Tuesday, April 19, 2011

File Cabinet Redo!

I saw this file cabinet redo from Design Sponge
and had to try it myself!  Didn't this turn out SO CUTE!


Design Sponge


  So here is my before:



I basically followed Casey's instruction's off Design Sponge with a few differences
Here is what she/I did:

1. Remove the drawers and hardware from the file cabinet. (You can remove the lock by pinching the sides of the back, then pulling it through the front- see picture!)
2. Paint the body of the cabinet with spray paint or use a roller with high gloss latex. Set it aside to dry.
** I did not do this step because I wanted the cabinet to stay gray because it would match the fabric but found that was a mistake.  You can see some of the dark grey through the fabric.  So at least paint your drawers white if you are leaving the cabinet the same color.
3. Apply Mod Podge directly to the drawers and apply paper or fabric on top. Smooth out air bubbles with an old credit card. Allow to dry.
4. Once the fabric is dry, cut around the edges with an X-Acto knife.
4. Apply a layer of mod podge on top of the paper or fabric and allow to dry.

5. To protect and seal the cabinet, coat with polycrylic or another water based top coat. ** haven't done this yet...lazy!
6. Attach your new handles and reinsert the lock.  I took the X-Acto and cut little slits where these items were going to be placed:

7. Stand back and enjoy! :)



It's a great project to tackle if you are just starting out with modge podge.  It didn't take me long at all and was pretty simple.  It would be especially fantastic in a small apartment as a side table.  Have it do two jobs in one!  If you try it I would love to see your after photos!

                           Before                                                   After


** I got my fabric at U-fab here in Richmond.  I will be doing a post on their AMAZING store soon!


Posted by Richmond Thrifter at 9:46 PM

22 comments:

  1. SharonApril 19, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Nice job! I love your take on it, very creative!

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  2. Cassie BustamanteApril 19, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    i love that, erin! the fabric is sooo fun!

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  3. Sadie + StellaApril 20, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    I think it looks great!! Absolutely love the after!

    www.sadieandstella.blogspot.com

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  4. ShannaApril 20, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    I adore it! What a huge transformation!

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  5. SkinnyMegApril 20, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    I love yours! Great color combo!!

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  6. Rashon CarrawayApril 20, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    It certainly beats the drap black or cream filing cabinet.



    Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting

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  7. Amy K @ Chestnut Tree LaneApril 20, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Super cute!! Love the fabric.

    I did something similar with contact paper...
    http://chestnuttreelane.blogspot.com/2010/10/seriously-contact-paper.html

    I'm a new follower, by the way... love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousApril 20, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    OMCRAFTGODS!! This is so flipping awesome! I must do this asap.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kim @ keller-creativeApril 20, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    This is so cute. That fabric is awesome.

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  10. AshleyApril 20, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    love this! I am a kindergarten/1st grade teacher and the two file cabinets in my room are UGGGGLY! This would be a great summer project! I haven't been to U-fab yet. I need some fabric for a window treatment- and now this project- so I must go in!

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  11. Richmond ThrifterApril 20, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    So glad you all like it! Im telling you , it was pretty darn easy! And I ALWAYS end up messing my pojects up but this one was pretty mess up free! Minus the fact that I spilled modge podge ALL OVER my pants. Came out in the wash ;) So no harm done! SEnd me pics if you guys try it yourselves.

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  12. UnknownApril 20, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    This is so fun! I actually like the pattern you chose better than the D*S one!! :D

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  13. AnonymousApril 22, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    Very cool makeover...I have a sad, plain black file cabinet sitting down in my husband's office. Might have to snatch it away from him and give this a whirl!

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  14. TammyApril 23, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    I like it! Good job. Your newest follower. Hope you can visit me sometime.

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  15. Amanda @ Serenity NowApril 24, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    Very nice! I like the fabric you used---neat, modern lines. :) Thanks for the tutorial. I have a very, very ugly creamy colored one in a closet. :s

    Thanks for joining my Weekend Bloggy Reading party. Happy Easter! :)

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  16. SouthgateApril 24, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    How cute is that?? Love it! Great fabric too. (Visiting you from the DIY showoff, and glad I did!)

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  17. Maggie LamarreApril 25, 2011 at 12:27 AM

    wow this is so gorgeous, to think last week i took mines to salvation army...
    don't forget to add it to our linking party this week
    http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/04/happy-easter-2011-and-linking-party.html
    Maggie
    http://passionatelyartistic.com

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  18. UnknownApril 26, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    I love that fabric! The colors and the pattern are great. It looks great on the cabinet!

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  19. Rebecca @ My Girlish WhimsApril 27, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    this is sooo soo cute!! awesome result, much better than the original. I'd love for you to link this up to my link party, Your Girlish Whims! http://mygirlishwhims.blogspot.com/2011/04/your-whims-wednesday-4-and-features.html

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  20. ChiaraApril 28, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    I love this! So many people have File Cabinets in offices and craft rooms, so it is nice to know they can be "pretty!"
    I loved this idea so much, I shared it on my Friday Favorites post on Calico and Cupcakes. Feel free to grab a featured button if you want one. Have a beautiful Friday and weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousAugust 19, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Hehe, you missed point number two but it seems that it hardly affected the final result. Are you using it already? The design looks great too. It has that gothic feel to it. That is a blessing from Zeus. LOL!

    Jackson Gaydosh

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete

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