Saturday, August 4, 2012

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?


John picked it up on friday - and here's a story to put my faith back into humanity - this is a set - it comes with a ladies dresser as well - and I had promised the lady who was selling them that I would pick up both pieces by friday - well friday came and we were only able to pick up the one piece - she lives far and it would have taken 2 trips and it's hot like hell - and .......................
So I regretfully sent her an email apologizing and explaining the situation - and told her she could place it back on Craigs list.
HER RESPONSE:
No, Suzanne - that dresser is yours - it belongs to you - so I will keep it until you are able to pick it up.
WOW.
I was almost moved to tears.......................

XXX

I'm going to Party!

It's so very Cheri
http://itssoverycheri.com/2012/08/05/its-party-time-8-5-2012/
I should be mopping the floor
http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/08/mop-it-up-mondays-28.html
My 1929 Charmer
http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-42-par-tay/
Homemaker on a dime
http://www.homemakeronadime.com/2012/08/creative-bloggers-party-hop-71.html
Under the table and dreaming
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/08/the-sunday-showcase-party-no-113.html
Lines Across
http://www.linesacross.com/2012/08/the-cure-for-common-monday-50.html
Jam's Corner
http://www.jamscorner.com/2012/08/marvelous-mondays-link-party-6_5.html
Making the world cuter
http://makingtheworldcuter.com/2012/08/making-the-world-cuter-2/
The Dedicated House
http://suzyq-vintagous.blogspot.ca/2012/08/i-was-sourcing-desk-for-customer-and.html
Coastal Charm
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.ca/2012/08/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no-12550-giveaway.html
Our Delightful Home
http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.ca/2012/08/live-show-me-what-you-got-tuesdays-at.html
Kathe with a E
http://www.kathewithane.com/2012/08/youre-gonna-love-it-week-16.html
Krafty Kat
http://kraftykat76.blogspot.ca/2012/08/gettin-krafty-with-it.html
Farmhouse Porch
http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.ca/2012/08/welcome-to-week-27-of-cowgirl-up-link.html
Knick of Time
http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.ca/2012/08/knick-of-time-tuesday-46.html
PJH Designs
http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.ca/2012/08/totally-transformed-tuesday-4-features.html
Not just a Housewife
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/08/show-me-what-ya-got-86.html
The Ironstone Nest
http://www.theironstonenest.com/2012/08/transformation-tuesday-link-party.html
Shades of Amber
http://shadesofamberinc.blogspot.ca/2012/08/chalk-paint-link-party.html
Homework
http://carolynshomework.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-inspiration-board-link-party-62.html
Debbie Does Creations
http://debbiedoescreations.com/2012/08/06/toot-your-horn-tuesday-24-link-party/
The DIY Dreamer
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.ca/2012/08/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-28.html
Uncommon
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2012/08/uncommonly-yours-link-party-40.html#.UCGlifaPVDR
Clean & Scentsible
http://www.cleanandscentsible.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-creative-spark-no-52.html
In the old road
http://intheoldroad.blogspot.ca/2012/08/all-star-block-party-10-and-features.html
The life of Jennifer Dawn
http://thelifeofjenniferdawn.blogspot.ca/2012/08/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-5.html
Kammy's Korner
http://www.kammyskorner.com/2012/08/trash-2-treasure-tuesday-and-welcome.html
Adorned from above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/apple-cinnamon-roll-pull-aparts-and.html
No Minimalist Here
http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.ca/2012/08/open-house-party_8.html
52 Mantels
http://www.52mantels.com/2012/08/thursdays-are-your-days-poofy-cheeks.html
Embracing Change
http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.ca/2012/08/creative-inspirations-linky-party-26.html
The Shabby Creek Cottage
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/08/transformation-thursday-no-164.html#more
Primitive & Proper
http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.ca/2012/08/poww-100-furniture-link-party.html
The 36th Avenue
http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/08/best-diy-projects-and-link-party-68.html
Katherine's Korner
http://katherinescorner.com/2012/08/09/thursday-favoriote-things-blog-hop-linky-party-48/
Somewhat simple
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/blog-link-party-with-silk/
2 8 0 5
http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.ca/2012/08/potpourri-party-36.html
French Country Cottage
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.ca/2012/08/feathered-nest-friday_9.html
Redoux Interiors
http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2012/08/link-party-67-and-double-features/
At the Picket Fence
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/08/its-inspiration-friday-no-77welcome.html
The Charm of Home
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.ca/2012/08/home-sweet-home-79_9.html
Shabby Art Boutique
http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/shabbilicious-friday-link-party-august_10.html
Days of chalk and chococate
http://daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.ca/2012/08/calling-guest-bloggers-and-friday-link.html
My Turn for us
http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.ca/2012/08/freedom-fridays-14.html
My Romantic Home
http://romantichome.blogspot.ca/2012/08/how-to-dry-hydrangeas-show-and-tell.html
Homespun Happenings
http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.ca/2012/08/rustic-restorations-weekend-15.html
Chase the Star
http://chase-thestar.blogspot.ca/2012/08/keep-calm-and-link-up-1.html
The Shabby Nest
http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.ca/2012/08/frugal-friday_9.html
Finding Fabulous
http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2012/08/frugalicious-fridayempire-patio-covers.html
One More Time
http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2012/08/share-it-one-more-time-5-and-features.html
Petites Passions
http://myricandreasen.blogspot.ca/2012/08/passion-parade-friday-link-soiree_9.html
Addicted to Decorating
http://www.addicted2decorating.com/addicts-not-so-anonymous-link-party-28.html
Knick of Time
http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.ca/2012/10/thursdays-theme-chalkboards-chalkboard.html


28 comments:

  1. Wow! impressive - I love the idea of using chalkboard paint on the desk!

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  2. 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 :)

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  3. great job love love both peices

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  4. Impressive revive on both pieces and heartwarming little tale from the lady who will wait. Sounds like a good week, overall! ~ Maureen

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    Replies
    1. Hey Suzan,
      I love the two handles on the drawers. I have a dresser that I need to do,and this is a perfect solution.
      Debi

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  5. 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!

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  6. Replies
    1. Thanks so much Jen coming across a lot of no reply bloggers lately - so unless you come back to this post you won't know how appreciated your comments are :(

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  7. Replies
    1. THanks so much Eric ( you're a no reply blogger! )

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  8. Found you from My 1929 Charmer. Now following your blog.

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  9. 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!

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  10. It looks great! You've been a busy girl! Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party!

    Holly

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  11. Wow! You are amazing! I love the chalkboard part!

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  12. 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?)

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  13. 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

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  14. the back of that bookcase is so fun! what a great idea!

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  15. They both look great. Nice attention to detail. Well done.

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  16. Love the redesign. Great job!

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  17. Both pieces turned out just beautiful! Excellent job!

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  18. 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!

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  19. Wow you really do wonderful work again thanks for sharing at Share It One More Time.
    TAmmy

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  20. 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)

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  21. Very nice! Thanks for sharing on Marvelous Mondays!

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  22. 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)

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  23. 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

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  24. 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

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  25. 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

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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