My Hobby: 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!