Monday, March 19, 2012

What A Beauty!!

A fellow vendor at the antique store where Denise and I have a booth asked us if we would paint a dresser for her.  No problemo, I said.  Then she showed it to us.  Hmmmmmmmmmm...
Not only was it one of the most gorgeous pieces of furniture I'd ever laid eyes on, but it was also perfect in it's current state.  I have no qualms about painting furniture, but some pieces are just better off left alone.  I thought this was one of those pieces.
 
Then when she said she wanted us to paint it purple and black I felt a piece of my heart break off and fall to the ground.  How in the heck were we supposed to achieve this without totally ruining the integrity of this Athenian goddess?

Denise and I held our breath, crossed our fingers and painted away.  Not wanting to take ANY chances, we stuck with what we know works - Annie Sloan.

One coat of Emile and two coats of Graphite later, this was looking promising.  But in my garage paint studio it looked gray.  So we added some dark wax and the results were pure perfection.  I can't tell you how absolutely relieved and thrilled we were.  Painting furniture for own use is one thing, but painting for someone else adds a lot more pressure and brings out the perfectionist in me.

Here's Athena now.  Sorry no befores - in my panic I forgot.


And thank goodness the owner was elated with the results too.


Just look at all of the amazing detail.  Never seen anything like it.



Holysweetgoodness look at this hardware!


Some rub n' buff in antique gold brought it right back to life.  And now it shines against the black.


Next up, a bedroom design job for a new client and lots and lots of preparation for our Spring show at Clover Market in mid-April.

Thanks for visiting and have a fabulicious day!
xoxo,
Kim

22 comments:

Tina said...

Wow! Nice. I was imagining it a lot more purple, but it turned out great. Wasn't there a side table too?

Cottage and Broome said...

it came out great. The color combo really seemed to work, thanks for sharing, Laura

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Love love love it!! What a gorgeous piece!

Unknown said...

What a beauty! I love it!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

It is a beautiful piece. I so agree, some things really shouldn't be painted. This one does look gorgeous though. Hugs, Marty

Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants said...

I agree with you it is a beautiful piece,even the black and purple!

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Pretty! Pretty!
Sherry's Bees Nest

Jan Hermann said...

Oh my...it's beautiful. Annie Sloane paint and Rub 'n Buff, how can it get any better than that?

:) Jan

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Very Nice! I'm sure she did like it a lot.

Rooms by Ann said...

You did a beautiful job. I like all the colors they really work. Thanks for sharing.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a beautiful piece, Kim! I'd have loved to see the before, but I know what you mean where some pieces look good just the way they are. I would be all nerves painting a piece for someone else, too. Doing something for myself is one thing, but for someone else, and especially if they are paying me, would have me checking it again and again.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

It's gorgeous!! I love it!

Lou Cinda

The Tuscan Home said...

Love, love, love it! =)

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Kim, this looks amazing! You did a great job! I think the color/finish looks fabulous!

Love Of Quilts said...

Very nice piece. You did it justice.

Princess Kate said...

Love it. What a nice piece. Thanks for sharing

Melinda said...

You are a busy one.
The dresser looks FAB!

Melinda

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

She is a beauty for sure!

Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G said...

Great job! The color accents the beautiful piece perfectly! :)

The French Hutch said...

Hi Kim, this dresser is gorgeous. I love the color and the the hardware is really dresses it up. Just lovely!
Thanks for sharing this beauty.

~Emily
The French Hutch

Chubby Chieque said...

HI Kim,
It was awhile I visit you.

Wow... this is really a real beauty. HOw I wish I live nearby. An absolutely great find.

Happy w/end.
/C

Alicia @ Sweet Ava Kate said...

Hi Kim. Thanks for following my blog. I just read your about me and profile, you're a girl after my own heart! I'm loving this dresser and the hardware is to die for! Following you back! :) Hope you're having a great weekend!