Fairy Tale Furniture - 1930's Secretary Desk

Happy snow storm! I mean, Oh Darn! Haha! As the snow moves in I finally get to sit and take a break. Well sorta, I still have a boyfriend and needy cat that require my attention. I believe a snow storm serves a reminder that we all need to just sit back and relax once and a while. Mother nature is now granting us, (hmmm, some of us.. sorry folks) a day of TLC. So I decided to catch you up on this exhausting but yet unique piece I have been working on. It's a 1930's Secretary's Desk. When I first laid my eyes on it I thought ... "Did this just appear from a fairly tale?" I swear it was something Cinderella would use to store her belongings. Mermaid Skeleton key and all! So, I had to have it. Boy oh boy I didn't realize the work I had coming to me! It didn't look like it was in such bad shape but it need more TLC than I thought. Here take a look for yourself...

Beauty right!? Well, there were layers and layers of paint and poly on this beauty and oh yeah dust and grime! Piece by piece I took this Secretary's desk apart. Shelves came out, doors came off, and hardware was stripped. It took hours with a belt sander and my little mouse (for cramped areas, or corners). Most pieces just need a good wipe down but there was way too much dust left on this desk. So instead I took my hand held vacuum and cleaned the dust and dirt that covered the desk.

 There were a few spots that needed some repair before I could attempt to go further and paint. So I took out the wood glue and clamps and patched up the cracks and crevices to restore the former glory. With all the spots that needed fixing I had to let it sit and dry overnight just to sand down the spots AGAIN the next day.

 

Then I finally got to paint! YAHOOOOO! I wanted to create a vintage distressed look since it fit the piece so.  I first used a primer and then I chose a sky blue (which I wanted to show as the base color)and over that a nice light grey. The inside I decided to keep all blue for a simple but yet elegant look. This is where painters tape came in.

Since this piece was so old I wasn't able to get all new hardware. But it also wasn't in bad shape. I scraped off some of the old paint and (Thank You Nicole Curtis!!!!!) used an old crock pot to remove the rest of it. I used a little metallic spray paint to restore a new look to the hardware. So now as I put the shelves back in, doors back on, and hardware screw on I only had one last step left... distressing the outside. This process actually sounds pretty simple but it was a lot of hard work and a lot of time. I had to allow ample drying time after every coat that I had applied. So after this snow storm passes and all the snow melts... ha ha OK well I guess when its cleared up... I will get back to the studio and finish the most exciting part of this whole project! Check back to see the final piece all done and looking beautiful again!

ORGANIZATION: Stackable Bins with a calkboard

 

 

BEFORE                                             AFTER

 

 

So these were a big score at a local tag sale one summer. I have this addiction to organization so knowing these would become great use at some point in the future I made the purchase (bargaining of course!). These stackable bins were once used as recycle bins but in my eyes, I saw nothing but organizing written all over them. They needed a good scrubbing and sanitizing (I'm a clean freak so this was a longer process than it sounds). After they were fully dried I started the spraying. I started with a base coat to help the spray paint adhere better to the plastic. Then I went to work with my favorite color Seaside by Rustoleum. These bins needed several coats and ample drying time so this was a time consuming step. But... in between coats I had time to run to the dollar store where I purchased (3) picture frames. I had several styles to choose from but considered the look I wanted. So these black and silver ones were the winners. Only needing the frame I took the picture frame apart and placed the glass and backing aside for a future project.

 

When the bins were completely covered and dried I used a protective coating on each since I expect quite wear and tear on these, especially on the insides. I do suggest some rubber mats (can be found at any home depot or even walmart) measured and placed at the bottoms of the inside for extra protection from rough storage such as toys.

 

BEFORE                                AFTER

 

 The next step was to make these frames into chalkboards to label each bin. I took out my scrap wood and using the paper inserts that came with the frames I measured the perfect size wood that would fit into the frame. After using my table jigsaw to cut each piece I primed each one (only painting the front). I then used several coats of black chalkboard paint on each. A little wood glue attached the wood and the frame together when fully dried and then my favorite, Gorilla Glue was used to attach the complete frame to the bins. The chalkboard was a great idea so you know exactly what was stored inside each bin but can be moved to different rooms and relabeled! Although I prefer these bins stacked vertically they can also be placed side by side horizontally to fit under furniture. ALTHOUGH ... If I had young kids I would use these to go under a bench in the hallway to the front door. Each would be labeled with a name and all their backpacks and/or shoes can be hidden! (always thinking ahead!!)

 

These bins are great for ANY room! For those of you who might like a few ideas: 

Kitchen- potatoes and onions, kids snacks

Kids /Baby's room- toys and coloring books, diapers

Bathroom- towels, blow dryer/curling iron

Craft Room- Endless uses!

 

 and the list can go on and on... So do you see why I am so obsessed with organization!?!