Wood you?

After pining away at other womens before and after home improvement blogs wondering if I was capable of such feats I decided it was time for me to try my hand at something. I knew I wanted to make one of our bedrooms into an office and thought what better way to start my new home improvement streak then on a new, er, I mean old desk.

So after scouring craigslist for days I finally found a little beauty, anciently old and all beat up, perfect! I was sold. I immediately called the lady to find out if it was still available and before she could finish the word yes I was half way to my car.

Once I got there I realized I had a minor problem. Either her size dimensions of the desk were incorrect or I measured wrong. Knowing that I'm a stellar mathematician (insert ridiculously obvious sarcastic laugh here) I knew it couldn't be me! I swear we tried every combination of ways to make this desk fit into my car and after all of them failing I had to step back and realize it wasn't going to happen. Now, if I was in Florida buying this desk from someone they would have said, "sorry kid your s.o.l." but since I'm in Virginia Beach, the lady without hesitation said, "wait a minute honey, let me get my SUV and I'll take it to your house." Stunned, I replied "Are you sure?" She kindly said, "absolutely honey!"

So off we went caravaning back to my house. Of course, the whole way back home I'm plotting what I will do if this is some scam and she is going to rob me, steal my belongings, beat me and then leave WITHOUT me getting my desk! (I know, I'm a paranoid freak). So after rehearsing all the martial arts self defense moves I know in my head we finally get to my house. We unload the desk, I pay her (no delivery fee or mugging) and I happily skip away!

So, if you are still with me after reading my pathetically long winded story when all you want to see is the darn before and after picture, I will not keep you in suspense any longer.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I know it's subtle, but I'm quite proud of it. I did this entire project without the help of the hubby. I researched online what products to use and how to apply them. For those who know me well, can you even picture me in my garage wearing a mask, staining wood furniture? I think not...but I did!!

Look how beat up it was! Glass rings, stamps, marks. I lightly sanded the entire desk. Next, I applied a wood conditioner to really repair all this damage.

Next, I applied a dark walnut colored stain. After it was dry I applied a poly finish to protect it from everyday dings and scratches.

Then I installed new hardware.

And wala!