March 29, 2012

A French Writing Desk


That's what I thought when I first spotted this in the thrift store....A French writing desk


Here's my subject, look at the bubbles, I was already in the process of giving this gem a bath!


OK, so here's how I made my vision a reality.  I used my electric spray painter and heirloom white paint in a satin finish.
Then I envisioned old post cards on the top, graphics courtesy of Graphics Fairy, printed on water slide decals


This was just begging for some old Paris knobs...My homemade polymer clay knobs stamped with Paris graphics


Now, I so believe in something being as beautiful on the inside as the outside, so I Mod Podged some 7 Gypsies Paris tissue paper in the drawers


And added a French water slide decal inside the top


I was almost done, but that bar across the bottom was bugging me


So, I made up some plaster appliques and added a little glaze over them so they would stand out


Ah, here it is my interpretation  of a French Writing Desk


Ok, a French Desk in front of my French doors...To much French for you?


I'm planning to bring this to the Fancy Flea, the show I'm doing in April.  Now, here is the good news and the good news...I am trying to keep my booth at Orange Tree Stocked at the same time I'm getting ready for the show....So, some of the things I thought I was bringing to the FF, are ending up in my booth.  No sympathy needed, I'm having way to much fun!

Happy Creating
Carol

Linking with
Miss Mustard Seed

72 comments:

debi said...

OMG! That is gorgeous! You find the most wonderful things, and turn them into the most beautiful treasures!

The Porcelain Rose said...

Just beautiful!!
You are so good at remembering to take the "before and after" photos. I never think to take pictures before I start.
Thanks for dropping in and commenting on my French inspired dress form. I will have another dressed in pink organdy for Pink Saturday. Hope you will pop over for a peek.
Keep inspiring us!
Luv, Luv,
Elizabeth

Debbie said...

Tres Jolie!

If you can put a French desk in front of a French door, I can give it a French shout out.

I love this. The custom knobs by Carol are the perfect touch to it, too. The way your stuff sells so fast, it's got to be a challenge to fill up both the booth and get your "Flea" ready, but I have all confidence in you.

I really wish I lived closer so I could go to that Fancy Flea show.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Wow Carol you sure made the sad little table look fabulous. I love all of the details that you've added. The images are perfect for the style and I can never get enough french!
I don't know how you've managed to take care of your booth and get stuff ready for your show....whew...hats off to you girl!

hugs
Sissie

Vicki said...

What a transformation! The customers will be fighting over her I'm so glad I stopped by. Hope all is well.

Susan said...

Very nice desk! You did a wonderful transformation!

Katie said...

Another fabulous project! This sweet little desk is going to sell very fast...

Gina said...

That desk turned out great! You have a way with transformations...from sad to happy in 3.5 seconds! (although I'm sure it's not actually 3.5 seconds)

Cheryl said...

Love what you did with the desk.
You are an inspiration when it comes to the redo!!
Have fun,
Cheryl

Katie said...

Ps... I just ordered my water slide decals from Ebay. So excited! XoXo

Veronica said...

Magnifique'
Great job on the "French" desk! What a great idea! I check out your blog often and am always amazed at your talents.
Veronica

Liz Vickerman said...

this is absolutely beautiful! i am so in awe of everything you do, you are truly a talent!

i just ordered some water slide decals and am anxiously awaiting them, you're such an inspiration. thanks for sharing.

Patty Patterson said...

It looks great! I love the finishing touches. Especially the plaster decorations. Nice job!

DownTheLaneWithDaisy said...

never too much french!!! love it!

Roxanne Reinhart said...

Absolutely gorgeous!! I LOVE it!

Rona Gregory said...

Brilliant Carol! Totally love it!

the old white house said...

all of your details make it sooooo oooolala! People would never believe what it looked like before you got your creative hands on it! Really beautiful Carol! t.xoxo

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Hi Carol,

Beautiful! Your French writing desk is going to sell fast. I love the homemade knobs and appliques.

Sell your talent as I can see you will be sold out at the Fancy Flea and your booth.

Dee

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh this is beautiful, what a creative mind you have, love this so much!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

WOW! I wish I had your vision when I see things at the thrift store! What a great piece of furniture...well it is NOW! Big hugs! Enjoy this gorgeous weather we're having! ♥

Dawnll said...

This turned out beautiful! I love how you accented this piece
Bet it goes really quickly

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

You've got the plaster applique down girl! I love your desk...not to 'frenchy' in my opinion.
I like it!
~Pat

...I'm going to have to go read your plaster technique, I bet making the mold was the hardest part.
see ya!

GrandmaSoucie said...

I would not have said it had a snowball's chance....but you did it again!!! Fabulous!! So sorry you're having to work so hard to keep up the booth AND get ready for the April show! lol!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Gorgeous, Carol! Love it! Even the paint alone changed this up to pure loveliness. Love the graphics and appliques you added. I think I would be quite happy to sit at this desk!

Unknown said...

Ciao Carol cosa dire? Sei deliziosamente magica... Trasformi qualsiasi cosa in arte.
Baci Simo

kstoneking said...

Lovely transformation! I'm always amazed at your ability to use "just enough" bling on a piece. Me, I'd want to decoupage every piece of Paris-y decoration I had onto the desk. I have to look at examples like yours as my inspiration; that way, I don't over do it. :)

One question: what is 3 Gypsies tissue paper? Is that a name brand? Can you point me in the right direction to find it? I did an internet search and came up with nothing. Thanks!

Bliss said...

Never too much French!

~Bliss~

Barbara said...

You have the wonderful ability to see the end result in something that looks pretty pitiful to most people! I enjoy looking at the French -inspired look, but what happened to the Italian -inspired look? I'm not finding too much crafting supplies that have anything to do with it, and that's what I prefer. My home is a mixture of Italian and Western. I call it Spaghetti Western!

Judy (Distressed, But Not Forsaken) said...

Too much French?!! No way! It's beautiful, you did a great job envisioning the final end product.

Judy @ Distressed, But Not Forsaken

NanaDiana said...

That is just a gorgeous piece. You did a marvelous job on it..Too French? NEVAH! I LOVE it! xo Diana

camp and cottage living said...

Carol
You transformed what I would have thought was a piece of junk into something beautiful! Again.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Love it!! You are so talented...with all those knobs and everything...have a good sale!!

Marisa said...

Another beauty. I need to come to The Sunshine State. Good luck with your show.

Cindy The Victorian Journey said...

I love this piece. It is so much better than deary brown and the creativity is off the charts.. so going to borrow this idea.
Cindy

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

Oh my gosh! That is EXACTLY like the one I just donated (except part of our side was chewed on from when our dog was a puppy!) What a difference you made. So pretty!

Parisflea said...

Carol, you are brilliant and an absolute inspiration! The desk is "tres magnifique". And thanks for doing all the leg work on finding a paint sprayer...UPS just delivered mine (hip-hip-hooray, unfortunatley we're having are monsoon season here on the Oregon coast so it will be awhile before I can get out and paint.

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

You have all KINDS of talent! Knobs, appliques, decals, paint, spayers, redos, updos....amazing!

Best of luck with your sales , I'm sure it will sell.

Keep having fun!

farmhouse-story said...

this is such a treasure, carol:) LOVE those knobs!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Love it! I really want to do those water slide decals. They look awesome!

Heart Vintage Design said...

Too much French isn't possible. Love the post : )

Unknown said...

Great job Carol! I knew you would do something great...

Sylvia said...

Pretty French desk, love that you add your own personal touch!

Sylvia

Rona Gregory said...

Haha! Carol, yes I am still plugging away at the kitchen reno. Fitting it in between work and going out of town for hubbies course. Six doors to spray, and banquette to build and a table to re-finish...oh God I thought I was nearly there now I listed it it seems I still have such a long way to go!

Unknown said...

Wow, what a great eye you have for envisioning and creating! Beautiful job :)

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

Love your French desk, Carol. Those decals really make things look great and so do your hand crafted knobs and appliques. You're the best my friend!------ Shannon

Little Miss Maggie said...

Wonderful transformation, Carol. You never disappoint with your great imagination.

Mary said...

Excellent job on your new desk transformation Carol....your imagination and creativity is so amazing and makes for such inspiration to us all....I already have a list going here on what I want to redo with my new sprayer...I am also wanting to try my hand on some of the water slide decals for my projects...can't wait to get started :)
Wishing you a wonderful up coming weekend! Hugs Mary

hopeandjoyhome said...

Lovely as usual!I had a show on Saturday and it poured! Here's hoping your show is much drier!

Merri Jo said...

First time here...stopped by via Miss Mustard Seed. After oohing, aaahing, and drooling over your beautiful desk, I toured your home and wondered, "why the heck haven't I ever been here, before?!" I can't wait to come and spend some time walking backwards through your posts and feasting my eyes on the results of all of your many talents!!~~

Merri Jo said...

BTW, I'm guessing you meant 7 Gypsies Paris tissue, not 3 Gypsies. ;-)

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Wow Carol! What a beautiful desk you created out of that ugly duckling. All your special touches, the knobs, decals, and appliques gave it so much character.

Annette T. said...

Well, I was pretty surprised when I saw that little desk as I have the same desk I bought in '74 for $49. I was in court reporting school and needed a desk and it was the perfect thing for me. I still have it and it's been used by my husband for years. I think I see a new future for it though! Thanks for sharing, it came out beauitful!

Magical Daydream said...

What a fun project. It turned out great!

x

Marielle

Cindy The Victorian Journey said...

Checking on my profile signature to see if my blog shows up. Thank you Carol for all your help.

Biljana said...

Great job, so gorgeous, I love it:-) Hugs, Biljana

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

You are one busy and creative lady!!! Great transformation!!! Good luck with your booth and the April show!!!

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

Carol,
This is my absolute favorite blog. You are the most talented person ever. I look so forward to each post. I just started my "humble" blog today with so much to learn. I'd love for you to visit. You have inspired me so!
betty-southerngrace.blogspot.com

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Carol
Another drop dead gorgeous transformation!!

LOVE IT!!

Hugs,
Deb

Unknown said...

WOW WOW WOW!!!! I LOVE this but then, what dont I love? :P

Hugs,

Unknown said...

I don't think I've seen a french desk before. It's lovely!

Sandy xox

Tee said...

OMG, this is my new FAVORITE!!!

Every touch is perfect.

Melodee said...

just gorgeous Carol!

June said...

It's a beauty Carol! Such a special piece once you got your hands on it!!!
hugs...

Maki said...

Oh, Carol, I KNOW you're having FUN!!! Everything you do turns out so beautiful!

Your flowers tutorial has been so wonderful for me! I just love making them, because they turn out so pretty!(at least when I finally got the correct fabric. The Jo-Ann shop near me has the perfect kind!!!

Thanks again, Hugs, Maki

Laura Rhodes said...

Just found your blog! Thanks so much for all your inspirational ideas! Keep up the good work! Have a good and Godly day! Laura Rhodes

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This turned out so beautifully, Carol! And I love the idea of decoupaging the drawers!

Debbiedoos said...

ohhhh la la! I love this piece Carol.

Gypsy Heart said...

Just beautiful!

xo
Pat

Gypsy Heart said...

Just beautiful!

xo
Pat

Annesphamily said...

This is exquisite! You did a fabulous job!

Anonymous said...

Awesome transformation! You have such a great eye for details. Wish I lived closer!

Kathy L. said...

Carol,

Just have to say that you are one amazing force of nature. I sat down to read your blog an hour ago and can't get up--there is just too much to see. You do such a nice job of documenting every step, and with such great photos--and your kindness and creative spirit really come through at every part of your blog. I may have to travel from California to Florida just to meet you in person. You're awesome!