Texas Wild Flower Chest

Some years ago we had house guest just about every weekend during the water sport season. When you live at the lake folks just love to come see you. Although we had plenty of space for sleeping, I found we needed a special space for the weekenders to have a space for their personal items that would be out of the way. That's when I had the idea of the chest and a different drawer for each person. I started with a raw wood chest and the project had it's own life  after that. It was such a rewarding project that is still enjoyed to this day. 

Texas Wild Flower Chest

I started with a raw wood chest and sanded it down until smooth.

Next I used a very light Crackle Compound and topped it with a light top coat.

After it dried for several weeks, I very carefully de-stressed the chest.

I love Texas Wild Flowers and made a decision to paint a different Texas Wild Flower on each drawer. When a guest would arrive  they could be assigned a drawer with a Texas Flower to help them remember that was their drawer. To this day when some of the Grand Kids (who are adults now) come to see us they still want a certain flower -that is their drawer. 

The Wild Flowers are painted in a primitive style, with oil and acrylic with the names of the flowers in black ink.

When the Wild Flowers were finished and completely dry I waxed the entire chest, with 3 coats of wax.

From the beginning of the project to the end, it was a nine month project with the hand painting and all the drying times in between processes.

A Closer Look At The Wild Flowers

More Drawers

And More Flowers

Through the years we have had the chest in several different area's of the lake house and now it has been in several different rooms at the cottage. Here at the cottage each piece of furniture has to be a functioning piece. We have a saying here "if it takes up space it needs to hold something". This chest sure takes care of that in a big way!

Here We Have It In The Entry 

Decorated For The 4th of July

Here It Is All Ready For Fall

Yes I did paint the primitive painting that hangs over the chest.

It is an oil painting of the Hudson Valley, New York.

Ready For Christmas With The Nativity Collection

Today It Is In The Gone Fishing Guest Room

A Very Cozy Guest Room

Looks Like Max Sure Enjoy's It!

Lots of folks ask about the fish chair in the corner, it's a thrift store find that we made the fish back and had so much fun painting it.  Jackson the Bear sits proudly with his catch of the day.

I painted the primitive oil painting hanging on the wall, a fisherman doing a little fly fishing in a cabin we once loved to visit in Colorado.

Which Drawer Would You Choose?

I have had so much fun sharing my Texas Wild Flower Chest and some of my other paintings with you today. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit with us at the cottage, we always look forward to your visits. Hope you have a fantastic week and come back real soon!

Peace and Joy

Miz Helen