soft landscape dresser | reveal

by | Jul 24, 2016 | Before and Afters, Furniture Makeovers, Hand Painted Furniture | 33 comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

The “soft landscape dresser”, as I’ve been calling it, is finished!

I had to struggle my way through it a bit, but I’ve learned that’s often the way it is with new creative endeavors.  My first venture into sewing, my first refinished dresser, my first blog post…they were all a learning process.  And let’s not even talk about the first time I attempted upholstery!

Anyway, I pushed through and I really love how this one turned out.

And I like how the chippiness brings some softness and a sense of age to the paint.

You can find the details on the before, colors used, and how the landscape progressed in these posts…

part one

part two

part three 

I have purchased a few blank canvases and I feel like I might be ready to finally put a brush to them.  Furniture feels a bit safer to me, if that makes sense!  When you put paint on a canvas, it’s “art”.  When it’s on a piece of furniture, well, I’m just painting a piece of furniture and that’s something I do all the time!

My mom has called dibs on this piece, but I’ll let you know if she changes her mind!

Speaking of upholstery, I plan to start working on the deconstructed chair next week…

Receive a Daily Dose of Encouragement and Inspiration!

Stay Inspired with Marian's Daily Blog Posts

Sign up to receive uplifting blog posts directly in your inbox! Join our community of like-minded individuals and start your day with a burst of creativity, motivation, and positivity. Whether you’re seeking decorating tips, DIY projects, or simply a dose of inspiration, Marian’s daily posts are sure to brighten your day and ignite your creativity. Don’t miss out on your daily dose of encouragement – subscribe now!

    33 Comments

    1. Marie-Helene Belanger from Kingsbury Brook Farm

      I think this one is my favorite! The soft colors, the chippy paint, the knobs, everything works so well together. I can’t wait to see where your new endeavor leads you… So exciting!

    2. denise

      beautiful!!! i wish i had half your talent!

    3. Sue

      Just precious – I just love the blended milk paint colors in the background, 🙂

    4. Ashley

      I really, really want you to do one of these for Layla’s (of the Lettered Cottage) little sweet P. It looks like it would be perfect for their home! (And no, I don’t know either of you, but I keep thinking about her when I look at this dresser and if I remember correctly, you are friends.)

    5. Becky

      It turned out great. The colors are so pretty and hardware looks great too.

    6. Sylvia

      So sweet!

    7. Sara

      Oh this one is definitely my favorite so far. That sky is just amazing. I know you don’t want to call it art, but it truly is! There is no chance your mom will give that beauty up!

    8. Heather

      This turned out so beautifully!! Absolutely love it Marian!!

    9. Erin

      Everything old is new again… Or so the song goes. This style of painted furniture was all the rage when I was married in the early 90s. I even had a wall paper border in my family room of the rolling farm hills painted in the primitive style. Still have lots of how to books on my craft book shelf of the style.

    10. Melissa Leach

      I sure hope you are signing your work! Even for Mom…

    11. Kathryn in Snohomish

      Such cute sheep! I love their close up and, basically, you’re whole aesthetic: what you create; how you share the process & give encouragement; your business tips (i’m a gc in the remodeling business) & how pretty & consistently-styled your site is. And, personally, I’m working up to tackling my first furniture (I did some boat benches once – but it wasn’t FURNiture!) upholstery project…watching ‘your’ jump rope go around, getting up the nerve to jump in.

    12. Rose

      Love the chippy paint adds extra character! And I love the sheep, So cute! Well done.

    13. Starr Moore

      LOVE IT!!!!!!

    14. Michelle Gaul

      Gorgeous!!!! Your mom is so lucky!!!

    15. Nancy Cox

      I think this is my favorite. I love it.

    16. Carrie Bryant

      Just beautiful!! The knobs almost looked like “princess pumpkins” in green. What an inspiration to try

      • Jeri Lacy

        Gorgeous! I love it!

    17. Debbie Reynolds

      I love this piece!

    18. Paulla

      Before I saw that your Mom had called dibs on this item, I was thinking it should stay in the family! How nice it would be for each of your boys to have a delightful piece like this for their homes. Think Oma and Opa treasures. You are a beautiful soul and it shows in your home, your work, your play and your attitude. I’m a big fan!

    19. Nancy

      The dresser looks great, wish I could think of a different word than great? at first I thought the green knob by the barn was a gigantic watermelon and I thought, oh that Marian, such a whimsical touch. And that, my friends, is why I wear glasses.

    20. Jennifer Oberman

      Do you use your chalk paints for the entire scene? No acrylics at all ??? I am going to attempt this on a old dresser in my garage. Wish me luck!

      Another question, Do you remember your little lumbar pillow that was white with blue windowpane. It had plaid ruffled all around the pillow. Do you know the name of the fabrics used? I have looked all over your website. Help!!!!

      • marian

        I used milk paint for the base coat, but acrylics for the landscape details.

        As far as the pillow, I used remnants, so I’m not sure of the fabric names! So sorry! I wish I did. 🙂

    21. Susan NJ

      I have loved them all, this one especially the MMS milk paint background. The Sheep are absolutely perfect.
      I am glad your Mom is getting this one, I am sure she will treasure it.
      Your talent continues to grow and always amaze me.

    22. Naomi S.

      You’ve done it again! Just so kind of primitive and cute. And those sheepies–SO sweet! I’m excited that you are considering doing something on canvas. Just paint me the sheep, OK? Nice that your mom will have this one to enjoy.

    23. Jennifer

      Such a beautiful piece, Marian!

    24. jo @Simple Pleasures Vintage Reimagined

      The detail in this is wonderful! I always enjoy seeing what you are working on next!

    25. Liz

      What’s not to love!!!

    26. Kim

      The fence is great. Def a keeper. You need to practice a stream painting. I’d drive over to buy that!

    27. Kim

      Also, rabbits would be easy to draw.

    28. Vicki King

      So glad you added the far-off larger mountains and the fluffy clouds! Perfect! You got what I was trying to say. Art teacher here, I’m sorry, I cannot help it. It looks so much better. A win! I love the sheeples too. You have a knack for folk art that will only get better. You need to sign your pieces now. Bottom right corner up the side like it was the line to write on. With a brush. About 1/2″ tall. I’m so happy for you!

    29. marylisa noyes

      It came out amazing….The sheep are just such a great touch! I don’t think your mom is giving this up anytime soon…

    30. Gabrielle

      Absolutely beautiful Marian. I am sure your mother will really enjoy it. Your talent is remarkable. Painting pictures is a natural with you. Congratulations on such wonderful ability.

    31. Tori

      I hope she takes the sign with it! It goes perfectly. Great job, Marian!

    Pin It on Pinterest

    Share This