Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Desk & Chair

I am just as crazy over chalk paint as everyone else here in blog land and I have finally completed my latest project.  This desk is actually the piece that came to mind first when I heard about chalk paint and I wanted it to be a test piece.  I have had this since I was a little girl and the original has that 80’s vibe.  I found the perfect chair for $8 at a thrift store a while back, it had the same lines and look of the desk and I knew they would be the perfect pair.  I am very happy with the results. 
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Here is the before photo, don’t mind the dog, Abbie loves a photo opportunity. The chair was in good shape other than the spline that held the webbing in place.  I found a great tutorial on  Miss Mustard Seed's blog that taught me how to replaced that.  Some of the drawers on the desk were out of whack but I was able to fix those with a little help from Will and Gorilla Glue. 
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To achieve the blue distressed look, I first painted on Louis Blue where I wanted to bring the blue out.  I had to take this picture just to remember where I painted blue :)
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I painted two coats of Old White over the whole piece.
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Same technique with the chair.  The webbing was chipping all over but still in solid shape.
IMG_5468 Last I went back over with medium grit sandpaper to distress only enough to bring the blue paint through.  Then waxed everything with clear wax.  The fabric for the seat came from Hobby Lobby. 
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There is still a bit of tan popping through from the previous gold but it gives it a nice soft look. 
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On this piece I learned that painting with chalk paint in 95 degree heat is not the best idea.  The paint dries really quick and thickened while painting because it was so hot.  I did have to do a little sanding between the two coats of Old White because of that.  I brought the chair inside to paint and had no issues. 
I know this piece isn't for everyone, but whatda think?
April


Linking this post to:
Very Merry Vintage Style
Perfectly Imperfect Blog
Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Friday
Primitive & Proper

The Lettered Cottage

13 comments:

  1. Great looking desk. I swear that is our dog Molly - she has the same color collar and beautiful deep chocolate coat.

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  2. That is too funny, our neighbors have a black lab named Molly and her and Abbie are best friends!

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  3. I LOVE the desk and the chair is perfect! Good Job!

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  4. Beautiful job! I have that same fabric (also bought from Hobby Lobby) on my black dining room chairs (circa 1970's cane back)--and I dearly love them. That fabric is awesome isn't it--the colors are soft, romantic and looks gorgeous with your white.

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  5. So pretty, love the blue that is peeking through!

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  6. so pretty! ie specially love the chair with it- gorgeous set!

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  7. It's beautiful--I love how the blue shows through. What great finds! Thanks so much for linking to Share the Love Wednesday; hope you'll be back this week!
    Mary

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  8. Love the lines and detailing on that desk, April! Nicely done! I also tried chalk paint for the first time recently and used a rescued dresser as my practice piece. I'm looking forward to doing my headboard next.

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  9. i love how the blue is showing thru. beautiful

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  10. I love how you took pictures of your "blue process." The chair and desk really turned out great. The blue details make it really special.

    I'm a new follower! Hope you follow me too :)
    Emily

    http://lovelybeasts.blogspot.com

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  11. Thanks for all the great comments! I am very pleased with the way it turned out. My mom is picking it up tonight and taking it to it's new home :)

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