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.
Linking up with....
My Salvaged Treasures 9-16-14
Funky Junk # 256
Simple Saturdays 9-13-14
Catch as Catch Can # 180
Craft Frenzy Friday # 57
My Salvaged Treasures 9-16-14
Funky Junk # 256
Simple Saturdays 9-13-14
Catch as Catch Can # 180
Craft Frenzy Friday # 57
Make It Monday #1
Beyond the Picket Fence 9-9-14
Party in Your PJ's # 20
Thrifty Life Thursday # 35
Thrifty Things Friday # 18
Beyond the Picket Fence 9-9-14
Party in Your PJ's # 20
Thrifty Life Thursday # 35
Thrifty Things Friday # 18
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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.
