Cassie Bustamante

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Blondes Don’t Always Have More Fun!

July 14, 2010 by Cassie 31 Comments

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Check out this blondie….
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Is she ragged, tired, and in need of some love or what? I found her on craigslist and it was so worn that I asked the seller if someone had started stripping it. Nope. It was just that worn. I know, I know, it’s not my usual style, but something about it called for me. It sounded something like this, “Help me! My blonde has started to fade, and I am need of a nice rich brown redo to make me look and feel years younger!” I heard the call and decided to help this old girl out.

I started by sanding it down so that all of the old finish was gone. Once that was done, I applied a stain conditioner which helps the stain apply evenly. I used according to manufacturer’s directions, and then wiped on “Jacobean” by Minwax with a rag. I was amazed at how evenly it went in thanks to the conditioner. (Really does sound like I am working on hair here, doesn’t it?). It wasn’t as dark as I wanted, but I couldn’t find an espresso stain anywhere. My local hardware store helper suggested layering stains. Duh! Why didn’t I think of that? So after 3 coats of Walnut, I applied a coat of “Ebony” by Minwax and it was just as I wanted it- rich and dark and warm. Once the stain dried, I applied 2 coats of wipe-on Poly to give it a more natural finish. And here she is now, youthful, glowing, and BRUNETTE!
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Comments

  1. mjellis says

    July 14, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    So pretty!! What a lucky girl 🙂

    Reply
  2. Shannon says

    July 14, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    She looks stunning as a brunette! You definately had a vision because I think I would have passed her up.

    Reply
  3. Ann Marie @ Twice Lovely says

    July 14, 2010 at 7:12 pm

    So pretty! Funny how it was such a dated style when she was blonde, but it looks so current and warm darker. Great job!! Today I’m working on a big dresser that I got for free that was also that worn. I’ve never tried to sand-strip a finish that has been this easy. It’s kind of nice. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Gail Kramer says

    July 14, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    Hi Cassie,

    I missed you at the auction today! The field across the road had some great stuff, the middle field, not so much and inside opening bid was full of some neat pieces.

    I managed to pick up a few things, stayed relatively dry and got home early. All in all a good day!

    Reply
  5. Chris says

    July 14, 2010 at 8:58 pm

    That looks great! I love it!

    Reply
  6. Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says

    July 14, 2010 at 9:44 pm

    So much better! Looks great!

    Reply
  7. Cathy @ The Far Fifty says

    July 14, 2010 at 10:06 pm

    Good work, I love the shape of that dresser! It looks great as a brunette!

    Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    July 14, 2010 at 10:20 pm

    how DO you find the time? 🙂
    I can’t believe how different this piece looks. Glad you didn’t paint it.
    great job cassie!
    gail

    Reply
  9. Kristine at The Painted Hive says

    July 14, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    I love the lines of this piece. It turned out perfectly.
    I always keep a little black stain on hand to mix in with lighter browns if I can’t find a dark enough colour.
    Kristine
    xx

    Reply
  10. Cozy.Cottage.Cute. says

    July 15, 2010 at 12:02 am

    Wow, it looks brand-spankin’ new. Nice job!

    Sarah 🙂

    Reply
  11. thepaperroSe says

    July 15, 2010 at 12:24 am

    love your catchy titles….you are one talented lady! Thank you for the comments. We are soo excited just in case you can not tell!

    Reply
  12. Allison says

    July 15, 2010 at 12:57 am

    Looks so nice dark brown. Much more up to date. You really transformed that! I like the simple lines of the dresser. Great job as always!!

    Reply
  13. Sixty-Fifth Avenue says

    July 15, 2010 at 1:10 am

    I love it! I can’t belive its the same dresser! And yes, brunettes really do have more fun!

    Reply
  14. Jeralee says

    July 15, 2010 at 1:58 am

    Much better! WTG! I always use the wood conditioner as well and have noticed a difference.

    Reply
  15. Rebecca@This Present Life says

    July 15, 2010 at 2:21 am

    Wow! What a difference. I’m so used to seeing you paint everything, this finish was quite a surprise…in a good way! It looks like it was always meant to be that color. Great job (as usual!).

    Reply
  16. Joselyn says

    July 15, 2010 at 3:15 am

    Great piece, great job! I almost always layer stains to get just the right color. It turned out beautifully

    Reply
  17. canngil says

    July 15, 2010 at 3:17 am

    just lovely!

    Reply
  18. Meet Virginia says

    July 15, 2010 at 7:19 am

    WOW!! Love what you did with it it looks just great!!

    ~Morgan

    Check out Meet Virginia’s Wonderfully Wordy Vinyl Giveaway HERE!!

    Meet Virginia!

    Reply
  19. Ms. Modern Vintage says

    July 15, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    The layering is gorgeous, Cassie. You’ve inspired me! Christa~

    Reply
  20. Amanda@The Hand Me Down House says

    July 15, 2010 at 2:57 pm

    Oh I LOVE the new darker look of your dresser! Love the title of your post too — haha! You did a great job! 🙂

    Reply
  21. Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife says

    July 15, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    Much better!! Bravo!

    Reply
  22. CASA BRASI says

    July 15, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    You did a great job! I love the color of the stain and I really like the style of the piece.

    Reply
  23. Larissa says

    July 16, 2010 at 1:11 am

    Awesome job. I am always amazed at what you do. I really should not be lazy and I should try and beautify some furniture.

    Reply
  24. 3sisters365 says

    July 16, 2010 at 3:12 am

    You are right-it looks fabulous now! Great job.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha, Stacey and Holly.

    Reply
  25. Saving Grace says

    July 16, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    So pretty!!! I am scared of stain!!! But you did a great job!!

    Reply
  26. The Answer Is Chocolate says

    July 17, 2010 at 2:10 am

    Wonderful job. Big furniture projects intimidate me! Visiting from TT&J

    Reply
  27. 婷珊 says

    July 18, 2010 at 1:47 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  28. Jerri-Lea says

    July 18, 2010 at 2:11 am

    From one brunette to another ~ fab.u.lous!!

    Reply
  29. Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife says

    July 18, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    Thanks so much for your sweet words of encouragement. I’m loving the breakfast room too! I can’t wait to finish it up with some accessories (as if, any room is ever “finished”) haha!

    Thanks again for the comment.

    And did I mention, I love the re-do? It looks soo much better. Brunettes have more fun FOR SURE!

    Reply
  30. Melissa says

    July 19, 2010 at 2:32 pm

    I am your newest follower! I love what you did with that poor dresser, it is so cute now! I also LOVE your green walls! Such a pretty fresh color.

    Reply
  31. Jessica Hills says

    July 20, 2010 at 12:23 am

    That turned out beautifully! Thanks for linking to FTF!

    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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