Preorder Move Slow & Make Things, and enjoy a collection of thoughtful bonus content created just for you!

When I bought this piece, I honestly didn’t think too much of it.  My parents went to pick up a few pieces from a seller on Craig’s List and they sent me a picture of this one that was for sale, but hadn’t been listed.

Sure.  Throw it in the truck.  I’ll do something with it.

This is what it looked like when I got it…

I really did hit the jackpot on this Craig’s List listing.  A man had a bunch of furniture he was planning to refinish, but got partway into a few pieces, like this highboy, and realized it wasn’t for him.  So, he sold them off at a good price.  I love it when I can get five pieces from the same place!  One stop shopping.  That day, anyway.

I sanded down this piece and then painted it in two coats of MMSMP Boxwood (I’ve been into that color lately) without the Bonding Agent added.  I was okay with some chipping, but I sanded so there wouldn’t be too much.  I finished the piece with a light distressing to loosen the chipping paint and knock some paint off the edges.  I finished it in Hemp Oil.

The thing that really brought this piece together, though, was the hardware.  This was the exact kind of hardware I envisioned for this highboy, but I had to find it!  I hit Etsy and eBay to test my luck.  After a few searches, I found some options, but nothing I really loved and most of them were more than I had in mind to pay.  I finally found these…just the right size, exactly what I pictured and they were $16 for a set of 10, including shipping.  I couldn’t click the “buy button” fast enough.

I love how this one came together…

And, did you notice the cute child’s saddle?  Maybe jockey saddle?  Kriste and I thought it was so sweet that we had to get it.

The dresser, stool and saddle will all be for sale at the Lucketts Spring Market in Leesburg, VA.  It’s open to those with tickets May 15, and to the general public May 16-17, 2015.

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

you may also like

17 Responses

  1. You didn’t reveal where the hardware came from. Would love to have some of those. Please reveal.
    Stunning piece.

  2. googled, can only find them at twice the price on ebay 🙁 There are some gorgeous handles out there, so tempting!

  3. PLEASE make sure someone gets pictures of all the detail of your setup at Lucketts. I cannot wait to see it. Everything you’ve show is so great, and the items so great together. I love the greens and yellows – those are my colors, just like blues & whites are yours.

  4. Oh my, I’m with you – the more I see the boxwood, the more I am liking it! I have a green sofa and I’d love to pull more green into the room with an accent piece! I’ve enjoyed getting these previews!

  5. I think the boxwood color is rapidly becoming my favorite. I love how this piece turned out! Wish I could get to Luckett’s this year; unfortunately I’ll be heading to the opposite coast about then. Enjoy!

  6. Marion….I have a High Boy just like what you just did….the AH HA moment hit when I saw yours finished….now I know what mine needs….LOVE IT!!!!

  7. Hi, Marion,
    Please list the source for the drawer pulls. I want to paint a dresser and these would be perfect!
    Thanks,
    Jenny

  8. great transformation. Boxwood is a rich color that could go with any decor. The saddle is awesome!

  9. This was a great transition for the highboy. I have fell in love with the Boxwood color (I am kinda partial to green). This is a beauty piece and the hardware was a great find. I am sure it will be snatched up quickly at Lucketts.

  10. Wow! I love that colour of green, its stunning!! I love the character of this beautiful tall boy too… Your work is simply amazing 🙂

  11. Hi Marion, I carved a rocking horse for my kids about 30 years ago and I’ve been waiting for the right saddle ever since! This one is perfect! Is there ANY way I could buy it from you and have it shipped to White Rock, BC, CAnada? Would love to send a photo of the horse if you’re interested 🙂

  12. Marian, the saddle definitely looks like a racing saddle. The green seat would have coordinated with the jockey’s silks, and the strap on the front is for helping the jockey get up in racing position at the start, and balance while standing high in the very short stirrups. Cool find! By the way, how have your riding lessons been going?

  13. Oh my, I love this dresser so much. What a find with the hardware! Boxwood is such a rich color – I have this buffet in my living room that is waiting for a coat of paint. I have changed my mind 3 or 4 times trying to decide if I want a color to compliment my light blue/gray walls or if I want to it to really pop. I have to say I think Boxwood might be it. I really think green rounds out gray and blue so nicely. Another stunning piece!

  14. I love this piece and am about to attempt it on a highboy that I have with a very glossy poly factory finish. I will rough it up and use the bonding agent in hopes for a not too chippy look. My concern is that there is a dentil molding around the edge at the top and do we think the paint will hold there?

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

next art sale

May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

Now Available for Preorder

Move Slow & Make Things

A book about creativity, intention, and making things with care. Sign up to receive updates, preorder details, and exclusive bonus content.

From the Studio

Artful pieces for your home and everyday life.

From original paintings and art prints to Pup Club releases and curated goods, each piece is created or chosen to bring warmth, creativity, and character into your home.

From the Studio and Home

Shop the Feed

A handpicked collection of items styled and shared throughout posts, projects, and social feeds. Every product is thoughtfully chosen to reflect a timeless, collected aesthetic.

Recent Video

Spring Posts

Explore the Shop

Explore the Blog

Categories

Looking for more encouragement?

Lucketts Spring Market 2026

Before I share my Lucketts recap, I wanted to let you know my next original art sale is Wednesday, May 20, 20206, at 1:00 pm Eastern.  For those interested in early access at noon, you can sign up HERE. On Thursday night, we packed our van with oil painting supplies,

Read More

Lucketts Spring Market Wish List 2026

I’ve reached that tipping point in my life where I feel like I probably have enough stuff.  No doubt, I passed that point years ago, but hunting for antiques and just the right piece for my house is still so much fun!  I have noticed I walk out of more

Read More
error: Content is protected.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This