I forgot to take a photo before I started sanding. 🙂

Several years ago one of Jason’s co-workers was moving out of state.  He asked Jason if we’d like a wooden chest he and his wife had purchased at an Eddie Bauer sale (you know, the kind where you can get things super cheap because they have other people’s names on them?).  They got a great deal on this chest, used it for years and when the time came to pass it on the co-worker thought we might like it., since our last name is carved into the front and all (the co-worker’s last name was not Hillman, by the way).

We loved the simple style and this piece has withstood the test of time in our home, holding our board and card games and puzzles.  It has lived with us for years in the dark green shade shown above.

I have wanted to refinish it since we first brought it home, but I never got around to it until recently. I painted the lid and drawer, but left the remainder of the chest untouched.

I am so pleased with the result!  I think it looks fantastic and it has attracted a lot of attention since we’ve moved it to the entryway in our home.  And, once again, I wondered why I waited so long.