Thursday, June 28, 2012

My pretty secretary desk

I have had a ugly little secretary desk for about a year now. I got it at Goodwill and I knew I could bring it to it's true beauty. I have been putting it off it. I don't know what I was waiting for. I am funny that way--sometimes I keep things not looking good for a long while so I can appreciate them when they look pretty! I am so weird that way. I like to appreciate what I have fully.

The kittens think everything is a potential toy!

I am so happy with this little desk now. I think it is just adorable!


When I bought it it was not adorable. I think my husband really thought I had lost it. He couldn't figure out what I liked about it!


I think everyone can tell how me it is now. I love the feminine look!
I love my crafty area more and more. It is just feminine all the way around now.


I like the lace technique on the drawers. I put the edge of the lace on the bottom drawer. I have used the lace technique a lot--can never get too much lace!



Someday when I have extra money (lol--like that ever happens!) I want to get some crystal knobs for it. That would up the pretty factor. Maybe my garage sale going Mom will find me some:). I had one cute one to give the look a try...


Yes, that is what I want for it next...pretty knobs!


I am in stenciling mode--so did a little stencil in the corners. Pretty!

I added an keyhole applique from Do it Yourself Chic  I think it is perfect for this desk!



I love that I can hide all my stuff in there, and the Wifi stuff too, and nobody sees it. I love hiding places!


Thanks for stopping by and letting me show off my little desk!

Have a great day!

Edited : A lot of people have asked--I have a brief tutorial on the lace technique in this post
at

43 comments:

  1. Latane BartonJune 28, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    what a wonderful transformation!! Love the pink on it.

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  2. Our Hopeful HomeJune 28, 2012 at 4:45 PM

    I absolutely love it! So girly! I am in awe of the lace technique. Did you ever do a tutorial on it? We'd love to know how you do it!

    xoxo
    Kathleen

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  3. Judy at GoldCountryCottageJune 28, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    Hi Sandy: How perfect! Love the lace image on the drawers and I love that little lamp too..Happy Thursday..Judy

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  4. LucilleJune 28, 2012 at 5:22 PM

    Very pretty, Sandi. Looks like the little lamp also got a cute makeover. You are so enterprising! Beautiful work!

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  5. Ethereal PLUS what I LoveJune 28, 2012 at 5:28 PM

    This turned out really sweet :)
    Francine

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  6. The Porcelain RoseJune 28, 2012 at 5:42 PM

    Just beautiful! I love it! What a wonderful transformation. I purchased one very similar a few months ago. I've been contimplating as to what to do with it. It is in very good condition with it's original soft pink paint. I love the "lace" technique and may use it.
    Thanks for inspiring me!
    Will visit again soon.
    Elizabeth

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  7. AnneJune 28, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    Sandy,
    What a great find.Love this piece.You are lucky to have found it at a thrift store.That stencil adds great detail too.
    ((Hugs))
    Anne

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  8. Honey at 2805June 28, 2012 at 5:51 PM

    What a sweet and charming transformation! She must be doing a happy dance that you made her pretty!

    Thanks so much for participating at Potpourri Friday!

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  9. farmhouse-storyJune 28, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    love the lace technique on this, sandy:) such a huge change! i love the idea of the crystal knobs, too:)

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  10. JanaeJune 28, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    I knew it would be cute but it turned out even more cute than I thought!! Great job mom I love it!

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  11. KarenJune 28, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    It turned out beautifully. What a pretty touch adding the lace. The crystal knobs will be perfect for it.

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  12. sunnyskiesandsweetteaJune 28, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    Such a pretty little desk now! I think the glass knobs will be so pretty, too.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  13. Ivy and ElephantsJune 28, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    Amazing transformation. Wow this was a wonderful post. I would love it if you would share it at our WIW linky party. I hope you can join us.

    Paula
    ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

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  14. goddessof4June 28, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    What a great technique!!! I will have to try using lace one day!!!! I love how it turned out!!!! Keep up the good work!!!! Blessings,Sara

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  15. Heaven's WalkJune 28, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    Sandy!!!! That turned out soooo sweet! I LUV that you used lace as a stencil! Genius! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  16. Heirloom treasuresJune 28, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    How lovely,I was dying to see it when you got it done and you haven't disappointed xx

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  17. Bunny JeanJune 28, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    Hi Sandy!

    That is just adorable... and yes, it was pretty ugly in it's 'before' state. It looks as if it can hold a lot of stuff in those drawers. Target had little 'faux' crystal knobs...

    I have a little Queen Anne secretary like that in my closet that I use as my make-up table.

    Thanks for sharing at my party!

    xoxo Bunny Jean
    Wednesday's Bunny Hop Party!

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  18. CindyJune 28, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    It's beautiful! Ok, so now, what is your lace technique??? How in the world did you do that?

    Cindy

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  19. Stacy's Shabby ShoppeJune 28, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Sandy, that looks just amazing! I love that lace technique. I have never tried that! I will have to! Yummy! xo

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  20. UnknownJune 28, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    What a beautiful transformation - and I love love love that dresser beside it!
    Your newest follower - would love to have you visit and follow back
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  21. violi igłą malowaneJune 29, 2012 at 1:40 AM

    beautiful

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  22. MelanieJune 29, 2012 at 3:20 AM

    Your desk is just so lovely, you are right, one can never have too much lace!!! Laughed when I saw the kittens, everything is a potential toy to kittens! They are fun to watch aren't they? They are growing so fast, have enjoyed watching these babies grow!!!

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  23. Julie June 29, 2012 at 4:55 AM

    Wow. beautiful desk. I love lace technique you used. I shall try. (smile)

    Thank you for sharing.

    Julie x

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  24. Poppy @ With a Dash of ColorJune 29, 2012 at 5:17 AM

    I love how you transformed the desk with your magic paint brush! Adding the lacey accents make it even prettier and so feminine:)You did a wonderful job on it...even baby Kitty loves it:)I love the beautiful rose lamp shade as well...so pretty. Thanks for the inspiration and for your sweet comment.Have a great weekend!~Poppy

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  25. Pam KesslerJune 29, 2012 at 5:34 AM

    You really didn't prepare me for the before photo. I was thinking "Oh, how bad could it be?" until I got to the photo and jumped back from my computer screen a little. Great makeover. You deserve an award for seeing the potential in it!

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  26. JanetJune 29, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    I just love how you redid your little desk! I bought one just like that at a thrift store, too! I painted mine white, as well, but I really like how you used the lace technique! It makes it look so sweet and charming!
    Blessings,
    Janet

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  27. AnonymousJune 29, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    I wish I had a desk like that to hide everything away. I've always liked that style, but I really like the details you've added with the lace and stencil to make your desk unique. You did a great job Sandy. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  28. AnaJune 29, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    Beautiful! It is totally you now! Love the lace technique. You did good my friend. Wishing you a great weekend.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ❤Ana

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  29. Marti McClureJune 29, 2012 at 4:13 PM

    Sandy, You did an amazing job on this little desk! It is really beautiful. I love the little raised element you added on the top front. Happy Fourth of July and Pink Saturday too. ~Marti

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  30. AnonymousJune 29, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Sandy, this is gorgeous now! I love the lace technique on the drawers! You turned this ugly duckling in to a beautiful swan! I love it!

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  31. UnknownJune 29, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    What a lovely desk..I could sit there all day and send out my bills! well, okay not bills but lovely calling cards LOL!

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  32. Susan @ Blackberry CreekJune 30, 2012 at 9:39 AM

    The secretary is beautiful. I think I'll start looking for one.

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  33. Jennifer @ Town and Country LivingJune 30, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    Oh Sandy, I love all the details of your "new" desk. It's really pretty and looks so completely different. Great job! The kitties are adorable!

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  34. AnonymousJuly 1, 2012 at 2:11 AM

    Wow! What a beautiful dresser! I love everything shabby chic and romantic :) Have a blessed day <3 Lisbeth from the land up north: Norway

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  35. JessicaJuly 1, 2012 at 6:18 AM

    The desk looks so beautiful now! Great job. :-)

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  36. MicheleJuly 1, 2012 at 1:28 PM

    True Shabby Chic Beauty in your little desk, Well done.

    God Bless You,
    Michele
    Pearl 13.1

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  37. koraleeJuly 1, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    She is so lovely! What a good job you did. Your room is beautiful. Happy new week. xo

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  38. CandyJuly 2, 2012 at 12:43 PM

    I love your desk. It turned out gorgeous. Im also lovin the mirror above it. Did you do that?

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  39. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJuly 2, 2012 at 4:45 PM

    This looks great, Sandy! I love how you transformed it and it fits in with your room so well now. I have seen a couple of these recently and just saw one this past weekend as I drove past a garage sale. I knew I should have stopped to see the price! I would get one for my daughter as she wants a desk to write at. Of course, I should probably find out if she even likes this style!

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  40. Jenny's HeartJuly 2, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    SO CUTE!
    You did a great job on that, I love the lace and wow what a transformation.

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  41. Noble VintageJuly 3, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    So cute! I love those little secretaries. What a makeover! :)

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  42. LifeLessOrdinaryJuly 5, 2012 at 3:41 PM

    I don't know how I missed this but I just love how your secretary looks. I've always wanted one like that. And, once again, I'm jealous of how good your lace painting looks...esp. the bottom drawer!

    Shasta @InTheOldRoad

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  43. BlissJuly 8, 2012 at 7:50 PM

    That is exactly it.... It's more you now. That turned out pretty darn cute to the rest of us too.

    Bliss

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