Newport stretch background

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Country Desk Facelift

I found this cute (or not so cute) little desk on craigslist – the pics used in the ad looked much better and it was advertised as a “handmade” solid wood desk…I wasn’t sure if I found a treasure or would be labeled a sucker.  You’ll have to let me know what you think!
I thought it was a little too plain Jane but I couldn’t decide how to fancy it up…then i remembered seeing a blog about stenciling to create texture and I knew that’s what this little piece of furniture needed!  I added spackle to the sides using a stencil from Hobby Lobby, used some ASCP (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint) Old White and Louis Blue, then added clear and dark waxes.  The dark wax definitely helped highlight the stencil. 
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Here’s the before…see what I mean, super plain…(I did have stencil already on one side, so it’s really a semi-before pic).  Don’t forget I have to work in my kitchen, so I apologize for the area and items surrounding the desk…including my weims who feel they have to supervise everything I do! ;-)
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I worked in sections stenciling as much as I could without messing up a previous area (and if I did mess up, I just wiped it off with a wet towel and redid it – easy peasy).  You can let it air dry, but I was too impatient to see how it would turn out, so I used my hair dryer to speed up the process.  It dried a little off white, versus the bright white out of the container – but it was going to be covered with paint anyway (but just an FYI).
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Ta da…..the Louis Blue was a little to bright for me so I wiped a little Old White over it with a paper towel until I thought it looked just right.  I distressed (sanded) it just a little around the edges.  I couldn’t decide if I should get new knobs or use the original ones – which were actually nice porcelain ones!  I decided to use them…but they’re white and the desk is off white.  Is that ok?
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Remember what it looked like before – plain, plain….
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I just love how the stencil turned out!!!  Love it!!
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So what do you think?  Was it a good transformation or a waste of my $40 furniture investment…and time and paint..?!  It was fun experimenting with the stencil.  It took a little patience and a wet towel for mistakes.  I washed the stencil after each section I did so the spackle didn’t get a chance to dry – I was afraid it would ruin it for future painting projects if it did.
And here it is squeezed into my space at the Gaslamp Antique Mall.
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As always, thanks so much for reading my blog.  I hope I shared something useful and that you enjoyed reading about my furniture adventures!
                                        Jennifer blog signature

I linked with the following parties:
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2011/11/transformation-thursday_09.html
http://restoreinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/11/restored-it-wednesday_08.html
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/11/wow-us-wednesdays-39.html
http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/2011/11/piece-of-work-wednesday-furniture-link_08.html
http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-board-link-party-23.html
http://micheleravendesigns.blogspot.com/2011/11/primp-your-stuff-wednesday-linky-party_08.html
http://www.threeboys.net/2011/11/vintage-furniture-link-party-4-last.html
http://www.homemakeronadime.com/2011/11/creative-bloggers-party-hop-110611.html
http://missmustardseed.com/2011/11/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-a-link-party/
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/feathered-nest-friday_10.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2011/11/show-and-tell-friday_10.html
http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/11/vintage-inspiration-friday-63-all.html
http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/2011/11/fridays-unfolded-41-and-shabby-apple.html
http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/2011/11/feature-yourself-friday_11.html
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/time-travel-thursday-70-talented-time.html
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2011/11/welcome-to-inspiration-friday-no-40.html
http://dumpster-diva-mimi.blogspot.com/2011/11/cute-creative-linky-party-3.html
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2011/11/frugal-friday_10.html

5 comments:

  1. AWESOME! I would love for you to share over at my Linky Party! GREAT JOB!

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  2. that is such a sweet little desk! i love the unique shape, and the soft look you gave it.

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  3. I LOVE this! I would love if you would share this at the Crazy Cute link party happening at Between U & Me right now! I've got a totally awesome giveaway this week, too!
    OOH! AND, I'm your newest follower! ;)
    www.betweenuandme.com

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  4. Love the raised stencils! They look beautiful...that mirror is to die for!

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