Lego Display from Vintage Drawer

In my last post I mentioned that my friend and I had a fun day thrifting a few weeks back.  We went to a local antique mall.  What I didn't mention is that I made a few GREAT purchases there (two, to be exact)!  I'd like to share one of my great finds and show you what I did with it.

I bought an old typeset drawer!  Didn't take me long to figure out what I would do with my purchase.  I knew it would be the perfect fun way for my boys to display their ever growing collection of lego figures!

I had to google "drawer with small compartments" to figure out what these drawers were called, but apparently these drawers were once used for storing typeset.  (Also called letterpress drawer or printer press drawer.)  I did find a good post on apartment therapy that describes these vintage drawers and shows pictures of others' displays. 

I painted the outside frame of the drawer in a whitewash and distressed it (which I realize is hard to see in the pictures...).  The inside of the drawers were already a dark brown, which I left alone.  There were two funny knobs of on the drawer, which I removed...they had roses on them and just didn't "go".  I do plan on adding a brass pull or something similar soon, so the drawer can retain a bit of it's old life.  I'd like it to be obvious that the display was once a drawer, after all!

Toby and Asher were thrilled!  They were inspired to organize their lego figures, connecting missing heads, with legs and shirts, hats, and other accessories.   We hung it low enough that they can easily organize and reorganize to their hearts content.

Check back soon to see what my other purchase was!  Oooo!  The suspense!

One thing I do know...

One thing I do know:  I really enjoy painting furniture.  One thing I don't know:  exactly where I'm going (and how God will lead) with this new hobby of mine.  I don't want to keep taking from the family budget to fund my hobby, so I need to find a way to make a little spending cash along the way so that I can keep doing this thing I love.  (I did sell a dresser I painted, which was really cool.)    

When my parents were here over the holidays (Free babysitting!!!  Thanks Mom and Dad.) I got to spend an afternoon with my good friend, Cammie.  We stopped by a local antique fair mall (big warehouse divided in to booths where people sell their antiques/collectibles/junk) and got to talking with one of the ladies who was working in her booth.   I mentioned I love to paint - she said she hates to paint.  And apparently Lisa hates it so much she would pay someone to do her painting for her because ... I ended up agreeing to paint some of her pieces.

Getting paid to do something you love is a.w.e.s.o.m.e.   Lisa picked up the first pieces I completed today and she was thrilled with the results.  (Big sigh of relief and I might be blushing a bit.)  

The table needed some TLC, but nothing some wood glue and putty couldn't fix.  Plus, that's the great thing about this style of furniture.  It doesn't have to be perfect.  Any imperfections and we conveniently say it "adds character".  I did prime, paint and wax this piece so that the table would be durable and easy to clean if food was ever placed on it.

The rocking chairs were so great.  I miss them.  Old, worn, comfortable.  I wanted to keep them.  I painted them in Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint in Pure White with a wax finish.  By stenciling the pieces they immediately became a "set".  Who wouldn't want to sit and enjoy some lemonade and cookies on these beauties?


Sigh.  One thing I do know:  I really enjoy painting furniture.

Child's Desk

Isn't this small desk sweet? It was thrown in for free with some furniture I purchased off of Craigslist. It was dirty, broken {it used to be a roll top desk, but the roll top was beyond repair}, and painted in a dark brown. It was the perfect piece for me to try out some Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint on! I finally got my hands on this special paint and was excited to try it.

{picture via Perfectly Imperfect Blog}

I did give the desk a good cleaning, but otherwise there was no need to sand or prime!  Wahoo!  That is 

chalk paint's claim to fame: you get right to the fun part and start painting.  The base of the desk is painted

in Paris Grey and the inside of the cubbies and other accents in Louis Blue.  I did a little stenciling on the side and desk top for some pretty detailing and, of course, distressed it to give it character.  

So, here's to hoping that I will be posting more often in 2012! I am constantly working on projects these days, but don't always take the time to take pictures and share.  Must.change.that.

Please leave a comment.  It will make my day!