Monday, June 16, 2008

New Desk!



Well, it's actually quite old. It's been sitting in my brothers' basement for a while. Ugly, dusty... just in the way, really.

Meanwhile, I get emails from Horchow.com - they've got beautiful stuff, but it's very expensive. Their emails usually serve as good for inspiration, only. Until one day, I come across this. I am so in love with it, I am tempted to spend the $1600 plus delivery charges to have it in my craft room!

While I am brainstorming how I am going to convince E this is a worthy investment, I have an epiphany. Why, I should just repaint an old piece of furniture, myself!

So, I do!

I noticed the desk when I was helping my brothers clean out their basement. It was perfect!

Then I go to Lowes and ask the paint guy how to paint a peice of furniture, seeing as how I have never painted anything besides a picture in my whole life. He directs me to the faux finishes, and there it is. The weathered cracked finish I've been dreaming of. Along with detailed instructions.
I got the look I was going for for under $100.

If you want to try your hand, the directions in video form are here:

TIP: as your base coat, I suggest you use brilliant metals. Oh, and your top coat HAS to be a flat paint - no other finish will crackle.

Update 10-28-11:  Apparently the links do not work anymore.  So, I found this picture on Horchow to show you guys a picture of my inspiration piece.  But just in case they move it again:


And you should google "how to create a crackle finish " there are lots of videos showing how to do it.

Good Luck!!

8 comments:

Tina said...

Hi There! thanks for stopping by my blog. I really love the desk. Great job! I discovered this crackle stuff and even did my kitchen backsplash and loved the result. Haven't stopped using it since I found it.
I stopped by your ETSY store and I like your stuff alot. Very creative. I'll be back and hopefully, if I ever get around to it, I'll get mine open. Just discovered it recently.
blessings
Tina

Rosemary said...

Hi,
Nice to meet you.
You did a wonderful job for your first piece.
I love it!
Rosemary

Steph said...

That is sooo cute! i'm so gonna do refurbed "antiques" when we buy a home. i'm sure i'll have to talk zack into wanting older furniture... but i think i can talk him into it. good job!!!!!

Ayana said...

Thanx Ladies!!

Hey,
Steph, why wait? I think you should gradually started getting (and making) stuff that you love and when you get a new home, you won't be overwhelmed.

Steph said...

i would but i have no where to put the stuff i work on. my dad is already complaining about the vanity and baby crib he repainted for me... he's like "when you gonna get all your stuff off my porch... i've got things to do!"-lol he's such a crazy old man!

Totsymae said...

I like your desk. Very nice job and you saved yourself a nice chunk of change.

artsyclay said...

I saw your blog link on Flickr.

I love the desk! very clever!

thetinylittlegirl said...

lovely desk, i really like that effect!