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Written by Spike Carlsen
Don't your special things deserve to be housed in an equally special place? Well, check out this wardrobe! It was taken from drab to dramatic with only a couple of cool embellishing techniques.
Transforming a ordinary piece of furniture into something extraordinary is easier than you might think. All you need is some imagination (we'll provide the inspiration) and a little cash.
For this project, we use photocopies, textured paper and stencils to decorate the outside of an armoire. Use your imagination—the possibilities are virtually endless!
Don't limit yourself to this project, either. Use the same simple technique to jazz up any headboard, tabletop, door, cabinet or any other large piece.
Lightly wash the surface with soap and water; use mineral spirits to remove any greasy or oily spots. Paint the upper cornice, legs and other ornate parts with two coats of acrylic paint. Remove the handle and carefully wedge the door shut with cardboard shims. Use masking tape to temporarily apply overlapping squares of wallpaper and textured paper to the entire surface.
Use a photocopier to copy and enlarge "accent" images from newspapers and magazines. Cut out the shapes, temporarily tape them in place, and move them around until you find a look you like. Remove the masking tape from each background and accent piece, and use a brush to apply white glue to the back. Then, use a wallpaper roller or rolling pin to firmly press every piece in place.
Mix three parts white glue with one part water. Use a large brush or paint roller to apply the mixture evenly over the paper surface. When dry, lightly sand the surface with 240-grit sandpaper and apply one or two more coats. Instead of diluted glue, you can also use a product such as Mod Podge. Finally, use a razor knife to cut around the door. Reattach the handle.
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