Friday, September 5, 2014

Vintage Cradle Makeover

 
A couple of months ago I picked up this vintage doll cradle at an estate sale.  I could tell it had been hand made and at one time it was probably pretty nice.  But years of neglect, dust and damp basement had taken their toll.  I rescued this little orphan and took it home, determined to fix it up.
 

It sat out in my craft storage room all summer, while I tried to find the time to work on it.  I also couldn't decide what I really wanted to do with it - stain it or paint and distress it?  Which would you do?

In the end I decided that the wood looked too nice, so I opted for staining it.  First thing I did was scrub it down really good with soapy, bleach water and let it sit outside for a day in the sun to dry out.  Then I grabbed a container of dark stain off the shelf and applied a layer.  When I wiped off the excess I didn't think it was dark enough, so I applied a second coat of stain, let it soak in awhile longer and then wiped it off and buffed the wood really good.  I was falling in love with the color.  It is so rich and the stain really brought out all the natural grain and imperfections of the wood.




Then I applied a coat of Polycrylic to seal and protect it and I was finished.



I am so happy I chose to stain it.  I'm really thrilled with the way it looks.


Won't it look cute with a little hand made mattress, pillow and quilt?  Just perfect for a little Dolly to sit in.
 

I may keep it for myself or I may sell it.  I haven't made up my mind yet....  Ok, I gave in.  I'm going to sell it.  I'd much rather some little boy or girl receives it and gives it the love and use it deserves.  Visit my Etsy shop here to purchase and make it your own.


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Lot's of fun things going on this week folks!  Don't forget to enter the Nocciolata Give-Away here. 

And the lovely Miss Diane is giving away free samples of her heavenly soap, so go over and send her an email requesting your FREE bar of soap here.

31 comments:

  1. I think your makeover turned out super! It would be darling with a mattress, pillow and quilt. I almost think I would make the mattress out of ticking.

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    1. I like that ticking idea - I'm off to some estate sales so I'll keep my eyes peeled for some fabric.

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  2. Looks new again! You did a good job.

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    1. Thanks - heading out to some sales - enjoy your weekend.

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  3. Great job! Looks like you made the right choice, it turned out beautiful!

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    1. Thanks Martha! I need bigger house - I don't have enough room for all the stuff I collect. LOL.

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  4. I'm so glad you chose to stain it! Turned out just beautiful,ready for it's second go around. Have fun at the sales,and enjoy your weekend too :)

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  5. Kim, the cradle is beautiful! I like the ticking idea, too.
    Have fun hunting!

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    1. Thanks Moi! Wait until you see the next thing I did - you will love it!

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  6. I think you made the right decision... the stain is perfect!

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    1. Thank you Sherry and thanks for coming by and leaving a comment!

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  7. I love the way it's come back to life, Kim! I'm more than a little rueful for having lost(?) my own mother's "dolly cradle." Hers was fashioned of black iron, and years later she fashioned a darling little quilt coverlet and pillow with lace trim. Hopefully, whoever 'found' it is as appreciative as you are!

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    1. Thanks Myra - oh I'd be sick over not having that anymore either. :-(

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  8. The stain really did work out well! Love the wood grain! Off to look at your shop! Hugs!

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  9. The doll cradle is beautiful with its makeover. Staining it was the right choice. I was thinking it would be great for rolled quilts in it. Thank you for bringing it over to Make It Monday!

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    1. That would look cute with a little quilt rolled into it. Thanks for hosting the link up party.

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  10. Beautiful cradle. Glad I'm not close by or I'd come get my dog another bed. ;)

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  11. You did a nice job on that cradle! Thanks for linking up to Make It Monday, our new link party!

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    1. It's my pleasure - and thanks for coming by to say hello.

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  12. So cute! I'm glad you opted for stain instead of paint. Thanks so much for sharing at the Make it Monday Party!

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    1. Thanks for hosting and thanks for coming by to say hello.

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  13. It turned out beautiful...as much as I love painted and distressed look, sometimes, letting the natural beauty of the wood shine is best...wise choice...it is stunning!

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    1. Well thank you so much - I was happy I went with that too! It was a tough decision.

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  14. Hi Kim! The cradle looks terrific--you did such a great job with it. I have projects really piling up all around me; I've gotta get motivated...

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    1. You always have so much going on too. I am in awe of what you all get done.

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  15. It looks wonderful. What a great gift it would be for a special little girl to rock her doll in!

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  16. Looks great! Thanks for sharing @ TTF!

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  17. What a sweet cradle! Nice job on the remake...it still has vintage charm...Thanks for sharing this week at Revisionary Life Thrifty Life Thursday!

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