Monday, November 22, 2010

Project Day

I'm officially on Thanksgiving Vacation, but I'm not really laying low. I have a list of things I need to get done so today I tackled one I've been wanting to do for a long time. I bought this old student desk for $15 at a consignment/antique store in town over a year ago. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it, but I knew I needed to sand it and repaint it. I had some red paint I got in the mail from Glidden last year when you could get a free sample of their paint.  I didn't have a project small enough for this little can until I started thinking about the desk.  AH ha!

Painting it all red seemed a little much red to me though. It wasn't in great shape and had several layers of paint. So I could either sand the desk part down to wood and stain it or paint it another color. I had some extra chalkboard paint in my paint cupboard and decided that would be a fun idea.
I got up this morning and decided since it was such a beautiful day (76 degrees and sunny) I would work on the little desk today. It might rain later in the week and I can do my indoor projects then. I'd already started sanding when I remembered to take a before picture. So this picture has the top layer of paint already off.

BEFORE




AFTER

 Sam can't miss out on the action! 
You can also see part of my baby dresser that I sanded and painted white during the summer.

 As you can probably see, I need to do some touch up on the inside legs,
but I need to turn the desk upside down to do that and want to wait a couple days. 
Also, what do you think I should do to the inside?

Here's the chalkboard top.  I'm so excited about this little project.

It took four coats of paint and this was the result.  It's not perfect, but I wasn't going for perfection.  ha!  I'm also wondering if maybe I should add a poly top coat to it all.  That might prevent scratching and peeling.  Anyone have any advice about that? 

Thanks to all of you for your sweet comments on my last post.  The talk went well.  Everyone was really sweet and encouraging.  I did show the video at the end.  Lots of tears were shed.  I'll try and share some of what I said another time.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Update:  I linked up to Creations by Kara for her Look What I Made day.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Modpodge some cool fun vibrant paper or fabric on the inside! LOVE this find - only $15?? Can't wait to hear how un-If'ers took that video.

Andrea said...

Jennifer,

That desk is adorable! From Drab to FAB :)

I love that you added the basket underneath...so cute and utilitarian. As for poly, you could use a low sheen to protect it, but ask at the Glidden counter for reasurance. Now onto the inside, hummm, gotta think on that one :) But, LOVE the chalk board top!! Brilliant!

I'm already envisioning your sweet child using that desk :)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Praying for you and Barry always.
xxx

Faith said...

You are SO talented! I have NO advice. I do not do "projects." I have NO artistic or crafty ability in me at all! So, I just watch in awe as others do that stuff:). BTW, I love that your puppy is in every picture:).

Samantha said...

How cute is that! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

S.I.F. said...

That looks beautiful! And the chalkboard top is brilliant! I love it!

~Rachel~ said...

Oh my goodness Jennifer that desk looks amazing! Way to go!!

I responded to your comment on my blog but I wasn't sure if you'd see it so I'll copy/paste it here-

YES! I will have as much available as I can on black friday...however the purses are selling quickly and two styles are sold out already. If you are interested in reserving one before black Friday I could do that for you...that way you can insure it will be available! :-)

Julie said...

Oh how I love crafty projects!! This one turned out lovely. I love how you put the little basket inside of it, too!! Great job!

AnxiousMummyto3 said...

Wow that desk looks amazing, great job! I am definitely not handy so totally in awe of you.
Take care

Saige said...

Oh my gosh that turned out so cute! I totally love it. I think the basket underneath is a great idea.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I'm always jealous of people who can do projects like this.

Stacey said...

Hey Jennifer! Sorry I've been absent lately -- just getting caught up with you and your happenings today. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The desk is absolutely precious! I love the color choice and the chalkboard top. SO cute!!

 
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