Hello, beautiful friends, and welcome to Furniture Fixer Upper day! My friends and I get together the fourth Thursday of each month to share furniture makeovers, and today, I’ve got the cutest vintage sewing notions table makeover to share with you!
This was one of several yard sale items I scored on my first (and only so far) yard sale day this season:
It was buried at the back of the owner’s garage. I asked her if it was for sale and she said that it was for $25. I offered her $20 and she accepted!
It was still full of random notions…
Even some old googly eyes:
They were a whole 37¢ at Roses according to the sticker on the back.
Clean
Pretty much all projects start with a good cleaning, and when I say this was buried at the back of the garage, it shows!
EWW! I don’t know why I keep sharing pictures of dirty water. It’s just my way of saying CLEAN YOUR PIECES first!
I use White Lightning for that, mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water right into my bucket there. It’s a degreaser and a deglosser so gloves are recommended. These pads are perfect for wiping everything down and come two to a pack. Then, you can just toss them in the wash.
Don’t forget to swap out your water for clean water and give everything another wipe down to remove any residue.
Paint
Once it was good and dry, it was time for paint! I chose one of the few darker colors that I love, Antebellum Blue:
I gave the base two coats and the rest one coat in preparation for some blending.
Adding a blended finish
I don’t do a ton of blending because it is time consuming and takes a lot of patience to get it just right in my opinion.
However, it can really give your project a beautiful result with lots of dimension.
I started on one of the sides by misting it with water using my continuous mist spray bottle:
Next, I painted just around the outside of the side portion like a frame:
Then, I added some Drop Cloth the center using my Best Dang Brush, which is excellent for blending colors together…
I then started swirling the brush in a circular motion all around the center…
Continue to mist it with water if it starts to dry in areas.
I frequently blotted my Best Dang Brush onto a cloth as I went…
Then, I went in straight lines around the whole frame, and then straight back and forth across the center also.
You many need to add more of the first color as I did here:
And then just continue to swap out brushes, working the colors to soften the blend.
That’s about as much detail I can share on creating a blended finish in photos, but there are lots of videos available out there on this technique as well.
Sand
Once all the blending was complete and the paint was dry, I used a sanding sponge to smooth it all out. These sanding sponges are perfect for this when you don’t want much in the way of distressing:
Adding a transfer
I knew I wanted to dress this sewing notions table up with a transfer and I knew just the one!
The Blue Wildflowers transfer was my inspiration for the paint color. It was between Haint Blue and Antebellum:
The Chalk Mineral Paint Fan Deck comes in real handy when choosing colors!
Of course, Antebellum won!
I used the enclosed tool to burnish the transfer to the surface:
For the drawers, I cut it in two with a utility knife to make it easier to apply:
There is a slight halo around the outer edge that can be seen more easily on darker pieces, gently rubbing a cloth or a finishing pad across the transfer will help to diminish that:
Sealing will help it to disappear as well.
Seal
I sealed all over with Clear Coat in Satin using the blue sponge applicator and this makeover was almost complete!
Gilding wax
It just needed one more thing! I wanted to use the original hardware, but I thought they would be much prettier in gold, so I used the Gold Gilding Wax to bring them to life:
You just rub it on with a soft cloth or your finger and let it dry. Then you can go back later and buff to a sheen if you like.
I also added it to the edges of the table…
Gilding Wax is oil based, so you would add that last.
Vintage sewing Notions Table: The after
Here is how this cute piece turned out!
I did a little blending on the drawers as well.
It’s a long way from where it started!
I love the gold with this blue!
The inside
Here is what the inside looked like before…
That spool holder got the Gilding Wax treatment also…
Jack suggested that this could hold jewelry also if you had a lot of rings or bracelets.
And of course I had to give the drawer some love too!
I’m glad I kept the original knobs and made them work…
I really enjoyed giving this piece a fresh start!
I’d love to know what you think!
Don’t forget to check out what my Furniture Fixer Upper girls are sharing this round too!
That is another piece done yay!
See what I’ve completed from this group so far below:
Wooden Horse Redo TAKE TWO!
White Painted Drop Leaf Table
Unfinished Wooden Horse Makeover
Updated Candlesticks
Voodoo Stain and Stencil Bench Makeover
Drawer Organizer Makeover
And in SHOP NEWS…the Cottage Collection featuring SIX BRAND NEW chalk mineral paint colors is now in stock and ready to ship in my Etsy shop!
I can’t wait to play with some of these!
I have family coming in town this weekend, so I will be resharing this gem:
UPDATE: See what I did with it HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Denise says
I have to say you have done so many items, but this makeover is definitely in my top 5!!! I love the color and the gilding wax you selected. The transfers you chose are perfect and I can’t say enough about the placement of them on the surface and inside too! You have definitely outdone yourself and the person who purchases that piece is going to love it for years and maybe even generations to come. As always, thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills. Take good care and enjoy your family’s visit. Denise
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Denise! I really appreciate that, and it is always a pleasure to share! XOXO
Lorrie Stephens says
I agree with all the comments.
My favorite piece of furniture you’ve done!
Simply marvelous work!
💕 Thank you for sharing and being an excellent teacher!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Lorrie!! Thank you!! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh my gosh, it is so beautiful now!!! I love the color with the transfers. They go perfectly together. Inside the drawer is is beautiful also! You are amazing!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my sweet friend! You are pretty amazing yourself! XOXO
Paula says
Stunning! What a great job! Thank you for sharing.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Paula! XOXO
Leanne says
OMW I love this – it turned out so beautifully. And I love that it was full of old treasures inside when you got it as well…
Christy says
Thank you, Leanne! I always love looking through those treasures! XOXO
Laura says
Good morning! This sewing motion cabinet just may be one of my favorites. Thank you for the inspiration.
Christy says
Good morning, Laura! Thank you so much! XOXO
Sandra r mills says
Can you blend opposite.. paint the body white and blend a darker color over it…
If so…do you have an example?
Christy says
Hi Sandra! I have not tried that, but I don’t see why you couldn’t. XO
Cecilia says
Oh wow, that is beautiful. I love the gold accents against the blue. I really like this one. So pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I love this color combination also! XOXO
Kathleen Schrauder says
I look forward to your emails. The work you do is amazing. You give me so many ideas that I have set up a folder on my computer to save your creative ideas. Thanks for the inspiration.
Christy says
Oh wow that makes my heart so happy, Kathleen, thank you!! XOXO
Joan says
That gold around the edge really made a difference. The table looks beautiful, I love the color. Great job !
Christy says
Thank you, Joan! I love the gold with it too! XOXO
Lora Dalton says
That’s the most beautiful sewing cabinet I’ve ever seen!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Lora! XOXO
Wendy says
Absolutely stunning. You are so talented! It would be fun to see a post for each piece you sell at your booth and what the final price was. With the before photo with price and after photo with sold price. Love following you! Well done again!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Wendy! That is a great idea!! XOXO
Susan M Van Dyke says
Beautiful! Love the colors!
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! XOXO
Rebecca says
GORGEOUS! Awesome job!
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! XOXO
Carolyn Homan says
I love everything you paint! This one is going to sell quickly! The blue is sooooo beautiful! I had never heard of blending until you blended this one. I’m in Ohio or I would purchase this table from you. I have a few smalls I’m going to try to paint. I will be hitting up your Etsy shop soon for the essentials!! Thanks for sharing your makeover!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Carolyn! Blending definitely adds a dimension! Have fun creating! XOXO
Janice Holt says
This turned out just beautiful. Love the gold and the transfer matched so well. Beautiful color also. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Janice! I love when all the elements come together! Happy weekend to you too, my friend! XOXO
Chris Klipowicz says
That came out beautiful! You have such an eye and vision to recreate your pieces. Well done!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Chris!! XOXO
Vicki Fitzgerald says
The little sewing table is really gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki! XOXO
Nancy Sharp says
What a gorgeous little table! I have a little table that is similar. It belonged to my maternal grandmother. It also has the revolving area for spools of thread. I love the color you used, but it wouldn’t match my decor. I’m going to study the paint chart.😍
Christy says
Thanks so much, Nancy! What a great piece for you to enjoy. I’m sure you’ll make it gorgeous! XOXO
Judy says
Wow! I absolutely love the antique sewing table. Beautiful job!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Judy! XOXO
Denise Vagi says
Christy it turned out beautiful. Thank You for all your help. When I text you your response was very quick and I can’t wait to start my mid century project with your new paint in Cottage Door
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! You are so welcome! Happy creating! XOXO
Sharon says
This is BEAUTIFUL!!
I love it so much!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! XOXO
Pam Emma says
Christy, The sewing cabinet came out amazing. I have not tried blending but I do want to give it a try now. Love the color, transfers and gold accents. It is so girly and a little bling goes a long way.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Pam! Blending takes patience, but that is the good thing about paint, you can keep going over it as much as you need to get it right lol…trust me, I know ha ha! XOXO
Deb says
If it hasn’t already sold I am pretty sure this will not be in your booth very long. Blue is my color as I have a bed in cobalt and another in pure ocean.
This turned out so pretty and could be used for lots of things. The hardware transformation was the icing on the cake!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Deb! I bet your bedrooms are so beautiful!! XOXO
Maia says
That turned out really pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Maia! XOXO
LORRI says
Oh Christy, you made this Sewing Box a beauty. I love the swirling technique , the blue paint you used makes the transfers pop! You have magic in those hands!!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Lorri, thank you!! XOXO
Candy says
Wow gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Candy! XOXO
Sue says
This is a gem, a such a great find. I love the dark color and blending treatment!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sue! It was a great find for sure! XOXO
Niki says
Cute little table Christy. I really like the rich color of the antebellum! I think it is very regal but also farmhouse (maybe because it reminds me of emu eggs). The blending is pretty and the transfers match so well.
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! I love Antebellum too…it’s always a treat to paint with! XOXO
Cathy says
I HAVE ONE OF THESE!!! Thank you for sharing, I have been wondering how to update it. I am excited to get started on it now!!!
Christy says
Oh awesome!! I’m so glad I could give you some inspiration for yours! Have fun! XOXO
Susan says
Christy, this piece is absolutely stunning. You never cease to amaze me!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Susan! XOXO
Regina says
This turned out beautifully!! So glad to see something other than white, too. I know a lot of people like the white and “chippy” white but personally I prefer some color and this is gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Regina! XOXO
Danelle says
Absolutely beautiful! I’m don’t usually go for gold but I really like this combination.
Christy says
Thank you, Danelle! I don’t use gold too often, but I really love it with this blue too! XOXO
MrsSW says
Hi Christy,
I keep coming back to look at this – love the color/transfer combination. What is the color on the bottom part of the drawer, it looks darker.
I think you have shown me a transfer I really want to use.
Thanks,
Sheila
Christy says
Thank you, Sheila! I just used Antebellum and Drop Cloth on this one, so the darker color is Antebellum. XOXO
MrsSW says
WOW! It sure looks a lot darker.
Tks
Sheila
Liz Shivel says
Hi Christy, this is lovely! It’s amazing what a change in color from the old ti the beautiful new can do! It makes it look like a totally new piece with a new life!!
Christy says
Thank you, Liz! It sure does look like a whole new piece! XOXO
Vicki Bray says
I was so looking forward to this post! I have a cabinet similar to this one. I love what you did and now have a lot of ideas to think about.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Christy says
Oh yay! I’m glad I could give you an idea for yours! Thanks, Vicki! XOXO
Cyndi says
OMG! That is stunning!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cyndi! XOXO
Fran says
The hits keep coming! This took my breath away. Your blending method is so helpful. I have a hope chest that is painted light blue which I got the Cosmic Roses transfer. It has been sitting for several days and now I want to do some blending on it! I will send you a pic when it’s done. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my favorite days of the week!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Fran! I LOVE the Cosmic Roses transfer…can’t wait to see how your chest turns out! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
This makeover is AMAZING Christy! It looks absolutely stunning and I love the gilding wax and blending details. And thanks for sharing the goodies in the drawer. The .37-cent googly eyes put a smile on my face. Pinned! XOXO
Christy says
Thanks so much, my friend! It’s fun to get all detailed on these smaller pieces. And yes, the googly eyes were a fun find although they were a bit jaundiced ha ha! XOXO
Char says
A lovely refresh. My mom had this same style of sewing chest. She repainted hers in avocado green 60 years ago. The color has always looked fresh.
Christy says
Thank you, Char! That green is hot today, so it is right up to date! XOXO
Laura F says
Gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you, Laura! XOXO
Gloria Wyssbrod says
Beautiful 😍 I love the color Antebellum Blue it was the perfect color for that piece.
I don’t think white would have done it justice.
Christy says
Thank you, Gloria! I agree! XOXO
Lani says
I love how that sewing table turned out! It’s beautiful! I’m a quilter and would love this.
Christy says
Thank you, Lani! This would be awesome for your supplies! XOXO
Ellen Shook says
What an artful job you have done on this! I just love it. I wish you were close by — I would buy it in a heartbeat!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that, Ellen, thank you! I wish you were closer! XOXO
Loretta says
I realize this was a lot of work with the blending! I have to say though, you knocked it out of the park. One of my absolute favorites!! Just beautiful ❤️
Also, since this is my first time commenting… I’m always delighted to see your new project in me in box. Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Loretta! It was so worth the effort for sure! I appreciate you taking a minute to comment, and thank you for following along with me! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
This is absolutely beautiful! I love everything you did to it. I never would have thought to do the spools in gold. So pretty!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Debra! I looked at all those small dowel pieces and knew I didn’t want to paint them all, so gilding wax to the rescue lol! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
That is just amazing, Christy. I love sewing tables, and I would never guess one could look this good! It certainly came a long way from where it started. I don’t have the patience for blending but it adds so much depth. The blue is divine with the the transfer and the sheen looks like you spent hours buffing (I’ll never tell 😉). Not sure how you’re going to part with this one, someone is going to be lucky to find it.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marcie! I’m sure it is very happy to be out of the corner of that garage ha ha! And yes, the blending is work for sure! Have a great weekend, my friend! XOXO
Cyndel says
I, too, was knocked out by this one. The world needs more pretty and I’m glad you keep serving it up.
Have you ever done anything in Collard Greens? There’s something about the color that attracts and repels me at the same time. It reminds me of the dark, drabbed greens in Renaissance paintings and feels very old-world European. I’d love to see the color on a piece of furniture.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cyndel! I have never used Collard Greens, but I have to admit that I am also intrigued by it lol! I don’t think it would fit my market here on the coast, but you never know! XOXO
DAWN NIXON says
Oh my gosh it is soooooo beautiful!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Dawn! XOXO
Janice B. says
That is beautiful! I would love to have it, too bad I live on the west coast of Canada and can’t pop by and buy it.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Janice! I sure wish you were closer! XOXO
Susan says
I’m so excited to see this makeover! I inherited the same table from my mom, and wasn’t sure what to do with it, so it’s been in storage for a long time, too! Looking forward to bringing mine back to life!
Christy says
Oh perfect! I’m so glad I could offer an idea for yours! Thank you and enjoy redoing yours! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW!!! Holy cow what a nice job! I love love love the colors and blending and knobs redone and transfers and everything about this.
You know another idea to make the top spool thing more usable vs just for spools is to have cut them off and put like a metal “cage” around the edge to hold various knick-knack things like dice, cards, pipes and tobacco, remotes, cords, endless little clutter-y things. That way one isn’t so “limited” in that upper “drawer” use.
Love this table now!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! That is a fabulous idea! XOXO
Nancy says
The sewing notions makeover is surely one of the nicest you’ve done. It turned out so beautifully. I love the techniques you used to get it look so nice.
A very inspiring video!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Nancy! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! XOXO
Josee says
Just beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Josee!! XOXO
Kelly says
That is a really unique and multi-functional piece. I love what you did with it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kelly! XOXO
Karen Thompson says
OH MY GOSH This one is truly beautiful! I love all your work but this has to be one of my favorites!
Christy says
Oh yay!! Thank you so much, Karen! XOXO
Deanna Shanti says
Amazing! I couldn’t love this any more than I do! I’m a huge fan of blue anyway but this is beyond perfection! I wish I were closer, I’d buy it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Deanna! I wish you were closer too! XOXO
Kathryn Ford says
I’m a little late on my comment but I want you to know that this is absolutely lovely. What a find. You really have a talent for putting together colors, techniques and transfers. This won’t last long. Hope you’re having a great summer. I’m been MIA on commenting but I never miss a post. Have a great weekend.
Christy says
Hi Kathryn! Thank you so much! I’m enjoying it here in my office, but it will be headed to the shop soon. I appreciate you saying hello and enjoy your summer! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I really love the color!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Rose! It’s a dark color for me, but I love it too! XOXO
Debi says
I’m so happy to have come across this blog. I have an identical sewing table that I inherited from my mother in law. I’ve had no idea what to do with it. It sits at the top of my stairs with a small cross stitch on it. Nothing special at all. Now I’m inspired to transform it. It also seems like a great starter project for blending because of the size. Looks like I have a fun project this summer. You’ve inspired me!!
Christy says
Oh awesome!! I’m so thrilled that you are feeling inspired for your own and yes, it is the perfect piece to try blending! Enjoy! XOXO
Petra says
You’ve made that piece extra special and a real “wow” piece 🙂 Love the colour blue too, and yes it’s funny seeing your “dirty water”! xo
Christy says
Thank you, Petra!! I think I am just always amazed at how much dirt is on pieces sometimes ha ha! XOXO
gail says
Christy,
The color, the blending, the transfer . . . It’s hard to say which I love the most.
Amazing transformation.
pinned!
gail
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Addie says
LOVE IT!!!! This one came out like a true beautiful work of art!!! The color is gorgeous with just the right pop of gold. Love it!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Addie! I’m so glad you love it! XOXO
Nana Diana says
I love how it turned out. I have my own grandmother’s sewing caddy-shaped a bit different than this one–but the same premise. I have been thinking about painting it and now I think I will.
You did a beautiful job–you are so inspiring! xo Diana
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Diana, thank you!! How lovely that you have a special piece from your grandmother that she probably used all the time. Enjoy! XOXO
Anita Young says
Your blue pieces are some of my favourites. Layers of detail here to make something so spectacular. I absolutely love it! It’s basically perfection. Glad you went bold with this one!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Anita! This one did have a little bit of everything ha ha…they are the most fun! XOXO
Joanne H. says
The WOW factor on this piece is off the charts! What a beautiful, beautiful transformation. Not only your craftsmanship but your artistry sure shines through on your pieces.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Joanne! I really appreciate that! XOXO
Becky says
Gorgeous!!! I’m not always a huge fan of transfers, but THIS is how they were made to be used! Fabulous!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that, Becky, thank you! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
I think I missed this post, but man is that GORGEOUS! I absolutely love the teal. I’d literally keep you in business if I lived near you, lol.
Christy says
Ha ha thanks again! The size of it made it really fun as I could add all the things without the intimidation lol! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
I just LOVE this piece!! I totally agree with Denise on this. Great job! Kudos.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Caye! It was a fun one to play with! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I had to scroll forever to get to where I can reply. Haha. This turned out beautiful. I need a sewing box like that. Great makeover!!
Christy says
It was a popular one ha ha! Thank you so much, my friend!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! XOXO