My sweet friend Terri has 3 beautiful daughters. A few months ago her middle daughter was getting married. She asked me do to a vanity for her daughter’s new home as a wedding gift. I was excited to do it but wanted it to be special and different.
I started by digging in my stash of side-of-the-road finds looking for the best piece. This little beauty was under a few things and I had forgotten all about it. When I pulled it out it was a mess with plenty of nicks and stains but I knew under all that there was a great piece just waiting to come out. There wasn’t any repairs that needed to be done so I started with a really good sanding, removed the knobs and wiped it all down.
I used 2 coats of chalk paint letting each coat dry over night. The paint stage is not something you want to rush because if you do it makes for an ugly finish. I wanted to paint a design that would work with any and all decor and fit the bride’s personality so I went with a whimsical theme. I painted it in white chalk paint letting it dry over night before moving on to the final step.
When I finished the top of the vanity I set back and looked at it before I started the final step. I couldn’t put my finger on it but it was missing something. I opened the drawer and decided to add something special for the bride, something that would remind her of that special day in her life. I put a flower in one corner with her wedding date. That way every time she opened up the vanity she would remember and have a smile.
Clear coat is the most important step if you are going to be using the piece of furniture for everyday use. I like at least 3 coats but prefer 4 to 6 for good measure. Chalk paint and clear coat can be purchased at any of the arts and craft stores or the big box hardware stores.
Redoing furniture is AMAZING! I love to save things from being tossed out and a life in the trash pile. There is something empowering about it. I love it!!!! Finding things that makes you happy doesn’t have to be a big deal. Your Blue Happy can come in the small things like an old vanity that is redone for a bride that is in love!
