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mapped, dressed and done

December 22, 2011

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

I did it. I finally finished the dresser.
And it was really more like mapped, dressed, braided, jigsawed, sanded, painted and done. 🙂

I explained how I got it started here. Then I got a little distracted by a little thing called Christmas (are you guys ready for it?) and went a little ornament crafting crazy. If you haven’t been keeping up (where have you been?) I put all my projects in one handy spot for you to check out here.

Now, for the dresser, I’m lovin’ the upgrade. It reminds me of where we have been, where we are now and makes we wonder where we’re going next.

I let the drawers sit for a bit with the maps on them. I didn’t even put them back in the dresser to use. I just used this always essential chair (more on that here) to toss organize what would be in the dresser. Apparently even if I have to step over a project 10 times a day it does nothing for my motivation to finish it. 😉
One day out and about I found these letters at a local scrap booking store and had the idea to stencil on the names of the locations that each dresser represents.
They didn’t have all of the letters I needed so out of a cereal box (love me some Honey Bunches of Oats) I made an O with a little help from the C I bought and an A with some M, N and W. And yes, the M and W are exactly the same but I didn’t realize it until I got them home. Bamboozled by the alphabet. Drats!

I mixed together a few different colors of craft paint I had to create a subtle color that wouldn’t over power the maps. Honestly, each drawer came out a little different. I needed to make a different color for the Curacao map since it was darker. I had outlined the Maine letters darker than I wanted, the Cali letters look almost perfectly white, but the Iowa letters turned out exactly how I wanted.

And then with the addition of the twine handles. Oh dear do I love them.

Thank goodness because they took some time to make. Each braid is 3 pieces of twine and each handle is 3 braids braided together and there are 8 handles. Sooooo … carry the 1, and that equals A LOT of braiding. About an episode of Sportcenter combined with the first new episode of Fear Factor. Mid process it looked like this.

Can I just say, as a side note, there is nothing about the eating challenges on that show that is worth $50,000 in my opinion. But, someone I graduated from high school with is the Supervising Producer so I was supporting the cause. Congrats Anthony!

Ok, back to the braids. I also learned too little too late that I should have cut my lengths of twine much longer to make it easier for me to tie them together. Of course I was being cheap responsible when cutting just the right amount of twine for the braids. But, to attach them to the dresser I just fed the 9 ends of each handle through the existing hole and tied each end in a knot inside the drawer.

TIP!!! In addition to making the lengths of twine longer than you think you’ll need, make them as close to the exact same length as possible. This will make the process of feeding them through the ridiculously small holes more manageable. When all else fails, use a narrow, pointy tipped object to force the suckers through. I used scissors.

As soon as I had the handles finished and put the drawers back in the dresser I knew I needed to change the color. For some reason the drawers just made that hideous detail at the bottom even worse and the green just wasn’t right with the maps. So, without even moving the dresser out of the bedroom, I got my broom stick straight edge, drew a line from scrolly edge to scrolly edge and jigsawed a straight line. (And yes, I know the Curacao map is on upside down, I address it here.)

Yup, jigsaw was on the move essentials list.
But then when I went to sand the newly cut edge I uncovered a little white primer and had the thought to just distress the whole thing. And I just didn’t want that much more dust in the bedroom so we needed to move this project outside. Amazing that this little spot of white changed my whole strategy.

So, I flexed my big girl muscles and moved the big a$$ tv the really cute accessories off the dresser and moved outside. I sanded and re-evaluated and decided to mix a little paint, similar to the lettering color and do a little dry brushing. And when I say a little paint, I only used about a tablespoon or two of my mixture. Dry brushing = time and money saver with the bonus of intentional imperfection. 🙂

I tell you, the combo of distressing, maps and dry brushing just makes this guy seem so well traveled and distinguished. This little spot shows all the layers, I love it.
She definitely brings a little character into our rental bedroom and just plain ol’ makes me smile. Picture me opening the Maine drawer and smiling at the thought of playing soccer at Little Falls field in high school when our high school was getting a face lift. Or reminiscing of some of the fun early memories I have with my husband in and around San Fran when I go to get a tee shirt. Just random goodness.

Here’s a reminder of the before:
And an after.
And the real after. :/
Yes, we have a large TV in our bedroom. And yes, we have a LARGE dog bed or 2. And yessirree, we have a wad of cords. They are hard to see in the pic, nicely hidden in the shadows. But I’m just keepin’ it real for ya.

But hey, we have a neat dresser now too. How much better is that straight line along the bottom? I love the upgrade.

But, more importantly, what do you think? I’d love to hear.

I am sharing this project here, here, here and here. Check ém out!

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Comments

  1. lizzie says

    December 22, 2011 at

    Once again, I’m dazzled by your creative spirit, but more impressed by the fact that you can use a saw…any kind of saw…What a great project for a rainy day. Which we’ve been having lots of here in Curacao! Can you make a white Christmas by any chance????

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 22, 2011 at

      Thanks Liz. If you saw (pun intended) all of my power tools in storage you wouldn’t now what to think of me. 🙂

  2. sherika says

    December 22, 2011 at

    AHHH-AMAZING! The dresser can out so awesome! You are so creative! Thank you so much for linking up!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 22, 2011 at

      Thanks Sherika!

  3. thistlewoodfarm says

    December 22, 2011 at

    It looks like Anthro! Absolutely fabulous! Thanks for the inspiration!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 22, 2011 at

      Wow, that’s a very sweet comment. Hopefully everyone at Thistle Wood Farm is enjoying the holidays season!

  4. Lori says

    December 22, 2011 at

    Beautiful and sooo creative! I love how you changed the whole look by cutting off the curly bottom….great job! Have a Merry Christmas!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 23, 2011 at

      Merry Christmas to you and yours Lori! Thanks for commenting!

  5. Jamie says

    December 22, 2011 at

    Wow, this is amazing! I was thinking about doing something like this with a little tea table, but I have an old ratty dresser that would be even happier with the makeover… Thanks for the inspiration!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 23, 2011 at

      This is perfect for a ratty old dresser. I tend to be a little more adventurous with items I know I don’t like to begin with, it can only get better, right?!? I’d love to see your project if you end up doing it. Happy Holidays!

  6. Sue Reincke says

    December 22, 2011 at

    Love it!!

  7. Little Bit says

    December 23, 2011 at

    Really cool idea! Little Bit

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 23, 2011 at

      Thank you!

  8. Sue Reincke says

    December 23, 2011 at

    You know what would go well with the dresser? The map coasters! Since they really serve no other purpose (with losing their absorbancy potential, thanks to the modpodge I coated them with). And the windy days there. Maybe around the big-ass tv?

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 23, 2011 at

      Hahaha! Good idea.

  9. Megan Hahaj Stoeckl says

    December 23, 2011 at

    Very cool! Unique and so cute, great job!!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 23, 2011 at

      Thank you Megan! Happy Holidays!

  10. Jenny says

    December 23, 2011 at

    So creative! I love that you labled the drawers too. I’m so glad you linked it up this week!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 23, 2011 at

      Thank you Jenny! Happy Holidays!

  11. Denyse@Crazy Beautiful Life says

    December 24, 2011 at

    Your dresser turned out fantastic…Love it! Thanks for sharing at my “Anything Holiday” linky party…

    Glad we are bloggy friends, Merry Christmas!!!

    http://www.mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/
    http://www.facebook.com/MyCrazyBeautifulLife.13
    http://www.pinterest.com/denyse13/

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 26, 2011 at

      Thank you Denyse!

  12. Michelle L. says

    December 26, 2011 at

    REally fabulous! I love the handles, they are kinda genius!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 26, 2011 at

      Thanks Michelle! I just checked out your blog, you are so crafty with all that jewelry. Awesome!

  13. Jen says

    December 26, 2011 at

    I’d like to order one. Drawers to read: Florida, Maryland, California and Pennsylvania. I’ll even pay extra for a personal delivery 🙂

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 26, 2011 at

      Jen – You could totally do this, but not with the fancy furniture. You need to snag some from Academy or something. 😉 Merry Christmas to you all!! XO

  14. marisakquijano says

    December 27, 2011 at

    Very cute! and so creative!! Nice!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 27, 2011 at

      Thank you very much!

  15. leannehilderman says

    December 27, 2011 at

    Wow, that looks like a lot of work, but how cool it turned out! Way to go!

    Leanne @ Because (I think) I can

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 27, 2011 at

      Thanks so much Leanne!

  16. Kathleen says

    December 27, 2011 at

    Very cool! I love that you took a chance and it paid off 🙂

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 27, 2011 at

      Thank you Kathleen!

  17. cassie says

    December 27, 2011 at

    that is so fun! love the different locations, too- very cool and unique!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 28, 2011 at

      Thank you Cassie! It’s my first piece of furniture redo since I started the blog so I’m thrilled to finally be able to join your party!

  18. sparkling74 says

    December 28, 2011 at

    What a neat idea. I’ve been using maps on all sorts of things in my classroom lately. It started with 3 stools that I mod podged maps of France onto and then I did my heater and a bookcase. The stools are not holding up as I expected they would, a year later. BUt it was something to use all of those millions of maps I seem to collect.

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 28, 2011 at

      Hmmm, I hope my dresser lasts longer than you stools. But, don’t you just love maps?!? Happy New Year!

  19. Aimee from ItsOverflowing says

    December 29, 2011 at

    That is so cute I can hardly stand it! Impressive!!! Thanks for sharing at Overflowing with Creativity! I’m excited to continue being inspired by you in 2012!!! XO, Aimee

    PS I’m your newest follower! XO!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 29, 2011 at

      Thanks so much, I am following you as well!

  20. Corinna says

    December 29, 2011 at

    Wow! This is awesome!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 29, 2011 at

      Thanks Corinna!

  21. vicki sutton says

    December 30, 2011 at

    LOVE the dresser. Love the tutorial even more…if possible! So cool!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 30, 2011 at

      Thank you so much Vicki!

  22. My Duong says

    December 30, 2011 at

    What a transformation! Who would have thought map is such great alternative to wallpaper. Would love love love for you to share this at my Best of 2011 party going on now http://space46.blogspot.com. Happy new year! My

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      December 31, 2011 at

      Thank you My! I’m all linked up.

  23. Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things} says

    December 31, 2011 at

    What a cute idea! Love the redo!
    Just stopping by to let you know that you’ve been featured at this week’s {nifty thrifty sunday}! Come grab a button if you’d like! 🙂
    Happy New Year’s!
    Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things}

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      January 1, 2012 at

      What a great way to start the new year! Thanks so much Vanessa and Happy New Year to you and yours!

  24. malinda cruey says

    January 2, 2012 at

    I love it! I have lots of ideas but I need an artist!! Thanks for sharing!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      January 3, 2012 at

      Thanks Malinda! I’m sure you can do more than you give yourself credit for.

  25. The Southern Product Queen says

    January 3, 2012 at

    Cute post! I’m having a Linky party too! I would love it if you would link up your favorite posts. Here is the link http://www.thesouthernproductqueen.com/one-stop-shoppe-linky-party

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      January 3, 2012 at

      Thank you for the invite, I’ll be over to link up!

  26. Erica says

    January 3, 2012 at

    I really love this idea! I did something similar with a old side table that I got for $0.50 at a church yard sale. A friend gave me a shoe box full of stamps that she was going to get rid of and I had a can of leftover paint. So now I have a side table that no would guess cost less than $3.50!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      January 3, 2012 at

      Isn’t that the best, when something is such a great bargain but no one will ever know. 🙂 I love the stamp idea. Thanks for commenting!

  27. cheapcraftymama says

    January 4, 2012 at

    Love it! Beautiful, creative, and unique!!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      January 4, 2012 at

      Thank you Kate!

  28. The Southern Product Queen says

    January 5, 2012 at

    Thank you so much for joining my linky party! This post rocks!

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      January 5, 2012 at

      Thank you so much for the sweet comment and the invite!

  29. Karen says

    January 25, 2012 at

    Love the maps and the distressing is a great touch. My son loves maps (future explorer) and I’ve been looking for a storage piece for his room that I can cover with maps. Your project is a great motivator. By the way, I’ll be kicking off my home decor blog in the next few weeks and I’ll send you a button. Also, I have another map project that I’ll share with you once it’s complete! Thanks, again. Karen

    • Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

      January 25, 2012 at

      Thanks so much for the comment Karen! I look forward to seeing your blog. I am IN LOVE with map decor.

  30. Linda @ Mixed Kreations says

    February 13, 2012 at

    Wow! How cool is this. You did a great job, very nice. You are very creative.

  31. Brooke says

    March 9, 2012 at

    I posted a picture of this dresser and a link to your site. I hope that is okay!

  32. Ashleigh says

    April 7, 2012 at

    Thats fantastic, puts my wee map table to shame. I really love the twine handles, they look great xox

  33. HeartVintageDesign says

    April 15, 2012 at

    Love me some maps!!! Seriously I’ve got to make one of these.

  34. karen@somewhatquirky says

    November 2, 2012 at

    Love this! Catching up on some of your older posts!

  35. Good Time Charlie says

    January 6, 2014 at

    Karah I love it!! What a great idea! I love how you show how to just cut that scrolly thing off straight across. I never thought about that, I always just remove the whole darn thing.

Trackbacks

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