For as long as I can remember, my mom would talk about an amazing “gentleman’s wardrobe in my grandparents’ attic. Apparently, my grandfather had used it to hold his clothes in the 1940s when he lived above a gas station that he owned/operated.  Naturally, time was not kind to this piece.  The mirrored doors were broken, a drawer was missing, and the finish was discolored and scratched.  Also, did I mention that it was trapped beyond a narrow staircase and draped in decades of old newspapers, tires, and dust?

A few months ago, our family had the sad (and somewhat overwhelming) task of de-cluttering and emptying that attic.  Naturally, the wardrobe was painstakingly brought downstairs.  Although at first glance it may have seemed destined for the dumpster or burn pile, I pledged that there was still life left in this ol’ boy.

My husband and I brought it home and I vowed to have the piece completed for my mom this Mother’s Day 2015.

Here are some before shots.  I had to do some repairs to the wood surround, and I had a local carpenter repair/re-create two of the center drawers.

I removed the doors as well to break free the broken mirror before painting.

Speaking of painting, I used a creamy-white, chalk paint to cover and distress the piece.  I always start on the drawers of a piece first.  It’s a great way to practice your technique and get a feel for the overall look you are going for.

Remember, when it comes to distressing, a little goes a long way.  Lightly sanding the edges and around the hardware/handles are places that would ware naturally over time.  So, these are the places to hit when recreating that look.

After painting, I lightly sanded the whole piece and added several layers of wax to seal it and provide durability for a fruitful future.

Hind sight is 20/20.  I wish I had taken more pictures of the process. However, I did grab a picture of this Mother’s Day Masterpiece, before giving it to my mom.  I think it turned out quite lovely.  Can I hear a “Huckle Buckle Beanstalk?”