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. 

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage


Texas Wild Flower Chest


Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

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.

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

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

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

More Drawers

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

And More Flowers

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

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

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage


Here It Is All Ready For Fall

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

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

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

Today It Is In The Gone Fishing Guest Room

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

A Very Cozy Guest Room
Looks Like Max Sure Enjoy's It!

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage

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.


Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage


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?

Hand Painted Texas Wild Flower Chest at Miz Helen's Country Cottage


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
Miz Helen
Miz Helen

Cookbook Author, Recipe Developer, Organic Gardner.


Comments

  1. Mz Helen, this is precious! I wish I had your talent with the paint brush. I would have this in my guest room too.

    Linda

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    1. Thanks so much Lita, I really enjoy painting and need to get back to it, it's finding the time. Thanks for stopping by and you have a great week!
      Miz Helen

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  2. I LOVE this Miz Helen! You are not just a world-class cook, you are a lovely crafter, painter and poet. This piece is sheer poetry. I LOVE it! Bravo! Kudos and the like! I love wild flowers too, all nature--it is calming and soothing. How sweetly lovely. I will carry this picture in my heart today. What a wonderful idea.

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    1. Hi Noras Granddaughter,
      You are just so sweet and your comments are precious. I am so glad you enjoyed the post, I love painting and really enjoy knowing that my work touched someone else in even a small way. Thank you so much for your kindness and support. Hope you are having a great week!
      Miz Helen

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  3. I want one too! But I do not have the artistic talent that you have. It is beautiful-thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi TXtoootsie,
      So glad that you were able to stop by. Maybe I will have to send you a little reminder of Texas after you get moved. Thanks so much for stopping by and your long term support!
      Miz Helen

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  4. So beautiful! The bluebonnets are my favorite - what a lovely guest room.

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    1. Hi Rustown Mom,
      I am glad you loved the Bluebonnets, one of my Granddaughters always wanted the Bluebonnet Drawer. Thanks so much for your kindness and stopping by the cottage! Hope you have a great week.
      Miz Helen

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  5. That chest is adorable Miz Helen!! Love all the different flowers, and what a fun idea!! I didn't know you painted! So glad you shared!
    Jenna

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    1. Hi The Painted Apron,
      Thanks so much Jenna, I really appreciate your kindness coming from someone who paints so beautifully. I have been painting since the 60's and actually taught at one time. Although I still love to paint, there is rarely enough time, and I miss it. Thanks so much for stopping by and your support, hope you have a great week!
      Miz Helen

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  6. Miz Helen, the chest with the wildflowers is just beautiful and your primitive oil painting is gorgeous. You are so talented, dear friend! Thank you for sharing with us.

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  7. Miz Helen, I adore your sweet and beautiful and most happy Chest of Drawers with the pretty Texas wild flowers. I would pick the drawer on the left side, the 4th one up from the bottom, the yellow flowers! The story is so cute how you moved the chest from room to room featuring it for different seasons, as well! You are so darn talented...the artistic side of you is no surprise since you cook and bake so well and the 'gardening' side of you is so 'chic' especially these days when everyone tries their hand on it and you are a PRO!

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Your visit has been very special. I look forward to your comments, they are like opening little gifts. Thank you for stopping by and hurry back!
Miz Helen