Shabby Chic Storage Cabinet Step by Step Tutorial - pressed wood

Shabby Chic Storage - Chippy & Distressed

Once upon a time there was an artist. She was surrounded by wonderful people in her life who believed in her, so much so that when she put her mind to it she could create just about anything! This is how I felt with this sweet and stunning shabby piece I am sharing with you today. I personally am not an extremely shabby person though I like a soft distressing now and then. So this one was a challenge for me.

Meet Cinderella, her name was chosen from the rags to riches story because I truly feel that was what this cabinet went through. She was a cleaning supply storage cabinet in a bathroom before I got her.

I feel like her fairy godmother and my paint brush is my magic wand. She is glistening in her Shabbiness now. Though the Shabby Paints Shimmer Paints and Glazes probably have something to do with that too.

Want to know how to create this Look? Keep reading for my step by step tutorial...

Step A: Clean... with Vinegar/Water (50/50 mix) and a splash of blue dawn, rinse with water and a clean microfiber cloth.

Step B: Sand... and scuff up the surface to help the paint have something to hold onto, since this is not real wood. Wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth to collect all the dust.

Step C: Paint in layers... I painted the following layers:

1. Three layers of Brown Bronze Shimmer Glaze over the creamy laminate like surface. Let dry to touch.
2. One dry brush layer of Buffalo Brown. Let dry over night.
3. Rubbed a bar of soap all over the areas I wanted distressed.
4. One full coat of Vanilla Bear with whole rice mixed in (to scrape off later)  Let dry to touch.
5. One layer of Stunning Silver Shimmer Paint. Let dry to touch.
6. A watered down later of Hazelnut ReVax and scrape off while wet with a metal or hard plastic putty knife, exposing the darker brown & bronze layers underneath. Work quickly and in small sections!
7. Used more Hazelnut ReVax with a small artist's brush to shade and darken corners and under the tops of the shelves and overhangs.
8. Went back in with a smaller brush and added some Black ReVax to darken the corners and under the overhangs even more.

Shabby Chic Definition:

"Shabby chic (pronounced: "sheek") is a form of interior design where furniture and furnishings are either chosen for their appearance of age and signs of wear and tear or where new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique" - Wikipedia

If only the world could now how much work it takes to make something this old, old enough that someone may want to refinish it. LOL! I hope you have a wonderful day and a blessed weekend. Thank  you all very much for stopping by!

This item was entered into the "The Fab Furniture Flipin' Contest" for the month of June, I was honored to be a part of this contest last month and thrilled to be in it now. This months theme is  "Shabby Chic Storage" and is sponsored by The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company. Though I was not able to use their product for this project. Take a moment to go check them out.

Hosts this month did shabby projects also here are their blog links:

OFMP: The Marissa Dresser (by Carrie of 38th St)

SHABBY TO CHIC STORAGE WITH OLD FASHIONED MILK PAINT ( by Charlotte of Ciburbanity)

Interested bloggers should contact Stacy (info@anastasiavintage.com) or Evey (info@eveyscreations.com) if interested in participating in future contests.

Thanks Again!!!!

~ Grace

Find me on...
Facebook: Uniquely Grace
Twitter: Grace Lauer Artist @gracelauer
Instagram: @gracelauer_henna_artist
Pinterest: L. Grace Lauer

Yard Sale Find Flipped to a Colonial Antebellum Home Inspired Dresser

Welcome everyone to my Colonial Antebellum inspired Dresser Flip. It began with this $20 dresser yard sale find. This 10 drawer find I thought was in fairly good condition aside from some deep scratches on the top that needed to be sanded out or filled. They were even kind enough to deliver it.

Once I got it home and out of their grass...  I could see the work I had in store for me. The above image shows how much cosmetic work was needed to be done to the side of the footings and moldings. Most of it I was able salvage after removing 6 nails and 4 screws, all of them were driven in from the outside of the piece and were visible. The molding was in 3 pieces in the front and missing the back foot.

Repairs were made and she was brought back to life... Possibly even a grander life then she had before with the addition of the shutters to her mirror and new hardware. This dresser was inspired by the Colonial Antebellum architecture found frequently here in the south. I am in love with all the history around here that comes with being on the east coast.

Meet Mrs. Hayward

I will admit I felt like this project was never going to end. Rebuilding, repairs, patching and sanding. It so far was the largest rehab I have done. Her Body is finished with Alamo White antiqued with Black ReVax, sealed with Sheer Vax.

Her top is Licorice (black) with Black Revax as a sealer.

Here is one full look at the before and after of what Shabby Paints can do for any piece of furniture! If you love it please make sure to take a second to comment below or Pin it to your favorite furniture board on Pinterest.

This beauty was sold in 4.5 hrs after I walked out of the store I set her up in. She is a stunning piece and I am sure going to be well admired once again. 

Want to know where to get Shabby Paints? I am happy to let you know I am now a Shabby Paint's Stylist. Currently I am taking pre-orders as I await my first shipment of inventory to arrive. You can message me and flip through the colors I will have in stock on my Facebook Page: Uniquely Grace.

These items will arrive by and be ready to ship to all you fantastic people June 1st-15th! These colors are on their way so pre-orders are being accepted!We can ship APO!!!
Posted by Uniquely Grace on Wednesday, May 13, 2015

I soon will have an online store where you will be able to shop and order off of FB. If you have any questions on how much to order or how to complete a project I am always here to help. Message me at Uniquely Grace on FB and I will be happy to walk you though it.

Hop you have a fantastic Memorial Day weekend!



Shabby Paints Stylist (contact me if you would like to order paints and sealers.)

Find me on...
Facebook: Uniquely Grace
Twitter: Grace Lauer Artist @gracelauer
Instagram: @gracelauer_henna_artist
Pinterest: L. Grace Lauer