…give it another makeover and try again. My aunt gave me this really cool antique bucket a couple of years ago. I had just started my decorative painting business and I felt like I needed to do decorative painting on everything in order to “put my stamp on it.” I painted a European floral motif around the middle and it sat in the shop and at three antique fairs without a second look. It was time to give this bucket a second chance and make it look much more “me.”
I sanded off the floral painting and brushed on a layer of crackle medium. I’m not a huge fan of crackle, but it has its place. I wanted this bucket to look chippy and old, so crackle was perfect for this project.
I then brushed on a sloppy coat of white paint and allowed it to dry. I knew I wanted to paint some kind of lettering, so I made up the name of a French creamery and wrote “fresh churned butter” under it, in French as well. Things just look fancier in a foreign language, don’t you think?
I finished the bucket off by rubbing on an antique glaze and rubbing off some of the paint. The result was a convincingly aged finish.
So, I’ll put it up for sale again and see what happens. I like it so much better, so I wouldn’t mind keeping it.
Here’s the antique china cabinet I purchased at Goodwill this weekend. I primed it this morning and can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Having a fresh coat of primer on it has made a big difference already. Paint is a powerful tool.
37 Responses
What do you do with replacing the veneer? It looks like the china cabinet has some veneer…I have a secretary that needs to be refinished. Plan is to Kilz it, but have some pieces of vaneer missing…it is a 1970 Henredon Secretary and I am scared to death to paint it, because it was my moms (she passed away and I don't won't to ruin it!) Think I will paint a nice cream color…any suggestions? Is kilz the best thing or do you use a different primer? I can't seem to get through with e-mail! Thank you so much! Christie at http://www.threepixielane.blogspot.com
P.S. I love the bucket!
You have my dream job! Seriously, I just wish I could do what you do. I have some painting skills, and I am a little artistic…but to make enough money off of it…probably not. A girl can dream, though…
btw, love the bucket!
I've never seen an armoire with gorgeous legs like that! What a great piece. I look forward to seeing what you do to it!
Amazing china cabinet. Can't wait to see the final result!
The bucket looks wonderfully aged and worn and natural! Great job! Can't wait to see what you do with the cabinet!
I love everything you paint and create. The bucket is awesome. And I can't wait to see how the cabinet turns out. Yes, paint can change the look of anything, especially in your hands 🙂
XOXOXOXO Eileen
I LOVE that hutch! Can't wait to see how it all turns out. I would have a hard time letting that one go. . . though I can't think where I'd put it.
That bucket looks great now! I can't wait to see how the hutch turns out, so please be sure to post it when you are finished with it. I love how you do things!
Hugs, Cindy
Hi!
Your bucket is wonderful, it looks like the real deal, and I can't wait to see what you do with the china cabinet..what a great find! Lisa 😉
Love the bucket. And the china cabinet is going to be awesome! My GW never has good furniture like that. You always have the best luck finding great stuff. Oh well, maybe I will hit the jackpot one day. I'll keep looking. Love & blessings from NC!
Ooo, I love the bucket!
Love the bucket. One question. Do you sand before you prime? I always hate sanding and would gladly skip that step if possible.
April
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
And the bucket brings to mind a song from my childhood…
"There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza. There's a hole in my bucket, a hole…"
great job in re-doing the bucket. it looks great!
That chinese cabinet is looking very special!
That bucket is fabulous!! It is definitely you!!
And that cabinet is going to be wonderful. Can't wait to see it finished.
Hugs
SueAnn
Is that chipped veneer on the cabinet? What are you going to do about it? I have a dresser I got for free off the curb that I love, but a bunch of the veneer is chipped and I'm not sure what to do.
Love that bucket!! And yes, things look much better in a foreign language! 🙂
you did a great job with the bucket…and i do agree with you about the foreign language thing. something written in another language always looks fancier.
I love love how it
turned out !!
You do a wonderful
job at your lettering too 🙂
xoxo
Lori
The bucket is just lovely. It's perfect. I can't wait to see the cabinet after you work your magic.
Smiles,
Carol
The bucket looks great! Love it!
I just have one question…
Where do you get your energy? LOL!!
I have so many projects going on right now…feeling overwhelmed. I wish I could get as much accomplished as you!!
You REALLY do have GREAT stuff!
Enjoying your blog very much!
Tammy 🙂
http://junkwildnc.blogspot.com
Love the way the bucket came out! I am sure it will sell quickly. Can I ask how you got your comments to be numbered? That comes in handy when having a giveaway –
Thanks!
Penny
That bucket is so you – it is perfect! It looks like it has been hanging around in a French villa for a long long time – Great Job!
Love the bucket! I'm sure the cabinet will turn out wonderful too!
~Donna
Amazing bucket! White…worn…distressed…things that make any girl go ohhhhh! 🙂
Just curious — do you know French or do you look up all the words you paint?
Love the bucket with just the right amount of aging and can't wait to see the hutch.
Love the bucket and that cabinet is so cool! I can't wait to see what you do with it.
We all some times need a makeover! Yours are the best though.
I gave you a little shout out on my blog today.
I just bet that little bucket goes home with someone real fast. I love it.
hugs
Sissie
You have the gift… It seriously looks "old" with out trying.. I loooove it!
The china cabinet is great because it looks like it isn't deep.. I love low profile pieces… did you say what color you were painting it? I forget… need to go back and read again!
I am new to your blog and SO glad I found it. I decided to subscribe to your posts and am really enjoying them. I love what you did with this bucket. I know what you mean about crackle paint. It was HUGE several years ago, I think I crackled everything I painted! But you're right, it still has it's place and is PERFECT for this old bucket. Great job on the lettering as well. Did you free hand?
Have a blessed week!
Missy
Marian- you find the coolest things at your goodwill.
I have a question for you- you said you primed the china cabinet- and I know you use a sprayer- do you put primer in your sprayer or do that part by hand?
tammy
I do not know French. I look it up online or use a translator. I've also asked some of my blog buddies for help who live in France.
You have such an amazing talent. When I try to embellish something, it just looks crafty. Your pieces have the well aged look like they allowed time to add the patina. I'm so jealous. Love the bucket!
~Lani
You have such a great eye!