Antique Desk gets Checkerboard Look using Faux Real Mineral Paints Carbone & Bella

Cathy and I grew up in a humble bungalow built by our Great Grandfather.  The entire top floor of the house was a large open space.  The hardwood floors were polished to perfection so of course we had to slide across the floor in our socks ~ didn’t take much to entertain us back then, I guess some things never change.

One of the things we shared in that room was an old desk like the one pictured below.  Ours had a sheet of glass carved and beveled to follow the shape of the top.  It was a great place to display pictures of friends…

This is the only “before” picture of the desk I could find…

 We cleaned it up then Cathy gave it a base coat of Faux Real’s Carbone

It looked gorgeous in this color but you know us, we had to layer another color over it to Shizzle it up a bit.  For the life of me, I can’t find the pictures I took at this stage.  It was just after my cancer diagnosis last summer and everything from that point on seems to be a blur.

Cath painted over the Carbone with Faux Real’s Bella, a rich creamy white and sat it aside for me to finish when I returned.  I spent the next four months having countless scans, major surgery to remove the cancer and most of my humerus bone in my right arm.  Yes, I’m right-handed.  They rebuilt my arm with bone cement, a large metal rod and plenty of screw.

Cathy asked me to do the distressing and funk up the drawers a bit and this is what happened next 🙂

I’m not sure what possessed me to do it but I thought it was kind of cool.  You never know though when you set something that’s more taste specific how long it will take to sell so I was taking a chance but…

The top of the desk had a lot of neat texture which I played up by mixing several metallic mica powders into glaze.  I then layered it again with even more mica powders mixed in with the dark wax.  My personal favorites are Old Town Paints Smoke & Bronze followed by APC’s Pewter, Copper and Black.

I love that crackled weathered-leather look!

The desk found a new owner immediately.

The chair was still there tonight when I brought in a charming shabby chic bow front dresser and super cool re-purposed wine bar.  I can’t wait to share those two projects with you!  For a sneak peek, visit our Facebook Page here.

A hui hou ~ Shelly

 Shizzle Style Painted Furniture Makeovers

 Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s

 Funky Finishes

Did you know…

• It’s just the two of us:  My sister and I own and operate Shizzle Design which originated in my garage.  We have and will continue to work hard providing the best customer service.
• We specialize in painting furniture and are truly humbled to be known as a leader in the world of chalk and clay paints.  Stop in for paint and we’ll offer you honest and knowledgeable
• We are blessed to teach people from all over the U.S.  Join us for a super fun hands-on chalk and clay paint workshop in a casual & fun atmosphere.  For a list of current classes, click here.
• Subscribe to our weekly blog posts for tips, tutorials, ideas & painted furniture inspiration.  Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
• Like our ShizzleLLC Facebook Page We share what we’re working on EVERY single DAY so you’ll usually find out about new classes, new products, new furniture, sales… if you follow us there. The more you comment, the higher your chance is of getting our daily posts.
• Visit our Pinterest Page for our portfolio & more inspiration here.
• Our Painted Furniture is offered at: Shizzle Design Paint Studio 2018 Chicago Dr., Jenison, MI 49428, Not So Shabby at 2975 West Shore Drive in Holland, MI 49424 & Landry’s Antiques in Hudsonville.
• Shop Paint:  Shop our large inventory of chalk and clay paint and supplies on our Online Shizzle Shop and at our West Michigan LOCATIONS.