Months ago I picked up a neighbor’s cast away dresser and decided to give it a new life!
Originally it was a dark walnut stain:
We then tested out our paint compressor (totally love it!) and got this:
I wasn’t in love with the ornate design on the doors of the dresser so I had to come up with a different solution. Of course my immediate thought was a skirted table, but paying for a seamstress wasn’t in the cards so I came up with an alternative.
Enter some bargain fabric (only $5 a yard) and stitch witchery vinyl and a piece of mdf!
I decided my skirted table needed to have some faux side pleats so that I could easily open and close the drawers. Now measurements vary depending on the size of your piece, but I cut to cut the following pieces:
-2 side pieces (Make sure you add an extra 6″ to the width so you can make a faux pleat)
-2 front pieces
-1 skinny piece for the faux pleat in the middle
Once you have the pieces cut use your stitch witchery to iron on a nice hem on all of the pieces. Once that is done start my taking some measurements to find the middle and staple your skinny piece here:
Once that’s done it’s time to work on the sides. For the side pieces you will have a bit of extra material. The extra material will give you a nice crisp corner and provide a faux pleat for you. Pretend you are wrapping a large gift and use the same technique on your fabric:
Once both sides are done it’s time to do the front panels. Just center each front panel in between the corner pleat and the middle pleat:
Almost done:
Now I didn’t want the top piece to stay exposed and I didn’t want fabric on the top, because I was afraid it would get dirty and since I would be stapling it on I wouldn’t be able to remove it and wash it.
Here is where the wood and vinyl come into play. I measured the top piece of the dresser and went to Lowes where I had them cut a piece of mdf to size. They were really sweet and cut it to my exact measurements which was great. No need to run home and take out the power tools in the drive way. Once we bought it home I wrapped it up in some durable orange vinyl and simply placed it on top. Due to it’s weight there is no need to nail it on top or use liquid nails to it.
Voila!
So happy with the results and what fun to get back to my DIY posts. I took a little break from them. Lots of craziness going on around here so I haven’t had a lot of extra time, but I now have a lengthy list of finished projects that I’m going to showcase! Woo hoo!
This is a great tutorial and it turned out perfect. I can’t wait to see what you fill up those clip boards with!
Love the blue color of this…I am about to paint my bathroom cabinets and am looking for a great color…
The blue was from an oops paint gallon at home depot. I don’t know the name, but I can find the can and get the numbers on it if you like.
would love the number if it isn’t too much trouble…thanks!
SOO great. you made it look so easy. i love the fun colors, and i am also excited to see those clipboards fill with awesomeness.
Everything turned out so well. I am a huge fan of new sewing. The color on the dresser looks amazing as well.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
What a great project!
I love your DIY posts and I am so happy to get to read a new one!
love!
awesome job! love that blue! I have GOT to do this for one of my pieces here.
Love the stripes and the clipboards. Also loving the DIY aspect of it all, fun, simple project!
Seriously, a fantastic idea and tutorial. I think even I could handle that!
Gorgeous C! But I have to tell you, I was digging the blue as well.
Looks great! I’m always SO impressed by your craftiness! xo
Awesome! I’ve been missing your DIY posts. You are always so incredibly inventive. I love the skirted look, while the blue was pretty, I prefer the skirted. And I’m in love with the striped fabric. Another amazing job.
1. the fact that you have an air compressor makes me insanely jealous- I would kill to be able to have a paint gun AND a nail gun! 2. I’m packin up a Uhaul full of projects and coming to “camp Camila and Jon” like NOW!
A million thank yous! I have always wanted to do this, but didn’t know how to begin.
-Rene
Awesome project! Now, do tell what is this adorable little section for? The clipboards! So fun!
This is so creative! I love the way it turned out. The clip boards are so simple and awesome, too!
I just discovered your lovely blog. I’m just new into blogging & have just finished off my own blog on fashion & interior design.
scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com
I had a lot of fun putting it together. I would love your feedback on it if you’ve got a spare minute.
x
Melissah
Loving the Clipboards on the wall!
What a great idea! I cannot sew, so this has been particularly helpful.
I thought it was fun before, but what a perfect solution for a new look! I’m really loving the striped wall and all those clipboards too.
the clipboards (i’m guessing to keep clients organized?) hung above the cute cabinet are so great! can’t wait to see more. xo
You make it look so easy! I am inspired by this awesome makeover
Love it!!!!! so so cute. I wish I had room for something like that.
Dear HGTV, You need to hire this talented lady! (wow)
xx,
Sue
Great DIY project. I love the way the piece turned out.
If you want to do something decorative with the clipboards, try a little wallpaper. Check out an inspiring image at http://www.idealhomemagazine.co.uk/inspiredecor/gallery/v/Wallpaper+ideas/1Clipboards.gif.html
Can’t wait to see what you’re working on next.
*hand claps*** Simple Fabulolousness I love it.
i soooooo loved the fact that you RECreated the whole dresser!
Umm wonder if the neighbor wanted it back after that.
Sooo loved that blue but the outcome looks great as well.
Luvz it!
I love this tutorial! I also thought the clipboards above the table would be a great idea for a classroom bulletin board. I incorporated this tutorial into my latest post on my teaching blog: http://motivatingmindsstocking.blogspot.com/
Stop by and check it out!
I love it! I’m taking a new path this year and teaching fashion and design. The clipboards would be a great thing to have, but what did you hang them from? Thanks!
Hoq did you hang the clipboards? I want to do something like this outside my classroom for each student.
Hi Amy,
The clipboards have a whole in them so I just used a long nail. I picked them up in staples and they are staples brand. Hope that helps!
-C