25.3.14

A Vanity for a girl who can't sit still

If you ask me what do I remember most about the place I used to call home, a series of pictures, rumbling of noises and a rush of scents flash through my head.  That place inside my head feels so far away and at the same time, I feel if I stretch my arms long enough, I could almost touch it.  Sometimes when I close my eyes at night, I remember laughter under mango trees and the first of stars peeking through from the dark blue sky.  I smell the sweet smell of dusty earth making love to tumbling of monsoon rain.  There is always the loud beating of beautifully orchestrated rain on the tin roof.  If you again ask me what do I remember the most about home, I will tell you I remember my mother combing her long jet black hair in front of her vanity.  As a child, I would sit on the floor looking up at this beautiful creature and mesmerized by this simple act.  I still remember her vanity...all the curves and perfect imperfection of dents and scratches.  It has taken me thirty years to finally have a little vanity I could call my own.





It was a present from my grandmother and that alone makes this vanity very special for me.  Then there is the history of where it has been and where it will be.  This is the vanity before it found me.


It is gorgeous.  I thought about leaving it alone as is but what fun would that be for me?










Yes, I love gilded pieces.  I love the meeting of a time worn look with a faded glamour. I have to tell you I had a hard time trying to figure out what color to paint this vanity.  I knew it had to be somewhat muted because of everything else in the room but it still has to be one of a kind.  I wanted it to be very distressed so I used the newspaper rubbing method.  I painted the first coat with ASCP in cream then when it dried, I layered ASCP in Antoinette.  Why is Antoinette difficult to photograph?  If anyone has any tip, please let me know.









I am very happy with how it came out.  The girls are already fighting over it.  And every time I sit in front of the vanity, a flood of memories come rushing back.  Sometimes memories can get blurred by time and I find myself questioning if they're just long forgotten dreams.  I am also aware of the fact that our present moment and every moment we create will one day become memories.  Not just mine but my daughters' and they will all be bound together like a dusty old book.







  And one day perhaps, they too will talk about an old vanity with its faded roses and swirls of dusty pink and of their mom telling them stories of long ago dreams.


Linking up with:
http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/
http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/
http://shabbyartboutique.com/
http://www.modvintagelife.blogspot.com/
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/
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http://www.stonegableblog.com/
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/

34 comments:

  1. Absolutely Stunning! Lucky little girls and lucky you for all the good memories.

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    1. Thank you, Darrielle! I enjoy all of your beautiful transformations too.

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  2. Oh my goodness Victoria, you are such a wonderful writer! You should write a novel! That seriously brought tears to my eyes!!! Your dresser is gorgeous, love what you did with it and esp. the mirror! Your girlies are beautiful...enjoy these years, they really do fly:(

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    1. Victoria, Thank you. I do enjoy writing. I miss all of my literature and creative writing classes. I really should think about Instagram. I tend to take a lot of food pictures on there.

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  3. P.S. Are you on Instagram? I'm having so much fun following all the bloggers on there, it's quite addictive!

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  4. You did a beautiful job with the vanity, and the photos are wonderful! xoxo

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  5. Very nice pieces, great story! -Kev

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  6. How romantic! And what cutie pie's playing dress up!

    ~Linsey at The Farmhouse Porch

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    1. Thank you so much Linsey. Unfortunately they have more dress up clothes than normal clothes.

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  7. You did a beautiful job with this heirloom vanity! And I so loved hearing about your memories of home. I am sure your precious little girls will remember those stories very well, too.

    XO,
    Jane

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  8. Beautiful memories to go with your beautiful vanity. I love the photos of your girls ~ they are adorable.
    xo,
    Lin

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    1. Lin, Thank you. The girls LOVE to take pictures. I am in trouble with those two.

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  9. Love the makeover, your writing and your adorable little girls.

    Mary @ Orphans With Makeup

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  10. I love your blog; I have just found it and am enjoying it so much! Your piece about memories is beautiful as are all your creative projects. I am looking forward to your future posts! Kay

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    1. Kay, I am so glad you found me. Thank you for your kind words.

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  11. Really like the finish on the vanity. Do I know what the newspaper rubbing method is? I wish I had your vanity to go with my vanity stool which I use as a computer chair! Your daughters are delightful.

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    1. Teddee, here is the link to Annie Sloan's directions. http://anniesloanpaintandcolour.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/f-f-f-f-frottage.html
      Let me know if it works. : )

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  12. It looks so lovely Victoria... well done! Your little girls are adorable.
    Hugs ~ Kerryanne

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  13. I just stumbled across your blog via a blog link party, and may I just say- WOW. I am in love with your style and how you let your creativity flow! I seriously sat here for about an hour just going through your posts and looking at your lovely photos. Thank you for sharing and being so inspiring!

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    1. Sarah, Thank you soo much. I am so glad you enjoyed it. This has been the most amazing creative outlet for me.

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  14. Stunning and so beautifully written too. Oh, bless, your little ones are so sweet. I LOVE the last picture of them together. x

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  15. Your vanity is amazing--but seeing your little ones making memories is the sweetest moment!

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  16. Victoria, what an amazing job you did on your vanity....the colors and the details on the mirror are simply amazing! Your darling girls brought tears to my eyes...a flashback to the past with all four of mine who are now, long grown. Treasure the moments with them and take plenty of pictures!!!
    Your new admirer and follower,
    JP

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  17. I love your gorgeous treasure, you did a fabulous job with it. I have the exact vanity, what you did with yours makes it amazing and gives it a whole new life. Wonderful post, we'd love to have you share it at WIW.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  18. Fantastic goods from you, man. I've have in mind your stuff prior to and you're just extremely fantastic.
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    1. Thank you so much! I think as an artist, being able to express my creativity without following any rules or limitations have been the most amazing thing.

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  19. How utterly perfectly beautiful! I love your creativity in embellishing your lovely vanity. Your photos are sublime and your kidlets too cute for words. I saw you next to me at Ivy and Elephants and just had to have a peek!...Mimi...x
    http://atrayofbliss.blogspot.com.au/

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    1. Mimi, thank you so much for your lovely comment. What an amazingly dedicated mama you are. I am forever inspired by mothers and how much they give yet still stay true to who they are.

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  20. This is just beautiful! I just found your blog and I just love it. You're so creative and such an inspiration. Your daughters are a delight - remind me of my two when they were little. Everything about your blog is just lovely - thanks so much for sharing it.

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    1. Thank you so much, Donna. Being able to blog and connect with other like minded people have been the most amazing experience.

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  21. Thanks for sharing your memories of home. It's fun to read your blog!

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