Decor

On 01:00

This is a great example of how not to be afraid to paint furniture for fear of ruining it. This is the second makeover for my black French poem flip top table. That's the beauty of working with chalk paint if you're not 100% satisfied it can easily be changed with little prep, even after waxing.

The first makeover involved metallic gilding wax and decoupaged paper and still, the table could be redeemed. Heck, it even survived falling onto a concrete floor and part of the trim flying in two directions. My hope is that you walk away encouraged to pick up a paintbrush and give that piece of furniture collecting dust in the basement a fresh new look.

Look What Happened To The Flip Top Table

Today is Furniture Fixer Upper Day where five talented furniture painting friends and I come together to breath new life into six pieces of furniture. You can find links to the makeovers at the bottom of this post.

For last month's challenge, I shared how I completely transformed my glossy white Vintage 9-drawer dresser by giving it Farmhouse charm with chalk paint and sandpaper...a lot of sandpaper.

But first, let's look at the table before I repainted it.

You can see remnants of the metallic decoupaged paper from the original makeover on the top and a close up of the metallic silver gilding wax details.

To see the original makeover and the terrible shape the table was in before that makeover, visit my Antique Scalloped Tilt Top Table post.

There was nothing wrong with the first makeover and I thought the table was quite lovely but it didn't sell. Perhaps the papered top was scaring people off. I decided to keep it but the metallic finish didn't really suit our home so onto plan B.

I think it looks so much classier painted black, wouldn't you agree?

I love all things with a Parisian flair, especially French typography on furniture so I couldn't resist adding a French poem on the top.

Black Flip Top Table Stenciled French Poem

"O time, suspend your flight and you, propitious hours, suspend your course. Weary you enjoy the fast delights of the most beautiful nowadays."

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience so you can see what products I used or recommend to make this project. See my full disclosure policy.

Here's how I did it

Like I said at the top of this post you can chalk paint over previous chalk painted furniture, even if it has been waxed. Visit this post on How To Prep Furniture For Chalk Paint A-Z for more information.

Chalk paint over clear wax

It doesn't matter if the wax was applied 15 minutes ago or 15 months ago, as long as it is NOT tacky to the touch, you can paint right over it with chalk paint. I painted over the original white with three coats of Raven black chalk paint from FAT Paint Company.

After the final coat was completely dry I applied black wax to deepen the color and protect the finish. But I didn't do that step until the table was completely finished.

It was at this point went things went awry.

Remember I mentioned the scalloped trim along the top suffered some damage? I had detached the top from the base to remove all the remnants of decoupaged paper and fill any imperfections. I had just finished sanding the top to a perfectly smooth finish and was moving it over to the worktable to start painting when it slipped out of my hands and went crashing onto the concrete floor.

After a few choice words, I threw my hands in the air and marched myself upstairs and straight to bed feeling totally defeated. Thankfully stubborn is my middle name and when I woke up the next morning, fueled by coffee and determination I showed that broken top whose boss.

Black Flip Top Table Broken Trim Repairs

Repairing broken trim

I reattached the broken trim but the wood had suffered some damage on both ends so it didn't fit seamlessly back in place like a jigsaw puzzle so the repairs are not perfect.

On a time crunch to get this table finished for today's post I needed to use strong, quick drying glue. I applied this glue on both the back of the broken trim and the table and held it in place with these clamps until cured. Sorry for the lack of photos of this process, I was in panic mode at this point and didn't stop to take photos.
I used non-shrinking, fast drying filler to conceal the joints and fill the missing bits of trim. If I had Bondo on hand, that would've been my preference but this did the job. With my fingers I applied it in two layers, letting it dry about 30 minutes between applications. The photo above is after the first application.
Once the filler was dry I sanded it with 180 grit sandpaper.
Then I finally returned to the task of painting the top with the same Raven black chalk paint.

Stenciled top

I used this delicate surface tape to hold the French Poem Stencil onto the center of the painted top. I didn't risk using stencil adhesive because the paint had only been dry for a few hours and didn't want to risk lifting the paint. I stenciled with this Antique White craft paint using a small stencil brush.

After the stencil paint dried I lightly sanded over it with 220 grit sandpaper to remove the raised bits and then waxed over the entire top with black wax, buffing to a matte finish. The black wax also gave the white paint an aged appearance, which I love.

Next, I attached the top to the base SUCCESSFULLY this time!

Black Flip Top Table French Poem Stencil

Scalloped Top Highlights

At the last minute, I decided to highlight the scalloped edge by rubbing white wax with my finger and buffing it smooth with a lint-free rag. I like how it adds some visual interest AND masks the damage.

Black Flip Top Table White Wax Highlights

I hope this table and its challenges and metamorphosis served as a good example that it takes a lot to ruin a piece of furniture. And that after putting paintbrush to furniture and not being 100% satisfied with the results, it can always be changed. It's just paint!

Black Painted Flip Top Table With Stencil

If you have any questions about this makeover, please leave them in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

Now let's see how my talented friends in the Furniture Fixer Uppers group transformed these furniture pieces...

Press the links below to see the after photos and tutorials...

I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.

On 01:00

The other day I realized I've breathed new life into a lot of desks, it's one of my biggest furniture makeover categories on the blog. Every home needs a desk, right? Kid's rooms for doing homework, a home office, craft room work station, nook in a kitchen or living room. So I thought it might be inspiring to curate a collection of 9 creative ways to transform an old desk with chalk paint.

All of these are budget-friendly furniture makeovers because each desk was found either at a thrift store or local buy & sell website. I've included desks in many different styles from children's student desks, small writing desks, large wood desks, and threw in a vintage vanity too.

Oftentimes these desks don't come with a chair and so I also show you how mismatched chairs can be paired beautifully when unified with paint.

9 Creative Ways To Transform Old Desks

I've categorized the desk collection according to style starting with large wooden desks, perfect for a home office or niche in a main living area.

Please note: there is a link above each desk photo that will take you directly to the makeover tutorials. Please pin from the original source.

Wood Executive Desks

I have a soft spot for anything with French typography but didn't realize how much until writing this post. You'll notice a French theme throughout this collection.

Vintage Carte Postale Desk

I found this solid wood Vintage 7-drawer desk at a garage sale. It is one of those pieces I hated to part with because I knew one day it would be perfect for my future home office. Now that said office could really use this desk!

Redeemed with clean white and soft grey chalk paint and paired with a ladder back chair unified in the same two-toned color combination (not pictured). To add some flair I handpainted a French graphic on the top.

VINTAGE CARTE POSTALE DESK

Sage Green Vintage Desk

This next desk is almost identical to the one above but it was not painted by me. I invited Barbara from A Green Paintbrush to guest post on the blog during my recovery from knee surgery. I included her vintage desk makeover in this collection because I thought you'd enjoy seeing the same desk chalk painted two different ways. I love the bronze metal chair she paired with hers.

SAGE GREEN VINTAGE DESK

Writing Desks

When space is limited, small writing desks are perfect. Sofa or console tables also make wonderful desks when paired with a small chair and tucked underneath when not in use.

Queen Anne Writing Desk

This cherry desk with curvy legs got a Bombay Co. meets Anthropology inspired makeover with a French flair. I named this piece Marie Antoinette and you'll see why when you look at the photos of inside the drawer.

QUEEN ANNE WRITING DESK

Curbside Secretary Desk

This small secretary desk was rescued curbside by my neighbor. She asked if I could breathe new life into it so she could use it in her home. You have to see the before photos to appreciate the after. I wanted to keep this desk when the makeover was finished but she knew where I lived. 😉

CURBSIDE SECRETARY DESK

French Provincial Secretary Desk

This French Provincial secretary desk makeover is one I did for a client. It had been spray painted a glossy white but she wanted a matte shabby chic finish instead. This makeover is a testament to how a little chalk paint and light distressing can completely change the look of a piece, even when painted the same color!

FRENCH PROVINCIAL SECRETARY DESK

Faux Secretary Desk

This faux secretary desk used to be a 4-drawer dresser from the 50s and a piece from my parent's first bedroom set. Needing a small desk/dresser combination for our guest room, we removed the top two drawers and turned them into a sliding desk.

FAUX SECRETARY SLIDE OUT DESK

Children's Desks

Small student desks are perfect for children's rooms to do homework. For younger children, vintage classroom desks make a wonderful coloring/drawing surface in a playroom.

Vintage Student Desk

This small 3-drawer vintage student desk went all glam in pink with gold accents. Perfect for a young girl or tween's bedroom. The top is stained and has an inspiring handpainted message that continues onto the handy slide out shelf.

The desk didn't come with a chair so I paired a ladder back wood chair and unified it with the same pink and gold paint. What makes this makeover so special is all the small details fit for a princess!

PRETTY IN PINK VINTAGE STUDENT DESK

Vintage Metal Classroom Desk

This small metal classroom desk with wood top went from dated green to a pop of pretty aqua. The top has a chalkboard reminiscent of the slates used in the old schoolhouse days. The hole on the desktop used for glue bottles now houses a pencil/chalk holder. A perfect desk for a young child's playroom.

VINTAGE AQUA METAL CLASSROOM DESK

Vintage Waterfall Vanity

Last but not least, while technically not a desk, oftentimes these dressing tables are used as desks and so I included it in the desk makeover collection. This art deco waterfall vanity went all Hollywood glam with a metallic silver finish and Breakfast At Tiffany's inspired painted drawers. Even the drawer knobs are wearing pearl brooches!

ART DECO WATERFALL HOLLYWOOD GLAM VANITY

I hope you found these desk makeovers inspiring. Do you have an old desk in your home that could use a makeover?

If you have any questions about these makeovers, please don't hesitate to ask in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I always love hearing from you.

Nine Creative Ways To Transform An Old Desk

I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.

On 01:00

Do you like to dress up your Easter table with that little extra something to wow your guests? The centerpiece steals the show but adding a little pop of color either on top or beside the dinner plates is always a nice touch. Today I'm sharing an easy tutorial on how to make Spring cutlery holders with burlap ribbon but they could be used any time of the year.

You don't have to use burlap ribbon like I did, any wide ribbon would work. Which makes the possibilities for these endless. Depending on the stencil or the ribbon, you could make them for any season or holiday.

Spring Cutlery Holders With Burlap Ribbon

What I love about these cutlery holders is that they are so handy to have for buffets, large gatherings, summer BBQ's or picnics, weddings, and of course to embellish holiday tables.

For the holidays I made a few different styles of burlap Christmas Cutlery Holders both for my dinner table as well as extra sets to give for hostess gifts.

Spring Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders With Stencil

It's better to use the unwired ribbon because you will be sewing along the edges. Although you could make these without sewing by using no-sew fabric glue.

These cutlery holders are so inexpensive to make because oftentimes you can find the plain burlap ribbon at the dollar store. These are the supplies used to make the Spring Cutlery Holders.

Spring Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders Supplies

Here's how I made them...

Step 1 - Cut the burlap ribbon

To mark the cut lines for each cutlery holder on the burlap ribbon spool, remove a strand of jute every 15 inches (like pictured below).

Spring Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders Cut Lines

I prefer making my cutlery holders in sets of eight but depending on how large your gatherings, you may want to make more. Cut the ribbon at your 15-inch markings.

Spring Cutlery Holders Burlap Ribbon Cut To Size

Step 2 - Cut the jute trim

Cut strips of narrow decorative ribbon about 4 1/2-inches long, slightly larger than the 4-inch burlap. You'll need two per cutlery holder. I used 3/8-inch green jute ribbon to decorate mine.

Spring Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders With Jute Trim

Step 3 - Sew (or glue) the trim

No worries if you don't have a sewing machine, you definitely can make these with no-sew fabric glue.

Lay the cut burlap ribbon flat and sew or glue one piece of decorative ribbon on the top facing outwards. Flip the burlap over and sew the bottom piece on the back side of the burlap (as pictured below).

Spring Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders Sewing Trim

Step 4 - Mark the fold

Fold the bottom half of the burlap ribbon over and measure 5 1/2 inches and pin in place.

Spring Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders Folded

Step 5 - Sew the side seams

Stitch or glue the sides of the cutlery holders together along the factory edge with either matching thread or a contrasting color like I did. Mine matches the color of the green jute ribbon.

Trim the decorative ribbon, any loose threads, and strands of burlap.

Spring Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders Assembled

Here is one complete set of eight finished. Now time to decorate the cutlery holders with a stencil.

Spring Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders Before Stencil

Step 6 - Stencil the cutlery holders

Slip a piece of paper inside each pouch so the paint doesn't seep through to the back. You could stencil the cutlery holders before they are sewn together but I found it easier to line up the stencil after they are sewn.

Place the self-adhesive stencil onto the center of the front of each cutlery holder. You don't have to use adhesive stencils but I found it much easier if you do. A regular stencil with stencil spray adhesive certainly would work too.

Place some multi-surface or fabric paint onto a paper plate. Load just a little paint onto a stencil brush and offload onto a paper towel until the brush is almost dry. The key is having very little paint on the brush. Pounce the paint over the stencil until it is dark enough to your liking then move on to the next cutlery pouch.

Spring Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders Stenciled

I used a French Fleur De Lis stencil which really isn't Spring but the color I stenciled them certainly is. The color matches my woven placemats which I use for both Spring and Summer.

A bunny silhouette stencil with a pompom tail would be adorable for Easter. Like I said, the possibilities are endless for decorating these cutlery holders.

Burlap Ribbon Cutlery Holders For Spring Or Summer

I've included affiliate links below so you can see what products I used or recommend to make these cutlery holders. See my disclosure policy

For This Project You Will Need:

4-inch Wide Burlap Ribbon
3/8 inch Wide Jute or Decorative Ribbon
Thread or No-Sew Fabric Glue
Small Adhesive Stencil
Small Stencil Brush
Multi-Surface or Fabric Paint

Here's another idea to dress up your dining room for Spring or Easter. Turn plastic or metal charger plates into adorable round chalkboards.

Here's a fun and inexpensive centerpiece idea for Spring. Turn dollar store glass vases or domes into adorable DIY Glass Cloches with furniture knob handles. The possibilities are endless for what you display under the glass.

So what do you think, any ideas of how you would use these cutlery holders? What would you use to make them? I'd love to hear your ideas.

Easy Burlap Ribbon Spring or Summer Cutlery Holders

If you have any questions about this makeover, please leave them in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.