I recently discovered a beautiful technique to add depth and beauty to almost any piece of furniture and I just have to share it with you. It is raised stencil.
Last year I purchased a sewing machine/cabinet at an auction for $3. It weighed a ton and stayed in the garage for several months. I finally decided the only way I could move the cabinet into the house by myself was to remove the machine. Of course, I had always planned on removing the machine and up-cycling the cabinet but never seemed to get around to it. So I finally bit the bullet one week while hubby was out of town and began the transformation. The machine itself weighed nearly 40 pounds. (yes, I weighed it… I just could not believe how heavy it was).
Once I got it into the house, I removed the legs and began painting. I also removed the hinges and secured the top with a brad nailer. I really wanted to make a drawer inside for storage but when you open the door, there is a plastic spool rack that cannot be removed (the legs are attached to it).
I knew the look I wanted but wasn’t sure how to achieve it.
After one coat of chalk paint, I added a stencil and went over it with Sheetrock mud. When I lifted the stencil, I had a beautiful raised effect. (below left: applying the stencil to one side of the side of the cabinet; below right: the door after applying the full stencil)
A few more coats of paint, a little sanding, and a couple coats of Polycrylic and I was ready to add some antiquing glaze. I combined a dark oak stain with a glazing medium and applied over the raised stencil and rubbed it off to achieve the look I wanted.
Ta Da! I must admit I am totally in love with this piece but it WILL go in the booth for sale. I have another cabinet in my living room I will transform for myself (when I get the time).
