Yay! It’s Themed Furniture Thursday! A bunch of us crazy DIY girls get together once a month to share a furniture makeover. The catch is that everyone’s makeovers have to follow a theme! This month’s theme is “Words/Letters”. I immediately went to my go-to for graphics…the Graphics Fairy, and this is what I came up with:
Can you see the graphics? They’re on top!
I found this desk at an estate sale a few weeks ago at this cute little cottage that was about 6 houses from the ocean.
There were all kinds of goodies in there. I also picked up a dresser, a hutch, and a few small things on this trip. Here is the desk before:
It was in pretty good shape, but had some water damage. It also had some peeling veneer that needed to be fixed.
Then it was ready for paint!
I kept the same hardware, just gave it a couple of coats of Rustoleum in Heirloom White, then sanded it a bit:
I also lined the drawers for a touch of pretty…
This piece was painted using this DIY chalk paint recipe. I wrote a post for Annie Sloan chalk paint last month and I truly love her paint line, so it’s hard to come back and talk about making my own paint. I would always use Annie Sloan chalk paint if I didn’t have to watch my bottom line. When I’m painting pieces for myself, it’s easy to justify the price and I would gladly pay it, but when I’m selling my pieces I just can’t. This is a great DIY recipe and it comes in at less than a third of what ASCP costs. I’ll admit though that I do love the convenience of buying it ready-made and ASCP has an amazing color palette!
This is made with Behr’s Cottage White. I use it a lot. I also used this color on my kitchen cabinets.
For the top, I saved a Graphics Fairy image in the reverse. She offers many of her graphics in the reverse already. Then I uploaded it to blockposters.com to get the size I wanted. You can see an example here. I lightly sanded the top before transferring the graphics using this method.
Then I painted in the letters using a liner brush and black acrylic paint.
I gave it a light sanding before sealing with Annie Sloan’s clear soft wax.
I found the chair at a thrift store for $10 not long before I found the desk. I thought it looked great with the desk. I gave it just a small detail on the back…
…to give it some ooh la la…since the front is very simple.
I sanded everything lightly around the edges. I didn’t want it too shabby.
And that’s about it. I would love to have this in my bedroom, but it will soon be on its way to my new booth. I hope to share pics soon. It’s been three weeks already, so I have no excuse!
Here’s a peek at all 16 makeovers…
Click on the links below to see how my fun friends made over their furniture pieces with this theme. It’s fun to see how we all interpret it differently! 🙂
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XO,
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
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I love to share at some of these great parties:
Home Stories A to Z Not Just a Housewife Kammy’s Korner The Happy Housie Design Dining and Diapers Liz Marie Blog Funky Junk Interiors Savvy Southern Style Tatertots and Jello DIY Show Off Redoux Interiors Between Naps on the Porch The DIY Dreamer Oh My Creative Little Miss Celebration Just a Girl and Her Blog Sand and Sisal Interior Frugalista House on the Way Addicted 2 DIY I should be Mopping the Floor Miss Mustard Seed
Jenna says
I am so glad to have stopped by today Christy, what a fabulous post! First of all your desk turned out so pretty and I did not know about blockposters.com, what a great tip! Also, I appreciate the tip on painting the hardware, I love the way that looks! I agree, ASCP is pricey but magic! Thanks so much, I am dying to try this!
Christy K. James says
I’m so glad you stopped by too, Jenna! Thank you! I love blockposters…your graphic will print on several sheets and then you can just trim each one and tape them together. Occasionally the image will be really pixelated, but not usually. 🙂
Lindsay Eidahl says
I like that you painted the hardware the same color. I just picked up two pieces this weekend that have the same hardware but they are rusted to perfection so I think I am going to leave them. I love your desk and the house you got it at is adorable!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Lindsay! I love this hardware, I was torn whether or not to paint it, but it wasn’t very pretty, kind of a dull brass color. I like the painted result though. Can’t wait to see what you did with yours. 🙂
Beth says
This is beautiful Christy. So shabby chic and delicate looking. And you really made it come to life with the script. Beautiful photography also!
:0) Beth
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Beth! I’m so glad you like it. 🙂
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Beautiful transformation Christy, as always! You know how I love a painted graphic on furniture. Talk about great scores at the estate auction – can’t wait to see what you do with them. I hear ya re: justifying the cost of using ASCP on pieces for sale. When I’m not using chalk paint I’m a Behr girl so I am definitely going to check out your homemade chalk recipe – thanks!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Marie! That was a great estate sale. I passed on a gorgeous vintage chandelier and I went back the next day and it was sold. 🙁 I should have snapped it up! XO
Cristina says
Beautiful makeover, Christy! Love the color, the light distressed effect and of course the graphics!
Christy K. James says
Yay! You’re able to comment again! Thanks for the sweet words. 🙂
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
Wow, Christy – – making your own chalk paint and hand-painting those letters? You are a DIY goddess! (But we already established that long ago.) Oh, and the paper lined drawers are my favorite detail of all! Way to go, girl! #pinning #stumbling #swooning
Christy K. James says
Aww your sweet words made my day, Miss Lauren!! XOXO
Paula@SweetPea says
Love the end result of this desk and chair makeover! I think that they’ll sell quickly in your booth.
Thanks for the tip on blockposters.com…I’ve never heard of that site and it sounds very useful.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Paula! I hope they sell quickly! Blockposters.com is great…I use it all the time. So fun to be touring with you again sweet friend! XO
Heather@ viralupcycle.com says
Christy, I love these pieces..the simplistic elengance and clean lines. Beautiful!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Heather! I really want to keep them. 🙂
Breanna says
This is so pretty! I love it all 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Breanna! XO XO
Jeanette says
Love that you painted the hardware too! That chair is perfect with the desk. Jeanette
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Jeanette! XO
Meegan says
Beautiful makeover Miss Christy. I love the wording and the sanding. It adds just the love this desk needed. xoxoxo
Christy K. James says
Thank you sweet, friend! I love touring with you! XO XO
Sandy Whittington says
Love the desk ! Can you tell me where you found the clock?
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Sandy! I found the clock at TJ Maxx a couple of years ago. 🙂
Joselyn@The DIY Spot says
Wow, love the desk. I just curb shopped a similar one last week. You provided me with some great inspiration right down to the hardware. Never distressed after spray painting. Thanks so much for sharing and great how to’s.
Christy K. James says
How lucky to find a similar desk for free! It seems I never have luck finding things curbside. So glad you feel inspired! Thanks for visiting! XO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Anything French is fantastic…you rocked it, Christy! :o)
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Larissa! I am all about some French graphics too! 🙂
heather @french press says
that desk would be perfect for my office 🙂 what an amazing transformation
Christy K. James says
Thank you, Heather! 🙂
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
This turned out so lovely, Christy! You must have quite a steady hand because your graphic looks perfect!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Jen! I have a pretty steady hand, but my eyes keep wanting to go blurry trying to focus while I’m painting those small details lol. I have to keep backing up and so my eyes can adjust! 🙂
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
This is so beutiful! Love the graphics. I need a lot more practice to get mine looking as good as yours do!
Christy K. James says
Aww you’re always so sweet, Wendi! Thank you! You really knocked this theme out of the park. 🙂
andi says
Love the desk set! I never get tired of the Fairy’s Graphics. 😛
-andi
Christy K. James says
I don’t either! I think I’ve used most of the Frenchy ones. Hope you Philly and Eddie are having a great weekend so far. 😉
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Gorgeous Christy!!! As always! 🙂 …oh and your plate looks just like mine when I’m doing lettering!! lol
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy! Hope this sells quickly. I went by there today and I had sold six things woohoo! They were all smalls, but it was about $200 worth so I’ll take it. 🙂
Tami @ Curb Alert! says
Christy, gotta love a piece of furniture that you have to repair first! (not!) The desk turned out fabulous, love the transfer image you chose. I am sure it will sell so fast! Have a great week!
~Tami
Christy K. James says
Oh I know, right? I usually pass on those pieces, but this was a surprise injury. I hope it sells fast too! Thanks for stopping by! XO
Rachel McFadden says
Wow Christy, I love this….especially the hardware..nice job!
Christy K. James says
SO glad you like it, Rachel…thank you! XO
Krista @thehappyhousie says
Such a beautiful little piece. I love the drawer liner. What a great shop – I wish we had places like that around here. This side of the world is just ‘too new’ for many great antique shops… ugh. I see the surfboard too- can you actually surf the waves on the east coast where you live??
Christy K. James says
That was actually a little cottage where an estate sale was being held, but we do have several antique stores around here too. We have a couple of spots here that get decent waves, more so when we get tropical storms and such. 🙂
Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says
So pretty! LOVE this transformation! Life to the full! Melissa
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Melissa! 🙂
Michelle @ The Painted Hinge says
So very cute and chic! I especially love how you painted and distressed the hardware. I wouldn’t have thought of doing that myself, and it turned out so very lovely! Great job!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Michelle!! Just gave your FB page a like back. Have a great day! 🙂
karen says
I love this project! Of course I love it, I love everything you do. Love seeing all the other furniture projects too. Featuring at The Handmade Hangout at Redouxinteriors tomororw 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Karen! SO excited to see you join the DIY Furniture Girls group…you are an awesome addition. 🙂
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
Love the whole transformation Christy. The French graphic is just the icing on the cake. What a pity you can’t keep it for yourself.
Thanks for sharing at Shabbilicious Friday. I’m delighted to be featuring your desk at tomorrow’s party.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Kerryanne!! XO XO
Vivien says
Oh that is just gorgeous, I have been looking a desk to try and create a craft room for myself so this would be perfect! I purchased a French stencil as no way could I hand paint like you! That’s a real gift. Now I just need to find the desk to use it on. Did you make the lampshade yourself as it’s beautiful as well. I can see why you want to keep the desk and chair, they are just perfect with the lamp and clock!
Christy K. James says
Thank you so much, Vivien! This would be perfect in a craft room. The lamp is a thrift store find, but it had no shade. I found this one at Tuesday Morning. Thanks so much for visiting! 🙂
Janice says
I’m feeling inspired by your makeovers, especially the ones with graphics! I may have to start painting on some of my furniture pieces today!
Judy Lincicum says
Hi Christy! I’m getting ready to paint my first large piece of furniture, and I’ve decided to use the Behr Cottage White paint because of cost of AS paint, and I was wondering if you washed down these old stained pieces with tsp or soap and water, to prep them before painting? I was planning on lightly sanding, Zinsser primer, but didn’t know about cleaning them first.
Love your blog and posts, each one is like it’s just written for me!
Christy K. James says
Hi Judy! I usually use Lysol or Clorox wipes to clean a piece first. So glad you are enjoying my posts…that makes my day! Good luck on your first large piece!