Painting this little vanity was a real struggle for me.
You don't hear me say that very often.....but I really struggled.
You see.....my mother passed away about 10 years ago.....and this piece was hers. I inherited several gorgeous furniture pieces....the others I will never paint! But this little vanity was stashed away in the garage....after being moved from grandkid to grandkid....and just not being appreciated. That in itself was really bothering me. So after much consideration......I decided to paint it. But with that decision came a whole new level of struggle....painting a family heirloom. What I didn't expect....was the time I spent reflecting on her life as I worked on this piece. THAT....was NOT a struggle. THAT.....was comforting.....and enjoyable!!
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So let me walk you through my designs, colors and show you some of the fun details on my mom's whimsical painted vanity! I don't have a great before photo, but I did paint this project in one of my Whimsical Wonderland Furniture Painting Courses so here's a glimpse of what it looked like...
I chose my go-to soothing The Gulf from Dixie Belle.....and used it along with Fluff and Mermaid Tail to create an ombre effect on the top surface....that would act as a back drop for so much more to come!
After the ombre....I felt the urge to create even more organic and watery look. I usually let the drips run from back to front...but I chose to do the opposite this time....drips running front to back!
While the paint was wet I used my putty knife to drag the paint in different directions.
In thisquick, video I demonstrate the drippy technique.
I also used a new product by Redesign with Prima called Chalk Paint Paste. It is thick and creamy....and added great depth and dimension to the surface. I will certainly use this in my more organic finishes in the future!
I continued with my putty knife for the rest of the finish on the top surface. I just kept spreading more paint and accenting with metallic gold. Dripping and dragging....dripping and dragging! I actually caught a short portion of this technique on video...you can catch that here.
The drawer fronts are gold leafed....and washed in paint. I've done this very finish on an entire chest of drawers....my Rose Gold piece. Check it out! Or if you are interested in learning this metal leaf/paint wash finish for yourself....you can purchase my step-by-step rose gold tutorial here.
It's a gorgeous and very authentic Old World look! But can we talk about that rose???
The layers of paint and paint cream and drippy metallics just weren't enough for me. So I added elements with a stencil which is the gold scripts and designs you see below. I then applied a furniture transfer with roses and postal script in French......another Redesign with Prima product....and I am in LOVE! It was the perfect addition....and finally put my heart at ease! It felt finished!
If you are considering painting a piece of furniture in your home.....and you like Whimsy....(which you MUST or you wouldn’t be following me right???)....but you are scared....or hesitant....or just don't know where to start.....I am here for you! I can help you achieve the same look as my whimsical painted vanity.
All you have to do is submit your email below and I will be in touch soon!
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I think my mom would be proud.....and completely okay with me painting it. But still.......I promise to NEVER paint the antique china hutch, Mom!
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The products listed here are exactly what I used on this little whimsical painted vanity! Dixie Belle Paint company offers amazing products that will make all of your projects successful no matter what your skill level!
If you would like to paint your own furniture ....but lack confidence with where to start....I offer furniture design consultation! Contact me here and we can get you started on your next project!
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See you next week!
XOXO,
Tracey
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