Friday, October 14, 2016

I NEED A PERSONAL SECRETARY!!!!

Oh Wait!
I HAVE 
a personal secretary.

And she's a pretty one!
But she didn't look like this 
when I got her.
No indeedy!
She was battered and banged
and beyond just refinishing because 
of deep gouges and holes that
needed to be filled.

Here are some closeups of how she looked.
She was already undressed before
I remembered to take pictures!
Inside she was NOT PRETTY either.
 The inside is much prettier now
with Valspar's blue haze paint.
The drawers needed some serious sanding.
The hardware was not salvageable.
It had rusted through in some spots.
But-Oh Baby-
She's got pretty hardware now!
I love this piece and decided to keep it 
SO-I gave my daughter
my other secretary that I bought 
when she was a baby.
And now this one is 
MINE ALL MINE!
Yep--I made that sweet little 
secretary over.

Now HERE is ANOTHER secretary
I would like to make over.
I see she has the BLUE going on already-
maybe I can just add a coat of white paint?
Thoughts?

ps.  Just so you know I am working
like a crazy woman to get my 
junk wonderful stuff together for my 
Etsy shop---
which I hope to open this weekend!
(fingers crossed)

your photo name

56 comments:

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

That looks like a lot of work! I wonder what caused those big gouges?? Did they close a small dog up in there? -Jenn

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Nice job. I often think of redoing furniture (I did a few pieces when I was younger), but now my get up and go has, well, retired.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Looks great. I have one that I inherited from my grandma. I think paint is in its future. Have a lovely weekend.

Jettie said...

OH OH I have a secretary very similar to that one, maybe I can make it over....

Kathy said...

Your secretary is beautiful. (The other one at the end, not so much.) I have never tackled a piece of furniture, but my sister is doing it all the time. I think you ladies who can do it are so talented.

Chatty Crone said...

First of all you are a HOOT!
I can't believe you took that old piece of furniture.
Had the vision and know how to change it.
And have it come out a master piece.
It is awesome.

Susie said...

Diana, If people had known one day, that furniture pieces would be made mostly of pressed wood, they would have cherished the good old solid lumber things. I love the blue insides of the desk. I know you must feel like you are running in circles at times. Blessings, love, xoxo, Susie

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

That turned out beautifully, Diana! Love the color and the hardware you chose!

Nonnie said...

Great job! I would keep it too. Who is that crazy lady?

Kim said...

Fabulous makeover! Etsy shop, huh? You are one ambitious lady! Can't wait to see what you fill it up with... xo

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

What a great makeover! You have skills, my friend! :) She's a real beauty now. I've always wanted an antique secretary. And a pie safe. Random, but true. Happy Friday!

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Beautiful makeover, Diana! Love the color and the hardware. Where did you find the new hardware?
I can't wait to see what's in your shop! xo, T.

camp and cottage living said...

Your secretary really was in need of a facelift! You did such a good job with her....When can I drop in for my makeover? Seriously, it turned out great. but it must have been a lot of work!

Richella Parham said...

Well done! You done good with that one, Miss Diana.

Question: where did you find the new hardware? I'm glad to see that you stayed actual furniture hardware instead of using cabinet hardware which seems to be all the rage these days. (Listen to me--as if I know what is "all the rage.")

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

White Lace and Promises said...

Yes, I think I'd keep that one! Wow! You do know how to transform! I have a few projects in the garage that I need to do myself. Just can't seem to get going.

Stephanie said...

{{{gasp}}} You're opening an Etsy shop with your glorious things! I will definitely be on the lookout for the grand opening :)

LOVE the transformation! You are a miracle worker. Happy weekend. Hugs!

peggy gatto said...

Just right!!!!

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

Oh I can hardly wait to see your Etsy shop. Love your secretary!!

krishna said...

The secretary table turned out a beautiful piece.. it is so lovely..

Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

Wow, what a difference!!! I adore a nice secretary desk, my mom has one and I've always loved it. Someday! That would be perfect fr me, for my little blog....I must keep an eye out for one!

Anonymous said...

I love you secretary and the color - gorgeous!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Your posts are always giggle-worthy, Diana! I do so love your personal secretary, and you did an amazing job with her re-do! Isn't it lovely how a coat of paint, a bit of sanding, and some new hardware make all the difference! How exciting to be starting your own Etsy shop, I can't wait to see what you have :) Hugs to you today!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Nice makeover- you had a good vision on this! Love the blue interior. I had a secretary but gave it to my daughter. Maybe one of these days I'll find another.

Connie in Hartwood said...

This is really pretty, Diana. Way better than it was before you started on it. Sometimes, paint is the best remedy.

Merlesworld said...

She is a pretty lady now.
Merle........

Junkchiccottage said...

Diana your secretary turned out beautiful. Wow it is amazing what a little paint and your time can do to relove a great piece. Yeah super fabulous job.
Can't wait to see your Etsy Shop up and going. Good luck my friend.
Hugs,
Kris

Melanie said...

What a beautiful secretary desk - you did a fantastic job of making it over! Yeah, Mimi needs a makeover, too. ;-)

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Diana you did a beautiful transformation! :)

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Diana you did a beautiful transformation! :)

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

Hi Diana, what a nice makeover you did with the secretary! I do hope that your husbands check up went well. Happy Bday to your daughter. Take care and enjoy the weekend.

June said...

Oh you crack me up!!!! I have missed your wonderful sense of humor sweetheart! But wait...You are a total miracle worker my dear!!! What you have done to this secretary is amazing! It must have taken so much work and time. But so worth it! Oh yes, and it would be great if you could make over the OTHER secretary :)))
I'm sure Landon loves your sweet hugs Diana! If he could hug you back he would, and give your hair a little yank while he's at it :)
sending love...

This N That said...

You're so bad..Good job..That's a lot of work..After all that, I would have kept that too...

Adam said...

The old hardware looked so cheaply made anyway. Rust reformer spray paint by rustoleum can help save any metal in-case you have your heart attached to it.

Donna said...

What a great transformation, Diana! I love how you've painted it that pretty shade of blue inside. What a fun surprise. The new hardware is very pretty, too! And I love your toile lampshade. I have one with a very similar pattern in our bedroom.

living from glory to glory said...

So glad you saved that lovely piece of furniture that had been abused! It makes me feel good to see these kinds of makeovers. I bet your daughter was thrilled to get your other one. Now, I was wondering like when did you have time to do that??
Happy Weekend!
Hugs, Roxy

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Love that new secretary.....you certainly gave her quite the makeover!!!

Rose L said...

Anyone else would have sent her to the dump! You gave her a new life.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Nice secretary!!! A keeper for sure. Nice new hardware. Makes the piece.
warmly,
deb

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

I really like your personal secretary! Nancy

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

How exciting that you are opening an Etsy shop! I will be your biggest fan! What a gorgeous makeover you did with that sweet secretary. I never knew you were so good with sandpaper and paint. I just know that you could do wonders with the secretary at the end....a can of white paint over her head would help a lot!!

Laurie said...

You did an awesome job on your personal secretary, Diana! I can't wait to see your Etsy shop. As far as Miss Blue Eyes....she needs a coat of antiquing wax or something. Have mercy!

Cecilia said...

It looks so much better! You did an awesome job. Good luck with your Etsy shop!

Gypsy Heart said...

Wow! Poor thing was really in bad shape. I'm glad you had the vision to take her home and work wonders! It's really beautiful ~ you did a wonderful job on it. Now, come on down! I have a few pieces you could turn in to a Princess or a Queen! Please don't wear that blue eye shadow though...I'll have to just leave you at the airport. Lol!

xoxo
Pat
P.S. Wishing you the best with your Etsy shop!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Pretty!~ I can't wait to see your shop- good luck with it!

Red Rose Alley said...

Diana, this reminds me of Nel's recent project on her dresser. The colors are similar too. This secretary is charming, I've always admired them. I'm glad you kept this one. You did a great job on it. I'd love to see the one you gave your daughter sometime.

love, ~Sheri

Vee said...

Very nice job on your secretary...great color choices, too.

Blondie's Journal said...

You are good...this is gorgeous!

Jane

Sylvia said...

I love your personal secretary !

Donna said...

Very nice makeover on the secretary...not the one waving at us...ha! Have a good weekend...xoxo

Brenda Pruitt said...

I had one almost just like that, but I gave it away. Now I'm wishing I hadn't. I just didn't have room. I love yours! You did a fantastic job!
Brenda

Art and Sand said...

When I retired I told all my friends that I was going to open an Etsy shop, but it never happened. I decided it would be too much work.

Good luck prepping and that secretary desk is lovely now.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Diana, it is a good feeling when you take on a project and it turns out just as beautifully as you imagined. And that secretary of yours is really beautiful. Would make paying bills almost fun! As far as that other secretary, I don't know if white would improve her any, but I did enjoy her in that show. Very funny I thought..Happy Weekend..xxoJudy

Pom Pom said...

I love the knobs your chose! VERY cute!

Carla from The River said...

Best to you with your shop. I am excited to stop in :-)
Have a great weekend! Carla

Sonny G said...

wow, you made her too great~!! awww the power of paint and hard work.

hugs

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

I am trying to get caught up on reading and commenting my the posts. I don't know where my time goes. I have been on the go ever since last Friday now I am exhausted. Need to rest up so I can keep on living my life LOL.
Loved the post and especially the secretary with the blue eye shadow. LOL

Have a great one Diana.

Hugs,
Mary