Sunday 28 December 2014

Christmas Playtime!

I bought a little MDF chest of drawers about a year and more ago at Ally Pally, and have been meaning to do something with it ever since... with my tidy up I decided it was time, it will be ideal for my Prima bits and pieces to be stored in.
 I gave everything a layer of white gesso,  inside the drawers too

 I had a good rummage through my vast collection of patterned papers and chose a piece designed by Finnabair for 7 Dots Studio, from the Dreamer collection. It's been sitting there, being stroked for so long, but it was time to use it (it's ok, I have a spare!)  So, I gave the whole chest a coat of Fresco paint in Guacamole, so it would have an opaque base to sit on, and then added colours to match (roughly) the colours in the paper - Beach Hut, Limelight, Zesty Zing, Yellow Submarine and a mixture of Cherry Red and Blood Orange.

 the top and back got a coat of Beach Hut
 and I painted the drawers to match. I used my Deco Art media sprays inside - luckily I just have enough to match each drawer (had to use the yellow for both drawers)
 on the back, I used Finn's Prima bubbles stencil and Bora Bora, then stamped in the bigger circules with Paperartsy mini 61 in black archival ink.
 the drawers need more - so I took some archival inks in roughly similar shades to the paint, and Ellen Vargo stamps from EEV05 and 06 and stamped all round the drawers. I used Forget-me-Not, Fern Green, Dandelion, Orange Blossom and Vermillion.
 the top has a layer of Crackle Glaze, and Chalk Fresco on top.
I sanded the edges of the paper lightly to distress it  a little.
 love the drawers!
















and got some great cracking this time!  


This was a whole heap of fun to do. Now to decant some bits and pieces into the drawer - and find somewhere to stand it!



26 comments:

sam21ski said...

Oooh brilliant, love how bright and vibrant you've made it with the sprays and absolutely love your crackle on the top, it looks fabulous xxx

snazzyoriginal said...

Love this Helen, the colours are fab and the Dreamer collection is one of my all time favourites too!

Hazel Agnew said...

It looks amazing Helen. Love the papers, the patterns and the bright colours. No wonder it took a while! X

Claire said...

This is amazing! I love it, it looks beautiful! X

pearshapedcrafting said...

Fantastic Helen! Having a sort out looks like fun! The colours are brilliant and that crackle is perfect! Hugs, Chrisx

Sarah B said...

This was look wonderful in your craft room/space I love the bright cheery colours you've used xx

BJ said...

I adore it. Just hurt my knee so am sitting and scrapping at last!

Deborah Wainwright said...

Oh Helen what a fantastic job you did. They look bright and fun. Love the colours you chose. Love it xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

First I wanted to wish you a belated, yet happy Christmas. Although I'm still not well, I'm in better shape than I had been over Christmas.

I thoroughly enjoyed your masterboard post below, and always love it when you are one of the designers. I'm not sure why, but most Americans have not embraced this technique which I simply adore. I decided you don't really save time, but everything comes together at once, and that may be why I like it so much.

Your drawers turned out simply awesome. One thing about it is, you'll never lose this piece of totally colorful furniture that will help keep you organized in 2015.

Now I'm off to see your photos of London.

Words and Pictures said...

Fabulous - love how the drawers echo the colour gradations of the wonderful paper (a really great use, and well worth the journey from stroking to using!)... the finished transformation is brilliant.
Alison xx

Lin said...

wow helen this looks fantastic!! loving how the colours of the paper graduates down the drawers and you've matched the colours brilliantly!! can't wait to see all your goodies inside xx

Art By Wanda said...

Love it, Helen!!!!

Julia Dunnit said...

Bloody fab. Love the paper...not surprised you have paint to match. Love the result.

massofhair said...

Very colourful drawers Helen, fab make over:-) x

Etsuko said...

The chest of drawers is absolutely beautiful. Brilliant colours and great design. I love this! I wish you all the best in the coming new year.xxx

craftimamma said...

Wow Helen, these have turned out brilliantly. Love your colour matches to that lovely Finn paper (I have it too ;D) and the bubbles on the back are great. What a lovely project altogether and useful too!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

craftytrog said...

This looks amazing Helen! I have a couple of wooden drawer units that need a makeover, you've inspired me!
Alison x

PaperArtsy said...

Wow
It turned out great Helen! The paint choices work perfectly

france papillon said...

Great minds think alike :)))
Love how you recreated the radiant of the paper in paint on the box, great effect!

xx
france

Virginia said...

that's fabulous!

jojo79 said...

Fantastic Helen, love the way you have matched the paint to the paper.

Hettie said...

Loving this Helen. Who knows I may just get round to transforming my little cabinet now I have seen yours?
Happy New Year to you.
Hugs
xx

Kirsten said...

Wow, that looks amazing! Gorgeous colours & the textures are fab.

Craftyfield said...

I'm with you on the stroking factor of the 7 Dots Studio papers... Love how you used different colours and techniques for your drawers. Next finding a desk...

fairy thoughts said...

Oh er! Helen that's a bit of all right isn't it ..... Fabulous in fact it might even
Inspire me to decorate my plain wooden ikea chests .... In theory but I know I'm never going to find the time
Janet

Carmen said...

Flipping heck these are gorgeous Helen! Love the grungified summer colours. Brilliant project - such fun!