What better way to start the day, the week and the month than with a
trashure makeover, right? It's the second Tuesday of the month, so that means it's Trashy Treasures Tuesday. While you'll be seeing what my fellow bloggers create for you in a bit, check out this damaged blanket chest I found curbside.
Yes, there are other goodies there (I took the mirror for
my daughter's new place), but someone else got the rack and I left the damaged highchair.
Since I had to load the loot myself, I didn't peek in the chest until I got it home.
INSIDE TREASURE
At first glance, as you can see, it isn't the prettiest thing in its current state.
We have an obviously damaged top, all the side panels are torn, and it is wobbly.
Meanwhile, on the inside there is treasure.
I had no idea the original casters were on the inside.
SCORE!! I also didn't realize this damaged blanket chest originally had casters. You know
I'm a sucker for casters. On top of that, there is this vintage newspaper lining it from June 22, 1982. I picked this up 42 years and three days later! {{officially mind-blown}}
Yours truly was five years old at that time. On top of that, check out these photos and ads... I do believe those chairs have made a huge comeback. haha.
How about this near-full-page cigarette ad?
Or how about these movie showings?
I can't remember if I saw any of these in theater but have seen all but one. Now, for the crazy cherry on top. I found my dad.
While I grew up with him being in various places in print, radio, etc. this still brought me to tears. How much time has flown by... and so much going on in both of our lives right now. I thank God for reminding me how far I've come and where I'm going.
TIME FOR REVIVAL
As you can see, this chest is kind of reminiscent of myself and what I'm experiencing right now. It's time for my own revival as well as this damaged blanket chest. Let's get this DIY party started!
First, I take off that center lid panel that originally had a woven cover that went to the inside and held on by dozens of tacks. (oh, the joy that I get to remove each and every one - sarcasm)
Then, after I remove that, I take off the torn side panels as well.
As soon as I have everything ready, I insert the casters back in and sand it down where needed, especially the top.
CLEANING UP
If you scroll back up and look at that top center panel, you can see how I have some staining to deal with that will bleed through. In the past, you can see my other blanket chest makeovers:
To remedy the stain bleed, I use my Zinsser BIN primer to block stains (and also blocks odors too).
It took me a few coats of primer to block it fully but once I complete, I paint several layers of a white paint. Finally, once I have the paint layers as I like, I dig into my stash to pull out this cane webbing roll. My dad gave this to me many moons ago and I have the perfect use today.
However, I only have enough for the two front panels, but that's perfect for me. While typically you take the webbing and stretch it over frames, this time around I'm cutting it larger than the space so I can trim to fit. Once cut, I place it in cool water for about thirty minutes and let hang for about ten minutes after.
After gluing the caning on with e6000 adhesive, I use these remnant bamboo pieces from
my DIY valances to frame up the caning.
REVIVAL
Finally, this damaged blanket chest is revived and ready to go.
It's white and refreshed for many more uses. Further, what's great about this style of chest is that it can go in any room of the house, serve as a bench, and even work as a coffee table.
Also, do you see the bamboo in two different colors? I had just enough - woot!
Is it perfect? Nah. But it definitely has a new story to tell and offers function as well.
Not only can you find this in
my online store, but also many other pieces of redeemed furniture, vintage finds, and handmade goods.
SHARE
Now it's your turn... would you have picked it up from Curb le Chic? In addition to leaving some comment love below, pin and share to inspire others too!
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sign up for my FREE newsletter. Last, but not least, check out my Trashy Treasures blogger's projects below.
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- Salvaged Inspirations
- Artsy Chicks Rule
- Confessions of a Serial DIYer
While you're at it, check out these other trashure makeovers like this damaged blanket chest:
