One of the best parts of what I do is having people who get me. If it's not you, a reader, then it's local folk who want to share in my joy-filled journey. My friends, kids, and my parents have always had my back in finding trashure. So, when
my dad sends me this pic of a worn-out vintage school desk, I couldn't resist the challenge. A hot mess!
Funny thing is someone already gave it a sweet country makeover with the pink and blue hearts...AND sheep and geese with bonnets. Gotta love those
80's hearts!
Not only that, but it has oodles of wear and weathered to the point of the wood shrinking. No problem! haha. At least, in my head that's what my inner junker voice is saying.
WHAT DOIN'?
That is until I get it in my workshop and the reality voice asks, "What now?" haha. That's the fun of this adventure of mine. I don't know where these projects will take, but I love for them to speak to me of what they want to be. I figured that if it is beyond repair, I can at least dismantle it to make something new like I did
HERE with handmade cradle or
HERE with dumpster chairs.
Thankfully, after a look-over, I find that this vintage school desk is solid and just needs tender lovin' care. First, I tighten up joints with taking it apart and re-gluing connections. Also, I use my wood filler to fill in some of the hard-carved initials and words. Then, my sander comes out to play to take care of those stencils and wood filler knock down.
Primarily I focus on refinishing the seat, back splats, and desk. We're talking solid oak wood here and this desk is built to last. As soon as I'm done sanding, I apply a
reactive stain that will not only draw out that gorgeous grain, but also naturally age it a bit using the tannins in the wood.
Last, but not least, I add a few
grain sack stripes, stencils to the desk, all topped with hemp oil to seal it all in and nourish as soon as all is cured.
TIME TO SCHOOL YA
While I certainly don't miss the days of a flat bum for sitting in a desk all day while in school, I surely miss how vintage furniture is built to last. This one isn't going anywhere!
The geese, sheep, hearts, and bows are no more! Not only that, but also the fact the grain is really popping now. Is it perfect? nah. However, I wanted to keep some of the marks and wear to let it keep some of its story, plus add a bit of my own.
Of course, I went with a classic wood paint combo because black (or white) really showcase wood beautifully. I'm curious...what would you have done with the desk?
If you'd like to add it to your home story, you can find it and much more in my online shop.
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In addition, as always, I would love to hear from you by leaving a comment a below AND by pinning and sharing this vintage school desk refresh. Let's have DIY fun and inspire others!
Additionally, up next, I'm finally getting to these vintage jello molds I shared a while back.
Come see what became of them HERE.
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