Instructions

Here they are! Step by step instructions so you make your very own carving on a piece of furniture. This project does involve Power Tools, but I think you can handle it.



The first step... Choosing the before.



I spray painted the hardware 'seaside green' (rustoleaum) to match the paper going in the drawers. Then I drew the design right on the furniture with a sharpie. If you don't plan on painting the piece you may want to use pencil, but it's important that whatever you draw with is very visible. You'll apreciate it when you're using the router.



I used a quarter inch bit in my router set at a depth of 1/16th. A small depth makes a big impact on your furniture- it's a good idea to test it out on a piece of scrap wood.


I carefully traced my lines, but a little squiggle adds a nice detail when you're drawing foliage.


Once I've traced the lines I finish cutting the middle out- using the same bit.


Use a bit of sandpaper to smooth out any uneveness left by the router.


I stained the parts I cut out to bring out the grain and darken the wood a bit. Whatever finish you plan on using in the cutouts, now is the time to do it. It's much easier to take 'accidental' paint or stain off the flat surface before you've finished it.


Paint!


I sanded the old finish lightly so the new paint would stick. Then I brushed on two coats of latex acrylic paint.


I lined the drawers with the paper that was my inspiration for the design and the color of the handles (a linda barker wallpaper).


Voilà! Finished- happy crafting!