One of the best parts of what I do is having people who get me. If it’s not you, a reader, then it’s local folk who want to share in my joy-filled journey. My friends, kids, and my parents have always had my back in finding #trashure. So, when my dad sends me this pic of a worn-out vintage school desk, I couldn’t resist the challenge. A hot mess!
Funny thing is someone already gave it a sweet country makeover with the pink and blue hearts…AND sheep and geese with bonnets. Gotta love those 80’s hearts!
Not only that, but it has oodles of wear and weathered to the point of the wood shrinking. No problem! haha. At least, in my head that’s what my inner junker voice is saying.
WHAT DOIN’?
That is until I get it in my workshop and the reality voice asks, “What now?” haha. That’s the fun of this adventure of mine. I don’t know where these projects will take, but I love for them to speak to me of what they want to be. I figured that if it is beyond repair, I can at least dismantle it to make something new like I did HERE with handmade cradle or HERE with dumpster chairs.
Thankfully, after a look-over, I find that this vintage school desk is solid and just needs tender lovin’ care. First, I tighten up joints with taking it apart and re-gluing connections. Also, I use my wood filler to fill in some of the hard-carved initials and words. Then, my sander comes out to play to take care of those stencils and wood filler knock down.
Primarily I focus on refinishing the seat, back splats, and desk. We’re talking solid oak wood here and this desk is built to last. As soon as I’m done sanding, I apply a reactive stain that will not only draw out that gorgeous grain, but also naturally age it a bit using the tannins in the wood.
Last, but not least, I add a few grain sack stripes, stencils to the desk, all topped with hemp oil to seal it all in and nourish as soon as all is cured.
TIME TO SCHOOL YA
While I certainly don’t miss the days of a flat bum for sitting in a desk all day while in school, I surely miss how vintage furniture is built to last. This one isn’t going anywhere!
The geese, sheep, hearts, and bows are no more! Not only that, but also the fact the grain is really popping now. Is it perfect? nah. However, I wanted to keep some of the marks and wear to let it keep some of its story, plus add a bit of my own.
Of course, I went with a classic wood paint combo because black (or white) really showcase wood beautifully. I’m curious…what would you have done with the desk?
If you’d like to add it to your home story, you can find it and much more in my online shop. I ship to your door and offer discounts when you sign up for my FREE newsletter.
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In addition, as always, I would love to hear from you by leaving a comment a below AND by pinning and sharing this vintage school desk refresh. Let’s have DIY fun and inspire others!
Additionally, up next, I’m finally getting to these vintage jello molds I shared a while back. Come see what became of them HERE.
Also, check out these other furniture refreshes like this vintage school desk:
I totally love this!!!! No way it’s the same desk. You really did a great job with it!
You just made my day, Mandy. 😀 Thanks so much for the love.
Boy does this bring back memories!!! But my school desk NEVER looked this cute!!! What a cute homework station!!! 😉🥰
I know, right?? My littlest has loved sitting in it while I give her spelling tests and the like. I tell her that 14+ years sitting in one isn’t as fun as you’d think. haha.
Over the hill; totally Outstanding.. The old school desks aren’t the easyest thing to find. I have been looking for one for a few years now.
Love what you done to it. Great job.
Give yourself a big pat on the back
aww…how fun for me to hear, Colleen. Thank you! I give all props to my dad for not adding it to the burn pile. haha. I’m just happy it still has life. hugs!
What a great makeover! Love the desk top! But really love the graphic you posted about a simple Christmas 💕💕🎄
Thank you, Susan. I had fun with this and totally love a simple Christmas. He lives! 😀
She is beautiful!!I thought it needed to soak in a bath tub,lol. But you have reclaimed another lost and forsaken piece of furniture. They realm were built to last. Have a wonderful Christmas. Take care.
bwahahaha! It looked like me after a bathtub soak. 😀 Thank you so much, Charleen. The smiles you bring make my day brighter.
The desk is stupendous Larissa!! I like the contrast and the stencil. I always marvel at the treasures you find. The estate sales I’ve been to really don’t have much but old- (not antique) things that smell like moth balls or vacant houses/ barn, dusty old wood or mouse 😬. Also, I am so glad that you boldly share your love of Jesus, we are supposed to spread the gospel after all! In our home we do not celebrate Christmas, we don’t celebrate/observe any holidays except Resurrection Sunday and 4th of July. I hope you enjoy the season however and Keep it Simple Saint!! 😊
Thank you, Niki! 😀 It’s truly a blessing to get to share my passion as well as hear from my readers.
What a lucky score, those old school desks are hard to find. Nice save, as always, Larissa! Love the stencil detail you added to the top.
Blessed to have my dad on my side. 😀 Thanks so much, Marie. I had to have a little typography fun with it.
OT: you are such a cute gal and the curly hair style definitely suits your lighthearted, warm smile!
How sweet of you to say, Jan. I’m just happy to finally feel like me…the wavy girl inside waiting to burst out. 😀
Love this combination of wood grain and black and of course, the typography! You brought it from drab and dated to classy. Nice work!
happy dancin’ over heeyah! 😀 Thank you bunches for the love, Tess.
Fabulous. JUST FABULOUS! As is everything you create, remake, renew, revise, etc., etc! I’ve concluded I NEED YOU FOR MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR!!! I would love to learn from you!! And I just read your adventure beginning with CurlyGirl — me, too!! See, we could struggle through that together, too! I love this desk, saw your AMAZING creations from that HUGE cradle — I do wonder WHO must have used that cradle?? Your end results never fail to fascinate, inspire and just make me say, WOW!!
Marti, you made me giggle more than once! tee hee! I would love to hear your curly girl story too, curlfriend! 😀 I just can’t say enough how much it means to hear from those I write for. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
So pretty now !!! It now has a whole new life !
I love the black / stain combination. Timeless.
As always, your work is amazing. 🙂
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It’s so wonderful to hear. Thank you for leaving me some love. 🙂