About 3 and a half years ago I rescued this desk…. a tired old teachers desk, heavily french polished, badly watermarked and covered in deep scratches. After a scrub with methylated spirits and steel wool it was back to it’s original beauty… and a light sand and lime-wash had it glowing! It’s been my treasured desk ever since.

This desk rescued me back.   It showed me the error of my new furniture buying ways. Why buy new when I can buy something MUCH cheaper, that has far more character, is not costing the earth in manufacturing something new, is giving new life to something that might otherwise end up in landfill, AND is not only fun to do, but means my home can be filled with things that I’ve created…. which feels REALLY good.

I’ve since taken a hand-me-down pine set of draws that I had tired of… and with a quick lick of paint and a light distress… I’m back in love with.

Likewise an old (and slightly cracked but totally useable) mirror that was pine and again a little tired… now something of beauty again.

The list goes on… Josh’s bed, a $45 Vinnies find that was in need of a good paint but little else.

And in varying states of rescue are two new additions…. a gorgeous set of drawers (top section is separate, an old teak filing cabinet I found locally) that I use to house all my craft bits and pieces – purchased at the local tip shop for $30.

This stand was also found at the tip shop for $15 …. it needs a little more TLC… a missing leg, a cracked leg and a split top… but all able to be fixed… and I think looks absolutely gorgeous, and fits perfectly with our not so perfect house. Just like the table there are a few cracks and bits missing… beautiful.