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Friday, July 6, 2012

Vintage Shabby Chic Steamer Trunk








Not to be a big bragger but isn't this steamer trunk just gorgeous!!! I am so in love with this transformation! I wish I could show you before pics but well I forgot to take them, I know what a shocker right?!? I picked up this big fella at a local auction, I'm pretty sure it had sat abandoned in a musty basement for at least a decade. I'm sure there were intentions of restoring but I can see where someone would get intimidated. The metal was rusty and the fabric was torn and worn.  Not to mention the paper lining was also crumbling and very fragile. In addition to that just the size of this bad boy, 35"x22"x19", is enough to scare off any creative plans. But this shabby lady has been looking for a project to spread my wings, so after much chin scratching and a request from an Esty customer for a distressed old white trunk I began. After a thorough scrubbing I re-hammered all the tacks and replaced some missing tacks. I used Mod Podge to coat the fabric that cover the metal portions of this style trunk. The fabric was very worn and even torn in some spot and the Mod Podge worked well to seal the holes and tack the fabric down. I have to pat myself on the back for this idea. It worked like a dream. I then applied a custom mixed Old White chalk paint to the entire outside of this trunk. Now it was time to hand sand for distressing. I love the way the rust tannins spot their way through the white paint, its adds so much depth to the distressing. I brushed out the interior and then vacuumed up the debris. I then made a mixture of Mod Podge, turquoise chalk paint and water, using this mixture I pasted down the loose and lifting original paper lining. I coated the entire interior with this mixture to give the paper lining strength and to seal it. I love the look and was so glad I thought to do it. If you're going to do this I really thinned down the Mod Podge paint mixture. There is an detailed border on the inside of the lid that would have been a shame to cover. Now the entire trunk was ready for a hand waxing with clear paste wax. I waxed inside and outside. I then used a black paste wax lightly applying to enhance the texture and antique. I am again especially in love with the inside of this trunk the wrinkles and the cracks in the paper really worked well with the black wax. The entire piece was again waxed for a 3rd time with a clear paste wax ensuring a silky smooth protective surface. The middle locking latch is not functional due to the fact that this trunk didn't come with a key but the side latches are in full working order. There are 3 functional casters on the bottom of this trunk and one broken caster that I covered with a small furniture slider that you can choose to remove if you desire. I like to think that this is a well traveled trunk, that it rode on trains across country or even crossed the ocean for an overseas adventure. I'm sure it suited it's owner well back in its youth and can again be a beloved item in someone's home. This steamer trunk would be an excellent addition to any home decor use it for storage or as a coffee table, at the end of you bed for an brilliant bench with storage. No shabby chic home is complete with out an antique steamer trunk. This item has been sold! But it's still really lovely!!!


 

 Enjoy
Tracy






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4 comments:

  1. HOLA ME PARECE UN TRABAJO PRECIOSO ... ESTOY MIRANDO IDEAS Y ESTA ME PARECE PERFECTA ... GRACIAS

    ReplyDelete
  2. HOLA ME PARECE UN TRABAJO PRECIOSO ... ESTOY MIRANDO IDEAS Y ESTA ME PARECE PERFECTA ... GRACIAS

    ReplyDelete
  3. HOLA ME PARECE UN TRABAJO PRECIOSO ... ESTOY MIRANDO IDEAS Y ESTA ME PARECE PERFECTA ... GRACIAS

    ReplyDelete
  4. I need to finish a trunk I'm doing for my bedroom. I was going to redo the inside with new contact paper but after reading this I would like to try ur technique with the paint and modge pog. Is there any certain measurements gor this or can I just wing it?

    ReplyDelete