Monday, August 29, 2016

From 80's Folksy to Shabby Chic Cabinet

Can you believe we are saying goodbye to August?
WOW
where did summer go?
As wonderful as it still is,
I am ready for fall.

With lots of projects on the drawing board,
I've been overly busy lately 
and
if truth be told,
 business gets a bit overwhelming this time of year.

However, looking back over the last few months
a lot has been accomplished 
including~
a special custom painting for a dear client who became a special friend over the years.

We met long along when I was in a brick and mortar shop stocking my treasures for the day.
Nearly 20 years later, here we are, like sisters!
Swinging my paint brushes has blessed me in more ways then I ever imagined.

At one time, furniture painting made up most of my business
and it sure kept me very busy.
Now I specialize in the smaller items for decor
and smaller furniture treasures that are easier to ship.
I eventually moved out of the brick and mortar shop after 15 years,
and love being on line selling my treasures the last 13 years.

Being a member of the
National Society of Decorative Painters for nearly 30 years
and working in  Interior Design
has given me opportunities galore!!
I just love to design, create and decorate.

Well, now you didn't stop by to read about all that,
so let's get into the title of this post,
Folksy to Shabby Chic!


It all begins back in July when
my dear friend had an Amish cabinet made about 27 years ago and 
hand painted with a folk art look and style.

It really is a jelly/pie cabinet. 
This style was popular back in the 80's and  90's.

She really wanted a new look for the cabinet and had ideas
to move it from her kitchen to a room in her home designed in 
shabby chic to display her gorgeous doll collection.
She wanted cottage roses added somehow to this treasure.

So I took on the project to help her dream come true.
Here are a few before pics.
It took 2 weeks to complete from start to finish including dry time.

Someone placed a lot of time in the old folksy paintings on the doors and pull down door.




This is what took place in my studio~~~
Lots of sanding to remove the old painting
 and lightly sand the entire surface to give a bit a tooth to grab the paint.


My hubby helped me with this part since my painters elbow and wrist
didn't like this step very much!!
That's a whole other story going on since it seems
computer work and swinging paint brushes have taken a toll on my arm.

Anyway, as for the sanding~~
do you know, the shadow of the couple would not sand off.
Oh the paint went away, but their silhouette stayed etched in the wood like a shadow!!
It's like they wanted to stay with the cabinet.
So it took layers and layers of paint to cover them over.
Somewhere in the many paint layers sleeps the folksy couple
forever to stay with this cabinet!!



Once the prime work and prep was done,
It took 4 coats of paint to cover inside and out.


You can see how pretty it looks in the lighter shade of
Honeysuckle Bloom!
This is a gorgeous flat paint perfect for furniture.
It is not chalk paint but I have used it for years
and it works beautifully and works just like chalk paint,
which I have found takes more then one coat too.
No matter what they tell you,
one coat of chalk paint doesn't cover completely.
At least that's been my experience!



Once the surface cured the design was ready  to paint
adding cottage roses to the pull down and doors.

Nothing over done, just a simple pretty delicate design.


I found some gorgeous ceramic drawer and door pulls to add.


To the pull down, I stenciled a few French pretties
adding something to view when open.


A swag of roses trail down each door.



 And, another French design is painted on the inside of each door to see when opened.
More roses here would have been too much.


Lastly, I had to included a little "Dolls" sign 
hand painted on a oval tray for her new shabby room.

It really met her idea perfectly and she loved it.

BEFORE

AFTER



This was a fun project taking a Folksy jelly/pie cabinet to a Shabby Chic style
with a little paint and cottage roses.

Thank you for stopping by to see what I've been up too.
Now it's back to lots of fall and Christmas designing in the weeks ahead~
but for this week,
I'm off to the Hill Country to give my arm a little rest.

Hope to do a little junkin while there too. 
I'll let you know what I find!!
See you when I get back.
Have a great week!

51 comments:

Unknown said...

Ooohhhhh. What a beautiful transformation. The delicate pink roses are so sweet.it's been awhile since I have painted sweet pretty roses on a piece. My hands are itching to do so....
Happy new week Celeste.

Junkchiccottage said...

Celeste this is just beautiful. What a great re love of this cabinet. So pretty. Great transformation.
Kris

craftyles said...

Wow, that is quite a change. I'm sure your friend will absolutely love this. You did such a great job, painting the inside and and out. Love all the little touches you added. I'm sure she will treasure this for years and years. Have a wonderful trip and rest that painting arm.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

That is quite a transformation! I like how it turned out. That's interesting how the old Dutch man and woman didn't want to go away! They are etched in time!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I love the new look! It is really lovely and feminine.

Have a great week ~ FlowerLady

Sue Kosec said...

Pretty, pretty! And love how the couple is sleeping under the covers of paint!

xo
SuZeQ

Stacey said...

Sweet! I love the new way you've finished it out with your romantic touches. :)

quakerhillfarm said...

Oh my what a beautiful transformation!! It is so soft and pretty. I am very sure it certainly was a dream come true for your friend! You are very talented my friend! Have a beautiful week.

Lisa said...

It's so pretty Celeste! I know it's beautiful in the space!

living from glory to glory said...

What a make-over!! Just loved it, and it will be filled with sweet dolls and those pink roses were so pretty! I loved seeing this before and after so much!
You did an amazing job!
Hope you have a lovely rest and time away...
Hugs, Roxy

Patti said...

Wow! What a beauty you created!! I absolutely love it. I know your friend must be over the moon with it.

How lovely that your business friend turned into a lifetime friend.

Blessings,
Patti

The Bear's Blog said...

Very pretty, love your choice of soft colors.

Hugs

Roosterhead Designs said...

Gorgeousness!!!! (Some folks just won't go away: ) LOL! That is interesting about the shadows of the previous images. They were meant to stay always I guess ; ]
Thanks for sharing your creative process Celeste! We need to keep in mind how much work goes into a re-do sometimes! Wow, 4 coats~ This is so lovely and looks like a brand new piece. Your work is amazing friend~ Hope you enjoy your 'down' time! Hugs, Karen O

20 North Ora said...

Beautiful job! You always do such gorgeous work. I know the owner has to be thrilled with the new piece.

I was one of the first members of the NTSP waaaaayyyyy back many years ago. In fact, I designed the Tulsa Town Tolers insignia (for lack of a better word). I so enjoyed it for so many years. I taught tole for a long time, then went into teaching acrylics and watercolors. I love painting and I can tell you do also.

Judy

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

WOW what a great transformation. I love it! You rally worked wonders on that pie chest. Don't the Amish make wonderful wood furniture and of course the ladies with their quilts.

I like it much better the way it is now - simply beautiful.

I know what your going through with your arm and hand. I can hardly work on the computer. Take care my sweet friend and enjoy the rest.

Hugs,
Mary

Rose L said...

I definitely love the new look!

decorayadora said...

Hi dear Celestina ,, pero que bonitas esos dos muebles , me encantan los dos el pintado sobre blanco es una dulzura muy romántico y el de los personajes me parece fantástico ,,Espero que tengas un buen comienzo de semana
Cariños

Valerie-Jael said...

What a fantastic transformation, this is just stunning. Hugs, Valerie

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I had to laugh when you said that the folksy couple is hidden in the design!! My, they took a lot of work to hide them! The new design is such a perfect transformation, Celeste. I'm sure your friend is just thrilled with your work and it will be wonderful for her dolls.
Enjoy your rest and relaxation...you deserve it, sweet friend! Love and blessings are sent to you.

Deborah Montgomery said...

What a beautiful transformation Celeste! Enjoy your time away. Hope your arm will be rested enough to bring home some treasures!! xo Deborah

Anna said...

Love the result !!!!!!!!!!!! The makeover is perfect !!!
Have a lovely week !
Anna

cloches and lavender said...

Beautiful job as always Celeste. I am ready for fall too

Cindy

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

What a beautiful transformation! I remember the 80's look with the folk art people, which was so sought after. How special the cabinet is now and it's perfect to display dolls in.

Gypsy Heart said...

Absolutely beautiful make over!! Yes, I remember those 80's style designs. :) You really went above and beyond on this piece with all the sanding, priming, painting and then your design. I feel sure your friend is so excited with it and now it holds even more memories for her!

LOVE the Hill Country! I hope you have a wonderful week ~ rest and relax my friend.

xoxo
Pat

Createology said...

I am very happy that sweet Folksy couple were able to stay within this pie cabinet...And your transformation is Beautiful. Your addition of the "Dolls" tray is perfect. May you rest your weary arm and recharge your creative batteries for the upcoming busy holiday season. LOVE everything you create dear...

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

You did an amazing makeover! I LOVE IT!
warmly,
deb

Claudia said...

Dear Celeste, my so talented friend, this cabinet is WONDERFUL! I love the way, you painted it with beautiful Roses!
Wishing you wonderful last August days ..... can't believe too, that August already has gone ...but, I love the autumn time, which is coming now :O)
HAve a great week, my dear friend, sending Love and hugs and blessings,
Claudia xo

Debbie Harris said...

Gorgeous!! You certainly created a fabulous new cabinet for your friend. Her dolls are going to look beautiful displayed with that cabinet, Celestina.
Amazing about the folks not wanting to fade away. Guess that cabinet belongs to them. :-)
Well done!
Enjoy your time away~~
Sweet blessings to you, lovely lady.

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Celeste,
Pretty redo and I am sure your client turned friend is over the moon thrilled with the new pretty look. You pour your loving heart into everything you do.
xoxo,
Vera

La Petite Gallery said...

like night an day. What a fantastic change. You really paint the roses well. The chest has such great lines. You must be proud of it.
Yvonne

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Magic. You rock, Celeste!

Linda Walker said...

Celeste,
This is lovely! One of the best redo projects I have ever seen! How dainty and sweet are your roses!!! I'm about to try a painting project of my own, yikes I'll let you know how that turns out. I don't have your talent, skills or experience. But you sure inspire me to give it a try! Your friend will cherish this piece for years to come and it will look beautiful anywhere she uses it.
Have a great week.....happy creating!
Xo
Linda

Donna said...

You've outdone yourself yet again, Celestina! Wow, your painted roses are just gorgeous! You would never know this is the same piece of furniture. I really love how you added the extra little surprise of stenciling inside, how fun! I know your friend will treasure and just love this beauty! Enjoy your vacation:)

Donna said...

PS: Glad you are taking some time off, hope that helps your overworked arm and hand!! Take care and feel better!

Mrs. W. said...

Dear Celestina,

Your paint job looks so fresh and lovely! I love the change; it is really so much better. I wish that I had your talent for painting furniture; just the idea of doing it really intimidates me - such a task seems overwhelming.

I hope you have a wonderful time in Hill Country.
♥Hope

Ginny said...

Oh my gosh! I have the exact same cabinet! Mine has flowers instead of people. I use it for a tea cupboard. The bottom holds my tea cups and creamers, and sugar bowls. Top pull down holds my teas and accessories. I never thought to repaint. Hmmm. Yours looks beautiful!!

Linda M. said...

Celeste, A beautiful re-do of the cabinet. Thanks for sharing your awesome work. Hugs, Linda

Unknown said...

Celestina Marie, Great design and re-purpose. Even more special is your writing skills telling the story. Thanks so much for sharing with all of us!
LJ

Debby Ray said...

What a fantastic transformation, Celeste! I love the style of this little cabinet and it will be a beautiful new home for her doll collection! Enjoy your time away :)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's hard to believe it's the same piece of furniture! So perfect for a doll lover! Enjoy your week my friend. Hugs!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

I love, love seeing you transform things! I just bet you look back and think to yourself that you cannot believe how gorgeous this piece is and how dated it was before you worked your talent and magic!
Beautiful my friend!
xo
Jemma

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh my goodness! What a beautiful transformation! Oh I love how it turned out. I once had a (Pie safe) we called it years ago. I wish I still had it! Love what you done and I know that your friend is overjoyed and so blessed by this beautiful creation of yours. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Summer said...

What a gorgeous transformation! The cabinet is soooo beautiful ♥

summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

Stephanie said...

A truly beautiful transformation, my friend. You so such magnificent work!

Enjoy this last day of August. May your September be sweetly blessed. Hugs!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

It did turn out lovely, Celestina! So romantic and sweet! Your friend must be thrilled......I am still waiting for my Hubby to get to the post office for my package from your shop. Hopefully today! I can't wait to see my new Celestina Marie original! Hope your Labor Day Weekend has some relaxation involved :) Hugs to you xo Karen

cynthia lee designs said...

Wow...that turned out so pretty!!

janice15 said...

Celestina, it is just beautiful... i love it tremendously.. Happy weekend with love Janice

Anonymous said...

Awesome transformation!! Those roses are so pretty and I really appreciate the hard work you put into that piece! It looks so much better than before truely. I loved the theory about the folk couple still living behind the layers of paint lol. Very cute! Take care of that arm. I've had wrist problems in the past due to too much computer time. Not fun. Ciao Celestina thanks for sharing!

Smareis said...

Um trabalho lindíssimo Celestina. Uma mega transformação. As cores linda.
Adorei. Parabéns por esse trabalho belo.
Uma ótima semana, e um excelente mês de setembro.
Um beijo e um sorriso!
Blog da Smareis

Tete said...

You did an awesome job on this one! Love the tiny roses and the pink knobs. Have a fun weekend!

Red Rose Alley said...

Celestina,
You have transformed an ordinary piece of furniture to such a charming one! Your painted roses add a special touch. What a cute little cabinet. I love how you added the "dolls" sign. You did a wonderful job.

~Sheri

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..