Hey there beautiful friends!
Today I’m sharing what I did with this three-drawer chest I picked up for $5.25 at the thrift store:
A simple wooden box like this has so much potential! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Paint
I started by giving it a good cleaning, then I gave it three coats of Dixie Belle’s Cotton…
The Drawers
The insides of the drawers were kind of gross before:
I pulled the peachy color from the transfer and painted the insides and the sides of the drawers in Dixie Belle’s Apricot:
It took just two coats. Then I painted the fronts in Cotton.
Adding a transfer
When the paint was completely dry, I added this pretty transfer, starting with the bottom drawer:
I cut the top of the transfer apart from the bottom and kept the backing on the top part attached while I burnished the design onto the bottom drawer using the included tool.
Then I was able to line it up with the top drawers, so I could see where to cut it to fit each of those drawers and still have the design line up properly.
I then added the top half of the transfer to the top.
Sealing the finish
I sealed with Dixie Belle’s Satin Clear Coat using their blue sponge applicator, but I did have some help from my angled paint brush to apply the sealer to the insides of the drawers. It was easier to get in those inside corners of those small drawers with the brush than it would have been with a sponge.
The result
This forgotten piece is a real stunner now!
It’s amazing what a pretty transfer can do!
This transfer is the Floral Home from Prima Marketing and I found it on Amazon. It comes with four small designs.
I love the pop of Apricot on the drawers to match the transfer!
The pulls were the finishing touch! The original wooden knobs weren’t doing this little chest any favors, so I switched them up with two that I took off of this secretary, and two that I found in my stash. They got freshened up with some Rustoleum Champagne Mist:
This little box still has a lot of life left in it!
That’s two projects done from this pile, many more to go!
I’ll be back next with the Bombay table:
I hope to see you back here too!
UPDATE: No need to come back! See how I updated this Bombay table HERE now! 🙂
XOXO,
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ColleenB.-Tx. says
That is absolutely adorable
Christy says
Thank you, Colleen! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh my gosh, I can not believe how BEAUTIFUL that turned out!!! You are a creative genius!!! I have a small chest like that that I have been waiting to figure out what to do with, now I know why I was waiting. It is absolutely stunning now! I know my project this week end. Thanks once again for doing what you do so I can be inspired to create works of art like you!!!
Christy says
Oh yay!! Thank you, Mary!! I’m so glad I was able to give you an idea for yours!! Have fun! XOXO
MESHELL MILLER says
Hello your items are beautiful! My question is how much do you decide to resell them for? Do you have a standard formula for markup? Just curious about your method.
Christy says
Thanks, Meshell! I don’t have a formula for pricing unfortunately. When I started, if something flew out of my booth, I knew it was priced too low and that was a lesson learned for the next similar item. If a piece has sat too long, I know it is priced too high. I have a pretty hefty booth fee to cover so I might price my pieces a bit higher than some, but I will probably price this box at around $38. Hope that helps! XOXO
Susan says
I would buy that it a minute for $38US! Absolutely gorgeous.
Can you share where you purchase the transfers you use?
Love your creative works 🥰
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! I purchased this one on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/37DKm5e It comes with four small designs! XOXO
Susan says
Wow…what doesn’t Amazon sell? Thanks so much.
Christy says
I know right? I always look there first since Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping! 🙂
Maryellen Webber says
This box is so pretty! Great job, love the apricot color on the interior of the drawers.
Christy says
Thank you, Maryellen! I was looking to try that pretty color on something! XOXO
Lorraine Castellon-Rowe says
Beautiful! Love the peach on the drawers. They look great with the transfer!! I’ve been wanting to try the transfers. Thank you for the inspiration!!
Christy says
Thank you, Lorraine! I was wanting to try this color on something and this was the perfect opportunity! The transfers are really easy to apply! XOXO
Christina in SW FL says
Wow, Christy so much good news in this post! 🙂 I love that your MIL bought the secretary. It’s a beauty! Love what you did with this little box!! So feminine, soft and the way you waterfall-ed the design from the top down the drawers is gorgeous! 🙂 The apricot color is so warm.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Christy says
I love that my MIL bought the secretary too! Thank you, Christina! Enjoy the rest of your week also! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Now this is just as sweet and pretty as can be. Love the peach color inside. The transfer makes it even more beautiful. You never cut corners and that’s what makes your projects so special.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! I was happy to try out that pretty color too! XOXO
Tracy says
Christy, that is stunning! It would be so pretty in a home office or reading corner. Love the transfer.
Christy says
Thank you, Tracy! I never thought about using it on a desk to store supplies…that’s a great idea! XOXO
Claudine says
Gorgeous! I love the way the transfer really made this little box into something special. 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Claudine! Those transfers are awesome! XOXO
Denise Cox says
This piece is absolutely lovely!!! I want it… 😉!! And the apricot is a perfect compliment !!! What an amazing transformation to such a small piece. This won’t last long in your shop… 👍.
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! I love the apricot too! XOXO
Ann Hardy says
This is one of my favorite of your projects! I love how the stencil wraps on the edges of the drawers and the top. Lovely job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ann! XOXO
Becky says
How very pretty! Lovely coordination between the transfer and all the colors!
Christy says
Thank you, Becky! This was a fun one! XOXO
sharon austin says
Oh my gosh, this has got to be one of my favorite of your makeovers. I love it!!! It’s adorable!!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like this one, Sharon! Thank you! XOXO
Carly says
As usual it is absolutely beautiful! I wish I had your imagination. I always see the good bone of a piece, but never can decide how to redo a piece. Absolutely fabulous.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Carly! I usually have an idea when I start, but it always evolves as I go! XOXO
Becky Fischer says
I am always impressed by what you do with your thrift store finds. You have a great eye for detail. This is my favorite project that I have seen since following you. Thank you so much for all that you share. I appreciate the time you take to make your blog beautiful & wonderful.
Christy says
You are so sweet, Becky! Thank you so much! XOXO
Stacey says
Fabulous makeover!! That plain little box is absolutely beautiful now!!
You are such an inspiration!! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Stacey!! It still has many more years of use! XOXO
Virginia Burch says
Just beautiful as always!
Your so talented and creative.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Virginia! XOXO
Mel says
Your work with furniture creates such eye candy! Love it.
Christy says
Aww I love that! Thank you, Mel! XOXO
LORRI RAUSCHER says
This little box is absolutely beautiful. Just wondering ..how much would charge for that little box in your booth? When I retire ..here in Canada ..I would love to refinish furniture.. alot of my furniture I have is painted over…which I love.
Christy says
Thank you, Lorri! My booth rent is a bit steep, so I might price my pieces a bit higher than some, but this would probably go for around $38 USD. Painting is so enjoyable and what a great way to spend your days in retirement! XOXO
Candy says
Beautiful!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Candy! XOXO
Kathy says
WOW! That is like a Cinderella make-over for that little box. She is so cute now!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kathy! XOXO
Kathy says
Love it! I look forward to each of your projects, each so different but all so fabulous.
Christy says
I’m so happy you enjoy what I share around here, Kathy! Thank you! XOXO
Elise (a fan in San Diego) says
Christy! This one is a home run !! It looks so feminine and that apricot puts it another category. I love how you staged with the roses. You continue to amaze!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Elise from San Diego!! I was looking to try that pretty Apricot on something! XOXO
Kimmylouwho says
I always enjoy your makeovers so much! You have such an eye for items that can be redone so beautifully! Can’t wait to see what happens to the rest of your stash!
Christy says
Yay I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you! XOXO
Lisa says
I’m always looking forward to Tuesday and Thursday! You are so creative, you can take anything and turn it beautiful!
Christy says
Aww you are so sweet, Lisa! Thank you!! XOXO
Rhonda says
OMG!!! I absolutely LOVE this transformation Christy! You have such a vision!! I really enjoy your posts and look forward to them every week. Thanks for sharing all the details with us. I’m sitting here resting with the flu, ☹️ and this just brightened my day! I wish I lived near your booth. I’d be in there every week! Lol! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rhonda! I’m glad I could bring a little light to your day! I wish you lived closer too lol! Rest up and I hope you are on the mend soon! XOXO
Cate says
OH! That’s just LOVELY! Good job!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Cate! XOXO
april says
Do you wait a week after painting to apply your transfers? I bought some from the same company and it says to wait a week after painting to apply transfers. I’m just wondering if that is really necessary?
Christy says
Hi April! No I don’t usually wait more than a day, and I have even transferred the same day before without issues. XO
Linda C Johnston says
I love everything you do, quite honestly. However, this little chest is perfection personified! I have never seen anything (that I remember!) where I have fallen so in love. This is just so stinkin’ special!
Christy says
Oh I’m so glad you like it, Linda! Thank you! Those transfers are magic makers!! XOXO
Wendy says
Love the colors! It is adorable:)
Christy says
Thank you, Wendy! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Wow, just wow! Loving all the details about this gorgeous chest — the apricot drawers and new knobs are my favorite parts. There are lots of uses for this little storage piece. You knocked this one out of the park!!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Debbie! I’m so glad I finally got a chance to try this pretty color!! XOXO
Sue says
Christy, you nailed it again. Love, love this small chest and how you turned “ a plain Jane,” into a stunning beauty!! The apricot color on the drawers adds that crowning touch. I think you get more than $50.00 for this jewel. Do you ever sell some of your smaller items online? Thanks for giving us all inspiration!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue!! This little box was a great blank canvas. I am willing to sell anything that fits in a flat rate USPS box! XOXO
Karel Stockley says
I have followed you for a long time now and this is the best one yet!
Keep up the good work.
Christy says
Thank you, Karel! XOXO
Lizzy says
So sweet and pretty.
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Robyn Wright says
Well, you did not disappoint. Absolutely STUNNING!!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Robyn! Thank you!! XOXO
Shirley says
Christy, you and I share a love for white. I am thrilled to have found your blog and have been inspired by many of your techniques…….like stripes. My son-in-law gave me a beautiful chest of drawers that had belonged to his mother and my daughter and I painted it white and put a silver stripe on each drawer front and a lovely white embossed wallpaper on east side panel. We have had many compliments on our handiwork and I want to share them with you. Please continue inspiring us.
Christy says
I am thrilled you found me too, Shirley!! Sounds like you and your daughter make a great team! Keep on creating! XOXO
Mary Loveland says
Wow, that apricot is just gorgeous and matches the transfer to a “T”! Well done…
I think it is so cute your mom in law went to your store to buy that piece, how cute is that! Keep it up girl!
Christy says
Thanks, Mary!! I’m so happy I had a chance to try out that pretty color! My Mom-in-law is so cute! XOXO
JANET S says
Oh my goodness! You never cease to amaze me! You take a ho-hum item and turn it into a princess! It’s absolutely gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janet!! XOXO
Lyn Edington says
This is one of my favorites! So elegant. I think $38 is too low and I am in Arkansas. Do you ever put velvet in the drawer bottoms? I could see this on a dresser with boxes of rings and broaches. Now I am itching to try a transfer! Well done!
Christy says
Thank you, Lyn! I don’t usually do velvet in the drawers, but I do like to line them with fabric just to protect them. However, I didn’t have anything on hand that coordinated. I agree this would be lovely holding all of those special jewelry pieces! I hope you get a chance to try a transfer…they are pretty easy to use! XOXO
Julie Timmerman says
Hi Christy,
Thanks so much for sharing your projects with all of us! You never disapoint us😊. I swear you have so many talents and a nurse
All in one petite lady!! I always look forward to your posts! ❤️ I’m still not sure how you get it all done. Great job on the box! Wish me luck
On my first transfer😊
Christy says
It is always a pleasure to share, Julie! Thank you! Transfers are so magical…sending you lots of luck with yours! XOXO
Marie says
Oh my goodness, Christy, what a gorgeous upcycle! I love the transfer and didn’t realize they carried one this size. Your magic touch on the drawers is so pretty too. How sweet that your MIL bought the secretary desk 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, my dear friend! This transfer was one of a set of four. This is the prettiest one in my opinion, but yes, the size was perfect for this little chest! And my MIL is so cute…she loves her new mail organizer lol! XOXO
Petra says
So pretty – you always go the extra mile to make your pieces very special 😀 xo
Christy says
Aww thanks, my friend! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
There just are no words, Christy. Every little detail on this one! Maybe you could invite your mother in law over to preview it, along with any other pieces she might want first dibs on 😁
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! She was here this weekend and I took her through my stash in the garage lol, but it is hard for some to see the potential sometimes in their before state. XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! Well you know i love it. I always look forward to your makeovers because are a huge inspiration to me. Thank you! Do you sell alof of trays in your booth? I don’t have very much success and they are awesome trays. Maybe i’m asking too much. Ugh. You just never know.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cheryl! Trays are usually good sellers for me, but I do stick to whites and neutrals. Are yours white or neutral? They appeal to more buyers. XOXO
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
I love this absolutely feminine piece!
Christy says
I’m so glad, Rose! Thank you! Those transfers make magic happen for these forlorn pieces! XOXO
Barbara Ann Sandoval says
Love this & the champagne mist spray paint is one of my favorites! It’s my go to gold when I don’t want a brassy gold or dark gold. I call it my Happy Gold!!
Christy says
Thank you, Barbara! It is a happy gold lol…I love it too!! XOXO