How To Create A Vintage Jewelery Cabinet - Part 1

Lee Ann and I found this wreck at an antique mall last month.  It is the remains of an old cedar lined wardrobe that dates back to the 1920s.  We were not sure what to do with this piece at first.  We discussed making a bar out of it. We also thought it might be ok to house a flat screen tv.  Those ideas are fine but we wanted to do something a little more fun and flashy.  So here is what we decided to do.  We are going to turn this 5 ft tall wardrobe into a giant vintage

jewelery box!  It will feature doors that are padded and upholstered on the inside, because we want to be able to pinn a collection of vintage broaches to the inside of the doors.  I will be installing shelves so that Lee Ann can store a few of her mink throw pillows inside. We also will be upholstering the bottom drawer with white satin and adding french lavender to the padding so that she has a place for maybe some antique lace.  The idea is to upcycle this old wardrobe into a showcase for vintage jewelery and frills, that will turn some heads.  And I am going to do a series of posts showing you exactly how we accomplish it. 

Now for the bad news.  It's a total wipeout.  Let me see if I can descibe just how bad it is.  First of all, the veneer has become separated from just about everywhere.  It kinda reminds me of a cartoon when I was a kid.  I keep hearing in my head the cartoon sound effects as the veneer is flying off this thing.  Boing! There goes another piece!

Here is a pic of the drawer with a screwdriver stuck under the lifting veneer.  About 75% of this cabinet is that way.  In the background you can see part of the trim and molding that once crowned this wardrobe.  Apparantly,  this old guy has seen some weather.  It was probably left out in the rain for a while, in order for it to have had so much damage.  Even the back of it is peeling.

But there is good news.  It's fixable.  It has all the original hardware.  The cedar lining is intact.  And, it is a really cute cabinet. 

 Over the next few weeks I will occasionally post an update of how this project is going with some tips and advice on how you can create your own vintage jewelery cabinet. This is going to be a really fun project.  Looks like I better go check on my supply of glue.

-Rory-