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
Etsy shop---
which I hope to open this weekend!
(fingers crossed)
That looks like a lot of work! I wonder what caused those big gouges?? Did they close a small dog up in there? -Jenn
ReplyDeleteNice 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.
ReplyDeleteLooks great. I have one that I inherited from my grandma. I think paint is in its future. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteOH OH I have a secretary very similar to that one, maybe I can make it over....
ReplyDeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all you are a HOOT!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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
ReplyDeleteThat turned out beautifully, Diana! Love the color and the hardware you chose!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I would keep it too. Who is that crazy lady?
ReplyDeleteFabulous makeover! Etsy shop, huh? You are one ambitious lady! Can't wait to see what you fill it up with... xo
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful makeover, Diana! Love the color and the hardware. Where did you find the new hardware?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what's in your shop! xo, T.
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!
ReplyDeleteWell done! You done good with that one, Miss Diana.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: 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!
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.
ReplyDelete{{{gasp}}} You're opening an Etsy shop with your glorious things! I will definitely be on the lookout for the grand opening :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the transformation! You are a miracle worker. Happy weekend. Hugs!
Just right!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh I can hardly wait to see your Etsy shop. Love your secretary!!
ReplyDeleteThe secretary table turned out a beautiful piece.. it is so lovely..
ReplyDeletePlease visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
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!
ReplyDeleteI love you secretary and the color - gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
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!
ReplyDeleteNice 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.
ReplyDeleteThis is really pretty, Diana. Way better than it was before you started on it. Sometimes, paint is the best remedy.
ReplyDeleteShe is a pretty lady now.
ReplyDeleteMerle........
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.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your Etsy Shop up and going. Good luck my friend.
Hugs,
Kris
What a beautiful secretary desk - you did a fantastic job of making it over! Yeah, Mimi needs a makeover, too. ;-)
ReplyDeleteDiana you did a beautiful transformation! :)
ReplyDeleteDiana you did a beautiful transformation! :)
ReplyDeleteHi 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.
ReplyDeleteOh 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 :)))
ReplyDeleteI'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...
You're so bad..Good job..That's a lot of work..After all that, I would have kept that too...
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteSo 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??
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
Hugs, Roxy
Love that new secretary.....you certainly gave her quite the makeover!!!
ReplyDeleteAnyone else would have sent her to the dump! You gave her a new life.
ReplyDeleteNice secretary!!! A keeper for sure. Nice new hardware. Makes the piece.
ReplyDeletewarmly,
deb
I really like your personal secretary! Nancy
ReplyDeleteHow 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!!
ReplyDeleteYou 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!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so much better! You did an awesome job. Good luck with your Etsy shop!
ReplyDeleteWow! 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!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Pat
P.S. Wishing you the best with your Etsy shop!
Pretty!~ I can't wait to see your shop- good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteDiana, 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.
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
Very nice job on your secretary...great color choices, too.
ReplyDeleteYou are good...this is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteJane
I love your personal secretary !
ReplyDeleteVery nice makeover on the secretary...not the one waving at us...ha! Have a good weekend...xoxo
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
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.
ReplyDeleteGood luck prepping and that secretary desk is lovely now.
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
ReplyDeleteI love the knobs your chose! VERY cute!
ReplyDeleteBest to you with your shop. I am excited to stop in :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend! Carla
wow, you made her too great~!! awww the power of paint and hard work.
ReplyDeletehugs
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.
ReplyDeleteLoved the post and especially the secretary with the blue eye shadow. LOL
Have a great one Diana.
Hugs,
Mary