simply vintageous...by Suzan: Before and After Desk and Bookshelf

I was sourcing a desk for a customer and found this one - it didn't work for her at all - but I grabbed it up an because I figured I could do something cute with it anyway - it's a well made typical SEARS desk -don't ask me why but doesn't this make you think of Sears?

I painted a chalkboard blotter on this piece for quick notes......................

but the coolest part of this is that it's like a smaller version of a bankers desk - because you can have it
facing the entrance way of a room................so I decided to put some of the stencilling there too -

If you notice in the first photo - they had glittery rope handles - I really did want to seal the holes up and drill just one center hole - BUT - it's too freaking hot to take out any kind of tool at all - so I picked up back plates from Home Depot - 1.99 each - and handles - all were in a coppery bronze color which was quickly changed with a few sweeps of Rustoleum Metallic Silver - and instead of one large handle - I put one in each hole - not sure if it works but it's staying!

and a close up

I actually use these back plates on a lot of furniture makeovers - especially if the furniture is plain because it gives it a little bit of character..............and my all important bling - they look beautiful with glass knobs too!

God it's so hot all my keys are sticking - very difficult post to type -

Than I bought this sorry little book shelf - actually it didn't look so bad on the listing but when John brought it home I was extremely disappointed - it was a piece that had obviously been connected to other pieces because there were holes all up and down the sides -
Anyways - here it is..............

I'd already started painting it - but you get the gist of it, right?

Holes everywhere - dowels sticking out that I absolutely could not get out ( John sawed them off and I sanded them )
It looks bad in the photos? It was 10 times worse...................

I had to put wood trim on the top to hide the awfulness of the edges.................

And here it is with a lot of tlc -

Wait till you see the back - lol - just wait till you see this

Used Goo Gone to get rid of the paperwork - and then knew that just paint would not do for the back - I had to cover up all those lines of screws and holes - so again the wood trim came out -

I painted the back in Chalkboard Paint - and the wood trim white - so that even the back is now presentable
( I never paint the backs of antique furniture - because I feel I have to leave something to prove ( and honor ) it's authenticity - but this piece was a whole different ball game.

Paint colors are: French Linen - Pure White - and Provence for the stencilling - All ASCP.

Next piece?

28 comments:

UnknownAugust 5, 2012 at 4:15 AM
Wow! impressive - I love the idea of using chalkboard paint on the desk!
T. EmrichAugust 5, 2012 at 12:15 PM
I LOVE people like that, it really does renew your faith in people. LUCKY you!! I'm almost moved to tears for you. Love what you've done with the desk and book case as well. You've motivated me to work on a desk I have sitting here and have been neglecting. Thank you :)
UnknownAugust 5, 2012 at 12:36 PM
great job love love both peices
Maureen WyattAugust 5, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Impressive revive on both pieces and heartwarming little tale from the lady who will wait. Sounds like a good week, overall! ~ Maureen
cathy@my1929charmerAugust 5, 2012 at 4:37 PM
It is so pretty, creative and impressive you finished both sides! I mean who does that? Loving the hardware, and the chalkboard top. Pretty seriously cute! So glad you shared your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – your creativity helped make the party a success!
Jen Lossing, Artistic Abode DesignsAugust 6, 2012 at 9:55 PM
Super cute. I love the hardware!
ErinAugust 6, 2012 at 10:00 PM
Awesome!! love it!!
Kelli @bellascraftymomAugust 7, 2012 at 5:58 AM
Found you from My 1929 Charmer. Now following your blog.
KatherineAugust 7, 2012 at 7:54 AM
Yes, there are some good people left. Glad she's holding it for you. & this desk & bookshelf are gorgeous! You have so much patience dealing with all those holes & dowels! Love the stenciling & chalkboard details! Thanks for sharing this week at Gettin' Krafty With It!
Full Circle CreationsAugust 7, 2012 at 7:22 PM
It looks great! You've been a busy girl! Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party!

Holly
Jennifer DawnAugust 8, 2012 at 3:37 AM
Wow! You are amazing! I love the chalkboard part!
Donna WilkesAugust 8, 2012 at 7:48 PM
I love a finished back to a piece of furniture unless it is a true antique (then I wouldn't paint it unless the finish was ruined.) You are one busy lady. Love the desk best because of the chalkboard blotter! That lady is the essence of civility! (P.S. I have a number of "no reply" comments here lately - even from people who usually are not - is something sinister happening?)
EpicAugust 9, 2012 at 6:33 AM
WOW!!! Those pieces look great. I just finished a free desk and hutch for my daughters room but it doesn't look as nice as yours. You've inspired me. Coming by to visit from Katherine's hop!
Cheers,
Char
http://1epicmom.com
Cassie BustamanteAugust 9, 2012 at 10:58 AM
the back of that bookcase is so fun! what a great idea!
Rosemary@villabarnesAugust 9, 2012 at 3:08 PM
They both look great. Nice attention to detail. Well done.
JenAugust 9, 2012 at 5:53 PM
Love the redesign. Great job!
Vintage Street DesignsAugust 9, 2012 at 8:02 PM
Both pieces turned out just beautiful! Excellent job!
ChristineAugust 10, 2012 at 5:49 AM
OMG!!!! I picked up a ''Sears Desk'' (haha) almost identical to that one on the side of the road a few weeks ago!! WOW!!

Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
One More Time EventsAugust 10, 2012 at 6:31 AM
Wow you really do wonderful work again thanks for sharing at Share It One More Time.
TAmmy
StaceyAugust 10, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Very pretty - I like how you chalkboarded the top :o)
Thank you for sharing this week at the Creative Inspirations party at Embracing Change!
Stacey :o)
Julie August 10, 2012 at 2:52 PM
Very nice! Thanks for sharing on Marvelous Mondays!
Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets HomeAugust 10, 2012 at 8:39 PM
I like the chalkboard topper on the desk! Great idea :)

Thanks so much for linking up with us this week @ Keep Calm & Link Up! We're thrilled you joined us :o)
Adorned From AboveAugust 16, 2012 at 6:14 PM
Sorry this is late, but better late then never. Thanks so much for sharing with last weeks with Wednesday's Adorned From Above. You did a really great job with both of these pieces. The link party is open now for this week.
Debi Bolocofsky
www.adornedfromabove.com
One More Time EventsAugust 16, 2012 at 9:41 PM
Just stopping by to let you know you have been featured on Share It One More Time and included with some other great projects on the Mood Blog Board... Hope to see you at the nexhttp://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2012/08/features-aug-17-mood-feature-boards-and.htmlt party
Tammy
AnonymousAugust 29, 2012 at 10:13 AM
I would love to know more about how you did the stencils. I ordered a paisley furniture stencil from Royal Design Studio and practiced and practiced and was never able to get the edges to come out clean. I had taken a dresser and converted the top drawer to a media shelf and had the drawer I wasn't going to use to practice on. Do you have a tutorial on the furniture stencil process. I'd love to read or hear more! You did a great job on all these pieces. i love the large back plates on the dresser. Where are they at HD? thanks for all you do.
lbremers@att.net

Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo

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Saturday, August 4, 2012

Before and After Desk and Bookshelf

28 comments: