Decoupage Desk

About 15 years ago I bought a little black desk for $35. Since that time, it’s been painted a couple different colors … mainly because I was never satisfied with it. But now, I think that’s all changed. I think my little desk has finally discovered who it was meant to be.

This is the after photo.
In this picture, it doesn’t look too different from the before photo …
It was worn, tired and dirty.
Enter a little Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and script paper.
I started with a coat of ASCP in Old Ochre.
A little distressing and script paper were added.
The top got a little script paper and decoupaging, too.
Half the fun was arranging the script paper.
The top of the desk is divided in three sections.
I love the pop of blue on the desk.
The color is similar to Duck Egg Blue, which is on my dining chairs in the next room.
The blue and cream script paper is from Michael’s.
I found the French crown graphic online (don’t remember where).
After painting, I brushed Mod Podge onto the decoupage area, and then laid the papers.
I find thicker paper doesn’t bubble up like thin paper and is easier to work with.
(Those are Puddy’s feet in the upper right.)
Once the paper was laid, I brushed a coat of Matte Mod Podge on top of the paper.
Then I applied Annie Sloan Clear Wax on the painted surface only.
Of course, Puddy had to take advantage of another photo opp.
Once the Mod Podge dried, the hardware was put back on.
All in all, this was a fun project.
I did a similar project with end tables using book pages. Click here to see it.
I got a little carried away taking photos.
For the longest time I wanted to get rid of this desk but hung onto it for whatever reason.
Today is the first day I really like this desk.
I think I’ll keep her for awhile longer.
Partying this Week at …

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64 Comments

  2. I love the way this looks now! Wonderful idea with the script paper. A word of caution, if you don’t seal the modge podge, be careful not to put anything on it that is wet or sweats (like a glass), it will get sticky. Or at least it did for me. I put a clear coat sealer on top.

    Holly

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  4. Hi Jennifer,
    Wow, Awesome job, I love it. I went through this phase about 3 years ago, where I did a ton of craft projects with vintage book pages, I will have to repost this to my new blog sometime soon. There is nothing more pretty than black and white to me! I think you are very talented!!
    xoxo
    Michelle

    Reply

  10. Your desk looks amazing! wonderful job!
    I’m in the middle of a desk makeover and I had a rough vision of what I was going to do and now I see this and you’ve got me re-thinking it….hmmm…

    ~cathy

    Reply

  15. I love what you did with your desk. The script paper was a fun idea and I love the pop of blue. I have a desk that would look so much better with this fun makeover.

    Reply

  27. What a wonderful desk. The script drawer fronts are so cute, but when I saw the top, oh my heart skipped a beat! You did a wonderful job.

    Have a great day.

    Reply

  44. Oh, be still my heart. This turned out amazing!!! I love script anything. It’s just so appealing for some reason.
    I, too, Posted about a cute piece of furniture today in my craft room. It’s also painted with a unique look.
    Kudos on such a great job. It’s beautiful now!!!
    M.L.

    Reply

  45. This is gorgeous. What do you put on the top after the mod podge? Do you just use mod podge? I’m wanting to do a map project on a table in our playroom and just wondered. Thanks!

    Reply

  50. luv luv luv the desk,wish I could find one,I have wanted to do for some time. I did a vanity in Ascp province,looked so like the ocean blue I added maps …love what you do.thanks for inspirations

    Reply

  53. Your desk is so pretty. I just love the decopage papers on furniture. I did a dresser a few years ago. Love the way it turned out. I did a blog post about it if you want to check it out. It might have been spring 2 years ago.
    Have a wonderful Easter.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

    Reply

  58. It is even more fun to use scanned or photocopied letters, documents, old photographs, stamps and envelopes from your own family. It won’t be as neatly designed unless you balance it all with the same images on either side of the kneehole, but could be very personal.

    I have a government surplus office two pedestal and kneehole desk. It has a detached, older mahogany roll top that I use on the top of the desk. I think I’ll work on the lower desk and leave the roll top in its original mahogany and aged patination. It seems a great shame to cover up 19th century solid wood. and the sections that make up the roll top I suspect would wear very quickly if I tried to cover them with strips of text. It might be that I made up the base writing section into a flat section of documents that could be taken off and disposed of when worn. This would keep the toll top in its historic condition and wouldn’t detract from its financial value either.

    Thanks for the example and stimulation of useful ideas.

    Reply

  59. Your desk is stunning! I love the script paper. Is this a scrapbook paper or does it come on a roll? We don’t have a Michael anywhere near, but there is a Hobby Lobby about a little less than two hours away…I know…can you feel my pain?

    Anyway you did a fabulous job in this piece! Thanks for sharing.

    Deborah

    Reply

  62. Love your desk. It only took me 2 years to discover it. Question: Did you put trim around the paper on the top? If so, how??

    Reply

  64. I am new to your blog and am loving it. I have a desk that is very similar to the one you have. I, too, have just played with it and haven’t found that perfect coat of something that would make it pop and look antiqued with class. OMG…..this is perfection. I am going to take some of your ideas and do them to my desk. I removed all old paint and just put a light coat of stain on it last summer with high hopes of figuring out what I really want to do with it in the future. Wahlaaa..found it! Thank you for such great ideas…for this one is a winner for me. I love your website and have had fun looking around. Your home is yellow..so is mine and we have similar tastes. I’ll be viewing all day…lol! Going to cost my hubby some money…HA HA! Just lovely!

    I do have a question, where did you get the light fixture in the family room? I adore it…but I don’t see you responding to your comments from us. Hope you will find time to do that. Thank you!!

    Reply