Decoupaged Desk

Drum Roll Please...........

I'm FINISHED!

This project didn't take long because it was hard. It didn't take long because it wasn't as fun as lazer tag in a dark room with your husband. It didn't take long because I wasn't motivated.

It took forever because I'm pregnant.
And it's winter.

Zero daylight.

By the time I get home from work (yes, I work full time)... It's dark outside, and I can't very well do these projects inside because that would kill mine and unborn babies brain cells muy rapido. I  had to do a large part of this outside (I = husband; he did most of the hard stuff). Don't worry, I used one of those super sexy filter masks.


I found this gem on the greatest facebook group ever...  The online yardsale.... I'm totally addicted. I snagged her for $30!

First, we sanded the tar out of that thing, and then lover primed it. After contemplating what to do with the unruly handles, I decided I would fill them. I used spackle from the hardware store... I don't know what the original use for spackle is, but it filled in my handles just fine. This part was rather annoying, but worth it in the end. It took days of layering and layering. Fortunately the pink stuff turns white when dry so that helped a lot! We sanded it smooth once dry to ensure a flat surface.
       
I wanted to add my own little knobs to the drawers, so we had to find the center and mark where the knob should go. Hubs drilled the holes. Be sure to drill the holes before you Modge Podge if you are going to try this. 

Note: Modge Podge is now a verb, kinda like Facebook.... "Oh just Modge Podge it..." "Oh just facebook me..."

We then measured and cut our fabric for the drawer fronts allowing about an inch or so to cover the sides and back of the drawer front... Too much is better than not enough. Measuring for the first one sucks, but you get it just right and use it for a template for the rest of your drawers. I got to use my beautiful new rotary cutter and self healing cutting mat that I adore. Anyways... Then we placed our fabric over the drawer right side down to mark where the knob would go. Then I simply cut out a teeny slit to allow the knob to go through (this eliminates pulling and skewing your Modge Podged fabric).

After I had every thing marked and drilled, I was ready to lay it on thick. The Modge Podge, that is. I lined up my hole in my fabric with the hole in my drawer front, had hubs hold one side steady while I glued under the other... and then switched. Once the fabric was set in place, I coaxed the air bubbles to fly away and added more Modge Podge to the top of the fabric. Did you know Modge Podge smells like Disney World? Me neither until yesterday. It's not poisonous either. All these folks who use brushes to apply it? Phooey!! Use your fingers! It's fun! I wrapped the edges kinda like a Christmas present and glued over them like crazy. don't worry about stray threads {def don't pull them} just glue them down to be cut later.

Also, don't worry if your edges look like this... You can clean that up later too with a rotary cutter or a box cutter or something really sharp. Wink. 

Once your drawers have dried, screw in your knobs and apply the washer to the back. Then to a little housekeeping; trim your rebel strands of fabric, use a rotary cutter to take excess fabric off edges, and you can even lightly sand the glue for a smoother texture. Paint your desk a corresponding color, place the drawers in their cubby, and then ADMIRE!!

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tips:
#1 if you are going to use your fingers, make sure you wash them in between drawers. The glue dries and will try and jump off your fingers and sabotage your Modge Podged perfection.


#2 don't choose your base coat color until you see the drawers completed. You might change your mind.


#3 take a swatch of Modge Podged fabric with you to choose your main color, it changes color once the glue hits it (only by a bit).


#4 use a space heater to speed up the drying process


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Also, because I'm horrible at tutorials 
and directions and such... Here is a
list of resources & inspiration I used.
fabric covered filing cabinet
decoupage fabric desk
fabric decoupaged night stands
revamp ikea drawers
how to install cabinet knobs (video)

see the matching ironing table {HERE}

Linking up:

 

CRAFT FAIR link up!!

note: this is a really long post with plenty info & pictures

Arts and Craft festivals.

SpringFlings.

Bazaars.

Extravaganzas.

Call it whatever you want, 

but it's one intimidating event. 

Especially for the vendors. So much 

forethought, work, and time 

to put forth for a few days, 

or maybe even hours.

I plan on entering my handmade  goodies in a  craft fair for the first time in September.

I’m nervous.

I’m excited.

I’m full of ideas.

You see, I really don’t have the time to have a successful etsy shop. I can’t create every day. I can’t ship every day. I can’t really respond to emails every day. I can create once MAYBE twice a week, and some on the weekends. To me that is not enough. Especially since I work full time.

I really really wanna do this.  I really want to add this experience to my list.

It is going to take so much out of me, but I can do it. 

I will do it. 

With the help and patience of husband, sister, and friends this will be a success.

  

........................................

Let me define success for you.

Attending the craft fair. 

Yupp. I’m not doing this to make a wad of money. I’m not doing this to pay off a mortgage [that I don’t have]. I’m simply doing it for fun and to learn all that I can. I’d love to make a few contacts and have a presence within my own community!

........................................ 

A few things I've been brainstorming...

..................... 

I will accept credit cards…

I’m hoping this will boost sales.

..................... 

I will have TONS of printed 

pictures of my wares to show how 

to wear/use them.

..................... 

I will have a little sign up 

station for a mailing list.

As incintive to have attendees 

sign up, I’ll have a drawing 

from those who sign up.

The winner gets a $10 credit

..................... 

Business cards, 

business cards, 

business cards.

..................... 

I’ve been picking up antique 

plates, cups, and bowls in 

order to display little wares.

..................... 

I also have some frames that will 

be made into necklace and 

earring holders.

..................... 

I WILL provide reciepts to 

those who use a card.

..................... 

I will have slips available 

for custom orders.

..................... 

I will take my needle and 

thread and offer

“add a charm for $1.50”

..................... 

My prices will be on display 

for every item I’m selling 

in framed cuteness.

.....................  

I will make a bunting 

for eye catchyness.

.....................  

I will donate an item to 

the door prizes for the event.

.....................  

I WILL network. I WILL 

support other vendors.

..................... 

I WILL have fun :)

 .....................

  

All of those aforementioned things are 

cotton candy, 

but there are a few 

veggies 

in the mix.

I’m very nervous. 

What if I’m setting myself up for failure here? What if I waste all my time and money? What if I don’t sell a thing, and look like a total goof. What if it rains?

Answer: I DON’T CARE!

I’m more excited than anything.

I’m praying over this event and hoping that I fulfill all that the Lord has led me to do. If this is His will, it will be done. I’m going to go in confident and positive!!

All of these emotions lead to TONS AND TONS of 

pinterest research. I want this linky party to be a great resource for those of us who have the same anxieties I have. This is intended to be  more than a link up. Let's make this a great collaboration of knowledge and experiences and 

help each other out!!

........................................

I've rounded up a "few"

aka, a ton of

pictures for ya'll...




Here are some booths

that might inspire you...

i love how they used varying heights in this display

Source: madeinlowell.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: shabbyvintagemom.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: eliseblaha.typepad.com via Megan on Pinterest

Notice the baskets on the ground. Great idea!Source: flickr.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: charleydreams.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: alamoimages.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Megan on Pinterest

These next few pictures are of

how to display certain 

items in a funky way...

storing necklaces and bracelets on a neat tree

Source: etsy.com via Megan on Pinterest

you can put anything you want on these gorgeous birch blocks.a great price too!

Source: save-on-crafts.com via Megan on Pinterest

I love how the bowls draw attention to the jewelry!!

and the colors of the bowl compliment the colors in the jewelry.esculonsays.com via Megan on Pinterest

a simple little tree for bracelets or even statement rings...
Source: etsy.com via Megan on Pinterest

a colander? Who'da thunk it?
Source: mariezvezda.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

cue shutters.....

Source: disciplesofetsy.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: esculonsays.com via Megan on Pinterest 

please notice the chalkboard horse!!!

Source: lemondropstudio.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

i NEEEEEED this

Source: save-on-crafts.com via Megan on Pinterest

an egg carton! adorable!! for statement rings OR earrings!!

they have beans in the bottom...

i'd totally use coffee beans 
Source: mariezvezda.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

and a drawer?
how cute!!

Source: ponderandstitch.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

and my favorite.... vintage plates!!!
Source: esculonsays.com via Megan on Pinterest

and now for the thing 

i'm most excited about?? 

SUITCASES!

PLEASE tell me you love this 

as much as i do? 

Source: thepleatedpoppy.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: craftshowdesigns.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

Look!! using a ribbon to hang stuff!

Source: flickr.com via Megan on Pinterest

...............................................

I rounded up a few cute

marketing ads i found, too! Check these out... You could put an add in your 

local paper, bulletin boards, 
 and of course on your blog!

Source: moredesignplease.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: renegadecraft.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: readymadeblogs.mydevstaging.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Kyla on Pinterest

Source: gettyowl.com via Stacey on Pinterest

Ok.. everyone take a deep breath.

Inspiring stuff, huh? It just makes me
wanna down a case of red bull and get
straight to work!!

I hope that this has inspired you!
Feel free to link up your ideas,pictures, and even some of YOUR

inspiration! Anything goes!

Don't forget to grab the button!

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