Friday, May 9, 2014

Drawers for my sister, a mirror and my great-grandmother's book

I thought I'd share some furniture that I bought and painted for my sister. She was recently doing up her bedroom and I painted a silver bedside table for her and then she mentioned she wanted a new chest of drawers and "did I have anything tall but pretty for her?" At that time I didn't, but the very next day I came across this stately chest of drawers - it's very tall at around 1.6m and my sister didn't think it was pretty at all. I said just wait for me to change it all with my paint brush :)

hand painted furniture by Lilyfield Life

I had my nephew, who was helping me out at the time, paint the whole thing in two coats of ASCP Paris Grey. Then to soften the stateliness of it, I painted a white trim around each drawer. I usually do this free-hand but for this piece I just couldn't get a nice neat line (no steady hand that day) so I used blue painters tape and masked off each drawer and painted the trim in ASCP Pure White.


I sanded it for a smooth finish but very carefully so as to not distress the edges as that wasn't the look my sister wanted. I then waxed with ASCP Clear wax for a soft sheen.  Because these drawers were very stiff to slide in and out, I sanded down the sides of the drawers with the orbital sander to make them thinner and move more easily - I also waxed the sides of the drawers - that really helps.

hand painted furniture by Lilyfield Life

My sister loves them! thank goodness.
Here they are in her house below. They are extra special to her, as her son helped paint them. So nice having a handy son.

hand painted furniture by Lilyfield Life

I also painted and sold this mirror below and here it is below in its new home - a beautiful fresh guest bedroom. I love getting feedback from my customers such as this:
"Hi Fiona, I am so happy with the mirror in the guest room , as you can see it adds a little glamour to an otherwise boring space. Thanks again Clair".


hand painted furniture by Lilyfield Life


I also want to share a special treasure. When my sister and I were sorting our mother's belongings, we found an exercise book that belonged to our mum's grandmother. Daisy drew these drawings in 1892 when she was only 14. They are so beautiful. "Every cloud has a silver lining."


I will photograph the whole book and share it soon.

Fiona x

sharing at 
Miss Mustard Seed

4 comments:

  1. I love the look of the white trim around the edge of each drawer...I just might have to try that! :)

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    1. I love your work Robin – look forward to seeing what you do!

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  2. How good is that book! Can't wait to see the rest :)

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    1. Thanks Nat – I know it’s so amazing – wish we got taught some of these classic skills!

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