Cassie Bustamante

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Armoire Before & After; Some Inspiration, too!

January 3, 2011 by Cassie 62 Comments

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Before I get into the before and after, I want to share with you a couple inspiring things I have found lately.  First, I love this quote which is perfect for the new year…

A happy New Year! Grant that I

May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I’ve played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.
~Edgar Guest

I think that happiness is definitely something to strive for, and wouldn’t you love to, in January of 2012, look back and say, “I made that the happiest year I could have!”

More inspiring words…. I was working on some projects this morning, and I am  huge Taylor Swift  fan.  I was listening to her newest album, Speak Now, and there is a song called Never Grow Up.  She is talking to herself in the song, but if you have children, you should listen as well.  I was crying as I thought about my own children dancing in their pjs and how I will one day miss these times.  Enjoy them!  For those of you not familiar with the song, here are the lyrics.

Never Grow Up:

Your little hands wrapped around my finger

And it’s so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter cause you’re dreaming
So I tuck you in and turn on your favorite nightlight
To you, everything’s funny
You got nothing to regret
I’d give all I have honey
If you could stay like that

(Chorus:)
Oh darling don’t you ever grow up, don’t you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh darling don’t you ever grow up, don’t you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
I won’t let nobody hurt you
Wont let no one break your heart
No one will desert you
Just try to never grow up
Never grow up

You’re in the car on the way to the movies
And you’re mortified your mama’s dropping you off
At 14, there’s just so much you can’t do
And you can’t wait to move out
Someday and call your own shots
But don’t make her drop you off around the block
Remember she’s getting older too
And don’t lose the way that you dance around in your PJs getting ready for school

(Chorus:)
Oh darling don’t you ever grow up, don’t you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh darling don’t you ever grow up, don’t you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
No one’s ever burned
Nothing’s ever left you scarred
Even though you want to, just try to never grow up

Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room
Memorize what it sounded like what your dad gets home
Remember the footsteps, remember the words said
And all your little brother’s favorite songs
I just realized everything I had is someday gonna be gone
So here I am in my new apartment
In a big city, they just dropped me off
It’s so much colder than I thought it would be
So I tuck myself in and turn my nightlight on

Wish I’d never grown up
I wish I’d never grown up
Oh I don’t wanna grow up
Wish I’d never grown up
Could still be little
Oh I don’t wanna grow up
It could still be simple
(Chorus:)
Oh darling don’t you ever grow up, don’t you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh darling don’t you ever grow up, don’t you ever grow up
It could stay this simple
Won’t let nobody hurt you
Won’t let no one break your heart
And even though you want to, please try to never grow up
Don’t you ever grow up
Just never grow up

And now onto my latest makeover!  Christmas is over, and business has already picked up, so I am back t work in full force!  I picked up this adorable armoire last week for free off Craigslist.  And the best part- it was in town!  I forgot a real before picture, but it was painted a creamy white (2 coats too little) and the top was wood.

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I sanded it, gave it two coats of Kilz Clean Start primer, and gave it 2 more coats of Behr Ultra White.  I taped the door off so I could add a chalkboard panel, and then stenciled a bid silhouette at the top of the chalkboard.  All original hardware was present, so I used that as I liked it.  I also gave it a light distressing…. here it is now!

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    January 3, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    I like your blog but can’t stand Taylor Swift.

    Reply
  2. [email protected] says

    January 3, 2011 at 4:47 pm

    cute! free is great! I haven’t looked at the FREE ads forever. I can’t take on any more stuff!
    great job cassie! I bet this goes fast.
    gail

    Reply
  3. Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys says

    January 3, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    Ok, I have to buy that song now. I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes reading the words!

    Sniff, the armoire came out real nice. sniff

    Reply
  4. Artichoke Alley says

    January 3, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    Love it and the bird is too cute!

    Reply
  5. thepaperroSe says

    January 3, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    Love it! The bird was the icing on the cake. Where did you find the stencil? I have been looking for a cute bird stencil….no luck.

    Reply
  6. Between Blue and Yellow says

    January 3, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    that was free?! Unbelievable~! Looks so cute.

    Reply
  7. Chrissie says

    January 3, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    So sweet! I love the chalkboard panel and the stenciled bird is the perfect touch. What a pretty song, thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  8. Renee @ where the grass is greener says

    January 3, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    Great job Cassie! I love the idea of chalkboard paint on it. That song made me cry.

    Reply
  9. ChRiS says

    January 3, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    oh i really like this would love it in a dining room…i think!

    Reply
  10. The Frosted Gardner says

    January 3, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    Oh my gosh! This is so unique and wonderful! The little chalkboard is so fun and the details between each drawer really pop with your distressing. Love it!

    Reply
  11. Cathy @ The Far Fifty says

    January 3, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    I love that you kept the original hardware, it looks great. I love this piece perfect for a small bedroom (which my house is full of!). Do you ship to Canada? 🙂

    Reply
  12. Serendipity Chic Design says

    January 3, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    OK, you have me balling now. My 10 year old loves Taylor Swift so she is pretty popular around here. She is home sick today and just told me she knows that song. I just listened to it on You tube. Thank God all 3 of my children tell me they love me all the time…Vice versa. My oldest is a 14 year old boy, and as cool as he thinks he is, he still secretly waves to me with his hand held down low and waves to me as the bus drives away.

    I tell them all the time to “never grow up”…

    BTW, love the dresser…LOL!!

    Take care,
    Lisa

    Reply
  13. Pam says

    January 3, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    Your armoire is adorable. Love the birdie on it. Those handles are very cool too.

    Reply
  14. Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures/Treasured Moments says

    January 3, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    Might be my favorite…..I think the dresser wants you to bring him here to live in my house.

    Reply
  15. Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures/Treasured Moments says

    January 3, 2011 at 7:47 pm

    I meant to say armoire.

    Reply
  16. Kendra {House of Ficek} says

    January 3, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    Cute, cute, I would love something like that in my mudroom. The hardware is stunning as well, I really love the color of them!

    Reply
  17. Green Gracie Home says

    January 3, 2011 at 8:52 pm

    so cute and creative! the bird and blackboard really make it unique…happy new year!

    Reply
  18. Rebecca@This Present Life says

    January 3, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    I love it! The chalkboard inlay is brilliant! What a great piece in a child’s room!

    Reply
  19. Christa @ Stories of a House says

    January 3, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    Oh, I love this idea! I can’t wait to find something to do white with black chalkboard paint now. thanks for another great idea, Cassie!

    Reply
  20. Sarah @ Cozy.Cottage.Cute. says

    January 3, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    Love the teeny chalkboard panel, great idea!

    Reply
  21. Rachie @ A Chi Chi Affair says

    January 3, 2011 at 10:34 pm

    The chalkboard panel is totally inspired – really great idea!
    Rachie xo

    Reply
  22. Rene says

    January 3, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    It looks great! That never grow up song brought a little tear…

    -Rene

    Reply
  23. The Thriftress says

    January 3, 2011 at 11:09 pm

    When I saw the before I was like “meh”. Not sure I would have picked it up if I saw it on CL but the after is great! The chalkboard, bird, paint and hardware make it totally cute!
    Sarah

    Reply
  24. mapleandmagnolia.com says

    January 3, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    Love Taylor Swift but haven’t heard that song yet…now I’ll be sure to! That armoire is so stinkin cute. Now I’m on the lookout for one like it! It would never have occurred to me to paint that panel with chalkboard paint. Too creative as usual!

    Reply
  25. Suzanne@Meridian Road says

    January 4, 2011 at 1:38 am

    Love the poem, love the song, and LOVE the armoire! How do you take such dumpy pieces of furniture and make them so fresh?

    Reply
  26. Allison says

    January 4, 2011 at 2:01 am

    I love the poem and the song! Anything positive and inspirational…I’m right there! Great way to start off the year. The armoire is beautiful. The chalkboard is clever. I could see that in a child’s room, a dining room room or kitchen…really anywhere. It a great piece with many uses! You’re starting off your year productively, Cassie! Good for you.

    Reply
  27. Donnie says

    January 4, 2011 at 2:25 am

    That came out really well. I love the little bird on the chalkboard too. I got my first can of blackboard pain today to do the charger plates. Oh the possibilities…lol…

    Reply
  28. Bobi says

    January 4, 2011 at 2:39 am

    Very cute! I am inspired to find some good deals on CL.

    Reply
  29. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says

    January 4, 2011 at 3:26 am

    This is such a cute piece. Love that it has a little door on the side and the chalkboard was a great idea.

    I’m trying to catch up on everyone’s blogs. I am so behind from the holidays. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  30. Deb says

    January 4, 2011 at 3:46 am

    Super cute armoire Cassie…love the chalkboard door! I just love all your projects, just wished that I lived closer so that I could buy them! ~Deb~

    Reply
  31. Polly says

    January 4, 2011 at 4:01 am

    love it Cassie! I simply love it! And it was free on Craigs List? Awesome!!!

    Reply
  32. Andi @ Jane of all crafts says

    January 4, 2011 at 5:17 am

    🙁 Those lyrics made me want to go wake my girls up and cuddle with them. They are already growing up too fast!

    Love the re do. The chalkboard made all the difference and you know I have a thing for birds. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Andi @ Jane of all crafts says

    January 4, 2011 at 5:19 am

    I just read the first comment. haha! priceless.

    Reply
  34. knack says

    January 4, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    so very fun! I love the chalkboard door!

    I have an armoire in my studio that has two panel doors and I painted them with chalkboard paint. I keep all of my paint inside those doors so I wrote “there is magic inside me” on the doors! It makes me smile every time I go in the studio! hee hee!

    Reply
  35. Lenore @ Lather. Write. Repeat. says

    January 4, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    It’s gorgeous Cassie, I love it! The chalkboard panel is so cute and useful!!

    XO
    Lenore

    Reply
  36. thepaperroSe says

    January 4, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    ok. I am off to Hob Lob to find that cute stencil! Please email me your address ( I can’t find it)….just maybe one of those rings will be coming your way!!!!

    Reply
  37. Meg/Brassy Apple says

    January 5, 2011 at 12:24 am

    love it! looking for a piece to makeover myself!

    stopping by from CSI project 🙂

    Reply
  38. Terry says

    January 5, 2011 at 1:10 am

    Really cool. Love the look. Terry

    Reply
  39. Elle {SWITCHEROOm} says

    January 5, 2011 at 2:26 am

    awww.. for both the lyrics and the armoire 🙂

    Reply
  40. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    January 5, 2011 at 4:01 am

    Oh wow, this is really cute and very unique! And I love the addition of the chalkboard with the little bird stencil!

    Reply
  41. Secret Garden Cottage says

    January 5, 2011 at 4:28 am

    Hi! I’m just popping in from Tuesday’s Treasures. What a wonderful transformation! Using the chalkboard paint on the door was a great idea… it looks beautiful! This would be a great piece in the bedroom or a pantry… great storage!
    Have a great week!
    ~ Jo 🙂

    Reply
  42. hearttreehome says

    January 5, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    wow, you have so many furniture makeovers… i don’t know how you find the time! this one looks awesome though… i love the touch of chalkboard paint!

    Reply
  43. Its So Very Cheri says

    January 5, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Its Cheri again–I LOVE this one too.

    Cheri from http://www.itssoverycheri.com and http://www.thediyclub.com

    Reply
  44. Sixty-Fifth Avenue says

    January 5, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    I missed this one somehow…Love it and you know I think the chalkboard is fabulous!

    Reply
  45. vintage vine says

    January 6, 2011 at 3:42 am

    This a great makeover…you are always full of inspiration….Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  46. Chris says

    January 6, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    So cute and cleaver!!

    Reply
  47. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    January 7, 2011 at 12:06 am

    This makeover is fabulous!!!!!!!!! I’m might just have to take it from you!
    I knew I liked you for a reason, I love taylor too!!!
    Have a great weekend!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  48. Anne at Bird/Like says

    January 7, 2011 at 12:34 am

    I LOVE it! Can I feature it on my blog (all about bird theme decor)?

    Reply
  49. Heidi@TheCraftMonkey says

    January 7, 2011 at 4:15 am

    I LOVE the stenciled bird! I painted a chalkboard armoire and the mine’s not nearly as cute bc it always has the 2 year olds scribbles on it, I may need to add a stenciled cute design too!

    Reply
  50. time worn interiors says

    January 7, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Adore the idea of putting chalk board paint on the armoire door! And i love birds! Have a great weekend!
    Theresa
    aka:tot

    Reply
  51. Paige (Final Clothes-Out) says

    January 7, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    That is seriously adorable. Love it!

    Reply
  52. Nicole Jennings says

    January 8, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    I adore this, Cassie! Doesn’t chalkboard make everything so much more fun? 🙂

    Reply
  53. Jenna @ SAS Interiors - Simple. Affordable. Stylish. says

    January 9, 2011 at 2:04 am

    What a great transformation! Love the idea of adding the chalkboard panel. I’m stopping over from Tatertots and Jello & am your newest follower! Please check out my Interiors Design & Decor website, SAS Interiors @ http://www.sasinteriors.blogspot.com

    Happy New Year!
    Jenna, SAS Interiors

    Reply
  54. Reba says

    January 9, 2011 at 3:29 am

    Cute, cute, cute! This would be a great piece in a child’s bedroom.

    Reply
  55. Steph @ BirdhouseFamily says

    January 9, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    Very cute and creative!

    Reply
  56. Meg says

    January 11, 2011 at 2:15 am

    So cool! Did you sell it? Or are you enjoying it right now? Love it!

    Reply
  57. Amy of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie says

    January 13, 2011 at 12:07 am

    Love the chalkboard and the bird stencil! Such a great project…thanks for linking it up!

    Amy

    (P.S. Please add the party button so you are eligible to win the prizes and be featured!)

    Reply
  58. Maranda says

    January 14, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    Love this! What a genius creative idea. I will be looking for places for chalkboards everywhere now…

    Reply
  59. Kim @ Second Time Furniture says

    January 15, 2011 at 7:40 am

    Cassie,
    How did I miss this? Super cute with the chalkboard side cabinet!
    Kim 🙂

    Reply
  60. I Play Outside The Box says

    January 15, 2011 at 7:08 pm

    I just bought a pint of chalkboard paint….now I’m going to look at my furniture a little differently. TFS!

    Reply
  61. Yay! DIY says

    January 19, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    This project is so incredible! Did you use this for your own home, or did you sell it? This gives me so many ideas of how to incorporate chalkboards into furniture. It’s so creative – thanks for the inspiration!
    Erin from YAYDIY.com

    Reply
  62. Stef says

    February 7, 2011 at 5:18 am

    This is absolutely darling! Love it!!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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