Desk Do-Over

One upon a time there was an ugly desk that had not been well cared for ~ at least for a number of years.  With passing time, neglect had taken its toll on it.  However, upon closer inspection, it was easy to discern that at one point in its lifetime it stood sturdy and strong.  But alas, in it's grimy state, it was in desperate need of rescuing from its dire circumstances.  

One day a kindhearted damsel spotted it on Craigslist and without hesitation, she scooped it up and delivered it to her new office space ~ where amidst all the other castoffs it was given hope.  It was cleaned and sanded and scraped and scrubbed.  It was beginning to feel like its days of despair were over and that there was finally a glimmer of hope for its future.

Okay enough of the tale ~ let's get on with the good stuff.  The desk top was in really bad shape.  So after much thought, I decided to camouflage the ugly by decoupaging it.  I envisioned the desk surface with layers and layers of wonderful old book pages on top.  I found a charming, tattered old book (used also on the Book Page Window Treatment) at a used bookstore and nabbed it.  At the clients request, I also picked up a book with beautiful pictures of Catholic saints to be used as an accent feature atop the other pages.  I tore the pages out of the book and applied them randomly to the top of the desk with good ole Mod Podge ~ found at your local craft store.  

Chapters later ~ literally ~ in my opinion, I ended up with the most unique desk top.   

The additional colorful pictures from the book of saints clearly made the whole project come together.  They gave the desk top a beautiful punch of color (be sure to notice the bright orange desk chair below ~ the two work wonderfully with each other).

 

They also represented a very personalized feature for the client.  To customize a similar project like this, simply add pictures of whatever interests you.

The decoupage treatment on the desk top gave this old retro desk a much needed face lift.

It's now serves as the focal point of the room.

 

Honestly, the first time I saw the condition of the desk, I wasn't sure how I was going to make it work.  My first inclination was to scrap the desk entirely.  I communicated to my client (Michele) that I would sleep on it and get back with her the next morning.  Thankfully, I did and now a once dingy and forgotten desk has a new lease on life.  

The desk not only provides a generous work surface but also happens to be thought provoking and inspirational at the same time ~ thanks to the choices of book pages applied to the top.  This really was a group effort ~ thanks to Michele, Tolbert, Miles, Rachael and Marty on this project for their help and input.  I have to say ~ I love this desk!

On another note, thanks to an amazing blogger and graphic designer, Emma, for featuring Tattered Style on a recent post ~ see it here.  And lastly, *note* my most recently added "Follow me on Pinterest" button.  Be sure to click on it to see Tattered Style's Pinterest picks. :)  The End!

Faces of Time

Clocks ~ another thing I have an odd affection for ~ possibly because they tout an array of lovely faces.  I have a love for any type of letters or numerals ~ so why not on a clock face as well?  It really doesn't matter to me whether my clocks work or not.  Honestly, don't most of us look to our cell phones to check the time these days?  I'm not particularly biased when it comes to my collection.  And although these tick-tocks are a motley crew, I do appreciate them for all their uniqueness.  Some may run a little slow while others have broken faces ~ no worries ~ they fit in just fine in my Tattered Style world. Plain and simple ~ I have an appreciation for clocks and thought I might share a few I possess.      

This retro looking electric clock was found at an estate sale.  It purrs softly as it runs ~ eventually it gets behind ~ no bother every now and then I take a moment to adjust it.  

One might think this is vintage, but it's not.  It's a nice little knockoff from Pottery Barn.  I think they did a lovely job ~ and this one actually does keep good time which makes my husband happy.  

I know ~ this one has a broken face but it's so wonderfully tattered.  I scooped this one up at a flea market for a few dollars.  I think it had been passed over many times ~ but not by me. 

Clocks can add a sense of coziness to any setting ~ they're perched all over my home. Here one rests on a shelf in one of my living rooms. Next time you are creating a vignette, why not incorporate some lovely old clocks in the mix as well? 

Also, just though I would let you know, Tattered Style is now pinning on Pinterest ~ click here to view my pins.  I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.  :)

Photos courtesy of Amanda Kate Photography.