Fairy tales are full of wonder, brighter than life colors, and improbable occurrences.
Maybe that’s why they have such a deep claim on the human imagination.
– This post contains affiliate links –
and was sponsored by the creative Royalty at Heirloom Traditions – thank you!
It certainly seemed improbable that this battered old piece would blossom into something fanciful…
Battle scars galore…
Years of neglect and misuse had left her less than magical.
Hello, Graphics Fairy friends. It’s Heather from Thicketworks.
Today, join me for the Fairy Tale of a Petulant but Perky Princess!
It was going to take more than wishful thinking to breathe new life into these tired bones…
However, I’m ever hopeful and full of derring-do, so home with me she came.
Join us for a tiny tale of transformation…
To start the journey, we’ll need some magic potions:
Supplies:
- Heirloom Traditions Ultra Guard Primer
- Heirloom Traditions Chalk Type Paint: Rainy Day
- Heirloom Traditions Chalk Type Paint: Marilyn’s Lipstick
- Aurora Staining Gel: Goldilocks
- Spray Wax: Clear
- Soft Wax: Jet Black
- Venetian Texture Medium
- 1Gel Transfer and Decoupage Medium
- A Sanding Block
- Your favorite stencils ( I used ‘Old French Script’ & a Fluer de Lis Stencil from the craft store)
- Your favorite paint brush & a fine tipped artists brush
- A brush suitable for Soft Wax application
- Printed tissue paper
- Lint free cloths
- Imagination!
All good Fairy Tales begin with a predicament…you’ve already seen how forlorn our little princess was when first we met.
One day, she decided that she wanted more from life. All this drudgery and ugliness had gone on for far too long.
The very first thing she wanted was a new petticoat.
As you wish! We happen to have Ultra Guard right here, and it’s just the thing to create a snow white base for all the finery to come. It will even block any stains from the dreary past that attempt to besmirch your new life.
A single coat, and the foundation for a New Monarchy is established!
Next, our princess demanded to be dressed in elegant finery. “I want a classic grey – none of this battleship nonsense, but a hue that any princess can wear with dignity“.
“Rainy Day” – the perfect shade of grey. One coat and blemishes and scars begin to recede into the past, like a bad dream.
“Now that I’m properly dressed, I must acquire a bit of character! No one likes a Princess who is without flaws.”
A quick touch with a sanding block, and she’s well on her way to being a Woman With a Past!
“This is all well and good” quoth our Heroine, “But all this dignity and character feels a bit heavy. Surely there’s a way to lighten my heart?”
But of course! A pronounced swipe of “Marilyn’s Lipstick” will give ’em something to talk about…
“Ah…now I’m beginning to feel like the Me I was destined to Be! But wait, the precious vein of gold that flows through my veins is obscured. I cannot be content until it shines on the surface!”
Presto: touches of splendor are just a few strokes away…”Goldilocks” does the trick.
A steady hand, a small brush, and a damp cloth (to swipe away the stray brush strokes) keep everything tidy.
“Oh my goodness! This is what I’ve always dreamed of!”
“…but still…something is not quite right. What could it be?”
Ah, yes – a bit of hidden history will fill that yearning. We’ll just tuck a few secret stories into your inner self, and you’ll soon feel quite at peace.
1Gel + patterned tissue = a happy surprise for those who dare to peek inside.
“Yes, but how will I proclaim myself to the world? No one will believe that a Princess can emerge from such drab beginnings. They’ll never believe that I’m truly Royal…”
You think not? We’ll just make it impossible to ignore.
A tiny amount of Venetian Texture Medium (1/4 tsp) sprinkled into a bit of “Rainy Day” (4 tbs) makes a perfect statement when spread through this regal stencil:
There…no one can mistake you for a commoner now!
“Perhaps not. However, I feel it is only proper that the Royal Proclamation be emphasized!“
Very well, Milady.
First, a protective layer of Clear Spray Wax, applied with a brush and allowed to dry, then a touch of Jet Black Soft Wax will enhance your finery for all to see…
“Finally, I’ve become the Personage that I was destined to Be!
I must frolic at once! Lead me to the nearest Meadow, filled with sweet Blossom.”
Your wish is our command:
And she lived happily ever after…
Those who learned to know her well came to appreciate her humble beginnings, and cherished her even more for the marks of character they had left on her countenance.
She learned to face life with a smile, ever ready for the next adventure…
Touches of “Goldilocks” highlight her tarnished but shapely hardware.
“Here’s to the Magic of Transformation! May color and happiness flow throughout the land!”
For more information on Heirloom Traditions Products, please visit www.heirloomtraditionspaint.com
Full Disclosure: Heirloom Traditions supplied their products to be used in this project, and they sponsored this post – however, I supplied the elbow grease, rescued furniture, design concept, and experimental insanity! All of which reflect my own point of view, regardless of affiliation…
I hope you’ve enjoyed this frivolous jaunt into the Lighter Realms of Furniture Flipping. This piece was a bit of a Prima Donna, but she came into her own quite nicely.
Credit to my wonderful friend, Tracey Poole Bellion of Tracey’s Fancy, for inspiring this piece of happy nonsense! To witness truly magical transformations, glance through her archives. You’ll be AMAZED!
Creating this Fairy Tale finish was pleasantly amusing, and I may just do it again. If there are any Princesses lurking in your Kingdom, perhaps they require a similar transformation?
Thank you for visiting The Graphics Fairy today!
Until next time –
Heather ♥
You might enjoy this post, since we’re being all Regal today:
Jasper says
WOW, amazingly well done!!
graphicsfairy says
Thanks Jasper!
Kim says
That turned out so gorgeous! And it truly was like reading a fairy tale. You mentioned that you brushed on the spray wax. I’m new to Heirloom Traditions and a little skeptical at using the spray wax. Do you just brush it on and leave it to dry or does it need to be sprayed on/brushed on and wiped off? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Heather Tracy says
Hi Kim! Oh, my friend – you are going to LOVE the spray waxes. Here’s how they work: You can either spray or brush them on. (I almost ALWAYS brush them on). Then, depending on the look you wish to achieve you can either allow them to cure ‘as is’, OR, gently wipe them back with a cloth. Either method delivers great results, and the very best part? It’s a durable, silky finish that does not require re-application down the road. So much easier to apply and less maintenance than soft waxes. I recommend that you choose one Spray Wax to begin with, experiment to your hearts content, and then realize…you need this in your life! Thanks for your kindness.
Rupa says
Heather! What a fairy tale transformation! I think I almost paid more attention to the story than the process this time lol! I had seen that stencil and assumed that it wouldn’t produce crisp results but in your crafty hands, it turned out gorgeous! PS: Love the violet flowers in the background.
Heather Tracy says
Hi Rupa! Thank you for being so kind…my funny little story just had to be told…the flowers are some of my favorites: Ajuga – I won’t let my husband mow the grass in those areas until the flowering is over each year. So pretty.
Mary Murphy says
Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing with us! 🙂
Heather Tracy says
I’m so glad you like it, Mary! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment.
Elsie says
What a delightful fairy tale coupled with awesome instructions on how to give life to old furniture. Loved it!
Heather Tracy says
Hi Elsie – it was such fun crafting this silly little tale to accompany the transformation. Thank you for being so kind!
Sandy Smith says
Nice project! Love the gold touches. Any info on the stencil? It is great.
graphicsfairy says
Thanks Sandy! It is very regal 🙂 This beauty was done by Heather over at Thicketworks, here is what she said about the stencil in the what you’ll need section, “Your favorite stencils ( I used ‘Old French Script’ & a Fluer de Lis Stencil from the craft store)”. I hope that helps:)
Steve says
WOW! What a transformation! This makes me wish I never got rid of all my old furniture. I have a couple end tables with feet similar to this. You mention clear wax, but should I protect the end result with a clear coat? Or would that interact with the wax and leave a funky color?
Heather Tracy says
Hi Steve! Using a coat of Clear Spray Wax provides all of the protection that the piece will need. You could do an additional clear coat, but if poly based it will result in yellowing over time. The cool thing about the Clear Spray Wax is that it gives a soft sheen, a layer of protection, is non-yellowing, water-based and all-around AWESOME. I hear you about regretting the pieces that ‘got away’…however, I’m constantly delighted by the wonderful things I find at ‘junk’ shops. Thanks for stopping by!
Debbie Tibbs says
That is absolutely dreamy! I cannot wait to see where it will end up! When do you sleep girlfriend?
Heather Tracy says
Hi Debbie! As long as I don’t cook, wash clothes or sweep, I have plenty of time to sleep! Hope all is well with you, and thank you for being so kind.
Tracey says
I honestly think I could read these post to Zadie as her bed time story! Your furniture is amazing but your story telling is amazing-ER!!!!
Heather Tracy says
Yay! Thanks Tracey – I had someone like Zadie in mind whilst writing this funny little tale :). Thank you for all the inspiration, and for helping me to grow into creating more Fun and Fanciful Furniture Finishes!