Hello, amazing friends and happy June!! I sure hope it starts to feel more like it soon lol. I am so excited about my brand new haul! This one has so many fun things and lots of variety! I’m starting with a drawer organizer makeover since it is one of my favorite finds!
I found this piece for $10 at the thrift store:
I’m calling it a drawer organizer because it can be used to organize so many things, but I think it is ideal for jewelry since the drawers are lined with felt.
Clean
The first thing I did to get this makeover going was remove the hardware and give it a good cleaning with White Lightning:
I knew I wanted to add a transfer to the front of the drawers. Transfers are such an easy way to update a piece.
I chose this brand new Middy transfer by Redesign called Bouquet for my Love:
I’ve sold several since I got them in last week, so I decided to play with it on this project.
Paint
White is such a nice, clean background for transfers so I started there painting the body of the organizer, inside and out, in three coats of Cotton:
I also painted the drawer fronts in Cotton as well.
Before adding the transfer, I lightly sanded all over to distress every so slightly and smooth everything out. If you prefer not to distress, these sanding sponges are great at smoothing the paint without taking a ton of paint back off.
Transfer time
When the drawers are in place, there is a slight gap between each one. I decided to put them together as I applied the transfer, so none of the design got cut away between each drawer.
Then, I burnished the transfer like normal across all the drawers:
I used a razor knife to cut between each one and around the openings in each one before removing the top clear layer.
Seal
To seal, I used Clear Coat in Satin which I applied using the blue sponge applicator:
I decided to keep the original drawer hardware but gave it an update with Gold Gilding Wax:
I added those back and this makeover was complete!
The After
Here is how this boring drawer organizer looks now!
I wasn’t sure about keeping the original hardware at first, but I thought it would be nice if you were able to label each one.
I printed out numbers in script on cardstock to fill them…
This font is actually called Christy, no connection to me lol.
The gilding wax made them like new!
I brought a small transfer bouquet up onto the top as well…
You could really have fun with this, adding stripes, stencils, or moulds to the sides, but I kept it simple.
The drawers
I did bring some color to the drawers though!
Remember the Mint Julep Tote I shared not too long ago? You can see it HERE if you missed it.
I had some of the paint I mixed up, 50% Mint Julep and 50% Fluff, for the little sign I added to the front of that tote left over, so I decided to use that for the sides of the drawers:
I used FrogTape to tape off the drawers first. That green felt on the bottom was in really good shape and the minty color helped to tie that in nicely.
I used a small brush to apply the Satin Clear Coat on the insides since that can reach the insides more easily than a sponge can…
The coordinating minty green paint is so pretty with this transfer!
And the green felt on the bottoms is in perfect condition, so I’m glad I could keep that!
I really had fun with this one!!
I hope you enjoyed it too!
I have over 140 transfers in my Etsy shop to choose from! You can select Transfers in the drop down menu to in my shop or scroll to pages 3-7 to see them all. Or, go straight to them HERE!
Want more inspiration for those thrifty boxes?
Here ya go!
That’s one done, many more to go!
I had a bunch of requests for what to work on next, but this bench was requested several times, so I will have this one for you on Tuesday!
Have an amazing weekend!!
UPDATE: See how updated this bench looks now HERE!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
WOO HOO! I love it when you get a new haul!! I know why this piece is your favorite! I LOVE how it turned out, so cute with the transfer on it! You always pick such a great color for the inside and I can’t beleive how well the green looks on the drawers. You knocked this one out of the park! I am leaving for vacation on Saturday to go visit my daughter, son in law and my grandson and granddog. We are flying to Savannah Georgia where they live to stay with them for a week! I am so excited! I am going to try to check out your post, but if I don’t get a chance I will catch up when I get home!!
Christy says
I am always so giddy with a new haul…SO many things to choose from, but this was one of my favorites! I’m so glad you like it, my friend! Enjoy your vacation and safe travels!! XOXO
Olivia says
The organizer piece turned out so nice. I think you made all the right choices. I really like the detail you added with the mint green paint. Everything goes together so well. I look forward to all the new things you will be remaking.
Christy says
Thank you, Olivia! It is always fun to see it all come together! XOXO
Janette says
Stunning I LOVE it.x
Christy says
Thanks so much, Janette! XOXO
Christine says
Definitely one of my favorites, Christy💙
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Christine! XOXO
Donna M says
Greetings Christy,
I am so enamored with your make-overs. I have several pieces that I thought I would do but alas, all I seem to do is live vicariously through all of your beautiful work. The desire is there but not the time. But at least, you continue to inspire me and hopefully one day I will finally take the step to transform a small beauty of my own. Thank you for posting all your inspiration.
With gratitude,
Donna M.
Christy says
I am so glad you enjoy what I share, Donna, thank you! That really means a lot! XOXO
Barbara Warner says
That’s turned into a stunning piece – anyone would be ready to purchase this and use it for multiple things. In it’s original condition, I would have passed right on by. Love the decal (transfer) and the mint green inside.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Barbara! It definitely wasn’t much to look at before lol! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Who wouldn’t want to use this organizer? Love the green on the sides and inside the drawers. Goes perfect with the pretty transfer on the front and top. Another great job as usual. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I hope you have a fantastic weekend as well! XOXO
Rebecca says
GORGEOUS as usual. Fabulous job. I’m always excited to see your new makeovers. They are so inspiring.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Rebecca! I really appreciate that! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oolala! I love it, Christy! Wowza! And I was going to be so impressed with your penmanship, lol. Whew, I’m so relieved to see that you printed it. 😂😂😂 But what a great makeover – if that doesn’t fly out of your booth, I’ll be surprised. Off to a fabulous start!
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! Ha ha thank goodness for pretty fonts, but isn’t it funny that the name of it is Christy?? Ha ha! One done, many to go! Have a great weekend, my friend! XOXO
Susan M Van Dyke says
I love it! I would have a hard time letting this one go because it is so unique and pretty!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Susan! You know I have it sitting here on my desk…I’m debating ha ha! XOXO
Cyndi says
Gorgeous! And good call keeping those drawer pulls. I love them!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cyndi! I did consider swapping them for small glass pulls, but I’m glad I didn’t too! XOXO
Nana Diana says
I love it! I actually think the little hardware pieces in the front ‘make’ the piece. Adorable. What a fun addition that will be to someone’s home. xo Diana
Christy says
Thanks so much, Diana! I have to agree…I’m so glad I kept them on there! Have a lovely weekend! XOXO
Diane McCormick says
Lovely as always, Christy! Thanks for keeping the original hardware, because you know what this would be great for? Greeting cards! Label each drawer to represent two months, and fill them with cards for family and friends celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. Make a spot for unplanned moments — sympathy, get well — and there’s no more excuses for forgetting! Thanks for all you do!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Diane! That is such a fantastic idea!! And yep, no more excuses ha ha! XOXO
Charlene Godby says
Christy, that jewelry box is absolutely gorgeous! Love, Love, Love it! You are too much of an inspiration to me, so says my husband! LOL
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my friend! Your husband is funny!! XOXO
Jackie C says
LOVE what you did with this! ❤️❤️
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jackie!! XOXO
Mary Smart says
Another great piece! I love how this turned out! I have been looking for something like this for awhile but every time I find one it’s $60 or higher. You were very lucky to find it for $10.
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! Wow…. that is pricey! This was a very lucky find for sure! XOXO
Claudine Dionne says
I was looking forward to seeing what you would do with this one and WOW! I’m not disappointed! This is SO adorable now. I just love it! This will not last long in your booth. 🙂
Christy says
Oh yay! I’m so glad you like the outcome, Claudine! Thank you! I wouldn’t mind if it took a bit to sell so I can look at it a bit longer ha ha! XOXO
Allita says
Christy I simply love all your makeovers and this one didn’t disappoint! Tuesday & Thursday are my favorite days now. Do you ever have trouble with drawers sliding smoothly after they’re painted? Something tells me you have a great solve for that 😊
Thanks, someone’s going to cherish this piece I know!
Christy says
I love that so much, Allita, thank you!! If the drawers are left stained, I will rub a little Big Mama’s Butta on them and they slide like a dream. It’s oil based so I don’t use it over light paint, but you can rub a tapered candle over painted areas that stick. Then buff it real well, and that should take care of it! XOXO
Vicki Bray says
Oh WOW! That turned out so great! Can’t wait to see what you do with the bench.
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! I’m interested to see what I do too…ha ha! XOXO
Glenda says
Christy, I love, love, love this piece. I loved it before your makeover, but now it’s “WOW” do I love it.
Is it going to your booth or has someone already made a great purchase? As always, keep up the “Great” projects and inspirations. Thank you so much!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Glenda!! This will be heading to my booth, but I have it on my desk right now, and I may not want to let it go ha ha! XOXO
Niki says
Again the white cuts the bulk and heavy feeling of the wood. I would maybe use this to store papers or crafting supplies. It’s really almost too pretty for that though. This transfers are beautiful and I have always liked those tag type hardware.
Christy says
Thanks, Niki! It really is almost too pretty for crafting supplies, but it would be great for that! I had considered swapping out the hardware, but I am so glad I kept them! Have a lovely weekend! XOXO
Fran says
Hi Christy, I think this may have been in a jewelry shop. Back in the day they could pull out a drawer to show special pieces to the customer. What was blah and sterile looking is now a real beauty! It intrigued me and I’m glad you did it first.
Christy says
Oh interesting! You might be right! I love when y’all help me figure things out. Thank you, Fran! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Way to start the haul, Christy!
Before: wonky looking drawers, different colors of wood, nothing appealing.
After: très magnifique 😍
Now I can see that even just painting it was an improvement. Adding the transfers and a little glitz took it up a notch. Perfect for jewelry, trinkets, office supplies or photos. Someone is going to love it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! This piece never knew it could be pretty! XOXO
Sue says
What a transformation, the before box was so sad and now it is happy as sunshine! I love it!
Christy says
Yes! Thank you, Sue! XOXO
Sheila Pack says
SO very pretty!! Beautifully appropriate choice of transfer, as well.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sheila! XOXO
SHANNON PFEIFFER says
Absolutely beautiful!!! I’m a sucker for pieces with lots of drawers 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Shannon! Yes…so many possible uses! XOXO
Mary Beth says
Oh, my goodness, Christy! This turned out so beautiful! I’m going to order some transfers soon. Thank you for the inspiration. Pinning!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary Beth!! I appreciate the pin, my friend! XOXO
Jane says
You truly are my inspiration! Love this little organizer.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Jane! XOXO
Jennifer Hamill says
Wow Christy
You really did such a super job with this one!
So much work and it turned out just beautifully.
Jen H
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jen! It was a fun one to do! XOXO
Liz Shivel says
Hi Christy, this is beautiful! I’d never have thought of this redo when looking at the original piece myself! But it’s so lovely! Great job as always!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Liz! I just had to have this piece when I saw it! XOXO
p says
That turned out wonderful !! I seem to have a fettish for small ish pieces with drawers. 🙂 I do kinda struggle with transfers…. But this piece and transfer are amazing. The green accents made it shine.
I would surely keep this one !!
You have an amazing talent with the ‘smalls’ for sure.
I always look forward to your posts.
Thanks !
Christy says
You are the sweetest, P, thank you! I love playing with these smaller pieces! Keep practicing with the transfers. You can cut them apart and add them in smaller pieces…they are really easy to match back up! XOXO
Honoré says
OMG, this is so good. So many different ways to use. I would totally use it to store my assorted stationary, papers and cards. I’m one of those old schoolers who still likes to write out letters and cards and send them off via snail-mail. 🤣 When you described how you did the transfer on the drawers, it raised a question for me that I hope you have time to address. I was wondering if you have ever done a continuous transfer on a chest of drawers that had raised panels on the individual drawers? I have a gifted “Frenchy” chest very similar to the one you did in your “ FRENCH PROVINCIAL CHEST UPDATE” post on 8/20/15. I also have a re-design French Ceramics transfer that I would love to use on it but I am so unsure on how best to do that. 🤨 Any advice? Oh, and thank you for all the inspiration. I am a long time subscriber but I do believe this is the first I’ve ever commented.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Honoré! That is an excellent use for this sweet piece, and I bet you really make your friends’ day when a thoughtful card arrives in the mail! I usually try to save transfers for pieces that have flat fronts, but the French Ceramic transfer is excellent one to use since it doesn’t have a definitive picture that you don’t want to distort. If I do have to go over an inset area on a drawer for example, I will cut the transfer so that I am not trying to take it down two “slopes” at the same time. So I will cut away what is coming down on the left side of the inset area or slope, and then fold the backing back and starting with the flat surface on the outside of the inset area, start burnishing. Then, I unfold the backing a little at a time as I burnish it down the slope into the inset area from the flat area. Once I have it added, I then will match up the piece that is coming down the slope from the left and add that the same way, a little at a time. You can always cover any boo boo areas with a small piece cut from any extra pieces and burnish it right over the top. It will blend perfectly. I hope that makes sense! XOXO
Charleen says
What a beautiful transformation!!!I love it. ❤️ I really liked everyone’s suggestions. The card organizer was around idea. Jewelry ,as you have styled it is gorgeous. Love the transfer choice. I am a fool for a good floral. Fab job. Have a blessed day.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Charleen! I love it for organizing cards too and I am right there with you…I’m a sucker for a good floral lol! XOXO
Gloria Wyssbrod says
My favorite
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Gloria! XOXO
Mary says
Oh my…now that is a box worthy of displaying beautiful jewelry! Stunning, gorgeous…I echo the words of those before me. You transformed it into a real jewel Christy! Well done once again!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Mary, thank you! It was really fun to do! XOXO
Michele M. says
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOOOOVVVVEEEEEE that, Christy! It’s sheer perfection.
Oh my goodness what a makeover! WOW! That’s gonna fly out of your booth! Very well done, ma’am.
Christy says
Yay! Thank you so much, Michele!! XOXO
Janice says
That really is very pretty. What a transformation!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! XOXO
Cheryl says
Love, love, love! Can’t wait to see the bench, I have one just like it! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I haven’t started it yet, but I do have an idea lol! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Wow, what a lovely, yummy piece to introduce the new haul!! Love the mint green on the inside of the drawers!!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I would love to paint something bigger in that color! XOXO
Josee says
You are a genius! It looks just lovely.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Josee! XOXO
Becky says
That is BEAUTIFUL! I love it! …But best of all, I know how I’m going to build the drawers in my sideboard now. Thanks for providing pictures and ideas that lead into yet more ideas!
Christy says
Oh yay! Glad I could help! Thank you, my friend! XOXO
I'll take the fifth says
You know, I believe I have a few pieces of that dark brown wood setting around. Who would have known it could be that beautiful?
Christy, (sorry for the next statement) but… I do believe you paint a pile of poo and make it beautiful!
HUGS! ;-)))
Christy says
Ha ha ha ha ha! That is so funny! Thank you SO much!! XOXO
Robin says
Adorable!
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! XOXO
Kim Everhart says
What an adorable little makeover!! I just love that transfer on top of the simple white paint! You indeed saw a diamond in the rough and made her come to life!
She’s beautiful!
Kim
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Kim, thank you!! XOXO
Catherine says
I love the drawers so much!! What a GREAT find! I also love the bench!
I have one that was in a neighbors barn in MD but it’s way too beat up so
I have it as a primitive on my back porch.
Can’t wait to see what you do with the sewing drawers!
Christy says
Thank you, Catherine! A back porch sounds like a great place for a rustic bench! I’m hoping to get to those drawers soon! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
This is so cute! Love the look! And it’s versatile, too.
Christy says
Thank you! I really enjoyed this one…and yes, so many possible uses! XOXO
Cindy says
I often just think out loud, Wow! But a written vote of confidence is always best. Truly a beautiful transformation that I was inspired by (as usual) A big thanks for your hard work and patient detailed instruction. Learn so much from it!
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Cindy, thank you! This was one fun piece to bring to life! XOXO