Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Look At What I Found!

I got an idea this morning, but wasn't sure if I would be able to find the item I needed in the right size. I thought it would be neat to have a work surface that was separate from the shelf unit. That way I wouldn't have to fiddle with being on one side or the other of the shelf unit and making sure my knees would fit into the cabinet space. Well, due to the size of the cabinet doors I couldn't use something larger than 36 inches long or the door wouldn't be able to fully open. That's why I wasn't sure if I could find something that would work, that's not very big. But I went to look anyway, armed with my trusty tape measure. I could not believe my luck in finding something at the first thrift store I stopped into. 
Granted, it's not really pretty or anything, but I think I might be able to dress up the sides or something if I really wanted. This desk/work surface was actually LESS than 36 inches long and...it was on clearance for $6.99! Works for me! I knew it was a little wobbly, but figured I could tighten the screws and it'd be fine. I actually needed to replace a few in the legs to ones that were longer, so the screw would have something to dig into (had some in the laundry closet right outside the room). A clean up with multi-purpose Windex helped quite a bit. I suspect hubby won't really like it (more clutter), but I sure do. AND I don't need to pull in another chair. The one we have in there is too short for me to use at the cabinet, but it'll work just fine if I sit here. Yay!

Did you happen to notice that lamp? That was my other lucky find at the same thrift store. The lamp base was the color tag that would be 50% off today, so I got it for $3.50! I fell in love with the spindle shape and that white dish at the bottom (it's all one piece). I picked up a plain white shade that I could probably dress up (while it wasn't a sale color, I figured I did well for the other two items, it'd be okay to pay the full price...LOL)  Check it out!


Unfortunately I couldn't put it to use today. The girls are off from school for the next few days, so it may have to wait until sometime next week before I can actually try out my new work area.

If you have any ideas on how to dress these up or if I should leave well enough alone, be sure to let me know!
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4 comments:

Alanna said...

So glad you found what you were looking for. It all looks great. Enjoy the time with your girls while they're off of school.

Kathi Carlson said...

It doesn't look like "more clutter" to me but rather a clean-lined, neat looking, functional piece that will be easy to work with/on. Love the lamp, too. Everything you've done so far looks great.

Can't wait until you find time to use it!

Kim Burmeister said...

Wow! You are The Thrift Store guru in my book. Great finds! I love how the self-healing mat fits perfectly on it. I remember having a lamp similar to that was I was little.

Tisela said...

Love the lamp with the built-in dish to put buttons, sparkles or brads...