Aubusson Cassandra

This tale starts with an ad on Craigslist. A cute little desk was advertised but it was in an unsavory neighborhood.  I happened to be talking to Cassie from Rustic Raspberry about it and how I doubted my Hubby would want to go get it when he got off work because he would be exhausted.  Turns out he loves me so much that he took me to get it!

Cassie texted me later to ask if I had picked it up. I said 'yes' and she, of course, wanted pictures! Well, the unexpected happened! Cassie wanted this cute little desk for herself! We went back and forth on what to do and finally settled on me painting it for her using her Aubusson Chalk Paint.

First the top had to be stripped so I could stain it with Minwax Dark Walnut.  On this piece, I used Klean Strip.

After I had the stripper and old paint removed, I sanded the rest smooth.  You can see on the left what it looked like after the stripper but before sanding.

After sanding, I applied Cabot's wood conditioner and then stained with Minwax dark walnut.  When the stain was dry I waxed it with Minwax dark wax.

There was a very minor structual issue in that the bottom middle was resting lower on the ground causing the desk to rock back and forth.  I can't explain how we fixed it where it will make any sense! It did result in us using wood glue to make sure it didn't happen again and that wood glue dripping down. When I removed the drips some of the paint lifted off.  Well, one thing led to another and I ended up stripping the entire inside panel. I knew that the Chalk Paint could just be painted right over it but there would be very obvious uneven places.

Whew! If you are still reading, thank you for sticking with me!  I then painted two coats of Annie Sloan Aubusson Chalk Paint and distressed to show a little of the white.  I applied the clear and dark waxes. I'm still second guessing myself on the distressing!

This was my first time using the Chalk Paint and it went on like a dream, just as advertised. Cassie hasn't seen it yet; hope she likes it!

This last picture is just for Cassie; Piper LOVES her Cassie!

Linking to these parties!

Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge 

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Remodelahoic's Blog Link Up Party

Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed

Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Made by You Monday at Skip to my Lou

Amaze Me Monday at Dittle Dattle

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Piece of Work Wednesday at Primitive & Proper