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Just the After

Picture with me, if you will, the buffet below…all natural wood, a little tired, a little worn, and a little dirty.   
I did have a before picture that I took with my iPhone when I found it in an antique shop, but my son deleted it while playing with said iPhone in church yesterday.  Bummer.  Before and afters aren’t quite as exciting without the before shot. 

You’ll have to use your imagination.  I cleaned it, sanded it and painted the bottom with one coat of bonding primer and two coats of SW Creamy in semi-gloss.  I sanded the edges and applied a dark wax to antique and protect it.  The top was cleaned and waxed to give it a new luster.  This piece has a great applique detail between the doors, that lock with the original key.  It’s a really cool piece. 
Man, it feels like such a let down to write a before and after post without the before.  Oh well.  Next time. 
I am reaching the end of my Christmas projects for HGTV.com, so my slipcover video tutorial series will be starting shortly.  Hang on!
Miss Mustard Seed

If the mirror above looks familiar to you, that’s because The Nester just posted about an identical one that’s in her bedroom. Sorry, but mine already sold.

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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41 Responses

  1. I love that it locks with the original key! I'd love if you would link over on my "Jar linkie" I know you have a TONs of uses for jars!

  2. Man, that would really look great in my kitchen… I've got just the spot for it! (SIGH) Sadly, I have more desire than budget right now. It's beautiful,and I loved seeing it even without a before picture.

  3. Very nice. I love that your pics blow up super huge so I can ogle them in detail. Also, I don't comment all that much but I regularly stalk your blog because you do awesome work. Just thought I'd mention it.

  4. beautiful piece. it's okay to not have a before. helps us use our brains.

    and i did see that mirror you were talking about on the nester. thought of you as soon as i saw it! glad yours is sold. it's makes a beautifuls statement.

  5. Beautiful, I'm drawn to pieces with the wood and paint combo. I did want to ask if you poly the top or wax only? If wax only how is it with water marks from ….let's say a certain hubs coffee mug ( not mentioning any names of course)? I would like to try wax only on a server I have.

  6. Okay… details please. That is the EXACT look I tried to achieve with my kitchen cabinets… so, what is the SW creamy white (brand? etc.) and what wax did you add for antiquing. And does that wax keep it from holding on to the kitchen crud. I need something I can wipe off and it will be beautiful. Thanks for info. You are officially my GO TO GAL! 🙂

  7. No downer here. I enjoy seeing all the pieces you give a new life to whether you have a before pic or not.
    woo hoo! excited about your slipcover series coming up!
    Thanks for taking the time to share with us all step-by-step.

  8. Love seeing the after pix so pretty and calming is that weird? calming? lol And I'm pumped about the slipcover series I'm thinkin about redoing my couch so your just in time.

  9. Kids do the must frustrating things sometimes … I had to laugh when you mentioned that the before pic of the dresser was deleted by small hands.

    Looking forward to your tutorial series; awesome that it will be in video format too!

  10. It is beautiful!
    I have been looking for a furniture wax that has a darkness to it. Could you please tell me what the wax is called that you use?
    Thanks so much, Lynda (Beachjoys@gmail.com)

  11. Marian- I absolutely love those two white benches you showed a couple of days ago. Honestly, if I lived just a bit closer I'd come down there and buy one of them to go on one side of my table. they are just perfect looking! I must have missed you mentioning a wedding that you're decorating for? Can't wait to see that too!

  12. Looks lovely! Im starting on my own sideboard project soon..so this is a great inspiration.

    PS: Not sure if you saw this already but you won my giveaway. Pls email me with what and where to send.

  13. I sure do love me some Miss Mustard Seed! So so so glad I found your blog! You are incredibly talented and generous with your knowledge. I <3 that!

  14. Where are the mirrors that you had and Nester has from? Are they sold at any retail stores where I could get my hands on one? I LOVE IT!

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.

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