could use this for my cricut stand...lol..

    cannot wait to see the rest of the projects

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  3. Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...August 30, 2009 at 4:35 PM

    Cute as a button...thumbs up on painting the drawer sides..That'll be out the door pronto!! xoxo~Kathy~ @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

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  4. CindyAugust 30, 2009 at 4:36 PM

    That is awesome! I paint the drawer sides too. When we bought this 70's house, we took all of the drawers out of the kitchens and the bathrooms and painted them inside and out. Sharp!

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  5. MandiAugust 30, 2009 at 4:54 PM

    how cute! i never find any cute fixer upers for 6 bucks! dangit! :D

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  6. UnknownAugust 30, 2009 at 5:08 PM

    I answered all your questions in my blog-how silly of me.

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  7. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeAugust 30, 2009 at 5:11 PM

    It looks awesome. I love the white. It looks wonderful and painting the drawer sides really does make all the difference. Looks so much more professional. Love it. Hugs, Marty

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  8. StephanieAugust 30, 2009 at 5:13 PM

    Wow! I thought my little pile in the corner of the garage was a little overwhelming. Now I don't feel so bad. At least we can still get 2 cars in the garage. Good luck to you. I have subscribed so I can follow along with you.

    Your dresser - paint brush or spray paint?

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  9. The Lazy PeacockAugust 30, 2009 at 5:17 PM

    that is gorgeous! i have piles too, and in mn, so i know what you mean about the snow!!!

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  10. blushing roseAugust 30, 2009 at 5:30 PM

    Oh, this is simply beautiful. Lovely re-creation.
    Have a beautiful week. TTFN ~ Marydon

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  11. TarvaAugust 30, 2009 at 5:38 PM

    What a great dresser. And only $6.

    By the way, I love your blog.

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  12. The Pleasures of HomemakingAugust 30, 2009 at 6:05 PM

    I love the frenchy style! I'm with you...I like the sides of drawers painted. It really doesn't take that much time and you're painting the front anyway, so why not!

    Manuela

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  13. ellen bAugust 30, 2009 at 6:09 PM

    Great price and great redo! Have a great week...

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  14. LVAugust 30, 2009 at 6:25 PM

    I do not think it needs anything else. The cabinet is really pretty in the white. Just leave it as is and go for it. You did a super job.

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  15. Brenda PruittAugust 30, 2009 at 6:26 PM

    Six bucks! I'd have bought it for three or four times that at least! It's beautiful now.
    Brenda

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  16. DeannaAugust 30, 2009 at 6:30 PM

    Nice job!
    blessings,
    d

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  17. Karen August 30, 2009 at 6:39 PM

    $6,score! I love a good DYI project and have about a zillion lined up. You are so right about painting the sides of the drawers, it does give it a nice finished look.

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  18. Debbie @ The Shabby BungalowAugust 30, 2009 at 6:40 PM

    I love this little dresser - you have made it looks so pretty :)

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  19. ★Carol★August 30, 2009 at 6:48 PM

    Love your "safe" redo of that dresser Joan! Such pretty lines, and I think you're right, it will appeal to anyone, in white, and you can really see the details. Glad to see your "piles" are getting better, slowly but surely!

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  20. Lotta DahlAugust 30, 2009 at 6:48 PM

    OMG! lol that's the nightstands I had growing up! I had the whole bedroom set, I think it came from Sears! lol

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  21. AnonymousAugust 30, 2009 at 7:04 PM

    Very cute dresser! It looks wonderful all freshened up.
    And your pile...such a fabulous pile it is!

    What part of northern Illinois? Because I would so make that drive if you ever had a garage sale!

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  22. Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine StateAugust 30, 2009 at 7:55 PM

    I think it's darling!

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  23. Pam @ This Humble HouseAugust 30, 2009 at 8:01 PM

    Wow - 6 bucks? It came out really nice! I like it in white, that way if someone wants to they can add to it themselves.

    ~ Pam

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  24. susanAugust 30, 2009 at 8:05 PM

    I NEVER find anything that great for $6!! You did a great job. It would be perfect for a nursery!

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  25. southerninspirationAugust 30, 2009 at 8:10 PM

    Oh, wow...... I want to see your pile come unpiled..signing up to be a follower!

    Suzanne

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  26. debAugust 30, 2009 at 8:13 PM

    What a darling little dresser!

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  27. beachvintage.comAugust 30, 2009 at 8:28 PM

    $6.00 ! That would have to be the bargain of the century. Looks fabulous.

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  28. Shari @ My Cottage of BlissAugust 30, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    Cute! Cute! Cute! You can never go wrong with white. :)

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  29. From the Old InkWellAugust 30, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    Love this little chest. It's precious!

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  30. AliciaAugust 30, 2009 at 8:51 PM

    I love the white, it's a great color. Good job painting the insides as well.

    Please stop by and say hi.

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  31. Barbara JeanAugust 30, 2009 at 9:31 PM

    Love it!!
    Keep up the good work on that on those projects!!

    Blessings,

    Barbara Jean

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  32. Julie@beingRUBYAugust 30, 2009 at 9:36 PM

    Hey Joan
    You are so good at this, I have a job for you over here... I have 2 besides and commode to be painted... and in white!! Now I'm a paint the insides of the drawers as well as sides sort of gal... so you'd better bring that paint!! x Julie

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  33. Karen at Nittany InspirationsAugust 30, 2009 at 10:05 PM

    You got a great deal for $6.00 for this little piece.

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  34. KimAugust 30, 2009 at 10:05 PM

    Great find at $6. I wish I could find that. I've been looking. I need one I can paint black for my guest room. I'd even gladly pay $20. LOL

    I added you to my google list...I like making new friends. I can't wait to be inspired.

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  35. SherrieAugust 30, 2009 at 10:10 PM

    What a cute dresser! Got a question? What is the advantadge of waxing the finish rather than using something like Poly? Is the wax better for distressed finishs?

    Sherrie

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  36. RebeccaAugust 30, 2009 at 10:12 PM

    Joan, don't feel bad...we haven't been able to get any cars in the garage for 5 years now...I keep saying this year but it doesn't look good.
    The little dresser turned out great.
    Blessings
    Rebecca

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  37. StephanieAugust 30, 2009 at 10:27 PM

    Wow! I love how the dresser turned out. I can't wait to see how the rest of your projects go.. I'm right there with ya.... too many projects to count.
    Happy Monday!
    Stephanie

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  38. Rust: Vintage Inspired DesignAugust 30, 2009 at 10:47 PM

    So glad you stopped by and visited my blog, as now it has led me to your fabulous blog. Love, love, love it!!!
    xojanis

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  39. JaneAugust 30, 2009 at 11:10 PM

    Great redo on the dresser....it will definitely appeal to someone just the way you painted it. Looking forward to the other 6357 projects on your list!

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  40. ClaudiaAugust 30, 2009 at 11:32 PM

    I always enjoy my stop here.

    You are so darn creative you make me irritated with myself.


    TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

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  41. Six in One HandAugust 31, 2009 at 1:01 AM

    Very cute!!! I'm thinking of where it could go in my studio right now.

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  42. FlossAugust 31, 2009 at 4:06 AM

    That's great - I have two shelves to redo, and your massive task is going to spur me on, I can tell. Thanks for your visit to my Brittany Blues!

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  43. UnknownAugust 31, 2009 at 5:04 AM

    That's just beautiful! Good luck with the rest of the "pile"

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  44. Alison GibbsAugust 31, 2009 at 6:45 AM

    What a beautiful piece
    Love the shape and details
    Alison

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  45. Drawn to The SeaAugust 31, 2009 at 7:54 AM

    Gee, I seem to be following Alison around, we must have the same bookmarks. Nice distressing job on the little dresser. It'll make someone very happy :-)

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  46. Its So Very CheriAugust 31, 2009 at 8:13 AM

    LOVE IT-very cute. I need that in Miss G4s room.
    I hope you will come by for a visit.
    Cheri
    Its So Very Cheri

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  47. SueAugust 31, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    How very, very nice your re-do turned out! Nice $6 price, too. I like that you thought to paint the sides- they show too!
    :-) Sue

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  48. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)August 31, 2009 at 8:52 AM

    Perfection!!! This turned out great. I'm so inagreement. The sides of the drawers painted do look more professional... Happy MM
    hugs ~lynne~

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  49. JennyAugust 31, 2009 at 9:06 AM

    Good work on your project-slow and steady will get you there eventually! BTW, I gave you a shoutout on my blog about being your giveaway runner up. Thanks again!

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  50. Rhoda @ Southern HospitalityAugust 31, 2009 at 9:19 AM

    Joan, that is just darling now, I love your redo. Thanks for playing this week!

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  51. JanAugust 31, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    I'm loving that little dresser! Thanks for the tip about the drawer sides. I have a couple of dresser's I'm getting ready to tackle and I wouldn't have thought of the sides!

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  52. black eyed susans kitchenAugust 31, 2009 at 11:26 AM

    I like the way you painted this, and I especially like that you finished it off so beautifully. I will have to remember to paint the sides..it really does matter.

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  53. Pink Roses and TeacupsAugust 31, 2009 at 11:28 AM

    What a cute little dresser! Score!!

    Debbie

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  54. Sue at SerendipityAugust 31, 2009 at 12:10 PM

    I agree with the others that painting the sides is nicer than a paint "line" - usually more of a smudge. I even paint the insides if they aren't perfect too. (Never have been very good with drawer liner-teehee!)

    Terrific makeover and now a very charming piece!

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  55. trishAugust 31, 2009 at 1:40 PM

    What an adorable dresser! I like the painted drawers. I will need to go back and do the same to mine, that way when you open them they look "finished."
    Thanks for dropping by my blog. :o)

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  56. BillAugust 31, 2009 at 2:53 PM

    Nicely done, Joan. Great tip about painting sides of the drawers!

    Bill

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  57. CaroleAugust 31, 2009 at 4:30 PM

    How do you find dressers for $6 ??? lucky duck!!! But I guess you do have to go rifling thru some junk to find it. That estate was something else. Some of that old Christmas stuff might have been cool if it was vintage enough. I liked that urn even at $90 you would pay more wholesale with those big handles like that....plus now they make them so cheap they actually easily get holes in them.

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  58. Julie MarieAugust 31, 2009 at 7:24 PM

    Hello Joan, my goodness, a $6.00 find! Yes, I will sign up as a follower... I can't wait to see what else you find! I am going to run downstairs to my craft room right now and pull out my old Country Living Magazine and look at your potting shed! (I save them ALL!) Then I will look at your older posts... Bisous... Julie Marie

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  59. KarenBAugust 31, 2009 at 7:44 PM

    I used to have that little nightstand. I had the entire set when I was growing up. Funny how I wish I had it back again. I was so sick of it. Got rid of it after my daughter used it for years. Bummer. It looks great repainted!
    Karen
    www.elderberrystreet.blogspot.com

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  60. bjSeptember 1, 2009 at 2:34 AM

    I would buy this in a New York minute if you and I lived closer. Just love it....

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  61. JeanneSeptember 1, 2009 at 9:19 AM

    Ok Joan, here is my 2 cents...Good job and I agree with the color and the fact that you painted the sides of the drawers. A lovely 2nd time around treasure. The price was worth the effort.

    I am following your project management program. I love your blog. You go girl.

    Hugs...Jeanne

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  62. Denise MarieSeptember 1, 2009 at 10:17 AM

    love it! yes, drawers painted looks very professional. I love that you are sharing your journey with us. thanks for the inspiration. I love your blog!!

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  63. UnknownSeptember 1, 2009 at 12:33 PM

    Love the dresser redo, I'm sure someone will snatch it up! Thanks for sharing on Trash to Treasure Tuesday!

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  64. AnonymousSeptember 1, 2009 at 1:29 PM

    Your dresser looks gorgeous now! You're right about the sides of the drawers, it does look much better. I'll have to remember that!

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  65. Nicole A.September 1, 2009 at 1:43 PM

    Ohhh I am so lovin that dresser! It is beautiful! And $6? That is so awesome!

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  66. Andy PorterSeptember 1, 2009 at 2:12 PM

    I'm so jealous of that price tag!! I love those finds!! White is always so beautiful on furniture!! You can never go wrong!! It's gorgeous! I'm so excited that you linked so I can see all of your coolness!!
    ~Andy @ poppies at play

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  67. LindsSeptember 1, 2009 at 4:38 PM

    GORGEOUS!! BUT $6?!!! MAN! THat's awesome! You should come check out my barrel table I got for FREE!

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  68. Cass @ That Old HouseSeptember 1, 2009 at 10:26 PM

    Adorable little chest. Nice repaint job, too. I like the painted sides but I'm afraid I'm too lazy to do that for myself!

    Cass

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  69. CarrieSeptember 2, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    That was a great thrifty buy and you've made it look so pretty with the paint job.

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  70. heddomarieSeptember 2, 2009 at 5:12 PM

    Funny! I have the exact same end table thingy. It must have been a popular one in it's day. Mine is in it's original state and it's not pretty. whitish with gold.. I LOVE it with white. I was thinking of going black but now looking at this I might go white too. I was going to change the hardware but I like it white.

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  71. heddomarieSeptember 2, 2009 at 7:25 PM

    haha I actually saw one for sale at a thrift store here too. I thought about buying it but didn't have room for 2.

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  72. LisaSeptember 2, 2009 at 8:07 PM

    I love your dresser re-do. It had great bones to begin with--nice job!

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  73. JEWELGIRLSeptember 2, 2009 at 8:15 PM

    I like the white color it is so classic!
    Can't wait until the next project!

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  74. UnknownSeptember 2, 2009 at 8:27 PM

    That is darling! Hey, you won the seashells so email me your addy so I can ship 'em to ya.

    Thanks for joining me today!

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  75. SarahSeptember 2, 2009 at 8:30 PM

    Nice little piece with a great new look! Nicely done!!

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  76. Nice and Easy AntiquesSeptember 2, 2009 at 9:50 PM

    When the piece is for sale...white is the way to go!! Looks fab!!!

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  77. Diann @ The Thrifty GrooveSeptember 2, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    Very nice, simple redo. And I totally agree, the sides on the drawers painted, make all the difference!

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  78. LeilaniSeptember 2, 2009 at 11:26 PM

    I've got a couple pieces with that "Frenchy" look to them too. However they've been painted an awful gold. Think I'll try your simple Navajo White.

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  79. rtSeptember 2, 2009 at 11:33 PM

    Gorgeous dresser!

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  80. ColoradoladySeptember 2, 2009 at 11:34 PM

    I love this. very nice.

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  81. UllaSeptember 2, 2009 at 11:47 PM

    Sweet little dresser. I would like to have it if I only had a place where to put it!

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  82. AnnySeptember 2, 2009 at 11:59 PM

    How adorable!

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  83. marianSeptember 3, 2009 at 1:34 AM

    i'm not a fan of white..but i gotta say this little set of drawers looks delightful :)

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  84. Old Time CindySeptember 3, 2009 at 6:21 AM

    I enjoy visiting you and seeing all your projects. And yes, white is more appealing to most.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Living it up at Lakewood,
    Cindy

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  85. BethSeptember 3, 2009 at 8:53 AM

    Cute little dresser! I'm followig you now. So no pressure to hurry up and get to all those other projects! LOL

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  86. HollySeptember 3, 2009 at 9:21 AM

    First of all, that was a serious score for $6. It looks great all freshened up. I must confess, that if I were to ever paint a dresser I think I would've been one that didn't paint the sides of the drawers. But it does look way better...now I know!
    Thanks for joining TST!

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  87. AprilSeptember 3, 2009 at 9:37 AM

    I have the dresser with mirror that matches this too. I love what you did. Mine was yellow when I got it. My husband also made wall shelves with the same scrolling design. There are pictures of it here. http://memorylanememoirs.blogspot.com/2009/07/big-girl-room-phase-ii-sleeping-in-big.html

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  88. LindaSeptember 3, 2009 at 1:19 PM

    Yay for tackling at least one project! If I can do one good project a week, I'm a happy camper!

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  89. RachelDSeptember 3, 2009 at 1:40 PM

    When we decided to take one of the smallest rooms for our bedroom---we both love a cocoon instead of a big room with several "areas" and if this house had had a Master Bedroom, we'd probably have used it for a library---we opted to put just a tiny stand on each side, to hold lamp and book.

    My side has a wee marble-topped whimsy from my Mother's ornate living room, and his side has this exact little stand. EXCEPT: the bed is so wide that we had to cuddle the stand in sideways, facing the bed, so he took out the top drawer to have a little cubby for stashing books, flashlight, etc. It works beautifully, but I have no idea what ever became of that pretty drawer.

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  90. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    Great job - love the little dresser. Can't wait to see your other 6,357 projects. I'm looking for a lingerie chest. Hope I find one soon.

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  91. UnknownSeptember 3, 2009 at 3:07 PM

    Wow, six dollars for that gorgeous dresser?!?!!

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  92. CandaceSeptember 3, 2009 at 4:48 PM

    Wow - what a find and such a lovely paint job!
    Cheers!

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  93. RoslynSeptember 3, 2009 at 5:20 PM

    It's beautiful, how can you bear to part with it?

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  94. Michelle HughesSeptember 3, 2009 at 6:40 PM

    Looks great! Love its lines!
    Michelle

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  95. Ally's CornerSeptember 3, 2009 at 7:04 PM

    Turn out so cute, $6.00 love that!

    Ally

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  96. Amanda @ Serenity NowSeptember 3, 2009 at 8:46 PM

    It looks great! Pretty lines. :) Can't beat the price! Visiting from Julia's party. :)

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  97. maya | springtree roadSeptember 3, 2009 at 9:11 PM

    i would so buy that! & i love sides painted white. :)

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  98. GeeSeptember 4, 2009 at 12:22 AM

    Wish I live nearby so that I can purchase it. Have a nice weekend.

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  99. SusanSeptember 4, 2009 at 2:18 AM

    It's gorgeous!!!

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  100. fitty's pinky rose cottageSeptember 4, 2009 at 2:26 AM

    woweeee.. another 6,0000++ to go.. gosh.. that is huge piles!!! but I like the dresser and few more furniture you got in that huge piles.. wish I live in the same continental as you.. :-) so that I could grab few of my fave furniture! white is my colour!

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  101. Hootin AnniSeptember 4, 2009 at 4:33 AM

    Lovely!!!!

    My Show N Tell is posted. Hope you can have time to stop by.

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  102. AnonymousSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:20 AM

    I like the sides unpainted so I can see the wood grain. Leaving it white is good because someone could repaint another color and white is easier to cover. I like the distressed look. Nice piece.
    Mama Bear

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  103. ClassyChassySeptember 4, 2009 at 8:49 AM

    Thanks for participating in GET R DONE - great project re-vamp!

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  104. Leigh of Tales from BloggeritavilleSeptember 4, 2009 at 9:28 PM

    Thanks for linking up to Thrifty Thursday this week, my friend! LOve this sweet dresser!
    Leigh, Tales from Bloggeritaville
    www.lbratina.blogspot.com

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  105. SarahSeptember 5, 2009 at 11:03 PM

    Beautiful job! God's blessings as you make your way through your projects, Sarah :D

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  106. Personalized Sketches and SentimentsSeptember 6, 2009 at 10:20 AM

    a perfect dresser re-do!

    Blessings & Aloha!
    (sorry if I keep jumping around your wonderful posts!...trying to catch up and not being very systematic about it haha)

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  107. LauraSeptember 7, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    I am inspired.
    We could have a dueling banjos with our garages.
    By the way- I love the name Piles!
    Awesome-

    Enjoyed visiting,
    Laura

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  108. banananutmegSeptember 21, 2009 at 11:04 PM

    I love it.
    I am totally a do it yourself-er...what did you use to wax it? I always coat furniture with polyurethane... but I just did a french china cabinet for my kitchen and would LOVE another option for a shiny finished look. What did you use, where did you get it, etc, how, etc. Please enlighten me! I am so thrilled I found your blog!
    email me please!
    leggo_my_meg-o@juno.com
    thanks! -meg in arkansas

    ReplyDelete

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