You've been hunting and searching for some kinda antique item that is ever alluding you. My solution? Make one of your own. haha. Yes, it won't exactly be the same and I'm stubborn enough to hunt one down in most instances. However, you can create the same effect, save money & time, plus gain some DIY skillz. This little apothecary cubby is a like-new item from a big box store. But...wait until you see what it can look like by creating a story. Thrifted Drawer Cubby Before Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com I actually found this at the thrift store, and if you know me I'm a sucker for all things drawers - especially small, cute ones, like these. tee hee. If you've ever priced an item like this at a flea market or antique store, you know they are not cheap. Right?

THE SOLUTION

This is when we pull up our big girl (or guy) DIY panties and make our own. Yes, you could even build one, but you can also take a modern-day item and make it look old. I've shared before how I love to use layers of paint to age an item. First, for this apothecary cubby, I wipe it all down with a rubbing alcohol to remove adhesive residue and dirt. Did you know you can tell if a paint is oil or latex based by using rubbing alcohol? If you rub it with rubbing alcohol and it comes off, it is latex. Then, I use my paint brush to apply one coat of an antique white latex paint. I'm going to use this dark, faux wood, purple color as a base for my layering. Painting Apothecary Cubby with First Coat of Paint | prodigalpieces.com

NEXT STEPS

Next, I use basic school glue applied in thick spots to make my next layer of paint crackle. However, you can also use a crackle medium, but in a pinch you can use this too. Apply it to spots where typical time-worn wear would appear (corners, around knobs, etc.) Elmer's School Glue for Crackle Paint Technique | prodigalpieces.com Applying School Glue for Crackle Paint Effect by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com The key is to apply it thick (but not too thick), and let it cure a bit. In addition, you can also use a heat gun or hair dryer to hasten this step. However, before the glue is completely dry, apply your next layer of paint brushing across the glue. Don't go back and brush over and over again as this will disrupt the crackle. Painting Aqua Blue on Apothecary Cubby by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com Again, I use my heat gun or hair dryer to make the crackles crack deep. You can see in my past posts the technique HERE.

DETAILS

Last, as soon as the paint and glue are cured, I take my putty knife horizontally and scrape off what willingly comes off. (edges, corners, etc.) Then, I apply a heavy coat of gray wax and buff to finish. Here's my cutie all fixed up and ready for just about any kinda fun storage you can think of. Aren't those vintage-ish plaquettes fun? For today's staging purpose, I'm sharing it in my kitchen. While you can fill it with teas, herbs and spices, you could even hide snacks. Vintage Style Apothecary Cubby by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy home homedecor farmhouse Counter Top Apothecary Cubby for Home Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces home homedecor diy farmhouse cottage industrial storage However, this is also perfect for bathroom, bedroom, art supplies, notions, garden seed...you get the idea. What would you use it for? Chippy Aqua Blue Apothecary Cubby by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy home farmhouse kitchen homedecor Tea Bag Apothecary Cubby Storage for Kitchen | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces kitchen storage diy home homedecor Well, I'm downright smitten and hope you are too. Hopefully, you've picked up a few tricks that you can apply to most anything in your home. You are only limited by your willingness to try. That's half the fun! Chippy Blue Industrial Apothecary Cubby by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces storage industrial farmhouse home diy homedecor Painted Apothecary Cubby Cabinet by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces home farmhouse vintage diy home homedecor Likewise, if you'd like to make this a part of your home, you can find it and much more available in my online store.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

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Additionally, pin and share my little apothecary cubby to inspire others to take their DIY skills to a new level. It's fun! Take those modern box store pieces and turn them into

UP NEXT

Up next, it's Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time! I'll be taking this purse and making something new. See what became of an old leather purse HERE. Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Thrifted Leather Purse Before Upcycled by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time! blog signature

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While you're at it, here's more DIY projects for you:

A Child's Chest of Drawers Becomes Faux Card Catalog by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comUgly outdated stand gets industrial apothecary cabinet makeover. Get the DIY steps by Prodigal Pieces here at prodigalpieces.com



Frances

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 05:43:16

Prayers.

Barbara Booth

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 05:45:12

It's absolutely beautiful, I love it. What a wonderful piece of work. Your so talented.

Barbara Booth

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 05:55:16

I inherited my Dad's roll top desk, it has some deep scratched i it, but I was wondering if this technique would look right on a piece this big. It's not an antique, but it could really use some help. I really love the finish on your little cubby. Thanks for sharing this great technique.

Carolyn G

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 05:56:25

This is WONDERFUL Larissa! It really does look old, so cute! So glad your tests were normal!! God bless you and your family :-)

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 06:00:09

Thank you. God is so good.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 06:00:51

Thanks so much for the kind words, Barbara. This was a blast to create. :D

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 06:03:54

Yes, it most certainly would. You can see a similar application on this chest I found curbside HERE. Have fun with it! ;)

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 06:04:19

Thanks!! So fun to have at a modern piece and make it my style. Hugs!

Linda

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 08:04:46

This is beautiful. I so look forward to seeing your transformations. You're a ray of sunshine and an inspiration.

Kaycee

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 08:41:30

Hi Larissa, thank you for keeping us updated on your health. I am praying for you to get the answers and treatment you need. Your so right God is good and he will see you through this. This is cubby is gorgeous. I love the colors, the distressing and those fun numbered tags are just the icing on the cake! Great work as usual girl!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 08:48:46

Linda, you just made my day. Thank you for the smile too. :D

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 08:49:29

I'm a sucker for little drawers...and lots of 'em. tee hee. Thanks for the love, Kaycee.

Marie

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 13:06:35

Learned something new today about school glue - thanks for the tip! Now that apothecary cubby has some personality.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 16:11:09

Sweet! Thank you, Marie. You know I had fun with this. :)

Mary Loveland

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 20:28:39

That little cabinet is so so cute! Job well done Larissa, keep it up!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 21:16:54

Thank you, Mary.

Becky

Shared publicly - 2020-01-23 22:18:02

That IS cute!!!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2020-01-24 05:06:58

Thank you!

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