Tall Secretary Desk Re-Do

We've had this vintage secretary desk sitting in the garage, patiently waiting for it's turn to be refinished.   After we finished the cedar chest last week, we decided it was time to tackle the desk.

As you can see, it was in pretty bad condition.  I removed the framing behind the glass doors and pulled them out, along with the ugly broken wooden stencils that were attached to them...

 I found an old yellowed newspaper article in one of the drawers where someone had written in asking about the history of secretary desks.  It dated the desk to between 1920-1940.  .

So check out what is written on the back panel.  What do you think?  I'm guessing it was the 30th desk made in October of 1935.  Any other guesses?

You can easily see how worn and scratched up this desk was...

I removed all the hardware and started sanding everything down...

After everything was sanded I washed it all off with some soapy water and let everything sit outside all day in the sun to dry.  I've been reading a lot about Fusion paint and how nicely it works on furniture.  They have a marvelous and vibrant color selection and I was torn on what color to use.  I flip flopped between a couple of different choices and I finally chose Homestead Blue for this project.  I couldn't wait to try it out.  I located a retailer less than an hour from my house - From Shabby to Fabby and placed an order online.  Within days my paint was delivered along with a sweet note from Karri, the owner, and a coupon for 10% off on my next order.  Don't you just love personalized customer service??  

The Fusion paint covers really well and in most cases doesn't need a primer coat.  Due to the dark color of the original wood, I applied 2 coats of paint and I really liked the matte finish.  The paint dried fast and I was able to safely apply the 2nd coat within a few hours.  Considering that it was hot and humid when I tackled this project, I was really surprised at how quickly it did dry.

The inside of the desk, the shelves and the drawers all got a fresh coat of espresso colored stain and all the drawer pulls were soaked in vinegar and salt until they shined.  The glass got scrubbed down and carefully reinstalled into the doors.

The wooden organizer in the middle got a coat of stain as well and I glued a couple of pieces of felt on the bottom of it so it won't scratch the desk if it's moved....

I wish I had someplace better than my driveway to stage these photos because they really don't do justice to the beautiful blue color of this piece.

I thought the history of the desk was interesting, so I typed up an information sheet and included it in one of the drawers...

For sale in the Chicago area for $ 349.00.

Since I finished this piece, Louie and I have already driven out to From Shabby to Fabby so I could see all the paint choices on display in their showroom.  I was lucky enough to meet Karri in person and chat with her about Fusion paint and her adorable store.  If you're anywhere near the Winfield, Illinois area, you have got to stop and say hello.  In the meantime, if you'd like to try Fusion paint, you can order it direct from her.  Check out her FB page here.

Find FROM SHABBY TO FABBY at

27W460 Chicago Avenue  Winfield, Illinois 60190

630.417.2331

HOURS: 
Monday – Closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 10am to 5pm 
Friday – 10am to 7pm
Saturday – 10am to 5pm
Sunday -11am to 5pm

Linking up with.....

68th Sweet Inspiration Link Party

My Refinished Desk

Last week Louie found an old neglected desk and he knew I was going to want it. You can see that post here.   We loaded up this little beauty and brought it straight home.  She was strong and sturdy and had great lines and look at those legs....

Unfortunately she was badly dried out, very dirty and quite stained....

But I could see potential....

 I was itching to get started on her.  I dragged her out into the driveway and when I went back inside to grab my apron, Louie started sanding down the top.  Apparently he was itching to get his hands on her too.   It sanded up really nicely...

While Louie was doing that I took all the drawers and washed them out with some hot soapy water and set them in the sun to dry.  After all the sanding was finished, I applied a coat of stain to the entire desk, as well as the drawers.  I always stain inside the drawers as well - I just like the way that looks and it covers up a lot of imperfections.

Then I gave everything 2 coats of polyurethane and did 4 coats on the top for extra protection.  Isn't she beautiful?

I just love the color...

Check out the legs - they look like they're ready for dancing....

I had removed and cleaned up the Lion drawer pulls.  They look like brand new...

She is now sitting in my office and I have all my jewelry making supplies close at hand.  It's the perfect desk for that!  I like sitting in front of the window where I get nice natural light while I'm working...

What did you make over this weekend?

Speaking of jewelry - I'm making cuff bracelets if anyone is interested.  They make great gifts for someone or even for yourself.

My cuffs with beachy themes are popular here and here.

 I can do custom bracelets too.  Other favorites are ones with your blog name or ETSY Shop name.  Stop by my shop and take a look.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Linking up with.....
Craft Frenzy Friday # 107
Vintage Inspiration Party # 205
Worthwhile Wednesdays # 85
Party in Your PJ's # 72

Let's Talk  Vintage # 48

Vintage Cradle Makeover

 

A couple of months ago I picked up this vintage doll cradle at an estate sale.  I could tell it had been hand made and at one time it was probably pretty nice.  But years of neglect, dust and damp basement had taken their toll.  I rescued this little orphan and took it home, determined to fix it up.

 

It sat out in my craft storage room all summer, while I tried to find the time to work on it.  I also couldn't decide what I really wanted to do with it - stain it or paint and distress it?  Which would you do?

In the end I decided that the wood looked too nice, so I opted for staining it.  First thing I did was scrub it down really good with soapy, bleach water and let it sit outside for a day in the sun to dry out.  Then I grabbed a container of dark stain off the shelf and applied a layer.  When I wiped off the excess I didn't think it was dark enough, so I applied a second coat of stain, let it soak in awhile longer and then wiped it off and buffed the wood really good.  I was falling in love with the color.  It is so rich and the stain really brought out all the natural grain and imperfections of the wood.

Then I applied a coat of Polycrylic to seal and protect it and I was finished.

I am so happy I chose to stain it.  I'm really thrilled with the way it looks.

Won't it look cute with a little hand made mattress, pillow and quilt?  Just perfect for a little Dolly to sit in.

 

I may keep it for myself or I may sell it.  I haven't made up my mind yet....  Ok, I gave in.  I'm going to sell it.  I'd much rather some little boy or girl receives it and gives it the love and use it deserves.  Visit my Etsy shop here to purchase and make it your own.

Linking up with....
My Salvaged Treasures 9-16-14
Funky Junk # 256
Simple Saturdays 9-13-14
Catch as Catch Can # 180
Craft Frenzy Friday # 57

Make It Monday #1
Beyond the Picket Fence 9-9-14
Party in Your PJ's # 20
Thrifty Life Thursday # 35
Thrifty Things Friday # 18


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Lot's of fun things going on this week folks!  Don't forget to enter the Nocciolata Give-Away here. 

And the lovely Miss Diane is giving away free samples of her heavenly soap, so go over and send her an email requesting your FREE bar of soap here.

Pie Tins and Apron Racks

Last weekend I found this great vintage Mrs. Wagner's Pies tin at an estate sale.

I didn't want to just stick it on a shelf and at first I was going to nail it up on the wall in the kitchen at the lake house, but then I had an idea...

I went out to the garage and grabbed a board from Chablis' stack of sign wood and I stained one side and the edges....

Then I grabbed a hammer and took out my aggressions on the wood.  Boy, that felt good!

I went back out to the garage and raided Louie's tool and nail boxes.  I came up with 2 red cabinet knobs and it's beyond me what he would have ever gotten them for.  I also snagged an old crappy wrench and the back of a shelf hanger.  I attached everything to the wood, including the Mrs. Wagner's Pie tin.

Then I hung it up in my kitchen and now I have someplace to hang all my kitchen aprons...

What do you think?  I kind of like it myself!  I need more aprons.....

Linking up with...
Sunday Showcase 11-22-14
#Best of DIY

Beyond the Picket Fence
Revisionary Life
Craft Dictator
My Repurposed Life
Party in your PJ's