Where Do You Start?

I recently picked up the prettiest antique dresser from my local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

It has tons of features that I'm crazy about. Each drawer has a keyhole.

The sides have gorgeous trim work.

The original finish has gatored over time. I read that this happens as the original oil finish wears out and begins to chip and constrict. It puddles and hardens, giving your piece this glorious texture that looks AMAZING when you distress and wax. You can see that the top drawer hasn't gatored yet, but the sides have.

It's on the top too!

In addition to these features, the dresser sits on casters and it's SOLID wood. The cherry on top was the price. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw how much it was. I quickly snapped it up before anyone else did. It was nestled in between two other pieces and it literally stopped me in my tracks.

It's currently getting a Mustard Seed Yellow Milk Paint makeover.

Isn't it cute so far? I plan on painting the trim work with white to make it pop.

Before I started painting, the thought occurred to me to shoot a video to share what I do at the very beginning of a furniture makeover. Once Marc and I haul it up our stairs (yes, we live on the second floor - a decision that makes moving furniture...interesting...), what do I do next?

What should you do when you get your new project home? What happens before a paintbrush ever touches the surface?

Here's my second official YouTube video walking you through my first steps. I'm still getting used to video editing and YouTube, so be gentle. I promise I'll get better and will come up with channel art that actually fits.