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The weather has been amazing over the weekend!  Just a couple of sunny days in the 40’s and 50’s and I’m ready to throw open the windows and go out for a hike.  There’s still a lot of snow on the ground, though, so I had to settle for a walk instead of a hike.  It’s given me the shot of energy I need to finish home and work projects.  I was moving furniture around and cleaning out closets.  That’s what warmer temperatures and sunshine does for me, so I’m ready for Spring.  Bring it.

So, here’s where we left the bed yesterday.  It’s fully painted, but the paint looks pretty bright and a little flat…definitely not like it was painted a couple hundred years ago like the inspiration bed.

It’s the distressing and antiquing that’s going to bring this piece to life.  For distressing, I didn’t want to take off most of the paint or have it super chippy, so I, number one – used the bonding agent, and number two – only sanded the edges lightly with a fine sanding sponge. I also ran the sanding sponge lightly over the entire surface just to knock the “newness” off of the paint and reveal any imperfections in the wood.  It’s a subtle technique, but effective.  I then added the Antiquing Wax directly to the painted finish.  Since I wanted the paint to absorb the pigment in the wax, I didn’t apply a layer of Furniture Wax between the two.  You can see how it changes the color…

…and settles into the texture of the crackled and aged polyurethane finish underneath (that’s why I didn’t want to sand.)  Can you see that wonderful texture?

To apply the Antiquing Wax, I brush it on pretty liberally in a swirling motion, working it into the finish with our Large Wax Brush.

I make sure to work it into the recesses and crevices of the bed frame to simulate the “grunge” that sits in corners of antique pieces.  Those are the areas that are usually untouched when pieces are dusted.

I only apply the wax to a small section at a time and then wipe it away with a soft, cotton cloth.  (This is why I wear gloves!  The wax isn’t harmful if it touches your skin, but the pigment can get under your fingernails and make a mess of your hands.)

As I wipe the wax away, it stays in the “low points” of the finish, showing off the amazing texture and adding depth to the color.

It also shows off the dings, dents and imperfections,which I love when I’m trying to get an authentic looking aged finish.  If your piece doesn’t have that, you can hit it with a hammer in a few random spots.

I’ve only done the headboard at this point, so I can make a video of the process on the footboard.  You can see what a difference the Antique Wax makes below…

I can’t wait to get it all finished and in the room…hopefully next week.

While I’m putting a new bed in the guest room, I’m refreshing it a bit, too.  It’s not a total overhaul, but I’ve moved the furniture around a bit, bought a chandelier to hang over the bed and am looking for a few other strategic pieces.

More on the guest room and the rest of the shuffled furniture soon…

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    92 Comments

    1. Tara

      You are quite the artist! Looking good!

    2. Ashley

      This is such a fun piece to watch you work on! I love it, unbelievable character.

    3. Kathy

      Wow! I can’t get over how it really looks like it was always painted that way! Ideas are spinning in my head! And the new wax brush in use at that! Crazy Good…….

    4. Suzette gore

      I love the way your guest bed has turned out!
      Could you explain to me the drawing on the headboard?
      I love things that are different/unique , but I’m trying to figure out if it actually stands for something, or is it just more like an emblem or something? I see the cross.
      Thanks!

    5. Gwen Goodin

      Absolutely fabulous! The painting is so authentically reminiscent of an old European bed!

    6. Ginger Marshall

      Very Bavarian!

    7. Lee

      Wow! It looks fabulous, I love the way it turned out. I have been looking for a headboard for ages to fit a Queen size bed, its so difficult to get old headboards in Queen size. I want to re-create a French look.

      This is very clever and I would love to know the brushes you recommend for doing the decorative painting.

      Lee

    8. Cheryl

      Great piece of furniture and you have worked your magic on it. : )
      The wax really gives the piece that antique look. I loved your guest room when you first shared it on here. Looking forward to seeing the changes with the new bed. I am sure it will be just as inviting and cozy.

    9. Dixie

      Delightful!

    10. Joy Schumann

      Marian: The bed looks wonderful! I wonder if you ever get the jitters when you are applying the wax and think, “Oh gosh, now I have really messed this up!” only to find out that it is perfect when you have wiped it off. You are a talent to be admired.

      Always wonder how your little son is doing…I have a daughter who was diagnosed at age 14, just before going into high school. I know how hard it is for the whole family. I hope you can find a group, similar to “Parents of Young Diabetics” as that helped us learn how to cope and help as best as we could. BTW, she is now 58 and has 2 lovely children!

      Love your blog and you sharing your ideas and talent with us.
      {{HUGS}} Joy .

    11. Nancy

      Marion, I have an adorable wrapped foot board bed also; however, it is missing the side rails. Do you know if your bed uses the standard length rails, or are they shorter to accommodate the wrap around.

      Thanks for the inspiration!

      Nancy

    12. Carol

      Hi Marion. I usually love your work, but not so much with this one. When I saw the original bed, I thought it would look beautiful in one of your milk paint colours and antiqued. This looks busy and a bit too circus-y. No offence…just honesty.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        That’s okay. It’s not finished, yet, though! 🙂

    13. Linda

      I agree, it looks nothing like the inspiration bed, too cartoonish:(

      • Tammy

        I am inspired by Marian’s work. No, all of it wouldn’t work in my home, but I love her creativity and the thought that she puts into her blog and her home. It is easy for someone to anonymously criticize and belittle her ideas…I once heard someone say if the person criticizing isn’t in the arena, meaning putting themselves, their work and ideas out for others to see, it doesn’t matter what they think. Only people who are in the arena should give creative critique, if you don’t like it then be nice and move on. Words can be nurturing or they can cut and wound.

        • Carol

          I’m pretty sure Marion can take constructive criticism. I’m one of her biggest fans and have followed her for a very long time. I would be the first to come to her defence if someone was disrespecting her, but no one did. A friend tells you when something looks good and a friend can tell you when it doesn’t. As for “being in the arena”…whatever that means, anyone can have an opinion. This is a public forum where we comment on the content. That’s not offensive. Enough with the fake outrage.

      • Tara

        I am sorry, but I was always taught if you don’t have something nice to say then don’t say anything at all. This may not be your style, but it is very pretty none the less. I am amazed at the rudeness of people on line. She has worked very hard on this and it is very pretty. Please be respectful. If you don’t care for it, just say nothing at all. I am sure that there would be elements of your house I would not care for. But, I would never be so rude as to say so. There is a reason why Marian is so popular with so many. She is very talented.

        • Mary

          Nobody was rude here. People are entitled to voice their opinion. It’s normal to maybe not like one out of hundreds of Marian’s furniture redos. Just say nothing at all? Why not? I’m sure she appreciates people being honest. If you don’t like something, you have the right to say it just as we have the right to compliment her work. And, like I said, I didn’t see anyone being rude here. You are probably more offended than Marian is.

          • Tara

            Hi Mary! I guess it is just a matter of opinion. Maybe it is a geographical thing. I am in the south and was always taught if you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all. I liken it to my going to a friends house, she has decorated her home in a taste that is not mine, and I don’t care for it. Would I say something? Maybe if she were a good friend and wanted my honest opinion, but only if she asked. Or, I might say something to the like of everyone’s taste is different. No harm no foul, just think sometimes the Internet gives people the feeling they can let their manners go. 😉

            • Carol

              A geographical thing? I didn’t know “the south” cornered the market on manners. When someone is blatantly disrespectful on this site, I would be the first to call them on it, but no one was. Please don’t feel the need to police what others comment.

      • Ana Maria

        To Linda:
        Your comment speaks volumes about you. You appear to have received a very poor and limited education, both in manners and in art. I recommend you visit your closest library and read up on both issues.

        • Carol

          As does yours Ana Maria. You are rude and condescending. Maybe you spend too much time at the library and too little speaking with real people. How dare you.

    14. Ursula

      I applaud your boldness with color in this post. Lately it seems that all I’ve seen everywhere are neutrals, and this bed embraces fun color! It could alsobe the endless unyielding winter up here in MN, but I love this!

    15. Linda

      Just an opinion, I’m sorry, it just doesn’t have the rich quality that the inspiration piece has. The color isn’t rich enough and to me it looks cartoonish. This is constructive criticism, a true artist should welcome that

      • Mary

        I don’t think you were rude. You’re entitled to your opinion.

    16. Jannie

      It’s awesome to pay a quick visit this site and reading the views of all friends
      about this paragraph, while I am also zealous of getting experience.

    17. kathy

      This bed is a work of ART! It’s really gorgeous

    18. Sandra

      Question: After using brush for applying wax, do you clean the brush or just leave it for the next piece? I have not tried this yet, but I want to.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        I usually clean it. Sometimes I just leave it and then work the wax the next time I use it. When I do wash it, I use the brush soap that is coming out with our line or a grease cutting soap like Dawn.

    19. Agata

      Hi Marian

      You did a great job painting the bed. I know I wouldn’t be able to paint anything free hand.
      The colours look great with the antique wax. Quite a change

      I was wondering if you know the meaning of the symbol IHS and if you used it intentionally?

      • Maureen

        I was curious too and looked up IHS and found the following…..”A Christian monogram from the Middle Ages of the name of Jesus Christ. From the third century the names of our Saviour are sometimes shortened, particularly in Christian inscriptions (IH and XP, for Jesus and Christus). Sometimes above the H appears a cross and underneath three nails, while the whole figure is surrounded by rays.”

    20. Gloria

      Just one STUNNING!

    21. karen czerwonka

      Marian, I think that this is the most beautiful piece that you have ever done! I can’t wait to see it finished and in the room with all the bedding and accessories. I am sure that it will all look amazing ! Thanks for all the wonderful inspiration.

    22. Martha

      Stunning piece! I can’t wait to see the finished bedroom!

    23. Siggie

      This piece is fascinating and I’m enjoying this tutorial very much!

      For those who don’t know about this kind of painting…It’s called “Bauernmalerei” in German, it’s an age old German/Austrian tradition to paint farm furniture in this way, try an image search for “Bauernmalerei” and you will find a ton of inspiration.

      Thanks Marian, you continue to inspire!

      • Carla

        Thanks Siggie. I just googled this term. Love this furniture. I wouldn’t want a house full of it but a couple of pieces would be a nice addition. Love this bed of Marian’s.

    24. JC

      Wow that looks amazing! You are very talented.

    25. JeanMarie

      Inspiring !!

    26. Stephanie@cre8tive

      Wow Marian, you really made this bed into a show stopper! I love how you held on to that magazine picture for so long and finally transformed your inspiration into something so beautiful.

    27. rosie

      so darn cute! your free-hand painting has so evolved since I have been following you. Can’t wait to see the the full effect with linens, in the room and al the other accouterments. Exciting!!!!

    28. Cassandra Nutty

      I rarely have courage to post on blogs but I must say to those who make negative comments: please don’t. You are speaking to a fellow human being who deserves the same kindness you want extended to your self. This disturbing trend is seen even more often once a person or business is perceived as being so big that some people feel compelled to “keep them in their place.” So often on the “big name” blogs like Better Homes & Gardens for example comments are so nasty I feel heart sick for the original poster or designer who has to just grin & bear it. She is not trying to sell this to you – she is sharing knowledge you may or may not enjoy. If you don’t find it to your taste just refrain from commenting. Personally I LOVE this & am excited to share it with our youngest daughter. She is going to Germany in a couple of weeks with her High School German class. Also she applied for a scholarship to go her senior year of high school to a German high school. We are so proud of her & are waiting nervously to find out if she gets it. All prayers & positive thoughts for her are deeply appreciated. Why here I am rambling. Looking forward to seeing the finished bed. Blessings Miss Mustard Seed you do good.

    29. Margot

      I’m having fun thinking of decades ahead when someone gets this bed and believe it to absolutely from the 18th century. What fun! Marian, you’re doing an incredible job with this one. It’s stunning and inspiring me. Thank you so much for sharing. Can’t wait to see it completed.

    30. Linda

      Wow, I am truly sorry for posting what some may think is a negative comment. Marian is a very talented young lady, there is no question, I just expressed my opinion. I am just not a fan of this piece. I typically don’t post on blogs either, but it doesn’t hurt an artist to get a little negative feedback, it helps them grow. I did not mean to cause such an uproar, goodness, I’ll just stay quiet. Thanks Marian, for all of your inspiring pieces, this one just missed the mark, for me.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        Linda, it’s really okay. I don’t take things like that personally. My painting is certainly not as refined as the inspiration bed, but I don’t pretend to be a fine artist. It isn’t quite finished yet, though, so maybe you’ll change your mind when you see it finished in the room. Maybe you won’t and that’s really okay. 🙂 I know this isn’t everyone’s taste and it’s okay that you expressed that here.

      • Tara

        Linda, sometimes it is hard to tell about someone’s tone in the printed word. But, you know what? You apologized, a lot of people would not do that and it can be hard. Kudos to you. I think MMS has her fans and just love her and are protective of her. 😉

        • Carol

          You’re absolutely right Tara. It is hard to read someone’s tone in the written word. I’m sure you are a lovely person, yet your tone makes you sound pretentious and condescending.

    31. CJ

      Looks great so far, can’t wait to see it finished. What are you doing to the side rails? Haven’t seen them in any of the pictures since the first one.

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        I am painting them as well, but they are over on my work table, so I haven’t taken pictures of them, yet.

    32. ellery

      Marian, what publication was the inspiration bed featured in? I love the bed. Yes, its a departure from your norm and I think that’s hard for people to wrap their heads around. Many people tend to get stuck in a box and don’t explore outside of their comfort zone. I love the very European feel to it.

    33. Tania Russell

      I love how colorful and whimsical this bed is! I think it’s so different and fun, as a contrast to the neutral palette that Marian usually works with. I can’t wait to see how it looks all put together! Whether you like this particular project or not, Ithink the most important lesson that Marian teaches us is that art of any kind is all about having fun and taking risks! she’s not suggesting that we should all go and try to replicate this…In fact, In 6 months, she may decide to pain all over it and change it up again! But maybe this could inspire you to do something like it, in your own style! That’s the beauty of creativity and we should embrace it! Keep up the great work, Marian–you are so inspiring!

    34. Ana Maria

      Marian,
      The bed is SPECTACULAR! It demonstrates your versatility. You ARE indeed a fine artist! I have been blessed to have traveled since I was a child. I recognize this style and value it. The fact that you’ve been able to recreate this art, merely from an old magazine page demonstrates your talent. This bed should be on the cover of your next book!

    35. Gayle Huber

      Marian,

      Another beautiful project done well! I stumbled onto your website about a year ago as I was trying to decide what line of paint to invest in. I’m on my own furniture painting journey and continue to let you inspire my path.

      Blessings!
      Gayle

    36. patricia

      I was hoping to see more of the bed today- so much fun to watch it come alive!
      I like antique wax in corners and crevices more than all over, but I did put it on two chairs that were too bright and it ended up just right.
      We spent 7 years living in Germany all totaled. This piece really takes me back to those days of Bavarian furniture. If you are not use to that style I can see why this may seem a bit loud. To me it harkens to a time where lace curtains hung above flower boxes, small painted chairs stood in the corner, my little girls wore dirndls, and a sense of history was all around.

    37. Jelena

      That bed is turning out perfect! I love how the antiquing wax gives it an aged look. Can’t wait to see how the ‘new and improved’ guest room looks!

    38. Peggy

      Oh Marian, you definitely hit the nail on the head with this one! It definitely takes me back to my childhood in Germany… ah the delights of Bavaria! Thank you!

    39. Beth

      I’m amazed…not only at the piece but at your guts to take it on! I love it! I want to find something I would be too intimidated to try…and break it down and go for it. Thank you!

    40. Sayuri @Vinatge Breeze

      Your bed is turning out SO pretty!!
      I love that Scandinavian look ( I don’t know if your inspiration piece is Scandinavian, but to me, it is), even before antiquing, it’s bright and fun.
      But of course, antique wax bring your bed to another level, it is gorgeous.
      I can’t wait to see it in your guest room all staged!

    41. Carol G

      Marian, I LOVE the bed and the European style it evokes! I was in Europe last spring and it so reminded me of some of the places we stayed at and some of the historical places we saw! Your creativity is such an inspiration to me! Thank you for this blog and for showing all of us your projects and how to work the paints and waxes so they perform to the best of their ability…I am learning so much from you. I have bought your book and one of these days, I am going to meet you and ask you to sign it for me! Thank you for all you do…I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

    42. Kim

      I would love a bed like this in Artissimo. I’m more of a darker blue person. Wish I had your artistic talent. I would be terrified of messing up the artwork. I can visualize Opa’s rug with this bed…what do you think??

    43. Marianne in Mo.

      This bed is going to be amazing! Not my style, but I admire the look just the same! I’ve become a bit reserved in my later years, but would have loved this in my younger days! I seem to recall that “inspiration bed” from somewhere a hole back, and remember thinking how grand it was. Hope you will put us out of our suspense and tell us where it came from.
      Can’t wait for the room reveal!

      • Marianne in Mo.

        Sorry…while, not hole! 😉

    44. Harriett

      WOW! This bed makeover certainly sparked a lot of comment. At least Marian you know we’re all paying attention. Anxious to see the finished product and the enhanced room.

    45. Barbara

      How do you clean the brushes that you use for wax?

    46. teri

      How do you clean the brushes that you use for wax? Warm soapy water and don’t leave it too long.

      I love the bed and I’d be pleased to sleep in it!

    47. TRIXIE BRADLEY - Lovingly Made

      I have read most of the comments here this evening, and they are mixed in review, which I think is a good aspect of being able to give honest feedback.
      I personally love this piece and it certainly appeals to a more European flavour.
      I, however, would find this quite tricky to embark on myself and I don’t think we should underestimate the hours of experience you have “under your belt”.
      It could be quite a good idea to perhaps let us know how long it takes you for each stage and how many hours it might take for something like this to complete?
      Just a thought – especially for some of us who are still quite new to your tricks of the trade as it were…
      Many thanks
      Trixie – Lovingly Made (UK)

    48. Deborah

      Marion, that is amazing and beautiful! I just love it.

    49. Sharon H

      yum….looking good! Looking really good!

    50. Eileen

      Wish I would have kept an old wooden bed……….our son picked up while picking up junk from trailer homes. Too late now but I do have the vanity. LOVE your work!

    51. Rhonda

      I am curious Marian, I have painted a lot of furniture in my day but I have never used chalk to draw the design on first, when you paint over the chalk does the paint chip off in those areas? What a genius idea!! Why didn’t I think of that:( Your bed is looking great, can’t wait to see it finished and dressed!

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        No the chalk doesn’t affect the paint at all. I’ve used it with all types of paint as well and have been doing this since my decorative/mural painting days.

        • Rhonda

          I will be using chalk from now on! Thanks for responding!

    52. Karen Piehl

      just gorgeous! whereas your colors may be a bit brighter with more red in the overall design (instead of the tarnished gold), i admire your sense of design and lovely painting. it looks very antique!

    53. Lynn Dumouchel

      Wow you are so brave. I would have never daered to do something so bold, but keep it up it looks wonderful. Can’t wait to see the end results.Thanks for the inperation!

    54. Kate

      Gorgeous! Looks amazing 🙂

    55. Katy

      Really looking forward to to seeing the finished bed; the whole room. You work is very inspiring-I really enjoy reading your blog. Thanks!

    56. Katy

      *your work 🙂

    57. Tina

      Do you have plans for the bedding yet?

    58. Mary Hagstrom

      Beautiful! I look forward to your posting every day. You are such an inspiration!

    59. Colette Johnston

      I was a bit worried until you applied the antique wax. It makes a huge difference! I should know by now never to doubt you, lol, everything you do is just wonderful.

    60. Becky

      I think this is my favorite of all of your projects. You did an amazing job!! I love it!

    61. Momere

      Marian,
      Do you know of the Swedish Artist Carl Larsson and his wife Karin? They painted their home (Lilla Hyttas) in Sundborg Sweden and the style of your bed reminds me of their work. I have been a fan since I discover his work over 30 years ago and have done some things for my home but would love to do more. There are a few good books on his work. One I love is “Carl and Karin Larsson: Creators of the Swedish Style”. They had eight children and a lot of his art is portraits of his children. Karin painted all over the house border, furniture, did weaving and much more. I am sure you probably know of him but if not you would love their work One web site that has a lot of his work is ScandinavianTreasures.com Take a look at the indoor catalog to see inside Lilla Hyattas. Thank you for all you do, you inspire me.
      Momere

    62. Merri Jo

      Wow, the effect of the antiquing wax is phenomenal! You are an artist in every sense of the word!!

    63. Cindy

      The waxing makes it look so authentic! I love how it tones down the colors. Dang Marian, that bed is a work of art!

      Cindy

    64. Ginene Nagel

      I think this is my favorite of all your projects. I wish I knew if you are doing the strokes with your finger or with a brush in the rose-maling method.
      It’s fabulous with the wax over the crackled finish and I will use chalk, too!

    65. linda

      Reminds me of the wonderful Baverian guesthouse with traditional furniture we would stay at years ago. It was so beautiful! You have done a wonderful job of recreating that extraordinary look.

    66. Melissa

      Where can I find the great paint brushes you use? Your work is beautiful….even if I zoom in on my iPad (LOL) it looks beautiful…..because I’m a perfectionist – even when trying to create a distressed or antiqued look! I drive myself nutty sometimes. You are truly blessed with amazing talent. Thank you for sharing!

    67. Carole

      I am madly in love with your Bohemien Bed! After your gorgeous art work embellishments, that bed looks like a rare and super expensive antique. I am sure you could sell it for big bucks if you ever wanted to!
      I also love that dresser you did in lavender. I have been trying to find it on your website, but can’t seem to locate it! Do you have the link handy? I wouldn’t ask, but I have spent 2days trying to find it.
      You are so talented and encouraging! I just took my first class in Chalk Painting a couple of days ago and I found myself feeling very dumb uncoordinated and spacey. I was feeling pretty dense and very depressed. I won’t give up, but I was not happy with my lack of ability, even though the instructor told me I did a good job, but all teachers want to encourage their students! Anyway, I also watched your video on painting your kitchen cabinets and you said something about being “blonde” and taking awhile to figure thins out sometime. You chuckled happily and I laughed along with you. It made me feel better about myself then. Thanks. I had been tearfully depressed for days. You helped me get over it!
      BTW, I took the chalk paint class because we have no milk paint stores in Ohio.
      Also, when I was at the class, they showed us a powder that can be used to put “dust” into cfevices like you do with antiquing wax. Just an fui, in case you’d want to know. I tooktheclass at Methany Weir in Shaker Heights. I was trying to talk them into adding your Milk Paint to their store!

    68. Carole

      That was supposed to be fyi in my last post, not fui! I also forgot to tell you that when I saw your kitchen about a week ago for the first time, I thought you had the cabinets professionally done! Now, I see you did them yourself! Wow, fantastic job! Did you paint the insides of the cubbords, too?

    69. Paty Pawless

      Your Guest Room bed you repainted is beautiful! You have real talet, please make more & show us! I have just started using Chalk Paint. I too think I am in love! Thanks Again Paty…

    Hello!

    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

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