General Finishes

I picked up this old dresser from a sweet lady that wasn't in much better shape herself. I met with her in her bedroom because she's disabled, and lives in her bed.  With tears in her eyes, she tells me the story of this old chest she's got as a wedding present from her mama. She says her mama was really poor, and sacrificed this chest so she could give a gift to her only daughter on her wedding day. This was all she had left from her mother, and the sentimental value was priceless to her. I knew I just had to help her keep it out of the dump where it was headed.  I really wanted to do something special for this piece that was priceless to the owner. I used wall spackling for the raised stencil and a base paint of gold, then  mixed a few paints to make what was described as "Mama's favorite color".Pearl Effects and semi gloss poly topcoat. Lined the drawers with a heavy cardboard covered with fabric. When I took the dresser back to her we had her hide her eyes while her caretaker and I set it up.  She peeked through her fingers as she slowly peeled away her hands and threw them in the air squeeling with delight and the biggest smile you've ever seen. I sat down in her wheelchair bedside the bed and visited with her a while.  She said Mama had never had anything so nice and if she couldn't have it then, at least she does now.   We agreed most old ladies look better with a bit of gold and diamonds and sparkle in our lives. Even Mama's dresser.