Thrifted furniture makeover and how I almost FAILED! - Upcycled writing desk

[@DaintyDiaries]

Hey the sound at the beginning didn’t auto duck for me when editing, so apologies for the sound error at the beginning 👍🏼

[@jiggymamason4920]

Its a real bummer when that happens. So glad it straightened out b4 I turned it off.

[@cherisong1]

Thanks for the heads up. I have a hearing impairment so couldn’t hear what you were saying above the music, would have turned off if I hadn’t seen your comment t.

[@Beruthiel45]

Oh, that's what happened, it's annoying isn't it? 🥴 I wear hearing aids so it's a problem for me, thanks for the explanation. 👍💕

[@Poppy-]

I bought this counter/folding table with two stools 20 years ago for my kitchenette. Acrylic stains, water marks, repainted the top with chalkboard paint. Used it as a potting bench after. Stripped it during first lockdown and repainted it in pink chalk paint. Love it now.

[@susanlawson9340]

I think this would work for me!! I have bad knees and can’t do much gardening or flower pots only instead of in the garden.

[@Stephanie-lg1cm]

Can’t please everyone, so ……just please yourself. It turned out beautifully.

[@danalynge1915]

One of the reasons I love you is BECAUSE you make things that you like. It is all cohesive with your style, and you have great style! I am inspired! Thank you.

[@samirpillay8051]

I ❤️ YOU Catherine 🤗 THANK YOU for sharing your views. Nothing in life is a Failure. We Learn and Perfect from what goes wrong. Experience is what you Learnt from your wrongs. Your vanity draw looks amazing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@DaintyDiaries]

Yes! Thank you Samir, thanks for watching x

[@carlajane6668]

I've always liked Bob Ross's saying "There is no such thing as a fail, just a happy accidents". I think it looks great.

[@DaintyDiaries]

Thanks so much Carla. Can’t beat a wise Bob Ross quote

[@thebipolargirl101]

Was going to quote Bob Ross too, I love it and want one the same 😍 soo pretty and such a good idea of a makeup station

[@yvonnelewis1687]

Life would be very boring without unhappy mistakes it’s beautiful well done🇬🇧

[@alisonh890]

I think you are amazing because you have a go and you are so handy. You are right about enjoying what you do, it has to be pleasurable or it becomes a chore. I’m so pleased you liked this in the end and will use it as a dressing table for your make up.

[@lizaprideaux]

So excited to see this from start to finish. The end result looks absolutely beautiful. Super fun to collab with you my beauty ❤️❤️❤️

[@melaniewest3947]

Mistakes often make a project better. It looks lovely.

[@dcgelinas1]

I think whatever works for you is what’s best , happy accident or not. I personally think it’s beautiful! I love your style. You are very creative and I get lots of ideas from your channel. It won’t be long and I will be setting up my greenhouse inspired by you.

[@gillramsay1112]

I love what was a horrible piece of furniture and it has now for a new lease of life, so pretty 😍

[@ellascottagecompany2044]

“Failing Forward” is what it’s all about. Well done on the piece and how you made it your own ☺️❤️

[@DaintyDiaries]

Absolutely! Thanks sweetie 💕

[@terrythomas2735]

I love your desk. It isn’t wrong. A painter will layer color on a painting until he feels it is done. Your piece of art is done and done beautifully. I love your videos. I wish I was there in Ireland. One of the most magical land in all the world. Love to you

[@Trish....]

Some creators follow the same trends, & it gets boring! Ex: there are dozens of ppl putting phrases & quotes everywhere, not realizing that ppl don't want to READ a house, they want to feel comfortable in it. Your house is cozy, pretty, & very inviting! I love it, especially bc you have things not available in the States that are beautiful!

[@elizabethankrom1495]

I love it 😍😍😍😍 it’s never a mistake if you love the outcome!

[@lauragobbi3451]

❤️ it! You might have saw it as a fail, but you definitely turned it around to a real winner!!!!

[@mykingofkings1439]

My motto is "it's not a mistake, if I can fix it"... even if it's not what I intended it to be I will work something out. Well done for not giving up and for thinking of a way to make it work for you it turned out lovely.

[@heathercreighton9613]

Never doubt your projects Catherine. Your videos are fantastic, so inspiring. You have a lovely energy, you're bright, bubbly and genuine. I always feel better after watching your endeavours.

[@DaintyDiaries]

Thank you so much Heather! So kind of you, I appreciate the support x

[@milkshake123abc]

Fascinating video. I love it. Love seeing your transformations. Your background music slightly drowned out your narration. You’re amazing. So look forward to your weekly videos. 😊😊😊👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻☘️☘️☘️

[@BA-ef4pr]

Your philosophy to make it your own is what makes it fun and unique. People who criticize are just jealous. Looks great!

[@sozofam2164]

I can’t imagine it being more lovely than it is now! It’s amazing. Perhaps those who critique harshly are folks who never finish but quit at the failure. Wonderful video! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@marjoriejames141]

They're not mistakes. It's creative crafting 😁. I tell myself that every project from quilting to upcycling furniture. Honing your skills. 👍 Cheeky thumbs up

[@michellethomas1707]

Nothing is a fail if you enjoy … I enjoy everything you do it’s so much fun to watch 😍

[@jeannesmith5272]

I love it! I turned a badly damaged antique buffet into a tv/media stand and painted it a deep pink. Then I use a gold transfer on the front and antique gold rub n buff on the pulls. Everybody thought I was crazy but now they love it! I was mostly sure it would turn out well but did have a few occasions of doubting my vision.

[@Joybug_51]

I think you are a furniture "whisperer". The piece continued to speak to you as you went along and developed a new, more exciting, revamp. I really like the idea of using a new lens to see how something really looks. Well done you for finishing with a flourish!

[@johnfourteensix4910]

Failure is the best teacher. The desk turned out beautifully 😘

[@marilynhilman5522]

I bought an a bureau from a charity shop a few years ago. Painted it in an ivory colour and lined the inside with shabby chic wallpaper. I love my bureau as you will love yours. People will always criticise but don't take any notice and you have a piece of furniture that is unique x

[@DaintyDiaries]

So true! Thanks for stopping by Marilyn 💕

[@alanhazley8218]

Catherine You did a brilliant job on your writing desk it is gorgeous well done 👏👏👏👏You can do anything you put you mind to. Love watching your channel 💞 You have a beautiful home x it is a real credit to you. Your wee cats are lovely x so cute. Looking forward seeing you next week.xx ❤️ Lots of love FROM DIANE ❤️ IN NORTHERN IRELAND xx 💐💐💐💐

[@mimijohnson7714]

You’re so right! It’s for your home do what you want/like! It IS definitely your style and pretty! Love watching your content and listening to you talk. 🥰 👍🏼

[@harley8680]

Catherine!!! I love it! You "Labored" for us before "Labor Day"! ;-) I also loved your pep talk about creating for ourselves and not worrying about what others think of the project. So true!

[@normaalvarado1495]

Oh yes! the white chalkpaint is MUCH better! You meant the wax looked like a film on the wood. I love what you did after all. Wonderful job!

[@carolcurtis2220]

As usual a great result. Would love to see it "insitu" please.👍🏻❤️

[@melindabanning4497]

There are failures when you are creating. Being creative is a process of learning and having fun. I really like it!

[@melindabanning4497]

That was suppose to say there are NO failures when you are creating.

[@stephluvsdave]

Oh my God that piece is so gorgeous!!! I love it so very much. ❤❤❤

[@marybethduke3263]

I love it! Love the gold hardware too! What a difference to the look of the piece!

[@helenalexander2567]

Oh Catherine I love your outlook on life, your positivity and you unintended motivational speeches. I’ve made so many mistakes whilst renovating a house but you are right each one was a lesson learnt. Take care x

[@DaintyDiaries]

Aw thanks Helen! Love your renovation project! That’s how we learn x

[@donnatrethewey4479]

The finished piece with flowers is much nicer (IMHO) than the original plan. Your artist's eye in placement of the flowers is *lovely*. I have an artist friend who says, "There are no mistakes in art." Beautiful!

[@karenrickard8237]

Looking at something with fresh eyes. Think it looks great and will make you smile when putting on your make up. Always a treat to watch your videos Catherine, keep up the fab work honey. We luvya 👍🥰 xxx

[@nancyring8104]

This is utterly charming!! I totally agree- some of my favorite projects have come from what I thought was going to be a “ let’s hide this in the attic” fail!! Once you have nothing to lose, you can unleash your creativity!!❤️

[@DaintyDiaries]

You're so right Nancy 💕

[@kannrich1]

This turned out amazing 👏! Love it so much! Certainly not a fail by any means.

[@livingcreatively1]

I've learned the hard way you can't please everyone. So I just do me and help other as I can. This piece turned out perfect for you. I think it is so pretty and would love to have it. I have a mug that says everything is better with tea.

[@alyshaelkin3050]

Catherine, you are so wonderful! Your videos are so relaxing for me and always make me smile.

[@DaintyDiaries]

Oh thank you Alysha, you are so sweet x

[@lindaroyal9260]

Hope you show a video setting it up with your items, mirror, products, using tea cups and other thrift finds to hold beauty items. It looks very pretty, love the cubbies and mini drawers.

[@moominesque6081]

I love it! Ignore the negative comments, it's about what you like. I'd love to see it again when it's set up as your beauty station!

[@superlibbyanne]

My goodness, a redesign transfer master right out the gate. So impressed.

[@andree824]

Not only did I love what you did with the thrifted furniture piece, but most importantly what you said at the end. Some great advice there : )

[@dianesampson624]

Oh Catherine this is absolutely beautiful I love it ! As the old saying goes “if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again “ and you certainly did . X

[@DaintyDiaries]

Thanks so much Diane, such a true phrase x 😊

[@janetbyrne7765]

What a lovely piece you have created! It’s very romantic and it’s been a while since you’ve done the floral thing. I’ve missed that! It looks like a piece from the 30’s with the large floral on the front of the desk. I just adore it! It reminds me of a card table I just got from the daughter of a friend who passed unexpectedly. It is stamped 1934 and has dark wood legs and dark frame, with a green leatherette top that has a poppy bouquet painted on it. All around there is the same kind of design in gold often painted on desk tops like yours! The table looks like a framed painting when the legs are folded and I might just hang it on a wall! That puts its storage issue out of the way.

[@maryanngarcia3289]

I love how creative you are and how you are not afraid of failure 👍🏻blessings from Texas USA

[@DaintyDiaries]

Thanks Maryann 💕

[@maryclemons1048]

You are always brave with renovations and have a wonderful can do attitude. You are an inspiration!

[@DaintyDiaries]

Aw Mary you're so kind thank you so much 💕

[@vickiekleman4500]

I loved what you said at the end. I will be honest, while you were saying it was not turning out I was thinking it looks great!!! But once you were finished I thought the end result looks great and it is definitely you!! We do have a tendency to go through life trying to please others. So it is great to sit back and watch you be you. Continue being you don’t change. I came across your channel totally by accident just looking for a shoe storage project. Yours was the IKEA shoe storage project. Been watching you since. You are upbeat and a very positive person. I have been in the medical field for 25 years in the United States and watching you puts a smile on my face. Being around sickness and sadness really takes a toll. Please keep up the good work you again are a joy and smile in my day.

[@DaintyDiaries]

Wow that is soo lovely that means so much to me Vickie 💖💖💖 Have a wonderful weekend

[@malachi7667]

Great job looks very dreamy like something that wouldn't be out of place in beauty and the beast. Very romantic piece.

[@bernadineroyal6656]

That is so pretty....and getting a cup of tea, well, what problem can’t be solved with a cup of tea..☺️. Keep these projects coming, I get inspired so much from them. Your right about doing things for you and not worry about what others think about it. Do it for you and that’s what matters, of course if it’s something for someone else then you do what they want . Have a good weekend.

[@grisespino5342]

Thank you for your "speech" Catherine. Love your videos for your positive vibes, and " I can do this" attitude. I recently helped my Dad with some flooring and it a job and a half. Specially for a 1st timer. I have so much appreciation for what you do. You have a great friend. Have fun with it . Enjoy your lovely vanity.

[@veemcg3682]

I actually like the finished effect Catherine. The tea helps any situation doesn't it! Keep doing things your own way and have fun with everything. Forget about what anybody else would do..most wouldn't do anything other than yap...they'd send the darn thing to the skip before they'd work as hard as you work to make something good out of it! Great video Catherine and mam always said the one that doesn't make mistakes doesn't make anything!

[@kat3400]

I really like that perspective, the magic is in the mess! ❤️❤️

[@ohnoyce]

This turned out to be a STUNNER!!! Absolutely Gorgeous 😍

[@lauraleebaird9729]

I so look forward to your videos. There is just something about them that is so calming for me. Probably because you are so sweet and your house is always so DAINTY and tidy. I just love watching! I just love your project. Keep doing what you like....that's what I love about your channel. xoxo

[@alanalynk8067]

Oh my goodness Catherine, it turned out beautiful! You turned trash into treasure! A makeup station is a perfect idea 😊

[@DaintyDiaries]

It can be used for so much else too! Thanks Alana 💖

[@sheilafelix113]

This turned out so well! After you said you wanted it for a makeup dresser I was like "Yes, Girl!" I am now on the lookout for one of these! I am totally going to copy your idea!

[@julesiou12]

We've all been down that rabbit hole of messing up. I just leave it for a while and go back when I feel inspired again. You're right you need to create your style and what makes you happy, that's what drew the majority of us to you in the first place. Sometimes I read comments telling KZbinrs how they should do this and that and it drives me mad. If I'm not feeling a channel I don't subscribe and move on until I find one I can relate to. People eh? That said, you certainly turned it around, it's so pretty. Those floral stickers are gorgeous. Just be you Catherine, you are inspiring and have a unique beautiful style of your own. You know what they say, you can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time x

[@DaintyDiaries]

It's all about doing things for YOU 💖 That's what matters most

[@SBL1932]

I call them learning experiences. I really enjoy watching your channel because you take something that isn't perfect use a learning experience and make it absolutely gorgeous. We all need to learn and grow. I have learned a lot from watching you.

[@peggynorton5535]

Sometimes mistakes are happy little victories!! This turned out just beautiful!!

[@therockinwomanify]

I just love you Catherine :) I never would've known that you were "messin' it up" because I thought, "this is gonna be pretty." Of course it is :) I have ripped out a lot of seams when sewing, and did some makeovers that I thought would suit others instead of going with what I love, and, you are so right. You have much wisdom :) "Desks make great vanities! What a super idea! Thank you for sharing and have a great week! :) Peace...

[@icemaidenxxxx]

I absolutely LOVE how it turned out. Sometimes things don't work out how you planned for a reason, but end up being much better going down a different route. As always well done Catherine , there's just no end to your talents ♥ ♥

[@michellelockett6518]

Totally agree growth mindset is a huge asset in life. The best way to learn is to just try, fail and learn from that 😊

[@DaintyDiaries]

So true! Life is too short 💖

[@janettehutton8634]

It’s your furniture you do what you like my darling. I’ve stopped worrying about what other people like and don’t like, you’ll never please everyone ❤️😃. PS I love it. X

[@alisonfowler6224]

This looks amazing Catherine , I always say .. things will work untill they don't ... if you don't try you will never know 👍 X

[@lisanester3338]

I think it looks beautiful! 🙏🏻💜 Bottom line, if you love it, that’s all that matters.

[@marielenihan7385]

Catherine , well done you!! You are so honest in all your videos & it's so refreshing &authentic . Fair play to Joanne for nudging you back on track again, the desk turned out beautiful & has dainty diaries vibes all over it. Keep being you & doing what you love. All the best x

[@DaintyDiaries]

Thanks so much Marie you're so kind 💕hope you have a wonderful weekend x

[@HelloThere-cj7go]

I absolutely adore how it came out! You should do a future video of how you will decorate/organize your makeup in it, I would love to see that!

[@beachessandfire5598]

You've done a fantastic job. Tea makes everything better 😌

[@DaintyDiaries]

Damn right!! ❤️

[@EricaEvers]

How you look in your camera to get a different view reminds me of how I have used a mirror to look at a room I decorated. It’s strange how things look different. Love watching your videos!❤️

[@trinaansel9979]

Hi Catherine! You are so funny, you would make a great motivational speaker! :) It looks like you had a lot of fun with this project and it turned out so beautiful! It is unique and the decals of flowers are perfect for it. Great job!

[@rn1005018]

Catherine that is absolutely gorgeous! While you were learning a lesson, we were learning too:)

[@carolshaw7904]

I love it Catherine, it’s so you and it turn out beautifully 🌸

[@AmySmith-hh5yn]

Some of the best outcomes in life come from mistakes. Don’t be hard on yourself and don’t let others comments get to you. You are doing a fantastic job at life and you bring a ray of sunshine while doing it. Some of those people need a little ray of sunshine up their backside 😉 😆

[@heatherchambers1609]

It is beautiful and reflects your hard work as do all your projects. 😊. Don’t listen to the naysayers as it is easy to complain or criticize anonymously from behind a keyboard

[@patricamoody9764]

Your secretary desk makeover turned out beautifully. I absolutely love the floral rose rub on decals. You are a absolutely AMAZING. You persevere until you arrive at a finished product you love, even it didn't turn out like you had originally en envisioned. Like the saying goes, "keep trying until you are truly satisfied. I am anxious to see where you place the desk. So glad your helper Blondie was on hand to assist. You & she are both beautiful. Give her a rub & scratch session for me. Lots of love from Texas, USA.😀❤🐈💜🌹

[@MichelleH1791]

I have been crafting for over 25 years and I make mistakes constantly. I am my harshest critic for sure. And you are right about the "ego", if we stop listening to the "ego" in use, wow, what a difference it can make, whether the project meets our satisfaction or not. :)

[@jill954]

I have never thought of using a desk like that for a dressing table, good idea.

[@DaintyDiaries]

It's brilliant!!

[@julzcares]

I absolutely love what you have done to the thrifted writing desk. The desk is beautiful.

[@paulinedean175]

Brilliant Catherine love what you do keep showing us thank you ❤️

[@cint4347]

Your style is great. Never underestimate yourself. We love your style.

[@mitzileach260]

I have so many projects in my head, but in practice they never turn out quite how I pictured them. The cabinet is lovely, you have so much patience sanding.

[@sunnygem21]

We have a cabinet at home that I want to paint for my baby girl and maybe I'll find some of those flower transfers that you used. Thanks for the confidence boost! 😊

[@marionandrews176]

The piece looks beautiful and goes well with the rest of your decor. Great idea to use it as a vanity table.

[@CatCaretakerID]

Catherine - I love your attitude and I find it so inspiring how you just dig in and use those power tools. I find I am a bit fearful about my power tools sometimes - so thanks for helping me to feel more empowered. On this project - I didn't even know about those furniture transfers - very helpful, also the chalk paint bio-strip. I do tend to find the fails disheartening - now I'll try to take a break and remind myself of the things I learned, rather than focusing on what didn't work out.

[@gingerspath3565]

It is no failure. It turned out beautifully! You are not afraid to try new things. You are so brave! Please keep posting!

[@gingergreenhill1908]

It's never a mistake, just a change of plans! Super cute!

[@mariejeanne9461]

I think it looks like a great piece of furniture and very pretty!! Great idea to use it as Vanity Table, close it up and it is neat and tidy. Best wishes Catherine.

[@designdoctor247]

Beautiful. Absolutly stunning

[@designdoctor247]

Silence the voices...let go and let God ...Amen Girl....it turned out so pretty ...my eyes misted up it is so beautiful. You can almost hear the little lady in the photo praying that her furniture would last and bring someone JOY And oooooh the joy it brought u and alllll of us!!!

[@nessadavey9790]

Such a Gorgeous piece 🧡 Adore it ! You are so talented and such amazing ceativity 🌷 Thank you for sharing 💝

[@PumpkinBecki]

I completely agree that sometimes you have to take a step back from your projects. It's hard as a KZbinr, you're filming your project and you put so much pressure on yourself to get it "right" for viewers, been there done that. I am an interior designer and paint effects specialist and I think rather than the oil wax, a really watered down white emulsion paint wiped over the piece would have given you the "limed" look you seemed to be aiming for. Once dried that could then be built up with another layer of watered down emulsion and the whole piece clear waxed to seal. But hey, it's your furniture and that is all that matters xx

[@ginnyosborne3304]

Glad you made this for yourself. You’re the one who has to live with the piece ...it’s beautiful! You go girl!

[@dn8387]

Ooooohh, it’s a quite beautiful mistake! Great job on the piece. As I’ve aged I’ve learned artistic endeavors are much like life; we know where we’re heading, sometimes there’s a detour and often we end up in a better spot than we imagined. Thank you for allowing us another visit with you & Blondie.

[@DaintyDiaries]

I love that saying! Very true 💖💖

[@annetteelder-clark505]

I inherited a solid mahogany secretary desk like yours from my grandmother. I love it & use it. It never occurred to me to paint it because (1) it's Grandma's secretary (2) it's mahogany. But now you've got me thinking "hey, it's my secretary & has been since she passed in 1997 & I can do whatever I want to it." So, thanks for the inspiration & I'm going to have it painted sage green (my favorite color) by a neighbor who upcycles furniture for a living. 🙂🙂🙂💚💚💚

[@DaintyDiaries]

That sounds gorgeous! 💕 Sage green is one of my faves too

[@donnalocke5713]

Love what you did . You never know how the wood will turn out . Different woods that they used . All woods stain different . Iike the paint it breaks it up . And the flowers on it icing on the cake ...❤️❤️❤️

[@linzertube]

Well done, Catherine! I agree with what you said, about having fun, and making something to please yourself. That’s important. It’s a beautiful job!

[@DaintyDiaries]

That's exactly it! 💕Thanks for watching

[@zoeemiko8149]

Some of my initial failures have turned out to be my best pieces ever. Of course some have just so totally failed I finally gave up. Good on you for persevering! I love your finished piece.