I almost called this post “what I found at the auction: the sequel.”
I found this filing cabinet at that same auction and bought it for $5.00.
Surprisingly no one else bid on it.
They were too busy focusing on the tractor equipment and power tools to pay attention the beautiful lines of this filing cabinet.
But not me.
I was so excited I almost bid against myself.
It has scratches and dents and the veneer was chipped in a few places.
And it was sitting on a block of unpainted plywood.
But it looked at me across that auction floor and called my name.
Here’s the before.
Hello beautiful.
I loved the simplicity of it and the fact that it was a dresser with super powers.
The bottom drawer pulls out and it’s a filing cabinet drawer.
The better to organize me with.
I started the transformation with vinyl arrows.
Vinyl is perfect for this kind of project. The vinyl adheres so closely to the surface that it provides the perfect outline when peeled away after you paint it.
The lines are so perfect and there’s no paint bleed on the wood.
After I applied the vinyl arrows and scored it with a library card. In the past I’ve used a credit card, but I’ve given them up for lent.
I made sure the arrow was adhered to the surface and then I painted the drawer fronts with Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint in Yesteryear.
I love the texture of this paint.
It goes on so smoothly and adds a little character to the furniture piece.
I painted a coat. Let it dry and then painted a second coat.
I let the paint dry completely before I peeled off the arrow.
Here’s the result.
Isn’t she so beautiful.
Then I painted the rest of the filing cabinet with Americana Chalky Finish Paint in Everlasting.
It needed two coats because I was going from dark to light.
Here you can see the texture of the paint on the piece.
It has movement and character.
Here she is straight off the auction floor.
Cleaned up and ready for her close-up.
Best $5.00 I ever spent. 🙂
PS I’m going to the auction again Friday night. Fingers crossed because I’m bringing a trailer….
…..and $25.00. 🙂
Be sure to visit the DecoArt Website for more chalk paint ideas and inspiration.
You can also find Chalky Finish Paint at your local Michael’s Craft Store.
Want to win $2000 in cash and $200 worth of retail product?
DecoArt is having an amazing contest right now.
You can enter your furniture project to the contest to win cash and prizes.
Click here so see all the details on how to enter.
disclosure: this post is sponsored on behalf of DecoArt. All opinions on auctions and filing cabinets are completely my own.
Please see my disclosure page for more information.
How did you know the cabinet was a she? :)
Because she is orgainzed ;)
Heavens to Betsy...she is a cutie! Repurpose. reuse, reclaim, recycle. I love it, especially the arrows!! Well done! [clapping] : )
I love how you always come up with the coolest ideas. It takes a lot of creativity to look at something and have that vision. I have to admit though, after admiring the arrows, I though "Where did she get the ampersand????"
Sandra, It came from Hobby Lobby! I spray painted it gold. It comes in galvanized metal! k
Where did you find the vinyl arrows?
I actually bought them at Hobby Lobby (for 40% off of course) as part of a kit! karianne
My first thought was, "Oh where did she find those arrows?? They are so cool."
They came from Hobby Lobby as part of a kit!
Aww, she's cute! I love DecoArt chalk paints and have been using them for a couple years. My favorite colors are Yesteryear, Primitive and Vintage, love them :)
Simply perfect! And those arrows.......Wow, pure charm. But I think you knew that already.
"I'm bringing a trailer and $25.00", you crack me up KerriAnne! Love the natural wood arrows and what a score. Good luck on Friday...work that 25 bucks.
I love those arrows! Thanks for the inspiration!
I love arrows! This is great!
I'm an auction gal too! The best bargains and sooooo many possibilities. You did a great job on the filing cabinet....good luck at your next auction! I'm going this weekend too! Fabian
wow karianne, you are such an amazing artist! totally gorgeous and unique(you AND the cabinet)!! and those chairs, oh my!!! i also have this eternal dilemma of "to paint , or not to paint" =) xo
Bravissima! Take a well deserved bow not only for your foresight but for your ingenuity because you knew what she wanted!! Her beauty shines through. I am looking forward to seeing what you bring home -- I can't wait.
Hey rock star, Could not resist sending you your "greeting" since the letter font you use for "Thistlewood" is the same as used by Sting - the musician! Confirm for yourself at www.sting.com. BTW-love the cabinet, will be on the lookout for one now....
Ok, I am so in LOOOOVE with how this turned out!! So Chic! Now to fine me something to paint like this.... ; D Found you at SHINE Blog Hop!
How in the world do you come up with these amazing ideas…love the new look!! Can't wait to see what you bring home in that trailer!! Happy Memorial Day weekend, KariAnn!!
I absolutely agree. She is a beauty. I need to find that auction.
You are a makeover rock star. Love this transformation. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Watch for your feature on Tuesday xo
Your file cabinet turned out fabulous. She was lucky that you saw her potential and made her shine. Thanks for the inspiration, Suzanne Pieced Pastimes
Congratulations! This post is going to be featured over at Diana Rambles tomorrow and has been pinned in the Featured at Diana Rambles board at Pinterest, Tweeted, and Recommended on G+. Please grab a featured button off my button page or via the post guidelines graphic. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea!
What a gorgeous transformation!... and for $5, unbelievable!