The idea for this piece exploded into my head the second I opened my first tin of 'sunflower yellow'. Wow, what a match! I had been working up various plans using vinyl lettering for the first time and it finally all came together with my fabulous new colour arrival.
Vinyl records have made such a comeback here in the UK that any music cabinet I make is generally snapped up right away, and by using such iconic colours - well, it was always bound to be a winner.
I turned once again to the G Plan 'granny cupboard'. By removing the top and the plinth you are left with an amazing sized piece, just the right dimensions for an awesome record collection and plenty of room on top for your equipment. I've added a photo of the unit before it was touched. Chiselling off the outdated handles is one of my favourite parts when upcycling these units. Goodbye ugly - hello new!
Cleaned down, sanded, filled & prepped I made sure to use a couple of coats of primer to help the yellow go on. I love a flat finish and I think this cabinet is a fine example - all painted with a brush. Once the sunflower yellow had dried, I applied frog tape in a random line all the way around. The pink colour was a tester pot of 'passionate peony' from my local Valspar seller. A couple of coats later and I actually sealed the pink first with one coat of High Performace Top Coat as I wasn't convinced that the pink wouldn't bleed into the yellow. That wouldn't have been quite the look I was going for! Once that was dried and the tape was removed, I set about applying a few coats of top coat all over. The satin finish does it for me every time. Now, I wish I could tell you that all the while I was listening to the Sex Pistols, but I am a true 80s pop girl - sorry!
An online company had cut the vinyl for me (I've had a cutter on my Christmas list for a few years but no joy so far!) using a commercially free font. It was so easy to apply - I now totally have the bug and want to stick vinyl on everything!!! I had also ordered some black hairpin legs and simple black metal knobs to complete the look.
When it came to staging I knew from the start that I was going to have fun. I adore painting and feel lost without a brush in my hand but I have to admit, staging this was awesome. I'd been saving some empty bottles and spent ages running around the house with my washing basket throwing in everything I thought would work. Boots, leopard print coat - oh, and grab that record deck and dinosaur! It was exhausting and messy and I never dreamt how fussy I could be when arranging paper streamers. I do regret not plugging the turntable in and making a boomerang video clip of the dino going round and round.
Despite what you might think, I'm no longer a crazy rocker. When I finish a piece I usually make a nice cup of tea, sit down in my workshop and just look at it. I looked at this for ages. In fact, I loved it so much I put it in my house so I can see it everyday. And then I made another one...
