French Duet - Sewing Desk & Dresser - Chalk Paint Project

Remember when I tried something totally different and painted this dresser blue and put French fabric on top?

The dresser was only half the story.  There is a matching desk. 
I considered for a while if I should paint the desk to match or try a new color. I decided to set the dresser beside the desk so I figured it would be nice if they formed one continuous work space along the wall of the upstairs guest room for my sewing machine.  My sewing machine would die of loneliness if it were a pet, because I honestly don't do much sewing anymore.  But something always needs mending so it still comes in handy.  But then there's Halloween, prom time and patio cushions.  Still, I don't sew as much as I did twenty something years ago.

Here's a picture of the much mistreated desk - before it's makeover.  With all those colors, it would almost match the funky chair that got a French makeover.

The first time I tried the fabric on top I had some problems with shrinkage.  This time I coated the top with modpodge and then smoothed out the fabric being extremely careful not to stretch the fabric.  After it was partially dry and stuck in place I trimmed the edges.  When the undercoat was dry I applied two coats of modpodge over the top, allowing drying time in between each coat. My fabric is a heavier woven fabric and you can still feel the texture if you rub your hand across the top.

I painted the desk blue to match the dresser, then added a little highlighting on the details.

The desk was missing two knobs, so I bought a couple that I thought would coordinate well and added a little paint since the drawer pulls were painted.

This seemed like the easiest solution, rather than trying to match pulls or replace them all.

So here's how they look sitting side by side.  What an awesome work space! 

And did I mention STORAGE?  And there's that not so funky chair joining in on the sewing party.  I think I can manage even a pretty big project here without turning the dining room into a sewing room again, plus I will get exercise going up and down the stairs.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I bought the desk, the dresser and another chair for $45 on craigslist.  This chair was a toss out brought home by my husband 20 years ago.  It just received its third makeover at our house.
Much Love & Laughter,

Laura

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/

http://betweennapsontheporch.net

http://cedarhillranch.blogspot.com