Hello, lovelies!! Today’s project was an amazing bargain! I found it at almost closing time for yard sales in our area. I stopped for a dresser I saw and the lady said she was donating everything to the DAV, so she just wanted rid of it all. She then said I could have that dresser for $5! Well, she also had a desk which she also said I could have for $5!
Here is said desk:
Funny how photos can be deceiving. Let’s get a closer look at this desk…
Oh yeah, this one was rough!
But, for $5, how could I say no??
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Sand
I would normally start with a good cleaning, even when sanding is needed, but I went straight to sanding on this one:
I started with 100 grit and finished with 220 grit sanding discs using my Ryobi rotary sander.
These super rough edges were smoothed and rounded a bit with my sander…
The drawers were so gross…
They got a good sanding also to remove all the gross…
Fill gouges
Next, it was time to fill in all the gouges this piece had. To do that, I used Dixie Mud:
Here is everything filled, sanded smooth, vacuumed, wiped down, and ready to go:
Paint
I was then ready to get to painting! I wanted to use this pretty Champs de Lavende transfer and I wanted to have a purple background.
That’s right, I’m using COLOR today!!
These are the two purples in the chalk mineral paint line: Lucky Lavender and Secret Path:
Although I love these both, and I really love Secret Path (See a dresser I did in that lovely shade HERE.), I wanted a color that blended better with the transfer.
So, I decided to mix these two:
This is about 2/3 Lucky Lavender and 1/3 Secret Path. I love being able to mix colors to get exactly what I want!
What should we call it? Lavender Secret?
I gave everything two coats, taping off the drawers with FrogTape to get nice, clean lines:
While I don’t use color often, I LOVE painting with color! I just have to be able to sell it after lol.
To smooth out the finish, I sanded lightly all over with these sanding sponges since I did not want to distress this piece:
I wiped away any dust with a clean cloth and I was ready to move onto the top!
Stain the Top
For the top of this desk, I pulled out one of my favorite stains, Voodoo Gel Stain in White Magic:
I use this often because I love the water based formula that makes clean up a breeze. And, it dries almost right away.
I like to apply it with an applicator pad by squeezing it onto the pad and wiping it on in long motions:
Here it is after one coat and then after two:
I gave it two coats total. That hid some of those imperfections a bit better while still allowing the grain to show through.
I also did the drawers as well, but with only one coat:
They were a bit more tedious but worth it.
Adding a Transfer
Next, I applied my transfer. Because these drawers had somewhat rounded edges, I left the drawers in place and decided to add the transfer right over the top of them:
I like to lay these larger pieces on their backs when adding transfers. Be sure the drawers are pulled down and touching the the bottom of where they sit, just as they would if the piece were standing upright.
You can see more on adding transfers on this pretty antique bookcase makeover.
This Champs de Lavende transfer is fantastic for furniture!
I was inspired by last week’s dressing table I reshared, to add a transfer in a similar way to this piece!
The drawers
I usually wait until the big reveal to share the drawers, but now is as good a time as any.
I decided to pull the green from the transfer for a little contrasting color on the drawer bottoms:
This is Weeping Willow, and as you can see, it worked miracles in saving these drawers…
Seal
To seal, I use Clear Coat in Satin. I applied it to the interior of the drawers with a brush and to the rest with a blue sponge applicator. It was just easier to get those inside corners with a brush, but the sponge is my favorite…
As you can see, I like to cut the sponge straight on either side to make it even easier to use.
The $5 Yard Sale Desk Reveal
Here is the finished look of this desk!
Yes??
I so enjoyed watching this one come to life. especially from where it started!
This transfer is so pretty on this piece…
And how about that center drawer?
Isn’t that so pretty??
This is one of the new Decor Poly pieces from Redesign called Luxe Ornamenta. It is totally flexible, so it will work on just about any surface.
I painted and sealed this piece before attaching it to the drawer front. I have several designs to choose from in my shop, just select the Decor Poly section from the drop-down menu to see them all.
These are great if you don’t want to make your own resin castings using the moulds.
This Josephine Mould is another option if you like making your own…
Those are great since you can make as many as you wish using the Amazing Casting Resin.
I painted the original hardware also and then hit them all with Silver Gilding Wax:
Here’s a peek at the stained sides…
Matching them to the top tied everything together nicely.
And a peek inside…
I considered decoupage paper for the drawers, but kept them simple with paint instead. Honestly, there was so much work involved that I needed a simple finish lol.
And a peek at that White Magic Voodoo gel stained top:
Beautiful!
I did try to find a chair or stool to make it a set, but I didn’t have any luck. I’ll keep looking though.
One more thing I wanted to share is that I did not like how when you opened the drawers, part of the transfer appeared to be missing, so I went back and tried my best to match up scraps to fill those spots in:
(Pay no attention to the color difference lol…it was nearing dusk and the color came out funky.)
I’m glad I went back and filled in those areas, so it looks good both open and closed.
I hope you enjoyed this fun makeover and seeing COLOR today!
One more done!!
See what you’ve missed from this yard sale haul so far below:
Vintage Bookcase Makeover
Two-Toned Painted Side Table
$5 Yard Sale Suitcase Makeover
Decoupaged Table Makeover
Child’s Chair Makeover
$15 Yard Sale Bench
Looks like I need to go shopping for more stuff!
Here’s what I’ll be sharing on Thursday:
UPDATE: It looks so pretty now! See what I did with it HERE!
See ya then!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Susie Wilcox says
I have that exact same desk, and it has been in my family since I was little. (I am almost 63 years old!) I redid it years ago as my mother had antiqued it green back in the day. I usually stain furniture so it does not look anything like your beautiful desk. Good job on reviving a solid piece that will outlive us.
Christy says
Oh I Love that you still have yours! Yes, this furniture is definitely built to last. Thank you so much, Susie! XOXO
Sandra says
When you patch places on top of furniture…does the voodoo gel stain cover them…I know regular stain doesn’t cover patches well… pretty desk however
Christy says
Hi Sandra! I think because the White Magic Voodoo stain is so much lighter, it did do a nice job of covering. However, the gouges I filled were all small and the wood itself had lots of darker spots and such, so that helped them those spots to blend in also. Thank you! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh my gosh, it is so beautiful! Wow you did a great job on this piece, you would never know it started out in such bad shape! I also love the way you mix colors for a custom mix! It turned out amazing!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I had so much fun playing with this one!! XOXO
Christine says
Love the transfer especially, I don’t usually prefer purple! Did it sell quickly? Thinking a child’s bedroom perhaps?
Christy says
Thank you, Christine! This one is brand new, so it is still here. I usually keep my pieces for about two weeks before taking them to my booth so they have some time to cure. I’m hoping for a quick sale though! XOXO
Christine says
Hopefully it sold? Always curious about the interest in purple pieces!
Christy says
Hi Christine! It has not yet made it to my booth. I like to keep them here to cure a bit before taking them over. Hoping for a quick sale once I do take it over though! XOXO
Anne says
That $5 desk is now stunning!! Love to see your progress as you work your magic on these pieces.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Anne! I really love seeing them come to life with each step as I go too! XOXO
Sue says
I love the mixture of Lucky Lavender and Secret Path! This little desk became a Cinderella project and Oh so lovely in the end. The soft green inside was the perfect touch. You are such a great colorist!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! I honesty had no idea it could be so pretty! XOXO
Sandy says
Love all of your make-overs but this one is amazing!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandy! I wasn’t sure I could do anything with it when I found it, but I had a lot of fun with it! XOXO
Cyndi says
That is SO pretty! I love the way you wrapped the lavender transfer around the front side of the desk. And you gave lots of good tips for a successful project. I am taking notes! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I’m glad I was able to save it! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
Wow this is beautiful. I have a very similar one I did and now I want to go back and paint the insides of the drawers. That mold in the middle drawer balances everything out so nicely. I just love this piece.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! I just love the girly ones…this was so fun to redo. And yes, the fancy detail on the drawer really adds so much! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
it did come out quite nicely and is cute. Just not my style. I am sure someone will love it!
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! I imagine it in a little girl’s room! XOXO
Michelle Stickel says
Really cute! I think the color name should be Lavender Path. Not that the empty space was a mistake but I’m glad to see you change your mind on things too. Or see areas that could be improved after the fact.
Christy says
Thank you, Michelle! Lavender Path…I like it! Oh yes…sometimes I don’t see until I get closer to the finish that things could be improved. Now if I were redoing this for myself, I likely would have left it as is lol! XOXO
Caye says
Congratulations on converting a hot mess into a thing of beauty! I understand your hesitance on using color, but this should sell swiftly because it is sooo pretty. Kudos, Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Caye! I am so glad I chose this color…hopefully someone will fall in love with it! XOXO
Cecilia says
Love how this ugly duckling turned into its version of a beautiful swan! Love the green inside the drawers too. Just lovely.
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! It sure was an ugly duckling, but it had survived so much judging by the condition it was in lol. I was thrilled to love it back to life! XOXO
Michele M. says
OH. MY, GOSH! That is absolutely stunning, Christy. Whew, be still my heart. It is really gorgeous. What a transformation. WOW!!!!
Hey – quick question though, if you were going to stain the top white why did you use brown Dixie Mudd and not white? Just curious.
Christy says
Aww I love that reaction! Thank you, Michele! I used brown Dixie Mud because I almost always do lol. I get it to match the wood and then paint or stain. You could use either though. XOXO
LeAnn says
SOOO Pretty!! If I had a little girl I would definitely buy this from you. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Christy says
Thank you, LeAnn! I think because I have boys, that makes me enjoy creating these feminine pieces so much more fun! XOXO
Jill says
Oh phooey, I missed the sale. But my budget is so strained right now other things have to come first anyway. 🙂 Still, I love the color and the transfers take it over the top! I have at least five projects lined up myself (a full-length mirror in a wooden frame with lots of detail, a small magazine table for my front porch, a quilt rack, a table for my screened porch, and an antique dresser from which I removed the mirror) but all these gorgeous makeovers are giving me plenty of ideas on what to do with them.
Christy says
Oh darn! Last year for cyber Monday after Black Friday, they allowed us to have a sale, so keep your eyes out for that just in case they let us do it again. Thank you! It sounds like you have lots of fun projects to keep you busy! Have fun! XOXO.
Robin says
The piece looks like it is growing straight out of the lavender patch, lol! So fun, a real eye-catcher.
Christy says
It sure does lol! Thank you, Robin! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Love it!! I haven’t been able to keep up with your posts because work is so busy right now, but I’m glad I got to see this one!
Christy says
I’m glad you were able to stop by today and say hello today, Sharon! Thank you! XOXO
Cyndel says
LOVE that center drawer decoration! At first glance, I thought I was seeing an amethyst-colored stone inside a filigree setting. Then, in closeup, I saw that it’s a clear knob picking up surrounding color. Either way, it’s a beautiful jewelry moment that feeds into my crazy new fondness for royal tiaras.
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndel! It is very regal, indeed! Funny how a small addition can add so much luxe! XOXO
Mariele says
I am in love!! This is one of my favorites from you. Truly beautiful, I love absolutely everything about this… well, except if I had done it, I would probably have stained the top darker, but that’s just a personal preference, lol. I wish I had room in my house for this, I would drive all two days down to get it. 😀 Maybe if I end up with a daughter who loves dress up I can use this for inspiration. 🙂
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you so much, Mariele! This set was so fun to reimagine. I think the worse off the piece is, the more chances you can take with them lol. XOXO