Saturday, January 7, 2012

Extreme Makeover: Turquoise Edition

You know it's bad when furniture is sitting OUTSIDE a thrift store.  These are the pieces that nobody wanted when they were INSIDE (or they were so heavy that the people that were carrying them, decided not to bother).  Most of the time these pieces have been sitting out there for quite some time.  Waiting, begging someone to bring them home.  They have persevered through all of the elements: rain, wind, snow (not really - winter seems to be rather warm this year), and maybe even the occasional earthquake.  That's how I found this beauty -


She was sitting outside a store in D.C.  I already had several large pieces that I needed to bring home to Charlotte, and I knew that I didn't have room for her.  But, she kept looking at me... She was begging me to load her into the back of the truck.  I may have even heard a slight whimper.  As you can see, she was in pretty bad shape.  Apparently, her New Year's Resolutions were to: 1) Stop tanning and take on a paler image; 2) Keep the weight off - we couldn't find the door anywhere; 3) Change her wardrobe and add more color.  She thought she needed a brow lift, Botox, and a tummy tuck.  But... what she truly needed were a few nails, some sandpaper, and TURQUOISE!


The makeover started when I ripped off her top and back - they were made of cardboard, and I promise it didn't hurt.  Then I sprayed them the most beautiful turquoise you've ever seen (the picture doesn't really do it justice).  I wood-filled the holes where it used to have a door.  I wonder whatever happened to the door.  Oh if it could see this beauty now... It would beg for a little Dumped and Discovered attention and hop right back on this piece!


After it dried, I painted it white and distressed the edges.  I finished it off with a little vacuum and window washing.  Now she is truly one of a kind -


Finally she is inside and loving life.  She feels 20 years younger, and "so fresh and so clean clean" (thanks, Outkast!).  We forgot to stage her at home because we were so excited to bring her to The Sleepy Poet.  Hopefully, she'll never have to sell herself on the corner again.

By the way - Thanks for voting "inserts" or "no inserts" last week in our dining room post.  Looks like the vote was 6 - 4.  Sorry, Lola!  Inserts win!  Mom will be happy!
Happy Junkin'!

Sarah







 

64 comments:

  1. I don't know if you are ever on long island but I have a buffet that you are welcome to, just like to you have discovered. The dog chewed a corner but after seeing what you just did you could fix anything. I
    Posted on craiglist for $25 obo but really doubt anyone on long island could pull off the restorations you have done so free. It's post on craiglist under buffet if interested

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    1. Hi Sarah, I hope this posts goes through. For some reason the comment box is NOT coming up. I could not reply to you via email because you do not have it set up for reply back via email. ANYHOW, this is really ironic, and I never knew this, BUT you and I live in the same area. I have shopped at your booth at sleep poet!!!!!! Couple things I want to mention to you, is you should start watermarking your photos. With dumped and discovered. You colander light got pinned like crazy today, which is great and it brings people back to my ORIGINAL post which shows it is your work. HOWEVER, people can take your photos off your page and you would never know, however, if your name is on them, they will show it is your work. Not everyone sources out things, unfortunately. I can't believe I never realized you were at sleepy poet and I have stopped at your booth often. I may have just bought something recently from you. I was just there a few weeks ago and bought the coolest burlap in old window frame...that was hit. Was that your's? That place is so huge I lose track. Email me when you can:) micmanno@aol.com

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  2. She looks wonderful, you've done a great job. Plus she doesn't have to hang her head in shame any longer!
    xx

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  3. Stunning!! I'd love it if you'd share at my Saturday Splendour Party :) www.megandmums.com

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  4. Such a gorgeous transformation!!!

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  5. She is a pretty little piece now. What a breathe of fresh air you are!

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  6. Sarah, this is your funniest post to date! I love it! Finally, all that radio listening in the 90's is paying off!! I LOVE this piece and remember well when we rescued her from her street life. She is stunning - she got quite the facelift! I think this is definitely the Pretty Woman of your booth now. And the people who walked by her and scoffed? "Big mistake. Big. Huge."

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  7. Beautiful!

    My favorite piece I've ever done came from outside the thrift shop. She didn't come quite so far up in the world as your Pretty Woman, though! :)

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  8. I can't believe no one wanted that. I would have picked it up in a heart beat. It is such a beautiful hutch and you made it look amazing.

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  9. That is so beautiful now! I'm so so glad I found your blog. I am gleaning so much inspiration from you! Did you link this up to my party???

    http://daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.com/2012/01/latest-and-greatest-13.html

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  10. oh good, you did! I just saw it. Thanks! I want to do something like this with a china cab in my garage.

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  11. LOVING your blog! (And the turquoise!) Just recently became a new follower! :)

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  12. Sarah, I just LOVe reading your blog! You do such amazing transformations..next time we're in your area, I'm definately gonna make a run to the Sleepy Poet and see your booth. If you and Jon are ever in the Atlanta area, please look Cleo and I up. Happy New Year:)

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    1. Thank you, Marcy! If we ever are down your way I promise we will look you up! Happy New Year!

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  13. Nice work - much better!!! Visiting from SofWW, new follower! - Lori

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  14. I have this same cabinet, but I found mine on Craigslist & it has a door in the top front. I painted mine black.....great job!!

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  15. What an amazing transformation!! I love it! Thanks for sharing this at my party!

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  16. wow! it looks fantastic..you did a great job!
    new follower..cheryl x

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  17. so lovely
    and that pop of bluest blue?

    spectacular

    thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!

    alison

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  18. I can't believe the things that some people don't want! You find some fabulous pieces - and this one is no exception! Great makeover!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  19. Lovely - A regular Henry Higgins, you are!:)
    -Revi

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  20. Oh my goodness, it's so GREAT! I'm so excited to have found your blog! I'd LOVE to have you link up on Wednesday to Overflowing with Creativity!!! Totally want to share your makeover with my readers!!!

    XO, Aimee

    ItsOverflowing.com

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  21. She's beautiful!! And I love your style of writing about her! She almost needs a name now. I wish I could paint like that, it is one of the things I want to learn to do really soon. Thanks for sharing.
    Your newest follower, Jules

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  22. Wow!What a masterpiece! The turqouise is stunning!

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  23. This looks AMAZING...I saw something similar one to and they painted it white with the interior hot pink and put shoes in it....I love this, what a great discovery!

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  24. WOW! This is so Beautiful! I love the turquoise.

    I hope you will share this at my party, Some Good Stuff: http://some-good-times.blogspot.com/2012/01/some-good-stuff-2.html

    Megan

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  25. I am dropping by from Creative bloggers' party & hop - I am glad I did!
    What a beautiful transformation of that hutch… You definitely gave her a new long life.

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  26. gorgeous! and that turquoise is beautiful and gives it the pop it needed!

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  27. Greetings from Davis Run! Just look at you two...you're making your mark on the world! Hope you can make it to the mountains for syrup season. I think our funky neighbors will be here...:)

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  28. Oh WOW! Stunning. I just absolutely love it! I would love if you linked this up at our Fab not Drab party http://www.ourdiydiaries.com/2012/01/fab-not-drab.html

    Great Job!

    Jen

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  29. Gorgeous! I'm always such a chicken when I paint furniture-it's either black or white. Next time, I'm painting it a color.

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  30. love your post and your before and after. she's lovely!
    kathi

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  31. So beautiful, and I love the inside turquoise , just make the whole cabinet Zing! I love how you personalized her. She was meant to be "beauty" once again, so thanks for bringing her groove back. Stunning! Thanks for sharing your inspiration at Sunday's Best! Now following you!

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  32. Amazing that no one wanted it! You gave it such a beautiful makeover!

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  33. Love it! this turned out great. I have noticed a trend in painting the inside of cabinets and bookcases, and I must say, your turned out fabulous.

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  34. Hello! Just a quick note to let you know that I am featuring your awesome hutch transformation at my Friday link party. It is up right now if you want to pop by and grab a featured button :) Hope that you link up again!

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  35. Wow! What an amazing transformation! If only I could be so lucky to stumble upon a "treasure" like that! I'm a new blogger and now a new follower! Hope you'll stop over and visit me!

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  36. What a glorious beauty she (with a little help from her friends) has revealed herself to be! Glad to have found your site. God bless x

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  37. Amazing! This was such a great find and a great transformation. I'd love it if you'd stop by my blog and link up this project. I host a Home and Family Friday linky party each Friday. I hope you'll come link up to the party!

    becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com

    Becca

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  38. Love that aqua background! Great transformation!! Thanks for linking up to the 1st Project of the Year Party!

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  39. What a great job! I'd love for you to link this to Things I've Done Thursday, going on now until noon Saturday EST. http://www.bearrabbitbear.com/2012/01/things-ive-done-thursday-19-progresso.html

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  40. Very pretty! It looks a lot like the cabinet I re-did here in Winston-Salem! (And BTW--I am at Sleepy Poet every couple of months, if you're talking about the one in Charlotte!)

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  41. I am so excited to have found your little blog that I had to become a follower. Stop by sometime. Love your work and creativity. I think you will be inspired by my work like I am of yours.

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  42. Over from Miss mustard seed! I am in awe. Love finding these pieces...These are the ones that make you want to find the original owner and say "big mistake" Hee hee..
    BEAUTIFUL job!~!!!
    Karin
    www.artisbeauty.net

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  43. Great project! Debbie suggested that you have a wonderful blog, and that you do. Drop by for a visit.

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  44. Gorgeous! The bold touch of teal really makes it sing!

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  45. Terrific find and great project! I appreciate you linking this lovely post to Potpourri Friday!

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  46. Wow, you did a great job with this! I'm loving it!

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  47. Hey there from Alberta, Canada.
    I need HELP..please:)
    we have an oak table and chairs..the ones with the pressed backs..anyways the color is that horrid honey oak color
    I would Love to restain or refinish these..but have No Idea where to start??? Or even if it can be done?? Any help would be appreciated.Thanks So much

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    1. Anne...from my experience it's best to just paint it black :). Staining takes a lot of time...I hope for the best!

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  48. P.S. a beautiful Job on the cabinet

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  49. There are so many beautiful things out there that people have thrown away that are just waiting to be re-discovered and loved!!

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  50. so so loving your turquoise--what a happy cheerful lift you've given the piece.

    visiting via MMS and would be thrilled if you stopped over to my kate spade/vintage necklace giveaway!

    http://www.hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/01/something-old-something-new-giveaway.html

    smiles.

    michele

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  51. Hi, Sara thank you for linking up to my linky party last week!! I featured your cabinet this week on my site! I wanted you to know I live in Waxhaw!! My husband is a beer brewer and we go to the beer supply store right next to the Sleeping Poet about once a month. I have never been inside though!! I think I need to now!! I will stop by and say hello if I do! I am your newest follower! Good Luck to you! Oh and my linky party is up and running and I would love it if you would link something up again!
    Kim@madeinaday
    http://madeinaday.com

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  52. Gorgeous! Thanks for linking to my party. I'm featuring your hutch today.

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  53. This is one beautiful peace of furniture!You did a good job on this piece. New follower by the way.
    http://newyearsresolutionexercise.blogspot.com/

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  54. Hey there lady, your fabulous cabinet has been featured today over at Meg and Mum's! Come grab a button :)

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  55. Fantastic job. I've been waiting to find a curbed or junked hutch - I have the perfect spot for it. You hit the jackpot!

    Tammy

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  56. So nice! Thanks for sharing and to the anonymous from Long Island. Not everyone there is as incapable as you seem to be. Move to Queens.

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