Mmmmm...I LOVE stencils...edited at bottom...

his project is part of my current phase of upcycling my life. I've replaced my king sized bed with this one...a twin with a "built in dresser!" (lol) I live in a 1200 sq ft condo, and decided to completely re-do my bedroom to reflect a new phase of my life and to open up more crafty space. So here are the "befores," of a previously loved bed in need of some TLC. It's a solid pine, heavy piece, and I know it will be with me for many years.

Here, you can see some of the deep scratches on the one of the posts.

I LOVE wood filler! (lol)

I took the drawers outside for sanding and filling more scratches.

I did actually prime this piece before I painted because I was concerned that the knots might bleed through the paint. I used Zinsser Cover Stain, then painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (Old White). Once it dried, I chipped randomly with a mouse sander, then applied Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax.

I'm tickled pink with how it turned out! The box spring with the mattress makes the bed too high, so I'll have a posture board cut this week to replace the box spring. I felt a bit like I was sleeping inside the kid's fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea" last night!

The drawer handles were formerly saucy shiny chrome; I painted those with Tremclad Hammered Black paint.

Here's the Dreamweaver Stencil I used for the little feminine touches on the drawers (LG 699, Copperplate Corners). I wanted a touch of black, so this stencil done with Dreamweaver Black Matte Embossing Paste was JUST the thing! I really like that there are two different corners to use on this stencil. I use it a lot. I'm so lucky to be part of the Dreamweaver Design Team, and this week we're partying in a blog hop with the Woodware designers from the UK.

There are so many beautiful paste colours available now...here's a small sampling...the metallic colours (gold, silver, copper) and the Pearlescent pastes are especially popular!

Here are close-ups of some of the stencilled areas on the chipped drawers:

Love it love it LOVE it! Just a perfect little feminine accent, and look at that splendiferous texture with Annie's Chalk Paint!! LOVE me my ASCP!!

Because the bed's so high, I decided to re-do a little step stool to match.

Before:

Don't you love those brassy handles!? (Ummm, I didn't...)

I used the same paint techniques as I did on the bed, and I painted three coats of Minwax Polycrylic on the steps for durability. I also painted the handles the same colour as the drawer pulls.

Here's a closer pic of the chippy finish and stencilled corners, done to match the bed.

One last picture of the first steps to my "new" room...just try to imagine the mattress being half that depth! (lol)

Stencilling is SO back in style in home decor...not the cutesy wall borders of the seventies and eighties, but as sophisticated, beautiful design accessories. I use Dreamweaver stencils often for creating greeting cards (they're on another blog, right here), and I'm enjoying them all over again as home decor accents!

I hope you'll take some time to visit the other stops along the Dreamweaver/Woodware blog hop. Every designer will be sending a stencil to a randomly chosen participant! The next stop along the hop is Kristi's place, right here. The complete schedule for the hop can be found right here.

Updated: Today is Sept. 4th., and we've drawn winners for our stencils! To visit everyone's blogs to see if YOU'RE a winner, just check this master list over at the Dream it Up Blog. For this draw, Random.org selected comment # 58 of the 62 comments left here to date.

That comment was entered by Ann who posted:

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

What a job but totally worth it. The stool is perfect. Thank you so much for sharing at the Open House party!

September 3, 2011 4:53 PM

CONGRATS Ann...a small token of appreciation for participating in our blog hop will be coming your way, so please send along your postal address.I've posted another project for the same little giveaway, so make sure you check here too!

I'm also partying here and with these fine home decor bloggers this week too.

Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to stop by today! The comments you leave are like little gifts, and they just make my day!

I wish you a day of simple pleasures, doing WHAT you love WITH people you love!

OH! And THANK YOU to these fine bloggers for featuring my bed!