I spent part of last week figuring out how to paint a dresser with numbers.
It’s been on my to-do list ever since last fourth of July when I first painted it gray and distressed it and put it in the upstairs playroom.
It never really looked right.
It looked….well….it looked….gray.
Gray with red numbers is so much better.
I was almost done painting the dresser…..when the front door flew open.
Everyone was home from school.
One of the twins rounded the corner…..saw the dresser and stopped and stared inquisitively as she munched on an apple.
“Did you paint that?” she asked….tilting her head to the side to stare at the upside down numbers.
“Yes” I answered distractedly….tilting my head, too. “I painted it when you were all at school.”
She studied the dresser intently.
And then turned to me and smiled. “You don’t have much time left for stuff like this….school’s almost out. Good thing you got your party on.“
Seriously.
That’s how we roll around here.
Me and my dresser….getting our party on. 🙂
How To Paint a Dresser With Numbers
Supplies:
Paint
Paint brush with a slanted tip
Graphite paper
Printed numbers
Step 1: Decide layout and print out numbers
I used a variety of fonts and sizes.
The two fonts I used were: Baskerville Old Face and Bookman Old Style.
I printed them out in different sizes….ranging from 400 to 1000.
Step 2: Trace the numbers
I laid out the numbers….turning them sideways, upside down and right side up.
After I had them in place….I placed graphite paper underneath and traced the numbers.
I just wanted to get an idea of the size and shape of the numbers.
If they didn’t trace exactly, I could always fix it later when I painted the outline.
Step 3: Paint in the numbers
Using a slant tip brush, paint in the numbers.
I used a simple acrylic craft paint.
When you are finished, let the paint dry and seal with a coat of satin Polycrylic.
It’s going to be a hectic two weeks around here.
There are plenty of projects and an upstairs bedroom I’m trying to finish.
I’ve got a full schedule….so in case you need me…..you can find me in at Wal-Mart craft department.
I’ll be the one with the red lipstick and paint covered jeans and t-shirt…..
…..getting my party on. 🙂
PS Sharing my painted dresser over at Miss Mustard Seed’s!
Your girl is too funny. I think I am going to start using that phrase! The dresser looks great, now I have to find a dresser to experiment on. Have a great one!
Party on, Kari! Love the dresser -- the red numbers are the icing on the cake. :) Happy Monday/get your party on day! xo Heidi
My kids feel the same way about not having time for all this blogging stuff come summer time. :) They want my full, undivided attention. Looks like I'll have to get up early to get it all done before they wake up. :) The dresser looks amazing....I see a Pinterest explosion in your future.
...and don't forget your dangly earrings! Love the numbers! Mayb I need to jazz up a dresser too!
I'm loving the red/gray combo! They don't realize that sometimes school days can be hectic for us, too? Sometimes schedule-less days can be good ones!
I love your blog! Your life-sparkle makes me smile and leaves me with a sense of clam happiness. I've never replied or posted on any blog before but felt the need to let you know that you bring peace to someone who is living a life of utter chaos. Thank you!
Great look, Karianne! You've got more patience than me tracing those numbers and a steadier hand painting them in!
Well you just knew the days of that grey dresser were numbered!...It is just perfect in that room!...Love it Kari, great job as usual...and can't believe that school is almost over!
Looks great, Karianne. I see you printed solid numbers and just needed the outlines... I am on a quest to save bloggers printer ink by just printing the outlines. I'm not a spammer! I hope this helps you and your readers: How to Save Printer Ink
Love it - much better. Glad you got your party on.
So fun! I know, I'm counting the days down until they're both out of school - looks like more beach days than painting days ahead! x
"You better get your party on...school's almost out", sounds rather ominous, in a funny kind of way. Great idea for the dresser, and unexpected! So...what are you waiting for...it's almost finals week....get your party on! ;)
Oh my goodness!! That dresser is perfection!! I LOVE it!! I now have a mental image like something out of "Beauty & the Beast" of you with your paint brush and the dresser dancing all around while the kids are at school - party indeed! Ah, children... :-)
As usual, your project is divine! Looks fabulous! Leslie
I love that phrase, PARTY ON! Kids sure do keep you young don't they? Love the dresser!
Sharing on FB rockstar!! :) Nicely done.
Hi KariAnne, is there a chance that you might have a little online shop? With the children out of school soon and big house to run - it would be a lot. But your things are amazing. I need a Georgia burlap pillow and so many of the treasures you make. I thank you so much for your blog with detailed instructions. You are a blessing. Sandy
I wanna get "my party on" with you! Dresser looks marvelous! Nice work... Kelly
Love this...a lot! So glad that you got your party on with such a happy project!
Aren't the last couple weeks of school just crazy? I think I spend more time at the kids school then they do, then all of a sudden the whirlwind is over.... and..... my home space is invaded. Maybe some red lipstick would get me through it. Bliss
Don't forget the earrings! ;) I love this - "glad you got your party on!" LOLOL I have a feeling your kids will grow up to be mini-YOU! And that's just wonderful! What a great project! You're doing it again, you know . . . . giving me ideas and all . . . Have a great day - a good one to do crafty things, since it's COLD!
Love it.....the last couple of weeks are always hectic around her for us. This year is no different. My loving husband decided that we needed to move our youngest into our oldest who is at college room and then turn the guest room into my oldest and my youngest room into the guest /office/my husbands room when he can't sleep. did you get all that? I'm totally over whelmed and my house is a disaster zone. It's good to know I'm not the only one who has a lot to do before school lets out for summer. We have one room done and two to go plus I have the little projects that I want to get done that my loving husband has no clue about. Your number dresser just got added to my list.
Oh my goodness I love that dresser...I can't wait to experiment on an old crate I have. Keep the party going girl!
LOVE IT!! It's so beauteous!! Seriously every time you do something I'm like WHY didn't I think of that?!! You are just so talented!!! And I can relate to the red lipstick and paint covered jeans! Although I am more of a hot pink lipstick gal myself!! Can't wait to see this room you're working on!!
I love this!!! LOVE LOVE! I'm going to copy it, with different colors, and I'll let you know how it turns out! Thanks for the inspiration!!
As always, this is fabulous! Great job KariAnne!
So clever and it looks great! Love the "getting your party on" line! Enjoy your "before time" till school is out!
What an adorable dresser! Great for a kids room...hmmmmmmm XOXO
I love it Karianna! The red numbers and state pillow are fabulous :) xo, Tanya
*Karianne* Sorry, my 2 year old was "helping" me type :) xo, Tanya
Great dresser Kari!! Love it and the pops of red fantastic!! School is almost over, can't believe it. We have no kids but I remember wanting my mothers full attention when school got out. Funny, when people talk about their children on their blogs, it triggers memories of my childood. Good memories!
How bright & cheerful your dresser is with the numbers! What a fun way to party, your daughter sounds too cute. :)
Love it!! "Get your Party on, girl"! I'd just love the hear more of the conversations in your house!! Have a great week!!~~Angela
I love the dresser, but that pillow is perfect for my house! What are the deets on THAT? :)
I'm impressed. That's an impressive project. Lots of painting by hand. But I do love how it turned out! :) Linda
Fantabulous, KariAnne ... love it!! And, I'm super impressed you were able to keep your hands steady doing that! My attempt at painting red numbers on a gray bookcase would end up looking like a crime scene! LOL
KariAnne, Too cute what your little one said! Love the numbers on the dresser, really does add interest to it for sure. You were getting that "party on!"
Very cool, love it.
KariAnn, what a darling piece! You did an awesome job! Judy
I too have to go ahead and get my party on! My 3 only have 2 weeks of school left! And, I still want to paint the kitchen, give my room a makeover, find a new rug for the family room, make "book" crafts for a party I am hosting. . . I am going to be partying hard at this house! Life to the full! Melissa
You are very patient there girl..you have skillz! Looks beautiful.
You've got my number with this one! Kelly
This would be perfect for an upcoming cottage project I am doing... thanks for the inspiration!! It is wonderful!
Hey, Kari! Girl I have missed you! Seriously!! No you didn't go any where but I've been so busy that I have been neglecting blogs (mine in particular), friends (IRL & bloggy pals), and it feels like a million other things! Your girl is too funny! And yes you definitely "got your party on" with this dresser! Just love it! I'm prepping to paint today but am not sure the direction I want to go in. Well, I do but I'm not sure how its going to look in this room. Have a wonderful next few weeks as you get working on all those projects! And have a wonderful day!
Love it and love that you always find a way to make me smile! ~Diane
Haha I love that phrase. I'm totally going to use it from now on!
Your daughter is hilarious, clearly the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! I am so in love with this, so so cute and clever :)
I love your dresser! It turned out great! And, of course your daughter sounds like a hoot! Must take after you! Party On!
Ah....LOVE the red Karianne!!! This just looks fabulous! Thanks for the tute!
I adore it Karianne! I love the colors and would NEVER have thought to do those whimsical numbers! Such a nice touch and truly a unique piece! xo
Stunning!! Love the red. Soon I'll have your entire house pinned on my boards ... does that scare you? :) Love that pillow too ... the burlap on burlap is so fun!
You're amazing! I absolutely LOVE this!!! Anna askannamoseley.com
It's FABULOUS! and so are you! Summer's coming! Time to break out the sweet tea...and recruit some "helpers" for your projects! xo
Love the dresser but the little North Carolina pillow really caught my eye! I live in Winston-Salem and would love for you to tell me where I might get one! Love your blog - have marked it as a favorite! xo