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Conor “The Sailor” Dresser (Before & After)

chalk_paint_decoupaged_dresserToday I’m sharing a dresser I painted for my sweet little Conor.  It is whimsical, it is a beach lover and he named it himself: Conor The Sailor Dresser.  I know I shared the Conor side table with you a few weeks ago.  But I guess it is such a sweet name and such a sweet boy.

The_Sailor_Dresser

Conor’s dresser started off white.  I had painted it when we were living in the old house for our guest room and it still had crystal knobs.  Too girly for my sweet beach boy!  I mean he couldn’t bare to be in a pink room when we first moved in!

dresser_before

See?  Too girlie!  Anyway, my good friend Nancy over at the Sea Rose Cottage sent me some of Annie Sloan’s Decoupage to try out.  For a while it sat down next to all my paints.  I just didn’t know what to do with it.  That was until I saw this spectacular dresser from Dovetails Vintage over in the UK.

dovetail_vintage_decoupaged_dresser
via Dovetails Vintage

How sweet is that?  It is Perry’s daughter and he wrote a tutorial on the one he did with his son.  After that I was inspired and I wanted to use the decoupage!

This vintage image from the Graphics Fairy has always been a favorite.  LOVE it. I even made Conor a pillow a while back with it.

graphics_fairy_victorian_sailorBut I knew this sweet sailor needed to be on Conor’s dresser.  I first painted the entire dresser in a few coats of Paris Grey Chalk Paint®.  Then we enlarged the image so it would fit across a few drawers.  Then I carefully cut out the image with my Ikea kitchen scissors.  I highly recommend investing in smaller scissors or exacto knives.  I have some but still can’t find them in boxes in the basement.

Annie_Sloan_Decoupage

The Annie Sloan Decoupage was wonderful to work with.  I lined up each piece of the little sailor boy and applied the decoupage to the dresser and then pressed out the air bubbles.  Then I did four coats of decoupage on top, allowing them to dry between coats.  Once, that was dry, it was time to turn Chalk Paint® into watercolors.  I decided to water down Old Ochre for the skin and Aubusson and Louis Blue for the sailor outfit.

Creating_watercolors_with_chalk_paint

The colors are just gorgeous, but watering them down gives a whimsical, hand painted effect.  Can you see what I mean?

watercolor_sailor

Perry recommended laying the drawers flat while painting and I found this to be helpful.  I then applied Annie Sloan’s Craqueleur over the entire dresser.  I wanted to get rid of that little halo around the decoupaged image.  I then used tinted white wax across the whole thing to make it look a bit more beachy and white washed.

Conor picked out the pulls himself.  He was quite proud of his design sense.

nautical_dresser_chalk_paint

And this is how it looks in his bedroom.  I’m almost to the point where I can share his room, almost.

nautical_bedroomWhen he saw his finished dresser, he was so excited.  He jumped up and down and told me how much he loves it.

What do you think of Conor “The Sailor” Dresser?

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Danelle - Tattered Treasures

That is absolutely adorable and what a fantastic idea. Way to go… now you have my mind spinning more than it was before! Ha! Thanks for sharing.

Nancy
10 years ago

It is perfect Danielle! Love Conor and his “Conor the Sailor Dresser.” The light coloring of the image and the tinted white wax give it a beautiful feel. Just dreamy!

Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home

This is so sweet, Danielle!

Jamie
Jamie
10 years ago

I have never heard of tinted white wax but I love the white wash beachy look…..isthis also an Annie Sloan product?

Jamie
Jamie
10 years ago

Thanks for the response….I have been thinking of doing a white wash look with chalk paint on a dinning table but I’m a little nervous about it because I’m worried it won’t stand up to kids and I love the color of this dresser. I have only just started using chalk paint but I LOVE it!!! I have done only two pieces so I’m no expert. I did a nightstand in pure white and now have a coffee ring on it that will not come off, (maybe a should have put more wax on it, I used two coats) so… Read more »

cassie
10 years ago

i don’t know what happened but your blog was not coming to my bloglovin anymore- it said i was still following but another one popped up so o followed that and got caught up. anyhow, this dresser is adorable! and CONGRATS on bhg! that is awesome news!

Nana Diana
10 years ago

Danielle- That is just fantastic!!!! You did a wonderful job and I hope it gets pinned again and again. It is perfect for a little boy’s room. These are the sort of projects that really get you noticed. I love it! xo Diana

Mary @ Orphans With Makeup

Hi Danielle – I haven’t decoupaged in ages. So cute! Makes me wish my boys were small again (well, not really!!!). Have a good day.

Jennifer
10 years ago

I think it is BRILLIANT! Oh Danielle!!!!! I am having so much fun perusing your posts; I’m actually up before the boys this morning and have some spare time; I’ve missed this!
Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend girl!!

Marti
10 years ago

I really love this, it is fantastic.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
10 years ago

Wow, you are just amazing!

Robyn @ simply fresh dinners

Oh my gosh, Danielle, your son will have the lovely memory of this sweet dresser for all of his life. It’s so adorable! You always put such great finishing touches on your pieces. Love it!

Dee
Dee
10 years ago

Your dresser came out beautiful. I am Decoupage Challenged, so I really appreciate how challenging it is to line your image up on the drawer fronts. It looks perfect! I want to try that water color technique too. Thanks for sharing, Dee from My Painted Stuff.

andrea cammarata
10 years ago

You ALWAYS create the most amazing pieces and this one is no different! I am IN LOVE with it!!!! Adorable!!!! hugs…

Katherine A.
10 years ago

Love. Totally impressed.

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living

What a beautiful piece, Danielle! You never cease to amaze me! Pinning and sharing on FB!!

west furniture revival
10 years ago

love the little sailor, too cute! i would love to feature it, if thats ok please let me know,
lauren
west furniture revival

Ginger
10 years ago

What a great idea!