Dare to Go 3D on Furniture!

I had a vision. Sometimes these visions don’t work, but sometimes they do. And you just never know where you’re going to get inspiration. Here’s how this one came along.

I subscribe to a few magazines that always give me lots of creative ideas. One is Better Homes & Gardens Do It Yourself magazine. I love this one because it celebrates what people can do with just a little imagination.

I was drawn to the earthy colors and hodge podge of dimensional elements on top of this textured fabric. That’s all it took. I had my vision. I decided why not use a piece of furniture as a backdrop for some 3 dimensional art? No way to know unless you just try it!

Inspiration comes and goes. Creativity is the result of practice.
— Phil cousineau

The Canvas

I needed a canvas for my vision. A base to set off the 3-dimensional scenery. Welcome this little vintage cabinet in need of some major love.

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The wear on this stained finish had an almost leopard-like quality, I almost wanted to keep it. But I decided to clean it up and smooth it out to create a new texture – a linen-like finish.

After deconstructing it, I painted the base in a warm putty. It always looks scary before it looks good.

I layered the base with a cream color. While wet, I cross-brushed it with a hand-held broom to get the desired effect. The lines were not perfect, but I actually liked the time-worn imperfection it had.

The Supplies

I discovered a local craft store that sold the Cocoknits accessories featured in the magazine. I hope my knitters don’t cringe at how I used them – but I truly wanted to celebrate makers, creators, and crafters by showcasing these in a way that stood out.

I also visited my favorite Hobby Lobby while the florals were 50% off and spent more than a fair share on lots of color choices – all in the earthtone family and representing the rainbow spectrum.

The Creation

This was the fun part. Carefully selecting the right size, dimension, and texture to place on the doors of the cabinet in a cascade of colors from blues and violets to warm browns and yellows to olive and mint to pinks and rose. I was creating a meadow of color and springtime and warmth and inspiration. After the placement seemed pleasing to the eye, hot glue kept them in place.

The last piece of the reconfiguration was a deserving top to such an interesting bottom. The original plank of plywood would just not do. I grabbed a solid piece of hardwood that came from the middle section of a client’s vanity we turned into nightstands. It never fails to keep these things on hand (thank you Laurie for giving it to me). You will find a way to use them. This one just needed the bottom piece popped off to become a great top with a curved overhang. I sanded it to the original light grain for more natural warmth.

And though my hubby isn’t crazy about my projects becoming his projects, I enlisted his help. I knew I had one shot at this top, and wanted it done right the first time. He knew exactly how to place my holes and ensure we didn’t go through the top with the screws I needed to keep it solidly in place.