Macy’s developed a recent bizarre obsession with lap desks.
I blame Pottery Barn Teen. Theirs are SEVENTY NINE dollars. SEVENTY NINE!!!
We have an outlet near here that sells Pottery Barn stuff that’s damaged or mis-monogrammed. We picked up this one for $10.
(Hey Matti…I have your desk!)
I removed the screws and took the lid off its hinges.
Then I sanded the top. The letters were painted on, so I need to make sure to get rid of any ridges. I also wanted to rough up the old finish a bit.
Then I wiped it down well with a damp cloth. I don’t really think this next step is necessary, but I did it. So, I’m including it.
I taped off the bottom, just so I wouldn’t get any overspray.
And then I went outside and sprayed.
I used spray chalkboard paint. I’ll be honest with you…I didn’t love it. If I wanted a chalkboard finish again, I’d use the brush on kind and just do a couple of light coats with a sponge roller. If you don’t care about it chalkboard-ness of it all, just go ahead and use regular spray paint.
And then I reattached the lid.
Finished product?
Now we’re both happy…for way way WAY less than SEVENTY NINE dollars. 
What a deal! I like it better than the original…I have only ever used the brush on chalkboard paint, and have had great results.
Super cute. I love the idea of using chalkboard paint.
What resourcefulness! I wouldn't have thought you could get rid of that name. Good job!
i've been meaning to blog about that outlet – i haven't been there yet, but my mom LOVES it so we have a ton of beach towels, sheets, etc. from there. my kids all have duffle bags with random initials on them…
Very cute!! Macy will enjoy using it I am sure!
I have chalkboard paint in a can. You could have borrowed it. In fact, if you want another coat, rolled on, just call.
Love that place! We found a lap desk with my daughters name on it and couldn't believe it. WE also have tons of bags, I just get pathes at JoAnn's and sew over the monogram. Great idea for the top, I might have to grab another one and do that for a gift!
$79?!?!
That's seriously insane. Yours is better
So does this mean she's moved on from her obsession with Shape Ups?
Very cute! I want one for myself!
ok, I am so going to check out the outlet near me too!
I love the sudoku puzzle book. Whenever I see those I think of Macy and her doing them at, like what, age five?!
Does the chalk come off on her or what she's got resting on the desk?
Okay, LOVE IT.
$79. rofl. I made one for my son starting with a kitchen cabinet door sample I found in the trash. It happened to be the perfect size, perfectly smooth, and thick enough for me to use screws to attach a piece of upholstery fabric from my stash, stuffed with an old pillow. Very plain and simple, and I didn't have to refinish the wood, so it was fast. OK, DS turned his nose up at it. Some people don't appreciate upcycling (nee trash picking). Now it's mine. I like it. It's not nearly as pretty as yours is though, and doesn't have storage. Oh, I would have loved yours as a kid!
Another great idea! TFS!
I'm definitely doing this. Thanks for the creative idea! How are you by the way? I need a Girls Camp report.
Talk soon!
Great job and I love your sense of humor . . . "Matti, I have your desk". You crack me up!
Warmly, Michelle
Where is the outlet?!?! Heart this!!!
Outlet?? Where??
Can you please share where this outlet is located? I am a Potterybarn fanatic and will be visiting Utah in the SLC/Provo area next month. I would love love LOVE to make a trip to the outlet a part of my visit!!!
Looks great! I will have to make one now!
~Jessica
http://myhappinessexperiment.blogspot.com/
Parabéns o movel amarelo ficou lindo! você é muito criativa!!! adorei conhecer se blog, um beijo grande.
casadadani.blogspot.com