Friday, August 14, 2015

Fenner Nature Center ROADSIDE RESCUE Hand painted FERN dresser


Re-Sharing one of my most popular posts today!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~WHEW!!!!!! That is the first thing I have to say about this baby!
The second thing I should tell you is the BACK STORY....
A couple weeks ago, my Niece contacted me about donating a piece of my furniture for an AUCTION
for Fenner Nature Center for whom she works.. I of course said...
"HECK YEAH"...:)
I said," I have some small pieces", but I told her that if she came upon a dumpster dive
or a ROADSIDE RESCUE that would be cool. Seeing as it was for a Nature Center, I thought it would be poignant that we saved something from the landfill. She said she would keep her eyes peeled.
Well, no more than a few days later, she sends me a picture of THIS!!

A SOLID mahogany 4 drawer dresser just sitting on the side of the road...WHAT THE HECK!!! Some girls have all the luck...:)
We got to scheduling a date when she could come stay for the weekend and we could knock out this project.

And knock it out we did!~ (here she is making me laugh at the fact that she had no sooner backed up her truck and I was attacking the dresser like a PIT CREW in a Race)
I don't like to waste time.....

We stripped off the old worn and broken brass pulls and filled the old holes.

Here is my Niece Katie getting ready to sand the top. (I don't mind telling you that I loved having an ASSISTANT to do this job!)

Here is the solid mahogany top stripped bare

and here it is stained with a nice mix of cherry and walnut stain.

Now for the fun part. We were really trying to keep our "footprint"
as small as possible on this project. I KNEW what paint I wanted to use.
Even better, the color I had pictured in my head was an exact match
to Ce Ce Caldwell's  MICHIGAN PINE....If you have not guessed yet,
we are from MICHIGAN...It doesn't get any better than picking an
Environmentally safe paint, for a rescue project, for an auction, for a Nature Center, IN MICHIGAN...
and its named MICHIGAN PINE.......are you hearing angels singing yet????? :) I was.

So here we were...only about 3 hours in and we are already painting the dresser.

This is how we left it for the night...It was waiting for its...."BEAUTI-FI-CATION"

When Katie and I had gone back and forth in emails talking about what we wanted this project to LOOK like...we had finally decided on a FERN...But we didn't want the regular Fern that
everyone thinks of..We wanted something STYLISH...
So I had researched some ferns and this is the one we decided on.(I am not a botanist and I KNEW artistic license would be used..so we have NO IDEA what type of Fern this really is..:)) We drew it on in the morning and got to painting!!

I can't tell you how much FUN I had working on this project. Having another artist to work with and being able to have your idea come to fruition on the canvas (in this case the dresser) was amazing.
Even though it took us 6 hours combined, just to paint on the Fern. :)
Here I am distressing everything that we had spent all our time painting...LOL!!

and HERE is our mess!!! LOL!!

But it was all worth the MESS for the finished product....

With her new crystal knobs,

and the fern gracefully flowing along her body, she is back to being a BEAUTIFUL
part of Nature.

Here is Me and my Gorgeous Niece Katie...all cleaned up trying to look as BEAUTIFUL as this dresser..

Which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Going from Ugly Duckling to BEAUTIFUL Swan!!
To find out more about the auction you can visit
Fenner Nature Center.
The  auction goes straight to Fenner Conservancy to help them meet their mission of connecting people to nature!
Thank you all, and thank you so much to my Niece Katie Woodhams, for allowing me to be a part of
this!! We both didn't know if we could let our baby go..but we know its for a great cause.
I hope you all have a BEAUTIFUL day!!
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84 comments:

Unknown said...

Karin... Seriously... This has to be my most favorite piece you've ever done! I love it! I love the color! I love the fern! I love the lines. I love... Okay, I'm overdoing it on the I love you's, but for real girl... GORGEOUS!!!!!!

Lucydesignsart.com said...

freakin gorgeous! reminds me of coral...great job!

Kammy's Korner said...

Wow, that is spectacular!!! Going to pin this for sure!!! So fun having someone to work with - I agree! Oh, and I'm a fellow Michigander too! Over by Jackson/Albion area.

Jessica Culp said...

Oh my goodness..my heart is bursting! Beautiful! (imagine really loud applause now!!)

Tami Michel said...

Karin, WOW! You knocked this one out quick! So pretty!

Shannon Fox said...

Am I the only one going; "Girl, you were painting in a dress!?" hehehe.

It's gorgeous Karin, I had no doubt it would be. It's a lovely piece (now) and an equally lovely sentiment! I hope it sells for millions of dollars $ :)

And what fun to work with your niece. I could see you were hating every minute of that ;)

Unknown said...

Karin, Wow! I can't pick a favorite piece...there are too many. This one would have to be in the top 10 though. Stunning!

Bliss said...

Sometimes one word isn't enough, and sometimes it's just right. Beautiful!

~Bliss~

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Beautiful makeover. Love the color choice and the way you extended the graphic to the top of the dresser.

Liz @ Quirky Vistas said...

How unfair that your family is hogging so much talent! I want some. Oh to be able to freehand even a fern. What a beauty. Really a labor of love. I would be dying to have to give that up after all that fun working together on it and coming up with such a keeper. You are sweet souls.
Liz

Miranda @ Pressing On said...

Wow, you did an amazing job. I love the Michigan Pine color. It's really just beautiful.

T. Emrich said...

Wonderful work. I've nominated you for the "One lovely blog award" Cheers from a girl across the river in Ontario. :)

Kathryn J Cain said...

First when I saw you go after it in a dress and looking ready for a fun dinner out...and here you are working on a save...first what do people think tossing out this beauty...and what you did shows two things...your talent, and love!That is what this piece means..and think a beautiful tree turned into a beautiful piece for a beautiful reason nature...

Atta Girl Amy said...

This is absolutely gorgeous. Love that color and the fern. Oh, my.

Atta Girl Amy
www.attagirlsays.com

Crafted Niche said...

Absolutely Gorgeous! Hopping over from A2Z. Love it!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful piece you created!I love it!

Unknown said...

Karin ~ this is the best transformation to date!!! I LOVE it!! Even though I had a good idea of how you were going to do this, it turned out even better than you described. To get this much FAB out of a roadside rescue for a fundraiser ~ priceless!!

Catherine said...

WOW! This is just beautiful! I'm a new follower ;)

The Paupers Castle said...

Stunning! Love that you saved it! Question...Do you always paint in a dress? Just wondering as usually I am sitting in paint covered knit pants and a raggy old t-shirt.

Rebecca said...

That turned out gorgeous! What luck to find something like that on the side of the road, it was meant to be! :)

Cassie Bustamante said...

WOW! this is amazing!!! you have outdone yourself, and that's hard to do!

lesliekershaw said...

beautiful!

Molly said...

I love how the fern folds across the top of the dresser. The dresser is all around gorgeous, you did a fantastic job!!

Jeanette said...

I love the colors you chose and the lines of this dresser are amazing! Roadside Rescue at it's finest!

Full Circle Creations said...

What a gorgeous piece! I love it. Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party!

Holly

Liz said...

Gorgeous! I love the color!

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

I love the leafy artwork on your glorious green dresser--it's just beautiful.

foreverdecorating said...

Great post and great job girls...it's such a tribute to your cause and love.

RedeFIND said...

Absolutely love this! Great idea, and great job for a great cause!

Crystelle Boutique said...

It's so pretty!
I haven't seen many people paint in a dress.....
and stay CLEAN!!!!
The fern really makes it...
You girls are awesome....
:-)

Crystelle
http://www.crystelleboutique.com/

Between Blue and Yellow said...

This is absolutely beautiful! The color and the choice of artwork is perfect. Would you mind if I shared this on my B&A Friday feature?

Talitha said...

This is absolutely beautiful!

Nici @ Posed Perfection said...

Gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe how pretty this dresser is. You do wonderful work. I am your newest follower. I hope you'll stop by Posed Perfection for a visit soon and maybe even a follow back. Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Nici

Nici @ Posed Perfection said...

Gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe how pretty this dresser is. You do wonderful work. I am your newest follower. I hope you'll stop by Posed Perfection for a visit soon and maybe even a follow back. Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Nici

The Long Awaited Home said...

Wow, just Wow! You girls look gorgeous in your work clothes. That dresser looks almost as good as you! Seriously though, I LOVE this dresser. I'm no artist, but I may try to attempt something like this - only much simpler.

Gloria

Katie Drane said...

I'm so glad that I'm following you. This is stunning! I can't believe it was sitting on the side of the road! Thanks for sharing on DIY Dreamer:)

Katie
www.funhomethings.com

daisypetals said...

Totally beautiful! That was an amazing roadside find! Life to the full, Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

Transformations By Jacqueline said...

Beautiful job, the Fern looks gorgeous, and the color is great, very neat job! Beautiful cause also! Congratulations

Unknown said...

Thank you for adding my favorite piece to my link party. I pinned this awesome dresser too! Love it.

Gina Kleinworth said...

That really came out quite lovely! I would so love that in my home. You have inspired me to get a bit crafty & change things up around here.

Christine said...

You look HOT!!! Gosh I wish I looked that good when I'm working on stuff!!

LOVE it!!!

Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

Carrie said...

I saw this linked up on another blog... I should have KNOWN it was yours! It's a stunner! Well done, and I especially love the thought you put into making it as 'green' (figuratively and literally) as possible. Come link it up to our Summer's Best Refresh Your Nest if you get a chance!

www.makinglemonadeblog.com

Susanna said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Took my breath away! And such a sweet post.

Courtney said...

what a gorgeous piece and all for such a good cause!! good on you!!
Do you usually wear such nice clothes when you're working?!! you should see my painting outfits...I'm nowhere near your standard ;-)

Unknown said...

Love this piece-wanted you to know I'm featuring it on my Saturday favs-Have a lovely weekend-Claire

Pamma said...

Absolutely gorgeous!
Pam

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

Oh my... that is gorgeous! I'm about to work on a dresser and I might have to take some inspiration from this project. I'm featuring your dresser in the PoPP Spotlight. Thanks for linking up.

House Crazy in Michigan! said...

What a scrumptous piece! Good karma too to donate it. I am not far from you, in Pullman,MI/Allegan County.

I'm telling all the nearby painters that O Little Bit of Schizzle is offering painting classes. She is offering 101 on Thursday evenings BUT I am petitioning for a more advanced class at her home in GR later on this fall. STAY TUNED!

Small House / Big Sky Donna
http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com

Kathy Owen, Petticoat Junktion said...

what a gorgeous piece!

Irene said...

I'm so pleased to see a young person interested in preserve wood, and keeping it out of landfills. So many of the young people I know shop at Ikea, and want nothing to do with a vintage piece. Which is BEAUTIFUL.

Kathy said...

This is BEYOND marvelous....one of my favorite all time makeovers...BRAVO!!!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous!!! I love these kinds of projects!! AND you got to make some memories!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Wow, this piece is just beautiful! You girls made a great team!

LeroyLime said...

Just BEAUTIFUL!! Love the color!! :)

Jeannie-JB said...

I can't believe you girls found this beautiful dresser on the side of the road. You did such a wonderful job on it - I'm so lovin' it {especially the color - makes me want to visit Michigan}, you wouldn't believe it. Here's to your wonderful talent - Hope you made a bundle for your charity.

Kate in Austin said...

Absolutely stunning! I wish I could be at the auction. I would definitely bid! TX to Michigan is a little too far though.

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Congratulations... that is a seriously gorgoeus make-over. Love the colour and the painted fern.

Thanks for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday.

Shari @ turnstylevogue.com said...

This is probably my favorite of yours as well. It is simply stunning. STUNNING!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

This is really a fabulous Wow. It will be one of the features at Wow tonight.

Danielle said...

This is gorgeous. I love it.

Unknown said...

Karin,
This is great! Thanks for linking it up to my party, Twirl & Take a Bow. It was featured this week! Go check it out at www.houseontheway.com and grab a "House Featured" Button!
Thanks for sharing!
Leslie

Jenny said...

This is AWESOME! I can't believe this was sitting by the curb - I live in the wrong place! You did a fantastic job, and I love the fern detail. Gorgeous.

Revi said...

Awesome from start to finish - and I love the way you wrapped the fern onto the top of the piece! Lovely, lovely job, and I love how "appropriate" everything is! Very cool.
First time visitor and new follower,
-Revi

Jana@Transformations From the Heart said...

Wowza, I loved reading about this dresser and seeing how BEAUTIFUL it turned out. Lovely job by the both of you and what a wonderful cause that it will be auctioned for.

Unknown said...

Luv how this turned out!

Peace-n-Luv!
Debbie

Jane said...

Oh how I wish I was in Michigan and could bid on this beautiful piece!! Just gorgeous!

Beth @A Little Country House said...

One of my favorite dressers ever! I may have to try this!

Jennifer said...

LOve this so much it will be featured tomorrow! Thanks for linking up to PTT!
Jen

Unknown said...

The curves - the color - the artwork,
perfection!
Absolutely beautiful makeover!

Jane said...

Pinning! This is SO beautiful!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Karin, you are being featured today at Shabbilicious Friday ~ http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/shabbilicious-friday-link-party.html

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

thanks this

Jaime Lyn said...

oh my goshhhhh I am drooling. Really. Drooling. I LOVE how you PERFECTED this piece. It is beautiful! And how fun that you got to work on it with your niece!!! :o) I just love the final product!!!! Thank you for the inspiration!!!
Jaime from crafty scrappy happy
AND thank you for linking up at Happy Hour!!!

Craftberry Bush said...

so talented...xo

Ginger said...

I just wanted to let you know this is my favoritist piece ever! Love how the top stayed natural brown, love the color of the rest, the fern ....all of it.

So please tell me you dont always paint in a dress with jewelry!LOL. You are so stinkin cute!

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

wow! y'all did a fabulous job! love the color and the fern, and that stained top.
pinning it!
gail

DIYbyDesign said...

GORGEOUS! I will be featuring this tonight at my Fall into Fall party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I've Been Featured button. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

ABSOLUTLY beautiful! I love how your fern goes over the top, very creative!

Linda Leyble said...

Hi - saw your pic on Facebook, so I had to stop by to tell you that it came out GREAT! It should fetch some nice $ for their organization.

Love the color...love the fern(very nice touch!)

Linda from...
The Colorful Bee

Beth@Makemeprettyagain.com said...

I loved this so much, I actually completed one very similar to it! I gave you a mention, with a link to your blog!! Love to have you visit to see what you think.
Thanks again so much for the inspiration!

Beth Makemeprettyagain.blogspot

Unknown said...

Just dropping in from Nellie Bellie's Linky party to see this piece:) Just Gorgeous! Yes, I can see why it is a best for 2012

Now following via GFC and LInky (already liked your Facebook page:)

Janel from NellieBellie said...

this is fabulous! I loved it then, love it now...and am drooling. (wiped a bit off, I can talk now)

substitutionqueen said...

very nice work! how did you handle the corner columns?