French Provincial Shabby Chic Bathroom Cabinet makeover

I promised to show you the transformation of the cabby I found last Saturday.

Here is the original cabinet I was lucky to get my hands on at our local recycling outlet. They are not cheap anymore, but they do fantastic work so I am more than happy to support. Apart from saving the City of Cape Town over 20 000 cubic metres of landfill per year, Oasis provides employment to disabled men, women and children. They provide the workers with a protected place of employment, continued education and training, occupational therapy, transport and the daily companionship of work colleagues.....FABU!

I removed the drawer pull and sanded this gal to get it ready for painting. Then I gave her three coats of antique white colour. Here she is with the first coat.....looks scary right...Right!

 Here she is after the final coat.....that's the transfer image I am planning to use!

Then I began the antique shabby chic look by hand sanding all areas where it would naturally become scuffed over time. I used some gel stain on the sanded areas to enhance the look. Next, I added the Fleur de lis graphic transfer to give this gal that French ooh la la, Paris romantic look! I will tell you how its done in another post. I then went over the whole piece with a clear coat to which I added some antique stain, added a cute whimsy with gell adhesive......and Wa La...now she is smiling ((*_*))!

 Found these scrabble cards at Oasis as well.....will make some great banners me thinks!

e-voke...to create a -new!

Repurposed door - French Provincial Look

I had several projects on the go this weekend, but I was determined to finish this one and I love the result. This lovely oak door was in a pretty nasty state when I found it. Someone used this door as a memo board; it had writing all over in pen and permanent marker. It was also covered with stickers....yikes!

I cleaned the door with sugar soap, then washed it down with clean water. I then sanded the entire door making sure I got into all the corners. When it was stripped down to reveal the lovely grain in the wood, it was ready for painting. I thinned down my French Chatreusse colour with a little water and gave it a single coat.

Then I began the rustic, French provincial finish by sanding down all the raised areas, the edges and everywhere else. I added the whimsy and gave it a couple of coats of blue-grey colour and a touch of antique varnish. I should have added the whimsy before I started painting the door; would have made my life a lot easier :o)

I also added the key graphic which I found at The Graphics Fairy. Hubby then added the rustic vintage coat hooks. Finally I gave it a clear coat all over. For the pics I styled it with a basket, a tin heart, a lavendar bush from my garden (smells divine!) and a doily banner.

I might list this on Bid or Buy, but then again it might be a keeper:o)

Wood caddy, distressed old white - So French ooh la la

She just needed a little love and that is what I gave her.....This piece kinda evolved as I was working. It was originally plain Jane....... not groovy right? Right! I gave it a fresh coat of Old White chalkY paint. Then I distressed it and still I felt she needed something more. I pulled out my hand stamped muslin trim - check the beautiful inspirational message. I used a modge podge method to apply the trim and then finished it off with lovely Black Magic - Shabby Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon - all things that gives her that French country feel...To complete the look I gave her a clear coat to protect her new look. Lovely as a mail caddy, recipe card holder and such...

e-voke...to create a -new!

Upcycled kiddie's chair - vintage retro upholstered seat



SOLD



This adorable kiddie's chair was found on the fleamarket. Love the way it looks now; I gave it layers of lobster red, coastal blue and just a touch of racy pink colour; distressed it....can you see how the red and blue peeks through? Just gorgeous right? Right! I added a cute bird decal that came all the way from Patti from Colorado (My dear friend on the other side of the big pond). My hubby re-upholstered the seat in a vintage retro fabric....can you see the adorable little girl playing in the rain...Saweet! My graphic designer daughter photoshopped the pretty background for the after pic...is she talented or what? See you soon with some more vintage creations! e-voke...to create a-new!