Cedar Chest + Artissimo

I'm all about saving the discarded.  Keeping something that has reached its limit of serving as a highly functional and decorative piece from going to the burn pile.  What do people think?  This cedar chest may not be the most gorgeous and definitely has some issues, but what better canvas is there to use my stash of milk paint on?

What I love about this type of paint, especially Miss Mustard Seed's line, is that it is so forgiving to the imperfections - making them look like they are just meant to be.  Although I did do some repair to the worst parts of the chest, the blemishes only make the piece look more authentic.

Overall, it was in pretty good condition.  The top boards have separated and there were hunks missing, but the top opened and closed nicely and the inside was clean.  I knew immediately that I could bring it back to life.

At first glance, not so bad!  I personally love cedar chests like this au natruale. We actually have one as a coffee table in our family room.  If this piece were pristine, and I didn't have to repair the top, I would not have painted it.  

It was missing a big chunk of the front corner and I repaired it using Bondo.  Love this stuff.

After it dried, I sanded it with the contour of the top.  I forgot to get a picture of that part.

I chose Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint in Artissimo.  Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, let me have a couple of sample packs when we were at the show last weekend, and this was the perfect piece to use it on.

See how I left the feet natural?  Love the contrast with the blue.  I distressed the paint back to show the wood underneath, giving it a more "lived with" look.

Here's one with the top open.

Really nice inside!

Now available in our booth at R&R Antiques in downtown Fredericksburg!

'til next time!