I saw a lady in our neighborhood having a garage sale. She was just about to close up shop when I spotted a desk just like I have been looking for. It was in great condition and I asked her how much she wanted for it. “$5, she says.” FIVE BUCKS…wahoooooo! I was looking at similar desks on Craigslist for $20. I felt like I struck a goldmine. So I hauled this little baby into my KIA and drove home.
I started sanding it before I took a picture that is why the front drawer is missing the hardware. And then I thought, “WAIT my blogging buddies like a good before and after picture.” So I got a picture in.
BEFORE
AFTER INFARRANTLY CREATIVE GOT A HOLD OF IT
I have been obsessed with spray paint lately (one sofa table and two end tables as well as a secretary desk that I plan on tackling this week). It definitely is the easiest way to paint furniture. It is a little messy (I have to spray out my garage to get out all green apple dust particles that get everywhere). But well worth it.
Here’s a quick toot on what I did…
1. Take off all hardware and lightly sand with entire piece with 120 or 150 grit sandpaper. It is especially important to get all the shine off in order to get even coverage (I have learned the hard way if you don’t get the sheen off beforehand your paint job won’t look consistent and smooth).
2. Clean off all dust with a soapy wet rag. Then take a cotton cloth and wipe it dry. After it is completely dry start spraying according to manufacturer’s directions. I used American Accents Green Apple for this project.
3. You can re-spray until the piece has a nice even coverage. Now at this point you can put a top coat on it if you want. I only put a top coat on it if it is going to get a lot of use. In this case I didn’t.
4. I headed on over to Joann Fabric’s and picked up some Amy Butler printed paper. She has the coolest designs ever! I cut the paper to the size of the drawer fronts. With Mod Podge (matte finish) or any other decoupage medium I put glue on the drawer front and applied my piece of paper. Using a brayer I pressed the paper and any air bubbles out so you get a nice even finish. I also put a top coat of Modge Podge over the paper. Let dry.
5. I then sprayed a clear coat over the top of the drawers for extra sealant.
6. I got new drawer hardware and screwed those in place. Then I stood back and admired. Ooooh! Awwww! Ohhhhh!
Here is where I got my original inspiration. She used fabric for her drawer fronts. Totally awesome as well. I would have liked to get a desk with drawers on both sides but I couldn’t resist FIVE BUCKS!!!
completley CUTE!!! you did a great job! Love the new functional “accessory” in the room!
Have fun with it! thanks for sharing!
So beautiful! I love this idea, and all of your others as well.
You amaze me! I like yours better than your inspirations desk (her’s was super bright)! Ha ha! I’m going to have to try it somewhere down the road. Right now I gotta get back to hauling more wallpaper off my bathroom walls. Don’t worry, I took befores and I’ll take afters. Thanks so much for sharing your amazingness!
The best 5 bucks you ever spent. It’s a sweet desk! Thanks for sharing.
mary
you always amaze me at how quickly you get a project done
ok, i’ve got an idea. since I know you are sooo competive….
shannon 1
beckie 0
and you know what I’m talking about here. The score keeper starts today!
What you mean to tell me you’re using it as a desk rather than a PERFECT sewing table??!! I want a sewing table like that! Very cute. nicely done 😀
You are out of control. I’m amazed. What a transformation. sheesh.
loser pays for dinner next time we see each other.
notice that this is actually my 3rd comment….
shannon: 3
Beckie: 1
Awesome! I picked up a chair from a neighbors trash pile with hopes of doing something like this. It is still sitting seatless in my basement. Someday…maybe
Honey! Oh my gosh! That is just beautiful!
Find another one and make me a purdy desk too. Remember…..I borned you. 🙂
Wow! I love it!
Please host your own TV show. I’d watch. But ONLY if you give me a shout-out every now and then and say things like, “My fabulous friend, LEIGH ANNE, who lives in Virginia,” or “My bosom buddy, LEIGH ANNE, is dear to me and I love her so,” because I like when people praise me. Who doesn’t?
Oh wait…this is your blog. It’s all about you. REBECCA MARIE, you rock and I love you so! We must talk soon.
p.s. I promise to post pics of my redo that you helped me through…one day, at least!
have you started on those kitchen cabinets yet? I was totally inspired recently by some bloggers who re-did their kitchen cabinets black. It looks amazing. I have the time this summer, but I am nervous about ruining my kitchen. Can you come visit me in Vegas?
AWESOME, Beck! HURRAY for yard sales!
p.s. Love Leigh Anne’s comment…I’ve thought the same thing. Only I wouldn’t just watch your show…I would want to be on it. =)
I just don’t understand how you have the time. I have a toy trunk sitting in my garage that I intend on painting for Tessa and I’ve literally had it for 2 1/2 years. I think about it alot! 🙂 Does that count?
Nicole
oh.my.word. So, Freakin’ cute!! I LOVE this and I will have to copy you, if I’m lucky enought to find a $5 peice!! So awesome.
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrdyyyyyyy! I stopped by yesterday, but my computer froze!
great job beckie! you are amazing as always!
Wow … I would have never looked at that original piece and envisioned the end results … amazing!
God help me, spray paint AND scrapbook paper, if you had added ribbon to that, I might just die right now. So darn adorable. I will be trying that someday for sure! Check out my first furniture rehab on my blog. I think it came out pretty cute for a piece I found in the trash!
Thanks for stopping by! It’s nice to “meet” you. This is my favorite part of blogging – meeting other nice women.
That desk looks fantastic! I love the green color and the scrapbook paper on the front really makes it special. I never thought to do something like that. I’m going to have to give it a shot. Thanks!
I just landed here from Kimba’s blog and I LOVE the desk. What an awesome job you did on it. I can’t wait to get started on some projects I have in mind…what an inspiration.
Hi, I’ve just discovered you this morning when reading about your cretiveness at ‘A Soft Place to Land’. Oh, I’m so impressed! The desk turned out so cute. Who would have thot!! Just wanted to say hi and come in and see me sometimes. I just started my blog last Thursday and am so enjoying meeting new folks. I’ll be back to check on you.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Gorgeous!
Found you through “a soft place to land” tonight. You’re inspiring some new ideas for my current project, also a spray-painting attack on a cheapo-find! ::hmm::
Thanks!
I’m glad Kimba sent us over here. I love this look and this idea! the best part is, it’s one-of-a-kind. well done!
I love it! What a great job you did!
Came over from Kimba’s blog – WOW! So glad I did, that desk is so cute! And $5!!!! Even better!
How very cute! Looks like we both love the spray paint. A girl’s best friend! That’s a great project.
Rhoda
Oh my – I have a desk almost exactly like that in my attic. It was going to be a Goodwill give away, but I actually think I can do this.
thanks for the inspiration,
Jen
I have had Megan’s (Brassy Apple) desk in my inspiration file for a while now. I love your take on the project! I have a Amy Butler papers that are begging to be Mod Podged on to something, but I.just.can’t.part.with.them……
WOW! I LOVE it!! Super cute, and all my favorite things…trash to treasure, scrapbook paper, spray paint! Im in total Garage Sale Chic heaven! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!!
I LOVE THAT DESK!! Ohhh GREAT, you’ve got my mind going now. I have a $20 desk from Goodwill I painted black. It’s now in the basement and I could do something fun with the drawers like this!
Holy Cow! I cannot believe you got that for 5 bucks! That’s awesome!
It turned out beautifully…I love it! Thanks for linking up!
Stopping by from Mod Podge Mania-that is awesome!! I can’t believe it’s the same desk. You did a beautiful job-love the color and the scrapbook paper you chose.
This is gorgeous.
Amy
http://www.modpodgerocks.blogspot.com
Living in a fourth floor apartment I always forget about the joys of spray paint. I can't wait to have my own house. There will be some many beautiful colors when i don't have to worry about using up an entire bucket of paint!
I love your desk. Great post and the inspiration piece was lovely as well.
that is so stinkin cute!!!
Beautiful! Totally love it!!!!
Dani
craftrookie.blogspot.com
love it and LOVE your blog!
This desk is so adorable..if you have time to answer…what type of sealant did you spray over the drawers at the end?
Thanks! I LOVE your blog.
Beth
I Love the desk!! It's so cheerful. I have a desk that I picked up down the street in my neighborhood. I think I will try on my desk to. Thanks for sharing the ideas and knowledge.
Great blog!