Dueling Desks.....

I cannot remember exactly what I was thinking of doing when I got it into my head that I wanted a lap desk, but not just any lap desk, I have a "modern" lap desk that I use with my lap top etc. I wanted vintage of course and was thinking of something with some kind of storage. My number one requirement was that it have a slanted top to write on.

 

So, off to Ebay I went to see if such a thing even existed.

 

I don't know why I ever doubted that I would find exactly what I was looking for. There were dozens of different styles of desks to choose from. Including one that was exactly what I was looking for, and one that was not.

 

First, the one I was looking for.

 

It actually has two storage areas, the top of the desk opens as well to hold pencils.

This is actually the "after" shot, it took a fair amount of sanding to buff out the scratches, then a hit of stain  But  I love the result! It generally only takes a little bit of work to really wake wood up. I love the rich deep color!

 

 

Total investment: 17.00 plus shipping. Based on how much I see boxes and such going for at the Flea markets, I will say I got a decent deal.

 

Now..the desk I was NOT looking for.

 

As I was scouring Ebay for the desk I wanted. I stumbled across this one. And I have to admit, I was immediately obsessed with it. It was almost what I was looking for, but not quite. I had already placed a bid on the first desk. Well guess what, not a lot of people seem to be interested in old wood lap desks so I easily won the above...the only bidder.

 

But this one was buy it now, and I think had only been up for a couple hours...so after pouring over the pictures several times, I jumped. I knew I had to have it.

 

I may or may not have impulse buying issues.

 

 

I mean, look at this wood! It was pretty dirty, but really only needed some cleaning and the lightest of sanding after a  good rub of orange oil cleaner to wake up the wood it looked just gorgeous!

 

 And it unfolds almost like a puzzle box!

 

 

It is quite small, less that a foot long/wide and does not have the slanted top I was looking for, but I am totally in love with it!

 

It does work perfectly when I am sitting on my bed writing out my to do list for the day/week and as it turns out it is the perfect size to hold my bullet journal supplies, another recent hobby I have picked up.

 

 

Easy to pick up and carry around, storage space that is both beautiful and functional? I am extremely happy with it!

 

The seller claimed is it vintage, late 1800's, after some research on line, I think I agree. But I am not any kind of expert in this field. I did find several reproductions that are very similar, but not quite the same. This one definitely looks old and has some flaws that you would not find in a machine made reproduction. Even if it is a reproduction, I paid 45.00 plus shipping. The reproductions go for 100.00 and up plus shipping so I still feel like I got a good deal regardless of it's age.

 

Plus I am in love with it and that is what really matters!

 

Don't think the first desk will go unused! My daughter who loves to draw has claimed it. The size is perfect for her sketch books and the huge storage area is perfect for her markers. It all works out in the end!

 

Shopping for desks is not all I have been up to! I have been assembling the Christmas trees and signs that I will try to sell at the Craft Show on the 10th.

 

 

I love the tiny lights, and I found some fantastic vintage postcards for the fronts of the boxes.

 

 

The signs on the other hand are more of a challenge. Don't get me wrong, I love how they look, but I used gorilla glue. I should not have used gorilla glue. It "swells" up. I now have a mess around many letters that I will have to chip and peel off, then re stain any damage. What was supposed to be a super simple project, it turning into a big pain in the butt.

 

Gorilla glue, you are not my friend.

 

 

I have also been happily settling into fall. So happy pulling out all of my favorite hoodies, baking pumpkin muffins and ordering my favorite candles from my favorite Etsy seller!

 

Trader Joes Maple Butter? Worth the splurge!

 

These  candles are amazing. I love the scent of leather and wood burning. These perfectly capture those scents.

 

Bruno is also happily embracing the cooler weather.

 

 

Who am I kidding, he embraces every season the same way.

 

Just two weeks away from the Home for the Holidays show! I feel pretty confident that I will have everything ready to go!

 

Hope you are having a great weekend!

 

 

If at first you don't succeed...change the plan.

Sitting at work Wednesday, I had an idea just pop into my head.

 

I love it when that happens.

 

The rectangular herb boxes that never sold? I thought, how great would they look with a vintage fruit/vegetable label slapped on front? Off to Ebay I go and I was thrilled with the selection and prices I found.

 

I still have one more coming in the mail...it may not make it to the market, I may have to keep it!

 

 

 Love the tomato..

 

The labels look amazing on the stained wood.

 

Yes, they are originals, and yes I am looking at scanning them and saving the originals. Office Max here I come.

 

I am also looking at vintage Christmas postcards to put on the smaller boxes with the Christmas trees...loving that idea.

 

I also did a little bit of flea marketing. Found a couple things. I am not having a lot of luck lately. But I keep trying!

 

I loved this fish! And thought it would go very well with the frog I found a couple months ago. So funny, I looked for one of these for years and have found two that compliment each other just in the last couple months!

 

 

Too bad I am not one to use sponges...oh well, they are still cute on the counter.

 

I found another chip/dip. Makes two for me. I think I will have to try the recipe on this one!

 

 

Loved this for my husbands ashtrays and the couple old pipes we have.

 

 

I thought this box was kinda cool, not sure what it was originally used for, not sure what I am going to use it for, but I liked it!

 

 

 

 Two more Hazel Atlas creamers, same color that I already have...for .50 each, I grabbed them and they are bound for Ebay.

Autumn has finally decided begin...I think. At least the A/C is off and I can wear a sweatshirt without actually sweating. We did a quick run to the Nashville Farmers market and came away with a bunch of pumpkins and gourds, having a lot of fun with them!

 

Back to hammering this week. I put off the garden sentiment spoons and jumped right into Christmas ornaments. Preparations are coming along pretty well, with any luck I will be ready ahead of schedule!

 

Hope  you are getting to enjoy some cool Fall weather!

The woman has questionable taste.....

The woman of questionable taste would be me.

 

Proof? This Rooster.

 

In my defense, he originally belonged to my mother in law, who paid actual money to bring him home. For me, he was free. Pulled out of a deep dark closet by my brother in law who set him out in the Goodwill pile.

 

But no....

 

He caught my eye, I have no idea why. But I kinda like him. He is going to go live in my she shack with my chipmunk. Because my family is horrified at my creepy little pet collection.

 

Speaking of creepy....the rooster was not alone in the closet.

 

 

I hope the Squirrel and the Chipmunk do not bully the rooster. I must have harmony in the shack and my family will not allow them to live anywhere else.

 

Are there more vintage creepy chalk ware animals in my future?

 

Probably, I feel a bunny is a necessary member of the shack family, oh and I would never pass up a deer! A new flea market list has started.

 

More antiquing coming up this weekend I hope I find something fun!

 

Hammering away at Christmas ornaments this week, With any luck I will be completely finished hammering all the stock for the Home for the Holidays show by the end of next week. Call me a cock eyed optimist.

 

Hope you are having a great week!