Pages

July 24, 2013

Three Sewing Drawers Three Ways

I bought a sewing cabinet that was in pretty bad shape.....I hate to admit defeat, but like Humpty Dumpty, I just could not put it back together again.   So, like any good DIYer, nothing goes to waste, certainly not three perfect vintage sewing drawers!





This first drawer was painted with Heirloom white with a damask patterned knob from Hobby Lobby.  



The inside was lined with a matching  (How lucky was that) craft paper applied and coated with Mod Podge



This drawer was painted with an "Oop's" green paint



Then lined with a vintage patterned tissue paper.  Then I used a blender pen. The blender pen allowed me to apply graphics (From Graphics Fairy) to the front and side of the drawer; you can find the blender pen and 11 other transfer methods at the The Graphics Fairy HERE. 



The last drawer was also painted with Heirloom white paint.  I used a stencil and vinyl spackle to apply the raised pattern to the front and side of the box.  The tutorial is HERE.





All of the drawers got a light sanding then an application of clear Minwax followed by Annie Sloan dark wax 



Now, I wish I could have salvaged the whole sewing cabinet, but I will probably make pretty close to the same amount of money by selling just the drawers.  I put them in my booth at Orange Tree Antiques and priced them at $20 for the small drawers and $24 for the large one.

I sometimes have to stop myself when I'm doing a transformation and think......What will the monetary return be on the sweat equity I have put into this project?

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
On another topic
I love visiting you and I return every comment, (Unless I have already commented on your present post)  So...If you do not hear back from me, it's because there is no way to contact you.  I'm not on Google +, but I did figure out how to find some blogs on Google +.  It seems  everyone sets up their front page  of Google + differently?  If you do not hear back from me, please email me...I can't get to you, I try everything I can, googling, FB etc......Chris M, Kathy G, and many more.

  


Happy Creating!
Carol


61 comments:

  1. Your drawers are just beautiful, Carol! I would hate to part with them if I were you! I especially love the raised details you added to one of the boxes, and the pretty paper linings. They will sell fast, for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love these little drawers!
    They are adorable.
    I love seeing how you come up with ways to make something so little and ordinary into something unique and CUTE!
    ok... now I know you visit me. But I can never reply via email to your comments you leave, because you are a no-reply commenter. I think I do have your email though...so we're good, right?

    ReplyDelete
  3. The drawers turned out beautiful. You did a great job.

    ReplyDelete
  4. How clever you are! My problem is I want to keep everything I create!

    ReplyDelete
  5. In LOVE! Enough said right, but I have to go on ... My favorite is the green ~ love the interior job too! You always go for that added finishing touch Carol ~ This has to go on my Dresser Drawers Reinvented board on Pinterest for my future inspiration! Thanks much! Judi

    ReplyDelete
  6. I often wonder how much labor you put into your beautiful transformations as it seems your prices are very affordable. Love these drawers. Creative Happy Hearts...

    ReplyDelete
  7. These are beautiful, Carol. Love how they turned out! - Revis

    ReplyDelete
  8. I can't believe they are the same drawers!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Isn't it aggravating when you have to find everyone all over again! I'm on Google+ and Linky Friends. If I can't reach someone that way, I'm having their blog come in my email. On to the drawers. I can't pick a favourite so I'm pinning and I'll copy them all!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love all three of them. They should fly out of the store. You did a great job on them. xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love every one of them and want one for my coffee table! Too bad we're 7 states apart! Mimi

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are wonderful Carol. I always love your addition of the raised stencil, no doubt they'll be finding new homes real soon. Love the colors.

    ReplyDelete
  13. All three turned out just great, Carol. Love the colors, the patterns and the finish.
    Hugs,
    Julia

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow what a cool idea to use old drawers, never thought of it but it looks nice!

    -Brittany Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  15. Какая замечательная переделка!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You do such great work on all your transformations! And things can live on and on and be treasured.

    Betty

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love all three of these drawers Carol and I don't doubt they will sell very quickly!
    Irene

    ReplyDelete
  18. You did a fantastic job on these, Carol! I love how they turned out. It's hard to believe they were so plain looking before and you really turned them into something pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Carol,

    I love how these turned out!

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow, Carol! Another amazing transformation! You never cease to delight me with your talent!! Love your studio, too! Mine new space never came into fruition because we've had family in the spare room off and on. It may be the new home of my MIL who was recently diagnosed with dementia. Oh well. It's so much fun to see everyone's great work areas. Mine serves it purpose...just need some more room!
    Hugs to you gal!
    Becky

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love these drawers! I pinned them as inspiration!!!

    hugs,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  22. Those drawers are so pretty--they look amazing compared what they looked like to start. I don't sell things--but have always thought I would want to make more than I think people are willing to pay. As it is I can hardly keep up with making all the things I want to keep :) I will never be rich :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Carol, I love them all! You are so creative! I love when I find sewing drawers...the possibilities are endless!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Carol, the drawer boxes are wonderful. I love how you designed them in different ways with liners and drawer pulls. They won't last long.
    Have a great weekend.
    Hugs, Celestina Marie

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nice colors and embellishments on the drawers!
    Always love seeing your makeovers!
    Warmly,
    deb

    ReplyDelete
  26. I hope you can get through to me because I haven't changed anything! Love the drawer with the bling!! I have a couple of sewing machine drawers...they are great!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Just fabulous! But then of course! It is from the Polka Dot closet. You are very talented!

    I too have been having trouble reaching people via Google + ...I do not have my blog set up on it (as far as I know) and have a hard time when I find someone else's blog hidden in there somewhere!

    Anyway, love the drawers! I might even pin them!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love your drawers! OOPS! I mean your sewing machine drawers. I am sure they will sell quickly and I know you will make more money this way. I am always amazed at your talent.
    I share your frustration with replies. I found when you change your profile to Google +, trying to simplify things, your email address not longer shows up with your comment in someone's inbox. I switched back to blogger profile but it seems they are trying to force everyone to join Google+. I am thinking about losing it and going to wordpress.
    I don't mind having my email address out there, if I leave a comment because I only use that email for things related to my blog.
    When it ceases to be fun, I'm out and that's getting close.
    Love to you and have a great weekend, Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  29. That green is my favorite shade of oops - nice job! I often wonder the same thing about the time I spend photographing and listing for Etsy.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Awesome job as usual, Carol. I just bought an old treadle sewing machine with the intention of taking it apart to sell it by piece. I must say I love how you painted and embellished your drawers! The added bonus I have is the treadle base that always sells because people use them for table bases.
    Also, thank you for always taking the time to comment on my blog (although, I'm pretty neglectful in writing new posts)>
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. LOVE, LOVE LOVE the drawers. They are just beautiful. I pinned them too.

    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  33. these look just fabulous, carol! you always do the greatest projects--tfs!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi Carol,
    I love finding sewing machine drawers and even it means buying the entire cabinet!
    Love what you did with them. They won't last long. And yes I often wonder the same thing...is the payoff worth all the work. No, but we love it anyway.

    hugs
    Sissie

    ReplyDelete
  35. Your talent blows me away every time I visit! These are beyond gorgeous!

    Abby

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thank you so much for sharing your tutorial. I love what you have done with everything. Dianntha

    ReplyDelete
  37. All three of your drawers turned out so lovely. Things that I would never attempt to do!! Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh but I want these drawers!!! Love the way they turned out. Bet they won't stay in the shop very long.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I never met a sewing machine drawer I didn't love either. Aren't they so much fun? The always look great when they are made over. Yours are wonderful, Carol.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Carol, I jumped in the car yesterday to go in search of a blender pen. (Love the transfers!) I have several sewing machine drawers and wooden boxes that would welcome the fantastic magic that you worked on yours. Can't wait to get started .... Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Carol, I do believe you can bring out the beauty in anything. Can't wait to see which magazine snaps up this post. Have a Blessed day, Trisha

    ReplyDelete
  42. These drawers look incredible. Each has its own special charm and I love them all. I'm sharing on my Once Upon a Firefly FB page.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Carol, I love old drawers and you did these up so darn cute! Love all of the little extras. I think they will sale quickly.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Carol. Your drawers are beautiful. I can not believe how talented you are. Everything you touch transforms into treasure.
    I hope you don't mind, but I have another link to your blog and to your fabric flower tutorial. You have been such an inspiration to me.
    Thanks for being such a sweetie pie.
    Your blogging sister,
    Connie :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Carol,

    I just love the raised detail on the white drawer, it really transforms it in a way I never would have thought. I am going to try this trick - I love the look!

    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh, my goodness! Those drawers are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Carol - these are JUST gorgeous!!!! Love them! Pinterest worthy for sure!

    -pamela ♥

    ReplyDelete
  48. These are fabulous, Carol, and thank you for showing us a different technique for every drawer.It's a pity about the cabinet, but sometimes things are just too far gone and you did get something pretty out of it.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I sort of fell off the planet earth right before you posted this so I'm just getting here. I LOVE these! I have some orphan drawers in the attic that I have wanted to make into something special. As soon as I can decide where I want to put them, I want to copycat you. (What's new. I generally leave here wanting to be a copycat.)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Great job Carol! I love painting those old drawers too..and I totally get what you mean about time spent/ price..sometimes I get too carried away "fixing" things!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Carol, I just signed up to get your blog in my email and talked about you on my Facebook page (have your ears been burning:) I'm so glad my friend Marjorie introduced me to your blog.
    Thanks for sharing your knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm and for being so inspiring!!
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/FrenchKissed-Postcards-Digital-Scans/218073078275479

    ReplyDelete
  52. Great Transformation at Upcycling those wonderful Vintage Drawers!

    Dawn... The Bohemian

    ReplyDelete
  53. Carol I am loving the white one with the applique on it!! What a great idea to do with furniture that is not useable as a whole unit.

    I have been on bear watch for the past few weeks. We had a fire a few weeks ago which has caused bears to come into town and they are trying to get to my honey. Am hoping to harvest the large hive which has about 60 lbs. this weekend. I hope he doesn't get in to the hive before I have time to harvest!

    bee blessed
    mary

    ReplyDelete
  54. The drawers look amazing! So creative of you to make them each so different.
    The one with the crystal knob is my favorite.
    Hugs,
    Patti

    ReplyDelete
  55. Love how they turned out! Funny you added the last paragraph - sometimes I can't get through to people on that google+

    ReplyDelete
  56. Those drawers are all so cute. I love each one and how unique they are.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Found your blog & just love it.
    It"s amazing and so very helpful.
    Thank you for all you do!
    From your new follower,
    Annette...

    ReplyDelete
  58. I found your blog through a link posted on Once Upon a Firefly...

    These drawers are just beautiful. I especially like the one you used vinyl spackle to apply a raised pattern.

    I am now a GFC follower.

    Judith

    ReplyDelete