A Painterly Touch

I'm aware that there are many purists among us, who feel that to paint an antique is a most despicable deed. And...I respect that there is such diversity of tastes in the world.

When it comes to painting vintage or antique items, the Yankee and I consider a number of variables, prior to taking that plunge.

For each project we tackle, we determine the steps necessary to enhance the unique features of the individual piece.

Some antiques have suffered such ravages of time that simple refinishing will not suffice. Those are the very pieces we believe to be the ideal candidates for a painterly touch.

We jokingly say we're in the rescue business.  It's not uncommon for us to retrieve items from trash heaps or burn piles, in an attempt to resuscitate them.

If there is even so much as a single breath of life existent in something, we feel compelled to revive it.

I wish I had a before picture of the actual Depression era vanity that we delivered from certain destruction–atop a rather large pile of  trash, about to be burned. 

Just imagine, if you will, a vanity very similar to the one pictured below, but...IN NOWHERE NEAR THAT CONDITION!

Remember this sneak peek I gave you in the post about the Yankee?

That was a peek at our rescue efforts for the once abandoned vanity we recovered. When we found it, the mirror was missing, and the bridge that connected the two sides was beyond repair.  The Yankee cut the piece apart and disposed of the irreparable bridge.

Though one of the sides had some nicks and dings and a few small areas of missing veneer, and two others needed to be replaced altogether, we knew we could totally transform the much neglected castoff.

To most observers, the piece had breathed its last breath. To us, though the breath was shallow, it still existed and was therefore worth reviving.

After the standard thorough cleaning–that was my job–and a good sanding–that was the Yankee's job–the Yankee set about making the necessary repairs.

We are of the opinion that to totally rework a piece–eliminating every little imperfection–negates its vintage character. So, more often than not, we will leave certain minor flaws.

Being the incredibly creative man that he is, the Yankee masterfully designed and crafted new backs from vintage wood.

Once those lovely details were added, I knew we had to adorn the stands with lots of sweet, feminine flourishes!

One of the characteristics I absolutely love about older pieces is the quality of construction found in details like dovetailed drawers.

After the draws were sanded and cleaned, and all structural repairs complete, it was time to decide on the decorative touches.

My favorite part!  ; )

We sifted through numerous delicious appliqués in search of the perfect embellishments.

This lovely three-dimensional rose, accented by a delicate scrolly vine, could not have been more perfect for the backs.

With our creative touches, the frames went through a Cinderella-like transformation.  They're now dripping with sweet little roses and wildflowers cascading down from tiny ribbons.

The pretty, scalloped apron fronts were also gussied up a bit with the cutest curly ribbon appliqué.  It's knot even resembles a rose!

As if all those sweet details weren't dreamy enough, we then painted everything the softest, cottagey white we could find.

That was followed by an ever-so-light distressing, from the top right down to the lovely little turned legs.  It was the perfect finishing touch to amplify the delicate beauty.

The result...total shabby sweetness!!!

And where there was once one ugly duckling...

there were now, not one, but two beautiful swans.

Wonder what other wonderful transformations await at Susan's for...

Let's also show everyone our vanity makeover at Diane's

for

the Shabby Chic Cottage for

and

Domestically Speaking for

then, over to Suzanne's @ Colorodalady for

We'll also show off our frugal find @

and feature our furniture @

Oh, and we can let everyone see our DIY project @

Then, we'll pop over to Cottage Instincts for

and Cheri's for

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A Little Makeover Magic

When we found this old 1930s buffet in a nearby barn, it was in desperate
need of some TLC.  As I mentioned in the previous post, most people
would have taken one look at the piece, given it its last rights
and put it to rest. 

But, here at the cottage, we're always up for a good challenge! 

We knew it was from the 30s, not just from the overall style, but
because we found this receipt stuck (basically glued) to the inside of the
 piece with caked on grime. 

I was delighted that we could salvage as much of it as we did.

                  

We started the whole transformation process with a thorough

 cleaning—usually one of my jobs.  It's amazing the difference it makes just removing

years of layered on dirt from something! 

Then the Yankee assessed what repairs were necessary

to ensure structural integrity.

As is so often the case, he and I spent a few weeks tossing ideas to and fro,
trying to come up with a design that would enhance the best features of this
tired old guy, while still maintaining his vintage character.

Then, one lovely spring day,

as I was admiring the beautiful blossoms on our
flowering cherry tree…

     

the Yankee called me out to his workshop, to show me what he had been

working on and to get my input—not that he needs it. He is

quite creative all on his own!

Now mind you, when he called me to his shop, this piece had not yet undergone
its magical transformation.  It still looked exactly the way
 it did when we found it—only about ten pounds lighter
with all the dirt and grime removed.

He was just eager to show me the design he had conjured up for the

back of the piece.  He held up a blank piece of wood—without paint or appliqué—

with only the cut out design for the back you see detailed in this photo.

Take a good look at the flowing curves of it!  It was at
 that very moment, the piece officially became female. 

Look at the first image again, and compare it to the one just above.  Notice how plain
the back was originally.  The overall form of the piece was dull and
blocky—definitely a guy!  But, that one new design element

was the stimulus to change everything!

                 

Right away, I knew what she had to be!  With the curvy legs and now a

curvy top to match…she had to be French.  I suggested that we paint her a lovely

shade of French blue. 

That's usually another one of my designated assignments for our projects—

choosing the color and finish.

We both felt that a light distressing, here and there, would be a wonderful

addition.  I wanted to play up her little imperfections–—the small pieces of missing veneer,

 the tiny chips out of the wood.  To me, little nicks, here and there,

 add character to vintage items! 

With all those enhancements, she was destined to be

 aged to perfection!

Then we started playing around with appliqués.  The Yankee pulled several

large and a number of small ones from the stash.  We began putting them together,

like pieces to a puzzle, to create

various unique patterns.

You would have thought we were a pair of toddlers, the way we were swiping

each other's pieces to use in our own creations.

It was really quite fun!

We thought it might be a good idea to cut a couple of the larger

appliqués apart to create some new designs.  As it turned out, that was exactly what we

 needed to get the look we were trying to achieve.

The photo above, and the one here below, shows the end result of cutting a few
 appliqués apart and reconnecting them.

Once all the basic design elements had been chosen, it was time
 for the Yankee to work his magic.

Occasionally, I would venture out to the shop to check the progress.  On one
such visit, the Yankee excitedly shared an idea he had come up with
for the buffet.

I'll give you a little peek. Can you guess what his idea was?

This lovely old buffet-turned-wine-cabinet is just one

example of how you can use a vintage item

 in a modern way.

 

Don't you just love the graceful curves of the decorative touches

she was given? She radiates such sweet cottage charm now...

but with a French flair.

We think she turned out magnifique!
What do you think?

 

Joining Sally's Blue Monday, Diane's 2nd Time Around Tuesday,
Kimba's Do It Yourself Day.

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