As much as I love the look of this little cabinet, I cannot take the credit for upcycling it. I bought this (among other items) from a local lady who loves to repurpose and also create art from things other people might deem as “junk.” This piece started out as part of an antique sewing table that probably looked very similar to this one from the early 1900s:
But by the time I came into the picture, the woman had dismantled it and had already made a new tabletop for the iron base and sold it to a client. With the leftover pieces, she created this storage beauty and offered it to me. The detail on it is amazing and it reminds me of an old card catalog.
However there was some slight discoloration of the wood on the sides and the top, so I decided to paint it. Surprised? 😉
I chose a pale yellow because I was going to leave the drawers untouched and I didn’t want the paint color competing with the visible wood. It’s a solid, beautiful piece and truly one of a kind!
I finished it off with a couple coats of matte soft touch polyurethane over the paint.
I put it for sale in my booth space but it hurt to do so! Maybe if it doesn’t sell right away I’ll bring it back home for a while. 😉
Part of me really hopes it doesn’t sell – I love it!
Jen
Miss any of my recent posts? Catch up here:
Fabric Garland and Bunting Tutorial
The Good Life: Overcoming Fear to Reach Success
Lisa says
Beautiful Jen, I love it! My aunt used to have an old singer like that one, I remember playing with the pedal when I was little. I would love to have something like this in my sewing room!
Bev says
I really do like that, and would probably buy it from you if I came into your booth!
Last night I scored a bird cage like yours…looks identical except for a knob on top and mine is green!
Bev @ Give me a paintbrush
Jen says
Bev, I went back to check on my booth and it was already sold! I’ll have to keep a lookout for something else similar…. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
Jen says
Thanks, Lisa! I’m actually on the lookout to buy one of those tables to repurpose… my mom has one that used to be my grandmother’s so I wouldn’t feel quite right about painting that one (if she even let me)!
Kim says
What a smart idea! cute and functional is always great
Jodi Blackmon says
That is so cute! I think I would have a hard time getting rid of it, as well. Visiting from Project Inspired.
Cheers!
Jodi
Jen says
Thanks Jodi! It already sold… Boo. I’ll have to keep a lookout for something similar; I’ve been wanting a card catalog for years. Glad you stopped by!
Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} says
LOVE this! I’ll be sharing this on Facebook today!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That is definitely one of a kind! Love the detail. Pinned 🙂
Nancy
Nancy Davis says
I have just purchased some drawers and this is a fabulous idea. I would hate to paint them but….I might. I want a birdcage like you have also….drooling!
Jen says
Thanks Julie, that’s so sweet of you! 🙂
Jess says
What a great idea!! I love the details on the front of the doors – it turned out just beautiful!
Linda @ Mixed Kreations says
That is a gorgeous piece! Love the detail work on the sides. The color you picked is really nice it makes the beautiful color of the wooden drawers stand out. Nice work!! I had just refinished an old roll top desk that I pick up at a garage sale for $5 (-; now I’m hooked. Want to find more furniture to redo.
Found your link at Progect Inspired linky parties. Love for you to stop by Mixed Kreations. Have a wonderful day, and thank you for sharing!
Linda
Jen says
Thank you, Linda! Isn’t it awesome finding great deals on furniture to transform? It is definitely addicting! 🙂
Katie Adams says
Wow, that is absolutely gorgeous! I would love for you to share this on my weekly link party Blog Stalking Thursday. Thanks for the inspiration!
Jen says
Thank you Katie! I just stopped by and linked up. 🙂
Jamie says
Just gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing at Give Me The Goods Monday!
Jamie @ Better With Age
Lynaea says
I love this idea, and the beautiful outcome. Lynaea @ EveryDayBloom.com
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Oh how I have love those antique sewing machines, tables and drawers included. I love how you repurposed the drawers to really show off the intricate details of the wood. Great project Jen, pinned ~ Amy
Toodie says
That is really cool! I’d love to find something like that and call it mine!
Kimberly @ Colors Mixed Together says
Such a brilliant idea she had! I love the bullseye drawers.