Happy Tuesday! I disappeared yesterday into the black hole of my computer. We had our sale at Sweet Clover this weekend, and I worked Sunday, and spent all day yesterday entering the sales books into the computer. By the time my kids got off the bus I had taken my contacts out and replaced them with my glasses because my eyes were going crazy and my butt was developing a callus from the kitchen stool (not that my glasses could help the latter issue at all…). What can I say, people? I am following my heart and living the dream; and the dream has all these officey shmofficey parts I don’t like, but have to be done. Maybe one day we will be able to afford an employee, but for now, Sarah and I will push on through!
Anyhow, I have mentioned before that I’ve got several furniture projects I just haven’t had time to share, so I am using today to share one of my favorites. I found this vintage desk at a big yard sale about a month ago.
It was off to the side by itself, so I thought maybe it was spoken for already. I asked the seller, “Is this sold?” And replied affirmatively. I said, “Oh, ok, thank you!” and she returned a funny look. It dawned on me that she heard “Is this old?” so I repeated myself in another way, and got the answer I wanted! I took it home and worked on it that day!
I sanded it lightly all over with 180 grit sandpaper in my orbital sander. I knew I wanted the top to be wood, but slightly richer. After it was lightly sanded I applied Java Gel stain from General Finishes and then wiped it off shortly after with a rag.
While the top dried, I painted the base with General Finishes milk paint in Coastal Blue. This piece took just two coats for a nice solid finish. I then lightly distressed the edges by hand with the sanding disc I had used for the preliminary sanding.
Finally, to give it protection and durability, I applied General Finishes top coat in Flat all over the top and the body. This finish dries quickly, so it’s best to apply with a brush and move on to the next area- do not go back and brush where you’ve already applied!
Once it dried to a nice hard finish, I put the original hardware back on and I love how the brass pops against the navy!
Here is a closer look at the richness of the top after Java Gel. As a sidenote, Java Gel can create a very dark espresso look…. I prefer to apply it and not let it sit too long so it just enriches the existing wood tone.
The details on this desk are so sleek- it has a nice masculine look.
As of now it is still available at Sweet Clover. Here it is staged earlier this month with our favorite style of chair…. the bentwood! This chair actually went home with Ashley of Attempts at Domestication and you can see how she styled it for Fall here.
We’ll be open again two different weekends in November, so maybe this piece will find its new home then!
I am off to take my dogs for a little hike…. last week was so busy at work that they were a little neglected. This week I will make it up to them! Cheers to a great Fall day!
Sharing here: Inspiration 2 Link Party, Work It Wednesday, Furniture Feature Friday, The Inspiration Gallery, Be Inspired
