Holly Kellen Gives a Plain Chest a Total Makeover

I was completely impressed when Holly Kellen sent me the photos from her furniture make over. Wow! What a difference! She was elated at her accomplishment, saying that “even a beginner can do it”. I loved that!

She used our Raised Plaster Pine Branch Stencil Set to create the raised design.

Here’s her before and after photos:

    

I asked about her process and here’s what she had to say:

“I used Dixie bell chalk paint and did a color wash to add the subtle color, then finished with a coat of DB gatorhide to seal it.

I primed first and then painted using the color drop cloth. Then I applied the stencil branches using joint compound, let them dry, then added the pinecones and let it dry overnight. Then I applied a coat of flat sealer to the whole piece. Then I made a color wash, which is just paint and water approximately 6 or 8 parts water to 1 part paint. I mixed colors coffee bean and chocolate for that. Covered the entire piece and rubbed it down with a lint free rag to create the antique effect. Next made a color wash for the stencil using palmetto, coffee bean, and pinecone. Finally sealed the chest with gator hide”.

Plaster stenciling is so easy and just imagine the incredible looks you can get on furniture, cabinets and walls.