Lulu
Lulu represents the first true collaboration between artist and craftsman; a blending of similar minds with different specialties resulting in one of Cole-Train's favorite pieces to date and our newest addition to the production line. This piece started as a very rough sketch on a very small piece of paper; our client (the artist) was very specific in some regards and very loose in others. The skeleton was completed in little time, but the details became an interpretation of the original piece of paper. Upper cubbies to store jewelry and delicates were a requirement, but the Cole-Train interpretation became a wall-papered interior featuring all of our most favorite "pin-up" girls. Three standard lower drawers were converted to the appearance of 6, and quickly became oversized because the frustration of "creative" folding techniques need not apply here. The entire piece was then given our distressed milk-paint finishing technique. The technique is no quick task and requires 9 layers of hand-applied product in order to achieve the most authentic of looks; a diluted amber glaze was added to provide just a slight hint of age. Last but not least, a distressed 2-inch thick solid pine top caps this piece and contrary to the client's wishes is finished with a dark walnut stain; proving that even the most successful of collaborations requires some compromise. The original Lulu makes its home in St. Louis, but could easily be making its home in your neighborhood soon.