You're going to love this upcycled desk project!
This month Homeright challenged the Brand Ambassadors to do a makeover on a thrift store find, preferably less than $20 to show our readers how easy it is to create great home décor on a tight budget.
In addition, I accepted another challenge with some blogger friends, to do a “Repurpose It” challenge. So this one project is going to serve for both challenges! (If I survive the project, that is)
Initially, I thought I might just shop my own garage for both challenges. In the end I went shopping just to see what I could find. I found this desk for $15. The tag said “needs work”. Just what I was hoping for! The first thing I noticed was the missing middle drawer. No biggie, since I knew I was going to be deconstructing the piece to repurpose it. However, when I got it home, I took off my “rose colored glasses” and saw that it was indeed in rough shape. Someone apparently used it as an ironing board.
Deconstruct desk
The first step was to start deconstructing the desk, so I could reconstruct it—into WHAT? That was the million dollar question. I really didn’t have a plan at all. FYI, I have been looking for a great deal on a desk for years so I could make another tall chest by stacking the drawer sections like I did with my Tower of Terror. However, as soon as I got it home, I tried to switch out the drawers and realized that stacking was not going to be an option.
I worked on prying off the top. It was secured with screws and glue. The best way to do this successfully is to take your time.
Okay, the top is off! I started collecting all the parts and screws on the tarp, since I didn’t know what I would be reusing.
Upcycled Desk drawer sections
So, if I wanted to take the easy road, I could make them into 2 nightstands or side tables.
Maybe I could fashion some sort of bench out of the pieces? Nah, not working…
Remove lower trim
So, I considered putting the two drawer sections side by side, but the bottom trim didn’t allow them to set flush. Off it comes! This deconstruction involved some blood, sweat and tears. At this point I spoke to my daughter Jamie on the phone and told her I think I’ve done all this work for nothing. Her POSITIVE response was “At least you’ll have 8 drawers to repurpose if it doesn’t work out”. Love that girl! I decided that after taking the trim off it they needed some height-some kind of legs.
Then I happened to notice that $1 coffee table I got at a recent yard sale. Be sure to check out how I used the top of this coffee table in my post Black Headboard Wall Shelf AND the White Headboard Shelf Coat Rack
Match drawer sections to table base
After MORE deconstruction—this time on the coffee table, I rest the drawer sections of the old desk on the frame. Are ya still with me? Be sure to see the end of the post so you can find out about the other bloggers doing the Thrift Store Challenge AND the Repurpose IT Challenge.
The new chest need a top, and maybe a base to rest on the coffee table. I used a piece of plywood that I got at the Peddler’s Mall for $10. It was definitley too long for me to handle on the table saw. I’ve never really liked using a circular saw, until I bought this small one from Ryobi. It’s so incredibly easy to use.
A scrap wood was used to see how it looks with a separator in between the two drawer sections of the upcycled desk.
. 
I cut two pieces out of the long sheet of plywood, slightly larger than the table base. The pattern of the upcycled desk drawer sections was traced on the plywood and cut it with a jig saw. I’ve been replacing some of my older tools, and this Ryobi jig saw was one of my most recent purchases. I used a small scroll blade, and my new saw worked so much better than my old saw. I traced the bottom onto the other square and cut it out as well.
Trim out new chest with plywood
This is a dry fit to see if it’s all going to come together. Remember, when I started, I really had NO idea what this upcycled desk was going to be. 
I’ll try to explain how I connected all the pieces. Top left-front spacer was Gorilla Wood glued and nailed (nail gun) Top right-the top was attached using the original screws and holes in the frame of the drawer sections. In the Bottom left image-I added Kreg Jig pocket holes to the bottom of the drawer sections to secure them to the lower base. Bottom middle- I use so many pocket hole screws, I buy them by the 1000’s on Amazon. Bottom right-I used my Kreg Jig to make pocket holes to get a really secure connection on the back spacer. (I didn’t want to try to make the front spacer pretty after filling holes, that’s why I used Gorilla Wood Glue and nails on the front) I took advantage of all the original holes and screws that I could.
Whoa! This upcycled desk project is better than I imagined it would be. Earlier in the day, I seriously considered scrapping this project, and worried what I was going to do for my Thrift Store Challenge!
Paint newly constructed lingerie chest made from an upcycled desk
Now, a Homeright thrift store challenge has to include a Finish Max, right? This upcycled desk project is perfect to show you how little overspray is involved with the Finish Max.
Notice how overspray is kept to a minimum. Very little paint on the drop cloth and minimal on the inside of the drawer sections. This is after one coat of my infamous DIY chalky paint primer.
This is how I painted the top of the upcycled desk drawers. I used a piece of scrap luan to keep the spray from getting inside the drawers. Not shown, I also used this method for the sides of the drawers by holding the scrap piece vertically. Also not shown, I patched the original holes and drilled a single hole for knobs.
This is after two light coats of the DIY chalky paint primer. I had to tackle those original holes again with some more mud and sanding. Well, truth be told, I struggled with getting them filled in properly. I used wood filler, but ran out, so then I switched to spackling. Was thinking I need to try something else. I used the Finish Max to do two light coats of the same paint, except this time it was semi-gloss without any Plaster of Paris. This is my favorite way to paint.
Finish Max-2 light coats of semi-gloss WITH Plaster of Paris
Finish Max-2 light coats of semi-gloss WITHOUT plaster of Paris. Which means no need to seal with wax or poly.
Add knobs and cute paper
I picked up some knobs at Hobby Lobby and lined the drawers with some cute paper.
Please Save & Share on Pinterest
As always, I like to make my pieces multi-functional. This little lady stands tall at 40” The EIGHT drawers offer a great deal of storage.
I can see this used as a make-up, dressing type table or even in a hallway/entryway for those last minute-run out the door items.
This is where I’m suppose to tell you how much I love it, and it’s my favorite ever! Although it took some time to grow on me with the color, I do LOVE it so much.
You may enjoy these other repurposed desk projects:
Cut Down a Damaged Desk to make it "Kid Sized"
Old desk Made into a Lingerie Chest
Turn an old desk into a kitchen island
More Repurposed Projects
Remember I said this project was in TWO challenges.
If you LOVE repurposed projects, make sure you check out the sites below:
Rustic Arrow from Her Tool Belt
Reclaimed Farm Tray from Funky Junk Interiors
Repurposed Light Fixture Planters from My Love 2 Create
Jewelry Holders from Crafty Chica
Repurposed Desk from My Repurposed Life
Coat Rack made from Hammers from The Kim Six Fix
Repurposed Dresser from Sawdust 2 Stitches
Fun Card Catalogue from That’s My Letter
Here’s the break down of my costs:
- Desk $15, but we’re going to say $10 because I still have the top for another project.
- Lumber 6.65 (for the top and base)
- Table .50 the cost was $1, but I only used half of it.
- Knobs 10.88
- paint (on hand)
- That’s a grand total of $28.03 oops! I went over with the supplies because I was just counting the $15 desk!
I really hope you find some inspiration in all of the projects shared among these two challenges.
This White Headboard Shelf Coat Rack used the ends of the $1 coffee table.
This Black Headboard shelf utilizes the two long sides of the $1 coffee table.
gail
Related Content: See More Desk Projects Here
sharing at Inspiration Monday (you will definitely be inspired) and Best of 2015 Vintage Inspiration Party
Lori
This is stunning and very pretty. You did a fabulous job. I love it!
Gail Wilson
Lori,
Thanks! I was really surprised at how easy it came together, but I was just telling my friend the other day that if I were to make it again, I'd have to read my directions. lol
gail
Donna
What a fantastic job! Well done!
Gail Wilson
Thank you Donna! My cousin has this, I'd love the chance to make another one. 🙂
gail
girlfromwva
that's a really cool project. love how well it turned out!
Kate Robertson
Hi Gail! I love, love, lover your website - I have been following you for over a year now and once contacted you about your FinishMax and now I finally have one of my own. I have had it for months and finally got the nerve up to open the box and use it this weekend. I practiced on a step my husband built for our daughter using your DIY chalk paint primer and latex paint. It turned out pretty good, but prompted a couple of questions before I am ready to move on to my first piece of furniture, also for my daughters room. My daughter is HARD on furniture, so I know I will be using a poly to finish off the project, the problem is I am terrible with a brush and paint. I always have drips and seem to constantly go back over it trying to even everything out. I thought about using my FinishMax for the poly, but have heard horror stories about sticky messes and cleaning issues. Question 1: Would you be able to recommend an easy poly that even I could use - one that I wouldn't have to use my FinishMax? I know you recommend sanding, 2 coats primer, sand, and 2 coats paint (I think I have that right?), but I noticed when I sanded the step this weekend it left sand marks on the surface. I used a fine grit 220 sandpaper, againI am sure this is probably user error, I am a visual learner to a fault - Question 2: I know the sanding is important, could you offer a few additional tips to help with this part of the process?
Your insight and advice is greatly appreciated!!
Thank you so much,
Kate
Gail Wilson
Kate,
Thanks for reaching out to me. I'll try to help out.
Instead of using 220 sand paper, try using brown paper (I get a lot because I order so much stuff online) You could use lunch bags or grocery bags, but do NOT use a brown bag that has any color to it. I used a McDonald's bag once and the ink came off onto my furniture.
Sanding is only necessary if the paint feels rough to the touch. I've gotten good enough that I rarely sand anything but table tops where I want the absolute perfect finish.
As for the poly--polycrylic by minwax is water based, so you could use a soapy water mixture ran through the sprayer really, really well to make sure all the residue is gone, then clean with soap and water (instead of just water like I do)
I have done it, but honestly prefer to to brush it on.
Another great option would be wipe-on poly. It's basically fool proof! You literally wipe it on with a rag. You can search mrl for wipe-on poly to see some projects I've used it on. In fact I just bought two cans today, satin and semi-gloss.
A few quick tips for the finish max...
make sure your paint is warm (if stored in a cold garage, set it upside down in the sun for awhile)
Also make sure your furniture piece is not cold
Don't fill your cup too full, I usually do 1/3 to 1/2 full
If you see it gobbing up on the nozzle, simply remove the plastic pieces, and wipe the brass nozzle with a rag. I think it's the warmth of the sprayer messing with the Plaster of Paris. I painted chairs today (in the sun) and I had to do it after every chair.
Be sure to strain your diy chalky paint primer.
I hope all this helps! If you have more questions, just let me know!
gail
Barb
What a beautiful job! I love your thought process. To take two sets of drawers and b uild something new - what a great idea and you carried it through beautifully. Love everything about it! You're stupendous!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
thank you so much Barb. I wish good desks were as easy to find as dressers! Don't get me wrong, I love cutting up dressers, but a good desk ever so often would be a real treat.
thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. I really do read each and every one
gail
Sherry
You come up with some of the most clever ideas!!! I wish I had your "vision". I am creatively challenged. lol Love your stuff!
Caro
I agree with Peggy's comment from a while ago - the sharp square edges on the ply don't really 'fit' - everything else has lots of curves with very few right-angles.. My 2 cents-worth would be to rout the edges so they're more decorative.
Wade Petrilak
So, this is what you chose to do with your Repurposed Life? Not, oh, I don't know, taking an orphan to a ballgame, or donating blood, or something--anything--that accomplishes more than creating a new piece of furniture for your house? This is all you could think of to do with your newly repurposed free time?
Selina
You stupid arrogant jerk. So now you are judging this creative genius? How many orphans do you take to the ball game?
Jen Ringuette
I am loving all of your amazing projects!!! I'm just getting into a brand new painting company that uses Chalky Paint & it's amazing stuff!! So much better than Plaster of Paris. I've gotten some great ideas from you & I have a ton of stuff I need to refurbish! Thank you!! Please feel free to check out our amazing products at http://www.Chalkyandcompany.com/Jen
Kate
I am a recent follower and love all your pieces!! I know you love your HomeRight Finish Max sprayer, but have often wondered what kind of paint you use? My experience has shown me that regular house paints do not flow well through paint sprayers. Is there a process or a particular paint that works best with your sprayer? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Kate,
I use Behr semi-gloss (latex wall paint) for nearly all of my projects. I strain and dilute my paint on every project. The way I painted this project, is the way I paint 99% of all of my projects... using the chalky paint primer as a base coat and the semi-gloss as a top coat. I'm always here if you have any questions.
gail
Cher
I love how you overcame your obstacles! The piece is wonderful, and I think it would look great dark, medium, OR a light color. The only critique I have that my eyes can't divert from are the sharp points of the corners of the plywood. For me it feels like those corners should be lightly sanded to a softer, not rounded, edge. It looks like (from the picture) the corners of the desk (vertically) are a softer corner that the plywood (to my eyes) should follow. Just my personal feel. It's still a great piece!!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity! ?
Nola Jensen
Incredible! Love that you did not give up when it looked hopeless! Amazing piece, you are so very talented!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thanks so much Nola! I really love how this turned out. It was a bit of a challenge, but so glad I stuck with it.
gail
Michelle L
Gail, this is the COOLEST! Thank you thank you for the awesome idea and stellar tutorial!!!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thanks so much for stopping by and I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment Michelle!
gail
Lisa A.
I am still sitting here with my mouth wide open. This is re-purposing on another level! Really so inspired! I spend way too much time looking at before and afters and you have me speechless.
A tip for the holes in the drawers; if you have a dowel that is slightly smaller than the hole and cut pieces just slightly shorter than the hole, you can brush with wood glue and tap them in place, and your holes will be much easier to fill. Someone told me that after I moved the knobs on 30-something kitchen cabinets!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thank you Lisa for your sweet comment AND the tip with the dowel rods. I'm such an impatient DIY'er. I think I need to drill a bunch of holes in a piece of wood and practice all kinds of patching methods. 😉
I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
gail
Susan
I keep coming back to your blog to ogle your projects and hope one day to be able to great pieces as great as yours. I am wondering about your painting technique of using 2 coats of your DIY chalk paint with a finish coat of semi-gloss - does it retain the look/feel of the chalk paint when it's done this way? We want to paint our kitchen cabinets with chalk paint, but don't like the finish options (i.e. wax, poly).
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Susan,
Thanks for your sweet comment. That's a great question about the feel of the finished project. In my opinion any and all chalk paint is very flat and rough feeling, that is why it needs to be sealed in some way--to keep it from scratching off. I painted my cabinets FIVE years ago and used semi-gloss paint and have loved them ever since. So, that tells you that I am a big fan of a semi sheen. I'm not a glossy person at all.
The best advice I can give you regardless of what road you take is PATIENCE. Paint takes a long time to fully cure. I left my cabinet doors off for a long, long time to allow that natural process to take place.
As far as I know, wax over chalk(y) paint would get you back in business the fastest, but it's a LOT of work. I would recommend using a buffer instead of doing it by hand.
Poly would be great too, but it's a little tricky and may yellow the color slightly. (if a light color is done)
If I were to do cabinets again, I would probably do them the same way I did back in the day. It was a lot of work, but it's held up soooo well. You can see my tutorial here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2010/12/how-to-paint-oak-cabinets.html
I sure hope some of this rambling helps you make a decision.
good luck!
gail
girlfromwva
just beautiful!
vanessa
THIS is beyond a doubt the best repurposed, junk to treasure project I've ever seen. Hats off to you.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thank you so much Vanessa! so happy you stopped by and left a message!
gail
Christi
What a fabulous transformation! I absolutely LOVE how creative this is! Well done 🙂
Mary Lou
Wow! I love this project. So creative. You are so very talented . You have inspired me.
Mandy
I CANNOT believe this transformation and your creativity!! I am not lying.... When I saw this on Facebook, I had to go to your site and check this whole process out. You did such an amazing job and I might have to re-create this because it's AH-Mazing!!!!! Give yourself an huge pat on the back b/c this is probably one of the best DIY, Re-Creating projects I have ever seen.
-Mandy
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
thank you so much Mandy. I appreciate your hopping over to check out the full tutorial. It was a fun project.
gail
Vivian
I really like to see your projects. They inspire me with creativity. This one is particularly satisfactory. 🙂 I'm not too "handy" myself, but my husband certainly is. I have fun dreaming up salvage projects and hope that he can help me make them happen. I have gotten as far as dragging home an old door from a yard sale, and planning what I want to do with it. Maybe sometime we'll get it done and I'll send you a picture.
Excuse all that chatter from a stranger. Here is a tip you may find useful:
My husband used to be a professional high-end cabinet maker and he learned to use Bondo as a filler to smooth out larger blemishes before painting. He used wood putty for little things like nail holes.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Vivian,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. Yep, several people have recommended bondo, I'm just not keen on mixing it. But I guess I'm going to have to try it.
good luck with your door project!
gail
Vivian
Thanks!
Yeah, after I commented I read some others' comments about that too.
🙂
Carol H
WOW! Such a cool transformation - one of the best re-purposing pieces of furniture I have seen - even if it wasn't re-purposed it's a beautiful piece but so fun to see it in the before stage & how you transformed it to the spectacular stage! Nice job!!!
Beth Holt
I love this! It was great to see it from start to finish and go through your thought process with you. Gosh - I would love to learn how to do all of this stuff! Love it, love it, love it!
Anne@DesignDreams
Gail this is hands down the best makeover you've ever done (and you've done some fantastic makeovers!!!) LOVE it, every part of it and the way it turned out you'd never know it wasn't built that way to start.
AMAZING makeover!!!!
You are a genius!
Joan
That truly is an amazing transformation. I definitely didn't see that coming out of a desk. I have no idea how you have the time to put out so many beautiful projects.
Bharati
Wow!! Simply Awesome. That's a really good idea, love it
Sheila
Hi Gail. What an awesome redo on the desk turned entry table, I love it. You mentioned that wood filler just wasn't working for you on that project. I paint a lot of furniture and other items, just about everyday (I'm afraid to start a blog I don't know how you find the time to maintain it). Anyway I never, never use wood filler. I use bondo all purpose putty. The thicker kind for vertical surfaces that comes in what looks like a quart paint can. You can find it at Home Depot. I use it to fill holes, patch veneer, fill in cracks etc. etc. It's a lot cheaper than wood filler and you won't ever see it under the paint. 2 warnings: you will need 80 grit sandpaper to sand it down and don't over do the hardener or it will dry out on you too fast and become un-spreadable. Thanks for all your inspiration. Sheila
Stephanie@cre8tive
I agree with everyone! My favorite for sure. Its functional and pretty and not bulky. You are just getting too clever for you own britches..:)
DeDe@DesignedDecor
OMG! This has to be one of my favorites that you have done! AWESOME job Gail!
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage
That turned out amazing Gail! Absolutely fabulous! I love the shape of it. It's so elegant. You are inspiring me to look at old furniture pieces in a whole new light. Awesome job!
Bliss
Crazy, cool, amazing, totally excellent. And I'm gonna copy it on the next desk I redo. Pinned of course.
Kyra
I think this piece would be fantastic if the flat side surfaces, base and drawer fronts were mirrored.
Have you ever used flexible acrylic mirror sheeting? Neat stuff. I've seen it used before with great result.
Lucy @ Patina Paradise
Gail I would love it if you would link this amazing project to our furniture only party Friday's Furniture Fix. It starts at 9Pm EST. http://www.patinaparadise.com/2015/09/fridays-furniture-fix-8.html Hope to see you there!
Leslie Gill
Gail, I have to say, this may be my favorite project from you I've seen! It is a beautiful and useful piece.
I just love it. Thanks for continuing to inspire 🙂
KariAnne
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SERIOUSLY?
Who thinks up things like this? Oh.....you do. 🙂
Happy day friend!
karianne
Jenise @DIYFunIdeas
Brilliant makeover Gail! I knew would have thought of it. It's simply gorgeous!
Amy
Wow just Wow your chest/desk/table is amazing! It is so inspiring to see you put seemingly random pieces together to make a masterpiece! Great job.
mary
Truly inspiring! It looks so elegant.......
Cindy Freeman
Love Love Love!!!!
Holly
Great job Gail! This turned out wonderful! Such an impressive piece of repurposed furniture! One way to fill those holes is by glueing in dowels and then a little wood filler.
Rita Ann
This turned out WONDERFUL! At the moment my Frankenfurniture project is adding Queen Ann legs to a old steamer trunk. I'm using the legs of a Queen Ann coffee table but the base where the legs are attached seem to be glued under the table. I'm trying to figure out a way to not have to saw it off because if I have to add that much more height it may ruin the desired height of my project. sighs
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Rita Ann,
Happy you love my project!
My base was also glued (and screwed) to the table top. I did some tap, tap, tapping with my cat's claw (it's really got a great angle for getting under joints)
without pictures, it's kind of hard for me to wrap my brain around it, but could you cut the table, stack the trunk on top, then add some trim to pull it all together?
gail
Gilmer Gal
What a beautiful and creative piece. Love your blog!
Corey
Holy Gail! I love the way your mind works! That turned out incredible!
Kathy Jones
I am blown away with the wonderful job you did on this piece! It is beautiful! I'll look at furniture differently when I see it!
Debbie @ Refresh Restyle
Gail, you win!! Oh my goodness, this is so awesome!!
Debbie
Melva
Wow! This is one heck of makeover. I'm usually not a fan of the dark wood but I can't imagine this piece in any other color. You did an amazing job! Congrats!
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Just amazing, Gail... you really do work magic!
Heather Tracy
Wow. Gail, you are brave and industrious and cool and amazing! What an ambitious and beautifully executed project.
This is my favorite furniture makeover EVER!
You ROCK!
Brette
Only someone with the eye of an artist could have come up with that one. Very clever.
chris aka monkey
i just scrolled through the thousands of comments you got on this one and agree with everyone that said this is freaking awesome you certainly have "true grit" xx
Gail Ebeling
What a clever redo
Kim (TheKimSixFix)
Oh my gosh gail. When I saw the final photo I assume you just painted a highboy.. but to realize you actually made FRANKENFURNITURE!!? That is so freakin' cool I love the new piece.. and the paint job.. and the knobs.. and the legs..
It is fabulous!!!
Serena @ Thrift Diving
GAIL!!!!!!!! What in the WORLD???? Okay, I'm not lying, this is the BEST DIY MAKEOVER I've ever seen! You are the bomb, woman!! It doesn't get any more creative than this!
Serena @ ThriftDiving
Sheila
I love this! So creative and useful! If I had a place to put it in my house I would snatch it up!!
Kathy Cano-Murillo
Amazing transformation and so inspiring!
Catherine
Gail- THAT is SO cool!
What an incredible REinvention of that desk!
Catherine
Tom
What an inspiration! We happen to have the same desk (in about the same condition). Thanks so much for sharing your creativity.
Funky Junk Interiors
My jaw is hanging open, and it's not closing anytime soon.
GAIL. This isn't a repurpose. It's a masterpiece! Good grief... unbelievable revamp. Truly. I'm stunned. The piece is even more gorgeous than the original!
I think you can add World's Best Furniture Designer to your list of accomplishments for when the big brands start to knock.
Truly stunning.
JenWoodhouse.com
OH.MY.WORD. You are such a BOSS! I can't believe the amazing transformation you did on this desk-turned-table!!! You are brilliant and creative!
Tommy Fain
WHOA. I usually just lurk, but that was AWESOME. I wish I could look at different pieces and be able to see something completely different like that. I'M JEALOUS!
denise
What an imagination you have! I never would of conveived of this project...OH MY GOSH, it's gorgerous.
Mindi
HOLY GUAC Gail!!! This is probably my favorite repurpose you have done to date, seriously genius!! The process is where the magic is and you have a LOT of magic going on on this piece!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! Thank you so much for participating in the challenge! 🙂
terry hayes
I love it! It is so fun to watch as something morphs into something else out of the blue.
Donna Marie
Well, I can take this off your hands in the color it is!!! Lovely piece and sooooo functional. We have a five drawer piece at our front door/back door that holds everything!!!
Mary
AMMMMMAAAAAAZINGLY DONE!!!! I love it! You know this idea came from above. So neatly stacked and joined together like a lifelong marriage. This creation must have given your creation juices a huge surge to go forward, conquer and continue. 🙂 Hope i said that right. LOL!!! Have a good Wednesday, Mary
Tracey
Wow, I just stumbled onto your blog. I am going to stay awhile. VERY IMPRESSED!
Marti's DIY
This is genuis! I love the resulting cabinet better than many I have seen new. It's beautiful and functional - gotta love that. You have a very creative mind.
Jaime Costiglio
Gail holy smokes!!! You would never know the true beginnings, the new piece looks like it was always built that way. You did an amazing job repurposing and rebuilding. Beautiful.
Wendi @ H2OBungalow
Are you kidding me? This chest is fantastic! Wowsa... I don't think I'll pass up another opportunity on an old desk again:) I can't wait to share this on my FB page. XO - Wendi @H2OBungalow
cassie @ primitive & proper
WHOA! this is one of my favorite repurposes of yours! LOVE! the legs are gorgeous and it looks like it was always meant to be that way.
Jeanie @ create&babble
Wow! What an amazing transformation Gail! I'll never look at an old desk the same again ; ) Pinning!
MJ
Love this, as with all your projects Gail. U R a trailblazer!
I'll spend many hundreds of dollars on tools, but can see how the right tool for the job is essential. Thanks for the tool links, which are very helpful in decision making.
I wonder where you find $15 anything. As the dollar loses value by the week, the prices rise in my favorite thrifts..... yet if i wanted to sell my painted furniture I'm sure i wouldn't get higher prices..... glad I do it for myself and not to sell.......and am glad you are out there teaching the carpentry skills my life missed earlier......
Now, if only the saw will stay steady on the curves...,
MJ
Larry
Rather than wood putty or spackle, try auto body filler (sometimes called Bondo) to fill and smooth. It's much easier to use, dries quickly and doesn't shrink down like wood putty or spackle. Note that it only works for painted projects (not stained), because it won't take the stain, but is great for filling holes, etc. Nice transformation and reuse of materials.
Lucy @ Patina Paradise
I was expecting to see two nightstands. Never in a million years did I expect what you did. Shut the front door! I am just awestruck! You are the repurpose queen! Have a great rest of the week!
Peggy
Hi,
I feel the problem might be the sharp edge on the base and top. For me they don't flow with the rest of the piece and stop my eye.
The paint however is beautiful and the pulls whimsical .
Just my 2 cents ,
Peggy
Kirby Carespodi
Oh my gosh, Gail! What an AMAZING transformation! I think this would be a great piece in a foyer for all that stuff you need in a foyer--stamps, keys, a mail tray, hats, gloves...what an inspirational piece!!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
I felt like the desk top would be better served as a top for something else rather than using it as a bottom.
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment Sherry, I appreciage your feedback.
gail