Scavenger Chic

Finding a Hidden Sign and a Repurposed Drawer

• By Joan
• February 27, 2017
• 6 Comments

Last Thursday I showed you all my scavenging finds from an old farmhouse.  Among my treasures was this old  moldy, mildewy drawer.  It was actually  one of four that were sitting on the floor.  Whatever structure that once held them was long gone and the drawers were all that were left.

This one was in the best shape of the bunch, so you can only imagine what the other three looked like.

It wasn’t until I got the drawer home and he got a much needed bath did I  notice that the bottom of the drawer was part of an old sign that had been recycled.

I could tell that there was some lettering thru the mold and mildew, but I thought it was just a drawer liner. Whoever made the drawer was a person after my own heart.

This drawer was just begging to be made into a shelf…it even had grooves where I could insert a shelf.  Do I do two skinny shelves or one big fat one?

I decided on one big fat one just because it would be stronger.

This is 1 inch plywood cut to fit.

To hide the layers of plywood  I used a piece of excess trim that used to be in our bathroom.

Nailed the trim on with finishing nails and painted the entire shelf with a tan chalk paint.

The tan chalk paint was followed by a coat of black chalk paint.

Used my DEWALT Random Orbit Sander,  to reveal some of the tan chalk paint.  If you don’t like the sanded off paint look, you can skip the  first layer of chalk paint.

Finished the shelf with a coat of clear wax.

I used some of the clear wax that I usually save for the chalk paint to brighten up the UPS  sign at the bottom of the drawer.

A couple of finishing nails thru the side, holds the shelf in place.

I was all finished, or so I thought, when I decided that the bottom shelf would look a lot better if it matched the one I just made.

I had to go back and repeat the last few steps but now I have two matching shelves.

I haven’t decided what I’m gonna do with the little shelf but I couldn’t wait to share.

Have a wonderful week. Stay inspired.

Shared at Metamorphosis Monday,

Inspire me Tuesday, DIY Salvaged Junk Projects,

Talk of the Town,

I was featured at

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