Last week I showed you how I cut this desk down from regular size to kid size. I asked for your opinions on what I should do with it. While I was pondering what to do, I was thinking about a trip I was about to take. In fact, I am gone right now. I’m in Howell Michigan with Team Depot and the Celebration of Service. It’s all about The Home Depot contributing $50 Million towards veterans causes.
Anyway, I was thinking about all that while I was looking at my stash of paint. And suddenly it came to me, I guess the paint spoke to me.
If you missed this the first time around, I’ll tell you that my cousin Terry dropped this desk off to me. Her dad, my Uncle Roscoe curbed it years ago. You can see it has some problems.
How did I combat this problem?
I cut the desk down. You can check it out in my post Cut a Desk Down To Kid Size.
These are the paint colors that spoke to me.
I started by mixing some Plaster of Paris and water together, and adding it to the main color of the desk.
I gave everything at least two coats of this homemade chalk paint.
I really had no idea how to paint a camouflage pattern, so I thought I should let the chair be my guinea pig.
I then went to work on the desk. I wasn’t thrilled with how it was going, but I kept on keeping on.
I don’t usually tape off when I do chalkboard paint, but I wanted a good crisp line on this piece.
I applied 3 coats of brush on Rustoleum chalkboard paint. I always do three coats, the first going east to west, the second going north to south, and the third however I think it needs to go.
I let the desk set for a day, to decide if I liked it okay. I decided that it was okay—then I got to thinking about what color to paint the handles. I was going to go for black, but then I wondered what else I could use for handles instead of the vintage handles that were on it originally. R-O-P-E! I dunno really how it came to me, sometimes thoughts just pop into my head.
I had to go to the hardware/post office store to mail an Etsy package and buy some bolts for the Display Easels, so I picked up some rope while I was there.
I gathered everything I needed.
The rope is 3/16, so I drilled my holes the next bit larger. I should write these things down. I always think I’ll remember, but I don’t.
I used an old teacher trick to get the rope through the holes without fraying. For now, I just left them long inside the drawer and knotted them end to end. I’m not sure how I’ll finish them off.
Here you have it! One wonderful Camo Kid’s Desk!
So, are you curious what I’m doing in Michigan with The Home Depot? There are 12 of us bloggers meeting up to work on a service project with Team Depot Volunteers. It really is a great cause called Stiggy’s Dogs. The neat thing is my cousins live in a nearby township, and they alerted me to this article in the newspaper. The plan is that we arrive in Detroit (last night) and get up bright and early this morning to head to Howell to volunteer. Then we’ll be attending some classes with the fine folks at The Home Depot. The gang will be heading home today, but I’m staying on for a few days to get in some quality time with the cousins!
This desk will either be for sale at the booth, or I may take it to Glendale (it depends on how much room is in the truck). All proceeds from this desk will be donated to Stiggy’s Dogs.
I’ll tell you all about my trip next week!
The Home Depot partnered with bloggers such as me for their Celebration of Service Blog Network. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any product mentioned in these posts. The Home Depot believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Amy Torres
I know this is an older post but I feel inclined to say something just in case. First allow me to say I absolutely ADORE your projects and have found inspiration on your site. I also follow your craft on Facebook. This camo desk is adorable and I will have to try it soon as I find a piece to cut up 🙂 . My concern is the rope handles. I would do it, it was a very creative idea! But please please please be sure to make the rope like an actual handle size so a child cannot fit their head in it. Sorry to be long winded , that was my only concern !!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Amy,
I appreciate your concern, thanks for pointing that out. (about the rope handles)
I'm happy to have you following along on Facebook!
gail
Anonymous
Another idea for the handles: 550 cord.
Christa from Controlling Craziness
Great job! My son is loving camouflage lately, maybe there'll be a similar project in my future. Thanks for the inspiration!
must love junk
So fun! I just found your blog (love it!) and am your newest follower 🙂
Susan
Mindi@MyLove2Create
I missed this yesterday, busy day! I LOVE it! Great job with the camo! Some boy is going to be in heaven!
Carolyn
Gail,
You did it again. Love the camo and of course those great rope handles.
Good job!!!!!!
My boys would love it and I think we might have a project on our hands!
Leshia
My boys would LOVE this! As a fellow Kentuckian I always say, you can't go wrong with camo 🙂
Lori C
It came out ADORABLE! Some little guy is gonna just love it to death. Hey I found out something interesting a few weeks ago, adding plaster of paris to exterior grade paint made the plaster set up immediately! (oops, I did't know that!) Did you? Never happened to me with interior paint...
Stephanie
Wow, what a great organization you will be helping! I just read their blog and it just makes me so proud that Home Depot helping Stiggy's Dogs. What a great thing to be a part of.
Tuula @ The Thrifty Rebel
Hi Gail,
This desk is something else. You continue to amaze me with your projects. I'm learning so much! I've been following you by email for some time, but I'm now your newest GFC follower. Thanks again for all the inspiration.
Tuula 🙂
Bliss
Cute and pinned.
~Bliss~
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
i know one 7 year old boy who would LOVE that desk! so fun!
Amber D. Mcnabb
This is SO COOL!!!! I will be re decorating my little fella's room soon and might have to use this idea. Great job!
Korrie@RedHenHome
Some little boy will love this!
Sue@Uniquely Chic
Love it...so creative! Very nice of you to donate too. Have a great trip!
Christine @ Let's Get Crafty!
As an Army Veteran, I approve! Well done!!
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking
That's so original, Gail. Have a great trip.
Full Circle Creations
Love it! Great job. Can't wait to read about your trip. Safe travels.
Holly
Terri
Turned out super cute...I am sure it will sell fast! So sweet of you to donate the proceeds! Have a great trip!
Sue
That is so adorable Gail! To bad that my boys are all grown up know, I'd luv to copy it otherwise!
Have a sweet day,
Sue
carpe diem
i am spechless! this is fabolous!
many greetings form Ana