Friday, May 17, 2013

Vintage Writing Desk

When I first painted this vintage writing desk, about 8 years ago,
I thought I would soon add something to it in the way of a design.
 
 
I had hoped to paint something pretty, accent the stool and so on.
 
Well, time marched on and I just never got around to the embellishment.
 
Till now, when I added a french graphic from
and
painted checks using a stencil on the stool.
 
Not a lot of accents I know, but it doesn't take much to
make a change and add some style.
 
Below is the before pic on the pull down writing surface.
 
Using a graphic from The Graphics Fairy, I made a copy
on Transfer Artist Paper using an ink jet printer.
Laser will not work for this print and transfer.
 
Next,
I simply ironed it on the surface using a dry iron.
While still hot, pull off the paper
and the transfer will appear.
If it doesn't iron on fully, you can always use a sharpie to fill in a bit.
I did that very lightly because I like the look of it being a bit old and worn on this piece.

 
For the stool I used black acrylic paint and sanded it all around
for a worn and time charmed treasure.
 
 
This desk fits perfectly between the closets and so handy to write a little note.
 
For the wall above the desk, I found a great shelf at a yard sale.
Painted it to match the desk and again distressed it lightly.
 
On the shelf I have several treasures and a bird collection.
 
The little birds below standing with the embellished french bottle
are a set of three I purchased when I first got married nearly 40 years ago.
I always loved decorating with them and still do.
 
The robin in the next pic was from my mother's collection
along with the little chickadee and robin keepsake box.
 

The sweet birdie welcome plaque greets visitors and was a gift many years ago
from my sweet dear blog friend Julie Marie from Idyllhours.
I love it with the curled wire and beads at the top.
 
This gorgeous needlepoint cottage was a find at another yard sale.
It was being hand created by an elder lady who died before it was finished.
Everything was complete but around the edge.
So I took it to be framed a bit smaller and have enjoyed it for many years.
I hope the elder lady is looking down and happy that her perfect work is being appreciated.
 
I love the pull down surface and the desk with all it's little cubbies for note cards and letters.
Perfect place to write a letter or card. The New Zealand calender is a special gift from my dear blog friend
The note cards are created and gifted from another dear friend
And the sweet butterfly paper weight was my mothers, a gift from her Godchild.
 
The postcards from my area in Texas, are enjoyed by family and friends to send a note
back home while on a stay with me.
 
If you want to try the Transfer Artist Paper,
I recommend
 this.
 
 
 
Thank you for stopping by and a warm welcome to
all new followers.
 
Happy Creating!
Joining,
and
 
 
Celestina Marie
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 


32 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

This all looks so beautiful. The desk and stool makeover really has the woo factor! Valerie

Bente said...

Oh, I love the desk. Sooo pretty.
The birds are so cute.

Have a great day, Celestina

Hugs from me

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love the update, Celeste! That desk is such a great size ~ about all I could fit in here at our condo. : ) Love how you did the stool.

Unknown said...

Question about the paper. Does it just leave the ink behind on the surface or a plastic coating as well like the t-shirt paper I have tried?

1CardCreator said...

Stunning set Celeste, I just love how you make these over! You have the art of knowing just what to add, and this looks so beautiful. I love to come see what you make, it's always such a pleasure! I do pray you were not near any of the tornado's that touched down in Texas. ~Diane

Junibears said...

I'm so behind with my visits. I love your desk. I painted one years ago in blue and distessed it and it had a flower painting on the front I did. My sister has it now. xx

Mari said...

I love the update on your desk my friend, it simply beautiful ;) your home must look gorgeous what with all the pretty changes you have been making, I'm still loving your beautiful laundry room ;)

Have a great weekend sweetie~
Hugs~
Mari

Pamela Gordon said...

You did a beautiful job in updating your sweet desk and stool. It looks very pretty and the shelf above it really adds to the desk's vignette. Have a great weekend. I'm visiting from Country Whites Weekend. Blessings, Pamela

cynthia lee designs said...

Love the updates you did to the desk and stool...it is so pretty!!
Have a great weekend.
hugs,
Cindy

Kathy said...

Sweet little desk both before and after. I especially love the birdie collection. I like the look paired with the altered bottle. Beautiful!

Donna said...

What a pretty writing desk, Celestina! I love the wood applique, and the design you chose from the Graphics Fairy is the piece de la resistance! The checkerboard on your stool is perfect, you are so creative! I too love birds, it's wonderful that you have some of your mom's. Love the needlework piece, how pretty!

Julie Marie said...

Hello dear Celeste... your writing desk looks just beautiful!... love all of your special treasures... I was just thinking I recognized that little birdie plaque... and yes!... I did send that to you many years ago!... love all of your other little birdies and treasures that carry precious memories... you have so many cozy little areas in your home... just lovely!... xoxo Julie Marie

Jan Gartlan said...

What a wonderful makeover

Anonymous said...

Hi Celestina,
Love the desk, you do beautiful work! Love the way you bring in all the accents,especially the birds! Take care, Celeste

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

So very pretty! I was worried about you with all of the tornadoes on Wednesday. Stay safe!

Createology said...

My grandmother had one of these little drop down desks and I have always loved them. Unfortunately I do not have hers. Your subtle touches are beautiful. Love the bird vignette on the shelves. Many memories are in this little setting. Blissful Blessings Dear...

Cynthia said...

So beautiful and inspirational! I love your work. You've encouraged me to refinish a few of my favorite pieces that have seen better days. Blessings, Celestina!

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

Such a beautiful desk. The stool's checkerboard finish if fun too.

Dorthe said...

Dear Celsstina marie, your new painted and decorated dest and stool- looks wonderful, ...shabby and lovely.
I love how you distressed the letters on the desk, to look older-
The birdcollection is the sweetest, and looks so lovely in front of the beautiful needle point picture.I can see it is a most wonderful place to write a note to a dear friend! -cosy and sweet.
Hope your weekend is happy and sunny!
Hugs from Dorthe

Diane said...

Love your vintage desk. I love the simplicity of it in white, so pretty!
Visiting you from Country whites weekend. GFC follower!

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

Celestina,
Love the stool and the desk together and that is one great looking shelf!! Your bird collection is so sweet!!

Thanks for always coming by to visit!!

Hugs,
Deb

Denise said...

Gorgeous.

Jillayne said...

Every lady should have a writing desk like this! I love the simple touches you have done that have taken it from pretty to gorgeous - wonderful ideas. And as you say, much can be achieved with keeping it simple...

Melanie said...

Your desk and stool are just lovely! The shelf over the desk is perfect. Love everything that you have done! Visiting from Country Whites Weekend.

Kerri said...

Oh I love it! Absolutely amazing by keeping it white and simple, no roses. I love finding old treasures and making them new again :)

I've been busy with new litter of pups. I hope to be blogging again very soon. Just wanted to stop by to say hello.

xoxo
Kerri

The Farmers Daughter said...

Celestina--I love it, too! I'm so glad you told us how to do the transfer. I have a table right now that needs something (?) A transfer would be a great idea.
Thanks you so much for sharing with us at Country Whites Weekend! It's been a fun party!
Blessings from the Farmhouse,
Dru

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Hello Dearest One,
its so gorgeous Celeste.What a difference.And I love the checkered stool.Just the right touck to go with the Desk.You amaze me all the time.I need to borrow you for a couple of months.But then I would not give you back...LOL.
Blessings,
Marie Antionette

Laura Turner said...

Beautiful job on the desk. I love it! I had one like that once, but I was a young mom, moving, and just couldn't find the energy to paint it. Wish I had it now! Please feel free to link up with my Vintage View Sunday link party.

Laura from sundayview.blogspot.com

Grandma Linda's Daydreams said...

That is such a pretty little desk and I love your embellishments, and your birdies and all! So lovely!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Celeste, I love it! I have TAP paper, but have never tried it on wood....You are always a step ahead of me!

Carol

Old Time Cindy said...

Thank you kindly for embracing your country whites and sharing your adorable desk at Country Whites Weekend. That is a perfect piece with the transfer on it. I have a bench I may do this with...thanks!
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

There is no doubt in my mind -- you have the magic touch. I love your transfer addition to the desk, and that stool looks great. The little shelf looks like it belongs with the desk, and all of your birds on it are so pretty. Love the little needlepoint too. I always leave here thinking I want to create something beautiful, but then realty sets in and I know I didn't get that gene. laurie

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..