Bob said, "Let there be light, " and there was light in the Craft Cottage. It is getting closer and closer to completion.
I set out on a mission for a fabulous and CHEAP work table or desk for my new space. I had no luck whatsoever at garage sales, and decided to move up the thrift-food chain and hit some Goodwill and charity stores. I completely bombed out, and decided to move up another rung on the thrift-food chain to new and used office furniture stores.
The first store I went into I was overwhelmed by a sea of mahogany conference room tables with ultra modern chairs. A very nice young salesman approached and asked if he could help. Although I had my doubts that he could, I explained I wanted a big desk that was inexpensive and had personality. It needed to be sturdy and inexpensive. Cute and inexpensive.
Surprisingly, he didn't seem phased and led me to a really nice desk that had some interesting gingerbread-ish trim which would have looked really pretty painted white or chippy pink. It was marked $199. but he was willing to take $150. That was really out of my price range, and so I thanked him kindly but again stated I needed something really inexpensive!
He said, " I don't know how you'd feel about this, and I sort of hate to mention it, but we have a desk out behind the store we are carrying to the dumpster after work. You could have it for free if you want it and can haul it off."
He couldn't show it to me fast enough, and although I tried to act very dignified, I'm sure I squealed with delight when I saw the old metal desk in two pieces leaning up on its side out amongst the trash. JACKPOT!
Now, the problem. My husband has the truck, but if I were to call and explain I had found a desk that was three hours away from being hauled to the dumpster, he just wouldn't have seen the positive in the situation. Thus, therefore and thence, I called my friend, Jennifer and asked, "Do you feel like being Ethel to my Lucy?" She was game and before I knew it, we (and three furniture store men) had loaded the ginormous monstrosity of a desk (with all of its inexpensive personality) into her Suburban.
So, here she is in all her BEFORE beauty. Keep in mind she was free.
She is a heavy metal beauty with all kinds of nooks and crannies and drawer dividers. When she is repaired she will form an "L".
Now, wouldn't it be wonderful if I told you I had found a treasure hidden in the drawers of this Longview National Bank relic? Perhaps like an interesting ledger book, or love letters to the bank president's wife? Take a look at what I discovered!
Okay, so maybe not THAT much of a treasure, but did I mention the desk was free? The next step was to give the ol' girl a beauty makeover. Here are my cosmetics of choice.
I went to work getting her all spruced up. The end results: not good. She looks a little like a circus clown. I didn't have enough paint in any one color to really do what needed to be done. Let's just say I was a little over-jubilant with my trigger finger and the spray paint nozzle.
Anyhoooooo.....no AFTER picture for you to oooh and aaah over...yet! I need to do some fast thinking and get the situation fixed. Stay tuned. Did I mention this desk was free?
Maybe it's just me but I wouldn't touch those nail clippers with a ten foot pole. But, wow! Way to go on getting that free desk! I am very much looking forward to the "after" picture.
Posted by: Patty | May 31, 2009 at 03:46 PM
I'm in a decoupage phase. Mod-Podge makes anything look good! Can't beat FREE!
Posted by: Patti | May 30, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Oh, free! My favorite word! I know I've seen desks like this fixed up something wonderful - maybe in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog? (Everything in it is way more than I'm willing to pay, but it's great for inspiration.) Good luck - I think you've got a winner!
Posted by: barbara | May 29, 2009 at 10:22 PM
We know you'll git 'er done, Melony, and she'll look great!
Posted by: Renna | May 29, 2009 at 01:23 AM
You lucky gal! I'm anixous to see it all put together.
Posted by: Dawn | May 28, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Hi Mel!!!! I laughed and laughed... why, of course you would find something wonderful out in the dumpster....Can't wait to see your finished product. Love to you and yours!!
Posted by: Janet | May 28, 2009 at 04:42 AM
How funny! Can't beat free!
Love your "cosmetics of choice!"
I use the same ones!
Can't wait to see what you do with this!
Posted by: Kathi | May 27, 2009 at 08:34 PM
This is exciting. I can't wait to see the finished design.
Posted by: mary | May 27, 2009 at 07:55 PM