Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Meet Daniel, the desk

Meet Tyler.


Daniel never applied himself in school, like many a young boy.  It was only as he matured, he realized just how important those formative school years were.  He vowed he would make sure his kids took full advantage of their education.


He created an after-school cribbage club where he taught many children how to play a game they could play with their grandparents.


He was also the guy that would volunteer for the dunk tank at the Spring Fling Festival.


And he read aloud to his kids, which they loved, because he used different voices for each character.  That is something they will always remember about their Dad.


I wanted to add some "fun"ctionality to this piece.  So I used some chalkboard paint for the top, drawer fronts, and the inside back of the desk.  The alphabet was hand painted on the top as well.  Can't you just see a youngster practicing their letters on the top?  Daniel would be so proud.


I went with a sweet vintage yellow which should appeal to both genders.  I hope like this little renovation.  Now get cracking with those math facts!!


Have a great day,

Debbie

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Meet William, the desk

Meet William.


William has been a hard working member of his family for many years.  And the wear has shown.  It was time for a face-lift.


William was that kid that everyone liked.  It probably didn't hurt that he was the best linebacker his high school has seen in decades.  Or that he lead the Debate team.  He crossed all those lines; from geeks to jocks.


After attending Clemson and receiving an engineering degree, he worked for the government and retired comfortably at an age where he could enjoy his grandkids.  He loves to take them out on his 37 foot sailboat.


It wasn't easy getting William in peak condition.  I knew I wanted a wood top, but after carefully checking it out, I could see it was a wood veneer and not in great shape.


There was just too much damage.  So I crossed my fingers and scraped it off.  Hours and hours of scraping.  No need for the gym that day.


I'm super happy what I discovered underneath. 


 I also saw it fitting to carve in a little inspiration.


Built in the 1940's, he was made to last.  But over time, he was covered in paint and polyurethane.  Since polyurethane is oil-based, it will yellow the finish over time.  And that's what happened to poor William.  And since he was about 70 years old, I did a lead paint test, and it proved positive.  No fear though.  I ordered a special primer that covers lead paint.  And off to the races we went. 


He came to me missing some hardware and I could not find a suitable replacement.  And since these handles were not a standard width for "easy to find" new ones, I decided on rope handles.  I love the way they look.


I don't know why I didn't give up on him as he was SO MUCH WORK, but I knew he was worth it.  Hope you think so too.


He'll be making his way to Robin's Egg tomorrow.  He would love to meet you.

Have a great day,
Debbie

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Sunday, November 10, 2013

From a Butcher Block to a Sign

I have a friend that is renovating her living and dining room into a beachy retreat.  I am living through her transformation.  Loving the color choices, the planked walls, the white mantel.  If I'm not renovating myself, I'm a barnacle on my poor friends who are.  :)

Well, I offered to make her a sign to go with her new look.  And of course I like to use found objects, or re-use ones from another purpose.  I had a small butcher block table top that fit the bill.  Add a few shells, and you've got yourself a little something.


I like the idea of using the thick, heavy top.  Perhaps my demented view of driftwood.  My friend gave me the quote and off to the races I went.


The quote was found on Pinterest and it fit exactly with how she feels about the beach.


I wanted a border and felt some waves were in order.


A beachy sign is not beachy unless it is distressed and weathered.


Tabletops are a great place to add some signage.  Get out there and reclaim today.


Debbie