Thursday, August 6, 2009

we interupt this cleaning...

with some inspiration.

Instead of cleaning through naptime (which, honestly, I should've done), I worked on transforming my work surface.

I was inspired by Kim's little daughter's desktop when I stayed in her room in May



It's just so adorable...and I've been thinking of it ever since.

So today, as I was sifting through endless piles of paper scraps that I am incapable of tossing or using (it's a problem) the idea struck that I should use them in the same way to cover my own desk.

I just started placing them on top...haphazardly like a grid.




I added some details, like this darling vintage valentine that I adore, This postcard that came tucked in the latest issue of Uppercase Magazine,
I have a whole pad of Fred C. Deibert's unused sales slips...they crack me up!
I had a random length of vintage tape measure that will prove very useful along the desk's edge, don't you think?
I just ordered a piece of glass to go on top. It will flatten everything out and make it look so finished and pretty and...
inspiring.

28 comments:

Debra said...

What a wonderful and whimsical idea! I've done something similar by collecting a variety of fall leaves in different shapes and colors and put them under tabletop glass.

mIzZ (hONeY) bEe aka Marlene said...

I love the idea too...and I love the colors that pop out on your desk top...actually I too do something similiar but with old postcards for the different seasons/holidays and I put them on a small oval end table and it has it own glass serving top - its adorable...thanks for sharing Amy! have a honey of a day! grace & peace 2 U, Marlene

suesue said...

absolutely fab!! your work space is sooo happy sooo AMY!!

Amy in Texas said...

Way cool!!

Heavenly Chic Interiors said...

Love it! I need to paint my daughters desk (made by Daddy) and this is an awesome way to add something different to the top of the desk. Thanks for sharing.

Also, where did you order the glass top?

marble rose said...

Super duper Idea! Wow - so, every time you sit down - there's pure eye candy waiting for you - it's great! And the tape measure is genius!

Weldone!±


Fleur

Sadie Lou said...

Such a good idea--I covered my daughter's drawers to her dresser in scrapbook paper years ago--put a thick layering of varnish on it and it's really help up!
~S

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Wow that looks so great. And I love how youve been "winding & tossing". I found myself doing a bit of that. Cant post a pic though, still too messy.

Tammy Mellish said...

What a SUPER idea! Looks fabulous.. I love it!

Relyn Lawson said...

I love, love, love, love, LOVE this idea!! Thank you, thank you!! I'm off to measure my desk for a piece of glass.

Jill said...

Oh.my.gosh. I LOOOOOVE what you've done with that wonderful idea!!!! Sooooo cute! The tape measure is brilliant! And I love your colors! Thanks for such a great idea!

maryann said...

i agree! it looks fantastic, and is very inspirational!! i think it was a great use of nap time!! :)

Jen Kershner said...

Love that idea Amy! I think I will do something similar when I start in on my studio once my girls go back to school. Where do you order glass from? Jen

charlotte said...

Amy, I love your colorful, playful desktop - and all the sweet happiness over here! still need to send our animal pic.... a bit overwhelmed with wedding stuff, but love my Amy visits. xoxo

Kim said...

How wonderful!! I hope you don't mind- I think I am going to "borrow" this idea and do it to my desk in my art room. Yours turned out so beautiful!!

Annette D said...

Cool idea I think I'll have to steal it!

kelli said...

Oh Amy, how wonderful! I love it--it's so colorful and whimsical!
Great idea!

Katie {My Paisley Apron} said...

What a great idea!!! It looks amazing! I should do that because our old desk that I use is tiny and was marked "free" on someone's lawn, which is how we came by it... :)

Bev said...

Beautiful...what a wonderful way to keep those bits and pieces that make you smile close without the clutter :)...Love it!

Anonymous said...

Wow, both your example and that of the young girl are fabulous! It's interesting how your colors are more vibrant, a little different palette than hers. I'd like to see more examples if other readers try it!

Mitzi Curi

Anonymous said...

Pretty...my problem would be working on a project and seeing THE perfect paper scrap underneath the glass!

Robin said...

it is just adorable! The whole studio fix up is looking great!

Unknown said...

This is so darn pretty and inspiring! What a great idea! I must get to that ugly old desk sitting in my kitchen!

Thanks so much for the inspiration!

Have a terrific day!
Teresa

Bevy said...

Love it...very whimsical and a fun way to use all that "stuff"!

Alison Gibbs said...

That is such a great idea. I have done something similar with my glass top coffee table - except I have put all family photos underneath. My lttle grandchildren love it and spend so much time leaning over the table looking at evryone
Alison

Teri said...

What a great idea!! I'm just sitting here at my very boring desk at work (I know, I know should be working not blogging) it already has glass on it, but just a few notes and codes I need for work under the glass. I think I will bring some scrapbook paper, etc. and put underneath it to liven it up. Thanks for the tip.

Heather - Speckled Egg said...

Oooooh! my, this is such a clever, fun, and fabulous idea! My daughter would LOVE a desk like this!

Elaina M. Avalos said...

I really love this idea. I too have a scrap problem. It's nearly impossible for me to throw away the papers I use for scrap booking or making cards or what have you. I've got them stored with this thought that somehow I'll be able to use them. I SO love this. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing!

As a side note, I had your blog in my Google Reader and when I cleaned out a few blogs that aren't active anymore, I must have accidentally deleted yours. I have been wondering what was going on over here since I wasn't seeing your blog pop up with new updates. Duh, me!! :) I have some catching up to do!