Desk Revision Part 1 - The Desk Top

or A Woman's Tool Chest is Different Than a Man's...

or Putting Off the Old Self

Some of you who get my posts via email may remember this $5 desk...a garage sale find from a few weeks ago. 

My new desk is a good brand - Sligh Furniture. The drawers are constructed with wood and dove-tailed corners.

It may be a 1970s piece - the gold paint was a tip-off.

Though it is in somewhat rough cosmetically, it's in solid shape as far as sturdiness goes. 

The desk also has "Gustavian" lines...Loi Thai from Tone on Tone said he saw them...that's good enough for me. :)

The leather-look inlaid top was graced with a little something extra; it was the first thing to go. 

Tools used: fingernails. 

My next task was to see if I could clean the nasty top - knowing I could paint it with either chalk paint or homemade plaster paint if my efforts were unsuccessful.

Tool Used: a "Mr. Clean Magic Eraser"-type cleaning pad. (Tip: I get two for a dollar at Dollar Tree.)

Before:

Results:

It takes very little elbow grease to get a ton of grunge off a variety of surfaces. I will try to use the spot above as a reference point. 

Notice, there are still some small pink stains and gray stains.

My deductive skills led me to believe the hot pink stains might be nail polish. So, I gathered an appropriate weapon.

Tools Used: Nail Polish Remover and a Cotton Ball.

Before:

Results:

Success!  Only the small gray stains were left. 

Knowing all along that if any of my experimental cleaning attempts were to "ruin" the finish of the top, I could paint, I attempted another product: scouring powder.

Results: The gray stains didn't budge, but the finish held up to the abrasive powder...so not exactly a fail. 

Deduction: Since the material on the top might really be completely indestructible, I decided to try one more feminine tool on the small gray stains.

Tools Used: Emery Board (you can see the part I used.)

Deduction: If it is a small spot, I don't need a big piece of sandpaper.

Results: 

Eureka! It worked! No evidence of sanding was visible to my naked eyes.

RECAP

Before:

After:

The desk top looks perfectly presentable, and with a new coat of paint on the gold parts, it will be wonderful! 

I started wondering how a man might have approached this project...and since I'm a woman, I couldn't tell you. It may have involved power tools and new wood or something...
Methinks I had a decided advantage on this one!

Word for the Day:

Ephesians 4:21-24

...assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Possibly Linking With:
Sunday
http://thoughtsfromalice.blogspot.com/	Sundays at Home
Monday
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com	Mod Mix Monday
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com	Make it Pretty Monday
Tuesday
http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/	Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/	Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
http://www.cedarhill-ranch.com/	The Scoop
Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.net/	Wow Us Wednesday
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/	What’s it Wednesday
http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com	Cottage Style Party
http://tarnishedroyalty.com/	Drop it or Swap it Party
Thursday
http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/	Under $100 Link Party
http://staceyembracingchange.com/	Creative Inspirations
http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/	Share Your Cup Thursday
Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/	Furniture Feature Friday
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://www.thecottagemarket.com/	Junkin’ Joe
Saturday
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/	Party Junk

Purging Extraneous Clutter...

Simplicity is key. Less is more. Get back to basics.

For the past two years, my life has been about purging and being intentional about what I keep. I am intent on living with what I love, and getting rid of extra "stuff."

My goal: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." - William Morris 

I am NOT a minimalist. But...I want less. Less stuff, more experiences, more meaningful relationships, the REAL, GOOD stuff. 

Still...I want my home to reflect my personality, my taste, and have enough "stuff" in it to be cozy and remind me of people I love and places I have been.

These candle sticks represent a visual illustration of what I am working towards in my life; getting rid of extraneous stuff so I can enjoy the solid, enduring blessings of life.

Most likely, this pair of thrift store silver plated candlesticks was used at a wedding reception. I get it. 

The white bows weren't working for me, but I loved the design and patina.

So, after I took the "before" photos, I ripped off the ribbons.

Ahhhhh. Much better. If candlesticks could talk, they'd sigh with relief like I do when taking off my church shoes or my underwire bra. 

Sorry for the visual there, but I know you can relate. :)

Word for the Day:

Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Possibly Linking With:
Sunday
http://www.niftythriftythings.com/	Nifty Thrifty Sunday
http://thoughtsfromalice.blogspot.com/	Sundays at Home
Monday
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com	Mod Mix Monday
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com	Make it Pretty Monday
Tuesday
http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/	Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/	Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
http://www.cedarhill-ranch.com/	The Scoop
Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.net/	Wow Us Wednesday
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/	What’s it Wednesday
http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com	Cottage Style Party
http://tarnishedroyalty.com/	Drop it or Swap it Party
Thursday
http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/	Under $100 Link Party
http://staceyembracingchange.com/	Creative Inspirations
http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/	Share Your Cup Thursday
Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/	Furniture Feature Friday
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://www.thecottagemarket.com/	Junkin’ Joe
Saturday
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/	Party Junk
http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/	Show and Tell Saturday

Thrifty Life Thursday # 21 Features, and TLT #22 Link Party

Three of anything makes a collection, right?

These antique insulators were picked up at one of my favorite thrift stores, all at different times. The smallest one has a star on it, The one in back has "Whitall Tatum Co. No. 1 Made in USA" and the large one on the left reads, "W. Brookefield 45 Cliff St. NY Pat. Jan 25th 1870." 

While they may not be worth more than a few dollars each, I bought them for less than a dollar each, and I just think they're charming! 

This week, due to my late party, we had a small gathering. Nonetheless, I had a hard time only picking three very wonderful features!

Have a look at the goodies this week:

 Oooh, MAMA! Could you just eat this with a spoon? Joy at A Vintage Green shared this vintage beauty and plenty of other authentically chippy paint finishes that will charm your flip flops off!

Deanie's Stash shared a one-of-a-kind handmade trunk, along with a wide variety of other thrifted pieces. LOVE the history of this one! I think I may be developing a strong attraction to trunks - this is the second week in a row I've been charmed by one.

Julie from Renaissance Mermaid caught my eye with this charming green vignette in her summer sun porch. LOVE it!

I'm totally loving the bits of green in her otherwise neutral sun porch. We all need a sun porch, methinks. 

I'm giddy just thinking about what kinds of treasures you junk detectives have ferreted out this week! I seriously LOVE to go through your links - and I am happy for you and your finds...only slightly envious at times...I promise. : )

THRIFTY LIFE THURSDAY #22

Gathering Guidelines:

This is a gathering for people who enjoy hunting for treasures 

that may have previous experience or lived a former life elsewhere. 

Please share items that are second-hand or are composed of second-hand materials.

Types of Posts to Share:

• Home decor, furniture, collectibles, garden items and even wearables are welcome, as long as they have a second-hand element.
• Please, no food items, new pieces from "real" stores, or crafts, unless made with upcycled, thrifty finds.

• Hand-me-downs and curbside finds are welcome, as are items found in thrift stores, garage sales, antique shops, flea markets and other interesting places.
• Treasures may be listed as you found them, or with your updates, tweaks, and re-purposes; befores and afters are both welcome.

• Items need not be "vintage" but must be pre-owned or second hand.

• Posts including Etsy and other shop links are welcome! For visitor enjoyment, please link to your blog post, not directly to your Etsy shop. 

Etiquette:

• Though it is not a requirement, it would be lovely if you would follow Revisionary Life some way - via Bloglovin', Blogger, Pinterest or Facebook or subscribe via email. Links are located in my sidebar to the right.

• Please link your post (not your blog address) back to Revisionary Life.             
• Please visit at least one other party friend.

• I'd love for you to comment and introduce yourself if we've never met before. :) Otherwise, don't feel obligated to leave a comment. 

Features:

• Featured items must meet the criteria above. 
• Only posts that link back may be featured.
• I will try to leave a comment or email you and let you know if you were featured!

Word for the Day:
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, 

but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.