About three months ago I found this ad on an Asheville area Facebook yard sale page.
Well, it is a widely know fact that I am frugal. Maybe to a fault. But not in this case. I messaged the seller, a very nice woman named Kate with an offer of $40. And waited.
The more I waited, the more attached to this sweet little desk I became, which is soooo not like me at all. My motto is always, ‘Let fate work it out’. I was laying in bed in my hotel in Cleveland when I finally heard from her that she would accept my offer and had I not been having an amazing time on that trip I have to tell you that it would have absolutely driven me NUTS not being able to get my hands on it right away! But I was, so it wasn’t.
So I was good , until we landed at Asheville Airport and then it was on!
Lawd!
That hardware!
It took me about 15 minutes to sand that top down. There wasn’t any finish left to speak of.
From the second I laid eyes on this desk the only color I could see was white. Old White, to be specific.
Another widely know Paige Fact is that I ALWAYS have to learn the hard way. Like, if it doesn’t leave a mark, I’ll do it again. Big Daddy refers to it as ‘getting dog bit’. In other words, I only learn my lesson if I get hurt at something.
Here’s what I’m getting at:
When am I going to get it through my hard head that mahogany bleeds????
I swear to God I think I had to paint this thing thee times! I finally, finally broke down and went to the hardware store for some spray shellac.
It worked wonders!
I just love this sweet, classic little desk. Was it worth it?
Well, no.
I have got to stop and think instead of getting sooooo excited and just plain, old jumping in with both feet.
And TRYING to get dog bit.
I’m especially thrilled with how the top came out!
I kept the rusted hardware. I think it’s gorgeous against the creamy white finish.
Given I’m a Christmas Decorating Lunitic, it was super fun to style this one. All I had to do was rob my porch. The neighbors really got a kick out of me out there, as usual. One of them did ask if this one was already spoken for. She is really partial to the Old White pieces.
The stick wreath I found at Hobby Lobby in Anderson SC on our way down to Atlanta two weeks ago. It reminded me of antlers. With their 40% off coupon it was about $17. I’m still moving it around my house. I’ve not found the perfect spot for it quite yet.
I’m pretty sure this is the tenth desk I’ve redone since this wild ride began for me.
I’ll tell you one thing.
I will never pass up another one of these.
Wishing y’all a great week!
Paige
Blogs I love
http://www.karensuponthehill.com
http://www.stonegableblog.com
http://mobile.homeremediesrx.com
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net
http://northernnesting.blogspot.com
http://www.blesserhouse.com
http://seekinglavenderlane.com
http://akadesign.ca
http://58waterstreet.blogspot.com
http://thecuratorscollection.com
http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com
http://www.thepainteddrawer.com
http://www.findingsilverpennies.com
Absolutely stunning result!!!
That turned out so, so pretty, Paige. I think I would be keeping it, too.
What great details in the design of that desk. It's a keeper!
The desk turned out beautifully. I love the idea of keeping the pulls rusty, it gives it such charm.
It is 100% gorgeous!
It is just STUNNING!
What a great rescue! You did a fantastic job on this desk. Beautiful!
Paige, I have the exact same desk with the same hardware and a similar story. Mine was painted green, red, blue, white and brown when I found it. What were they thinking? I painted it white (several times) and now I love it. You can see it on my blog at bringingfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com. It will be in the archives under Notes from the Attic. Mine's a keeper! You did a beautiful job on yours!
What a stunner! You did a beautiful job bringing new life to an old classic. Take care, Cynthia
Wow! What a transformation. That is all I can say. Wow!
Great job binding this piece back to life! Gorgeous!
You did a great job, it turned out gorgeous! I love that you left the top natural and stained it.
Wow! What a transformation! The desk has great lines to work with.
I can hardly believe it's the same piece! It looks brand new again! You did an amazing job! We loved it so much that we're sharing it at Friday's Furniture Fix tonight at 9PM EST. We hope you'll hop on over to say hello! http://www.thirtyeighthstreet.com/2015/12/fridays-furniture-fix-link-party-no-20_17.html
Beautiful, beautiful job. I just love the Old White paint. What color did you stain the top? I always have trouble when painting mahogany, bleeding through. Always look forward to getting your emails. You do such a wonderful job.
Betty Whatley
It isn't stain. It's Annie Sloan Dark Wax with a coat of the clear wax after the dark was good and cured. Thank you so much for your sweet words!