Apparently you all have quite the fun imagining me hopping out of my vehicle while it's pouring rain to grab trashure off the curb. haha! I don't blame you! This was the case with a visit to Curb le Chic this last spring. Our city spring cleanup had begun and I found this handmade piece among other goodies. I loved the wood and the functionality, so I decided to update it into a farmhouse apothecary cabinet.
While it does have some obvious wear, it still, however, has plenty of life left in it. The slat back is my favorite part of the whole thing. Whomever built it did a great job with the dados and overall squareness of it all.
However, the slight orangey color wasn't cutting it for me. The wood had oxidized a bit and the tanins were showing. That's nothing a little DIY won't cure, right?
TIME FOR SOME DIY FUN
First, I broke out my reactive stain to let the wood age naturally. If you haven't seen this stuff in action before, it certainly is the coolest product. No toxins, and it creates the most gorgeous weathered patina using the tanins already existing in the wood in a matter of minutes. You can see my past projects with it
HERE in these posts.
I simply soak the wood and watch the aging process happen before my very eyes. The color will vary depending on the type of wood you are applying it to. It's so cool!
Then, I let dry completely, and move onto the next step. I'm after an aged appeal to my farmhouse apothecary cabinet, so I decided to use this Antique White stain to go over top. Did you notice the gray-ish wood color cast before I apply the white? Buh-bye orange. tee hee.
I'm keeping it super simple - my preferred way to be.
LETS SEE THE AFTER
If you look close you'll see I used a brown wax to add a distressed feel. Last, to make things easier, I added flush-mount keyhole hardware to the back. Did you notice my other addition too?
There I go with typography again. I couldn't resist adding this
coffee & tea apothecary label to the bottom corner. The time-worn effect is intentional and adds just the bit of whimsy I adore. My bits & baubles make for a fun piece to stage. Do you have mini collections too?
If you'd like to own this farmhouse apothecary cabinet, you can find it and much more available in
my online store.
Do pin and share my updated creation to inspire others to give "trash" new life.
Up next, my patio table and benches are getting some much needed TLC.
Come over HERE to see!
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