Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Friday, December 5, 2014

Petite French Cupboard Makeover

Bonjour Mes Amis!
Today I wanted to share with you my latest drab to fab transformation, 
this pretty Frenchy cabinet.
It didn't start out this lovely though!
Au contraire!
 This is what she started out life as!
I found her a few weeks ago while out treasure hunting, and was immediately drawn to the great lines she had.  Made of solid wood, she is sturdy and substantial.  At just under 2 feet tall, she weighs in at 7 1/2 pounds! (yes, I really did weigh her!!)
 While the paint job was very well done, the colors were definitely not the look I was going for!
I could hardly wait to get this puppy home and begin the transformation process!
After removing the doors, and giving the entire piece a good cleaning,  I was ready to roll.
Let me tell you, it took many, many coats of the creamy white chalk paint that I used to cover up that awful rusty/burgundy color!
I immediately knew that I wanted to give the cabinet a French accent.  I had debate on weather to add stenciling to the doors, but decided to decoupage this gorgeous and ornate frame graphic that I found over at the Graphics Fairy.
(love!)
I added the French wording to the frames, giving it the look of a sign from a Parisian flower market.
As luck would have it, the frames fit perfectly in the insets on the doors!
As a fun little surprise, I decoupaged copies of vintage French book pages to the inside back of the cabinet.
I love that there is a little shelf inside to display treasures or mementos.

The cupboard also has two cute little drawers down below.  So I just had to add a bit more French flair by stenciling a sweet fleur de lis and swirl motif.
Love the cute little wooden ball feet that the cupboard stands on!

 I must say that this piece is one of my all time favorite makeovers!
 While I would love to keep her, I created the piece for my Etsy shop.
You can take a peek here if you want.
 My imaginary flower market is on rue Ecoles, the same street that our favorite little hotel in Paris is on!
But, here is a real flower shop in Paris, below!  It is right across the rue from our hotel!
 And a few more shots I snapped of some flower markets in Paris.
I am missing it there!

 She was a labor of love, but oh so much fun to create!
 I am really loving that ornate frame graphic, I can't wait to come up with more ideas using it.
 So there you have it, my petite wooden cupboard with a French accent!
Au revior!
Joining French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

8 comments:

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, WOW I love your gorgeous cabinet. You transformed her into a beauty. Love the color, the inside and the doors are wonderful. It's like the graphics were made for it. Great design on the little drawers below too. Enjoyed the pics from the flower garden markets in Paris. You have many memories to treasure from your trips there.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs

The Bear's Blog said...

Lovely. But, I expect nothing less from you. Oh, the pressure......giggle.

Happy Weekend & Hugs

Bente said...

Hi Donna. This is a WOW. You used magic. It is beautiful.

Have a great weekend
Hugs

Susie said...

Donna, I love your little cabinet. You did a fabulous job on it. Also the flower pictures from Paris , so nice. Blessings for a great weekend, xoxo, Susie

Debbie said...

Ooolala! I love it, Donna!
You did a wonderful job on this cupboard. This would be a difficult piece to part with.
I sure wish my Veronica looked as good as those pots growing in your photo at the Paris Market...lovely!
Debbie
xo

Linda @ A La Carte said...

So cute! I love the little feet on the cabinet!
hugs,
Linda

Trisha said...

This turned out great Donna! I love the images that you used. I would have a hard time selling things that turn out so well...way to sell it for others to enjoy!

~Trisha

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

WOW, what a terrific job on the cabinet - I love it!
Love all the Frenchiness - you sure make items so pretty.
Have a great week my friend. We finally got some much needed rain.
Hugs
Mary