Saturday, January 28, 2012

THREE - Toned Desk

What can you buy for $5.00?  A value meal at McDonalds, a Grande Caramel Macchiato (hold the whipped cream) at Starbucks, half a gallon of gas, and my favorite - furniture!  Remember this desk?  I bought it at an auction this summer for $5.00!  (Click here if you don't believe me!) 


It was in decent shape and the character of this piece was to-die-for!  Watch out Kim Kardashian...this baby's curves might just give you a little competition!

Like all pieces, I sanded it down with my trusty, dusty DeWalt palm sander.  I usually use 150 grit sandpaper, but depending on the shape of the wood I sometimes use 60 grit.  For those of you who aren't common sanders, the lower the grit the rougher the paper.

After sanding, I gave the desk a good wipe down with a wet rag.  I LOVED the way my recent end tables turned out, so I decided to follow suit and try something similar.  I started with an antique white flat latex paint (did you know that you can buy this pre-mixed at Lowe's for $10?!?).  Once the paint dried, I stained the top and painted the drawer fronts baby blue (another $5 mis-tint at Lowe's).  I got so excited during this transformation (and rain clouds were lurking above) that I forgot to take a lot of "in between" pictures...


Lastly, I added a layer of rub-on poly to give it a little shine and to preserve the beautiful top.


Now it is simply stunning and patiently waiting at the Sleepy Poet for the perfect shopper to come along!

Project Notes:
1.  Paint before you stain - otherwise the paint will splatter and ruin your stain-job.
2.  Check the weather forecast so that rain won't rush you along.
3.  When hubby questions using three colors on a piece, tell him not to disturb your creative intuition!!!
4.  Shop at more auctions!

Happy Junkin'!

Sarah



 
   





62 comments:

  1. This is awesome! As an aside, do you know anything about the Metrolina antique show?

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  2. What a great redo! I'd love it if you'd come and link this up to the Head to Head Showdown, going on right now at www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com. Feel free to link up any other projects you'd like to show off, too! I hope to see you there! ~Jen

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  3. Wow! $5, really? That's amazing. I've yet to get that lucky. How do you find out about auctions.

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  4. Seriously, I think if more people saw what talented gal's like you do with furniture, none of us would ever get a bargain at an auction - everyone would be fighting over the stuff!

    ~Bliss~

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    1. Bliss,
      I completely agree! Although might be amusing to see ladies fight over $5 furniture. I haven't found a great bargain yet...
      GoodMoJo

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  5. This is gorgeous! I admit, I was a little skeptical when I read "three toned" but it far surpassed what I thought it would look like! I think the hardware is perfect too. You are an artist!

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  6. Awesome job! I absolutely LOVE it! Thanks for sharing with my newbie party. Tuesday a group of us gals will be in Sleepy poet. I will look of you. FYI, PLEASE add my link or button to your blog and post. I do not see it anywhere, and I would love for people to know that you joined in my party and get word out. Thanks.

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  7. Love, Love, Love it. I love the contrasting colors, I am sure I could find a room for it in my home!

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  8. Great job on the desk. You have a lot of talent and I'm amazed you have time for all this work when you are a teacher! That is a big enough job. I am your newest follower via Debbie's party. Can't wait to see your next project.

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  9. Really came out lovely. Most husbands don't understand why you're painting wood in the first place! I'm looking for an auction to see if I can find such a pretty piece.

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  10. Beautiful piece. This might be the inspiration I need to paint a desk I've been procrastinating about! I'm your newest follower!

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  11. This turned out beautifully! I have a desk that I've had since I was little that I keep wanting to redo but just haven't gotten around to it yet. Mixing the different colors turned out great! I'm hosting a linky party, the theme is all time favorite post- would love it if you joined in!
    -Melissa
    www.SerendipityandSpice.blogspot.com

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  12. WOW, from $5 to a million bucks! It looks great. Nice job!

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  13. LOVE the color combo. Tell the hubby to back off. ;) You definitely have an eye for color schemes. I love the beautiful wood top. I'm glad you kept that natural because the darker color really grounds this piece. :)

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  14. Awesome! I featured you today:)
    http://too-much-time.com/2012/01/good-morning-sunshine-9.html

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  15. Smashing desk make over, Sarah!~


    Visiting from Nifty Thrifty Thurs at Linda's Coastal Charm's party,
    Smiles, Suzanne in NW Illinois
    WhyCuzICan

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  16. Beautiful makeover and for $5...makes it amazing!! :)

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  17. Well, I've run out of ways to say that your creations are gorgeous. Really, I'm just repeating myself. I know you're my sister and I am supposed to say things like this, but, seriously, this is fabulous. Who knew such a great piece was hiding under all of that dinged up wood? You have convinced me to NEVER buy new furniture again! When are you going to paint a humongous dresser for me?

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  18. That is beautiful, Sarah! Well done!

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  19. So cute! Love paint and stain! I'm one of your newest friends! Drop by sometime for a visit!

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  20. Sarah, this turned out absolutely beautiful and I love the color choices! I'm your newest follower.

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  21. The three tones are perfect for this desk! And what a wonderful thrifty find! This is my first visit and your furniture transformations are beautiful! I'm following along. We have a link party every Tuesday. Hope you'll come by and share sometime!

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  22. Seriously gorgeous! I'm a little jealous of the $5 price tag! I never find deals that good! Good for you! I'm following :) XO, Clydia Threemangoseeds.blogspot.com

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  23. Oh yeah -- I had a question! LOL Do you hand paint or use a sprayer? I hand paint, although I think I would like a sprayer. I'm not sure and was wondering what your thoughts were. :) XO, Clydia threemangoseeds.blogspot.com

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  24. What a great transformation! I love the combination of the wood finish top and the white distressed bottom. Found you through Table Top Tuesday. Best, My

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  25. Absolutely wonderful makeover. The desk is gorgeous!

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  26. Oh my word, this is just unreal. I love it. What a great buy and your refinish is gorgeous. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  27. That looks great!!!!

    I did something similar to an old desk I bought at goodwill for $9.99. See it here:
    http://marriagefromscratch.blogspot.com/2011/12/little-weekend-project.html

    ~Christina
    www.marriagefromscratch.blogspot.com

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  28. Stunning! That is so amazing you got it for just $5!!!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  29. Wow! That's gorgeous! I just hopped over from Jan's Southern Junkin' and am glad I took the trip. I'm just about to tap the follow button.

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  30. Great! Looks wonderful!Thanks for sharing joann

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  31. I can't believe you got this desk for $5!!! I'm so jealous and it turned out beautiful!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing it on Project Queen!

    Love your blog and I'm a new follower.

    Mandy
    projectqueen.org

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  32. Beautiful! And a $5 find!! Don't you love a deal! :D

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  33. That's awesome! You can't beat $5! Wow! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. :) I have a weekly link party that goes live tonight at 7.... would LOVE to have you link this up. :) Hope you're having a wonderful week.

    Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com

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  34. That was a STEAL! Fabulous makeover! Visiting from Project Queen!

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  35. Oh I LOVE it!!!! And I can't believe the price!!! I mean, I do believe you, but just, WOW!

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  36. I love it! It is STUNNING! Had no idea I could get paint that cheap at lowes! I never buy paint there but I do buy my glazes and danish oil there. I guess I never notices as I buy my stuff at lowes online and they have it right up front for me to pick up. LOL!

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  37. that is gorgeous! i love those colors- soft, pretty, and those sweet curves!!!

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  38. Just found your blog through southern junking. Love the desk. I so envy people like you who can take something from horrible to fabulous in a skinny minute! My son refinishes furniture but he likes the natural wood whereas I tend to like painted. I'm off to check out the rest of your blog and see what ideas I can "borrow."

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  39. Beautiful transformation, I love the 2 toned coloring...
    Thanks for sharing, I sure hope you'll take the time to
    visit~
    Cheryl

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  40. Hi...just discovered your blog from Primitive and Proper's POWW. Love it. Looking forward to reading some of your past posts!! http://the-junktion.blogspot.com

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  41. Love this desk. It looks amazing. What a great deal at $5.
    Ruth

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  42. Great touch with the hint of blue and loved tip #3. Bet it doesn't last long before some lucking person grabs it.
    Blissful Blessings ;-)

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  43. Dang blogging type-o
    lucking = lucky
    ;-(

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  44. I LOVE this desk...the three colors are perfect. I've had pieces get ruined by unexpected rain too! Thanks for linking this to my party.

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  45. Wow!! It turned out great!!! I would love for you to come link up at my new link party!!
    http://mariahscreations.blogspot.com/2012/01/terrific-tuesday-1.html
    Have a fabulous day!!

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  46. I had just read the rooster window - went to meet the dumps, read the about and came back to the blog. Saw this desk and thought it sure looked familiar. Sure enough, it's on the Time Travel Links too. Great change. Glad it didn't rain on it. Enjoyed meeting y'all - looks like you have a lot of fun and enjoy what you do. Thanks for teaching the kiddos too (from your about). Beautiful scenery in your pics over there too. Enjoyed my visit. Thanks,Jenn

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  47. Gorgeous! What a terrific transformation! Thank you for sharing your lovely project at Potpourri Friday!

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  48. You guys have so many great projects!!!! Makes me want to start painting furniture in my house ASAP!

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  49. so awesome! great job! Happy you linked to Things I've Done Thursday!

    Melanie www.bearrabbitbear.com

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  50. So pretty! Great transformation! Thanks for sharing at my party!

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  51. Such a beautiful job you did. Love the multi tones, very pretty. I am going to try this color combination! I like it so much I featured it, so thanks for sharing at Sunday's Best Party!

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  52. Fantastic job. You are so lucky and your hard work paid off too!

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  53. What a beautiful rescue. and I just adore your revamp! Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo party.. I can't wait to see what you share next so I am your newest follower!

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  54. What a transformation!! Thanks for linking up! Just checking, did you see my Lisa Leonard giveaway yet?


    XO, Aimee

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  55. 2012 is going to be my furniture year and this is great inspiration. Thanks so much for linking this up at Doggone Dirty Craftin last week. Can't wait to see what you have for this thursday!

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  56. Turned out so awesome! Thank you so much for sharing at Taking A Timeout Thursday!

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  57. I'm featuring your pretty desk at my party tonight.

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