Hidden Treasure
BEFORE:
This trunk was gifted to me, courtesy of the Wehrli family!
PROGRESS PICTURES:
PROCESS:
This steamer trunk was originally covered in old paper and fabric, with its exterior tin painted black.
I began by cleaning the trunk with Murphy’s Oil Soap. After scrubbing with a brush and washcloth, the damp paper and fabric were fairly easy to scrape off the wood using a razor blade.
To remove the black paint and canvas from the outside, I applied Citristrip and let it sit overnight. After two applications, everything scraped off completely.
After the trunk was washed again with Murphy’s Oil Soap, it carried the scent of damp wood mixed with the musty aroma of aged cardboard and stale forgotten memories. I let it dry completely, sprayed all of the wood with a mixture of Murphy’s multi-use cleaner and Lemongrass Essential Oil, let it sit for a few minutes, then wiped it down with a dry cloth—leaving it much more pleasant on the nostrils!
With a Poor Valley Creek wine theme in mind, I considered staining the interior burgundy. However, after much contemplation and an emotional response to my newly purchased canvas, Wild Trio Run, I ultimately chose an Indigo Blue solid color stain instead. The exterior wood was sanded and then coated with clear, satin polyurethane.
Once the stain had been applied and thoroughly dried, the Wild Trio Run canvas was mounted onto a precisely cut piece of plywood, designed to fit seamlessly within the trunk’s lid, creating the perfect awe-inspiring moment upon opening.
I admired the timeworn charm of the dull gray exterior tin since stripping away the black paint. Still, in the end, I decided to elevate it with antique silver and dimensional metallic paint for a touch of glamour.
At this stage of the project, I wasn’t quite sure how the trunk would ultimately find its purpose. My mind danced through possibilities—perhaps elevating it on sturdy wrought iron legs, giving it a more refined stance. But in the spirit of its original wanderlust, I chose movement over stillness, fitting it with large castors so it could glide effortlessly from room to room, ready to follow a whim wherever it may lead.
In the end, this steamer trunk’s transformation was more than just a restoration—it was a revival of its spirit. From layers of timeworn neglect to a piece infused with artistry and purpose, it now stands as a testament to both its storied past and its newfound elegance. Whether rolling into a cozy corner or standing proudly as a statement piece, it is ready for its next adventure—wherever inspiration may take it.
PRODUCTS:
“Wild Trio Run”
Glossy
print on 30”x18”canvas
Artist: Marcia Baldwin
Horses have been my favorite animal for as long as I can remember.
I was born on a small farm in Birdsboro, PA, the second to the youngest of eight children. When I was just a toddler, my parents subdivided the property, sold the farm, and built a larger home next to it. My only memory of life on the farm is a bittersweet one—our beloved horse, Big Red, passing away from old age. I still recall the sight of him being hauled away on a big flatbed trailer, bound for the glue factory. It was my first of many encounters with the death of a loved one.
The family who purchased our farm transformed it into an equestrian center. I would watch young riders sail over jumps in the outdoor arena, my heart aching with longing. I wanted nothing more than to be in their boots, guiding a horse over those fences, feeling the wind rush past me. If you've ever seen Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet, you’d have a pretty good idea of just how desperately I yearned for a horse of my own.
Lacking a real horse, my younger sister and I made do with our imaginations. We’d set up a long 2x4 between sawhorses (or whatever sturdy objects we could find), throw our old saddle on top, and pretend we were galloping across open fields. That’s how I first learned to post while trotting. On rare occasions, my older sister would even let us climb onto her back and pretend she was our horse. She was so committed to the role that she’d even nibble on grass!
Now, as my husband and I prepare for our move to Tennessee, my lifelong dream is finally within reach. I won’t have to pretend—I’ll have a real horse of my own. And I can’t wait!
“Elbow grease” was added for humor!
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
