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Monday, July 13, 2015

My Wells Secretary

When I had my first place (over 30 years ago) I had a lovely cherry secretary made by Wells Furniture in Roanoke, Va.  We carried the line in our family story and I admired the piece for a long time before it came to live with me.  It traveled with me to New Jersey in my first home with my hubby, and back down to Virginia, where it's been residing for the the past 22 years.  I didn't really have a good spot for it in our current house (only lived here 16 years!), so I finally decided to give it a relove.

Unfortunately I forgot to take a "Before" picture, but here are the completed transformation pictures:


I added the applique to the door that pulls down.  I thought it would add some visual interest.



Additionally, I replaced with 'bat wing' style pulls with these sweet white knobs from Hobby Lobby.


I used a base coat of French Linen and then blended Duck Egg and Paris Gray, with a smidge of Old White to create a mottled finish.

Since the base coat was French Linen, it seemed to be the logical color choice to paint the inside.


A little clear and dark wax, a good buffing...and she's all done!


I think she turned out beautifully!  It took me a long time to decide to 'relove' something from my personal stash, but it really did give this piece a new life...and it's since found a new home with a great couple!

I have a few more pieces in my personal stash that just are being neglected...Hopefully, this experience will inspire me to let go of the past, breathe some new life into them, and help find them new homes, where they'll be loved!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robin










20 comments:

  1. Very Pretty and nicely done Robin!

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    1. Darrielle, how in the world do you know when I put up a new blog post? Anyway, thank you so much! And by the way, my current project is going to incorporate your Hemp Oil and Dark Wax technique! :)

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    2. I follow your blog because I love what you do! Looking forward to seeing your next piece with the oil.wax technique!

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    1. Thank you, Denise! It's so nice of you to stop by my blog, as I am a loyal follower of yours...especially your fabulous tips on Tuesday! :)

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  3. It's really pretty, Robin, I love seeing your beautiful work xx

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    1. Thank you, Fiona! Clearly the feeling is mutual! :) xoxo
      By the way, I remembered you asked me about painting the interior of this piece because you were getting ready to tackle a secretary with lots of cubbies. Did you finish it? I don't remember seeing it on your FB feed.....

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  4. This is precious! I love the added application. I'm getting ready to do a secretary, not as old as this, but definitely gives me more ideas! Thx. Great job!

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    1. Thanks, Heather! I'm so glad this transformation might act as a bit of an inspiration for you! Keep me posted when your done because I'd love to see it... ~ Robin

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  5. This is precious! I love the added application. I'm getting ready to do a secretary, not as old as this, but definitely gives me more ideas! Thx. Great job!

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  6. This is precious! I love the added application. I'm getting ready to do a secretary, not as old as this, but definitely gives me more ideas! Thx. Great job!

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  7. Swoon....I love secretary desks and yours turned out beautifully! Where did you get your applique?

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    1. Aw Beth! You're so sweet! I doubt I'll be actively looking for another secretary as the cubbies can be a bit of a pain! You have such patience! :) I get my appliques from http://doityourselfchic.com/. I've been using their products for a few years and have been very happy with them...Love their selection!

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    2. I'll check them out! Thanks for sharing! :)

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  8. It's absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features at the Anything Blue Friday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to this week's party. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/07/anything-blue-friday-week-92.html Hope to see you again at the little, blue soiree. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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    1. Thank you so much, Kathryn for the Feature! I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the color blue and love your Anything Blue Friday party! ~ Robin

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  9. Robin, the Weekly Feature Series is live. Head on over to check out your feature and the other 24 features from the week. Here is the link so you can check it out. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/07/weekly-features-series.html Have a lovely Sunday! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  10. This is really beautiful Robin! I love that the piece has traveled with you. Featured at Be Inspired this morning. Thanks so much for sharing!

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