DIY: Desk Drawer Makeover

From the very beginning, we chose to move to an unfurnished apartment. But as much as I love to shop for new furniture, challenges emerge very often. First up, we wanted to stick to a small budget, because we might end up moving again, in a year or so. So hand-me-downs were perfect for us. Now, our regular Friday ritual consists of trolling Craigslist for moving/garage sales. Second, people often exaggerate about the condition of their furniture on Craigslist. So you end up investing much time, energy and money to make it appealing. After much ordeal, we have acquired a couch, an upholstered chair, a desk and a wooden chair. And we got them for a bargain. The desk costs us only 8 bucks!

The desk looked quite nice from the outside. Unfortunately, the drawers were a mess! It was probably owned by a 10 year old.

My first thought was to cover them with newspapers and call it a day. Challenge? We don't have a newspaper subscription! And then, I had a light-bulb moment. Pinterest!!! After much searching, I found this great idea by Sherry from Young House Love. Wrapping lined drawers!!!

Source: younghouselove.com via Farah on Pinterest

I didn't have all the necessary craft supplies on hand. So I went to Michaels' to grab Mod Podge, foam brush, and some pretty wrapping paper. I bought two coordinating wrapping papers. The initial plan was to cover the base of the drawer with one color and the sides with another. I followed Sherry's instructions to a T for the procedure.

After cleaning out the drawers with damp paper towels, I removed all the drawer pulls with a screwdriver. Then I put on a thin layer of Mod Podge on the drawer and stuck the pre-cut wrapping paper on the surface. I tried my best to smooth out and bubbles or wrinkles. Which turned out to be real hard.

Then I did the same thing for the sides.

I tried to be clever and cut out strips and creased at the corners. Which was a big mistake! Next time, I will cut the paper for one side at a time. Then I waited for couple of hours (about 4-5 hours) to let them dry before applying the second coat of Mod Podge. The second layer was applied deliberately yet thinly. As this was my first Mod Podge project, I wasn't very sure what to expect. I had quite a few bubbles and wrinkles resurface. My guess is the paper did not adhere well to the drawer in the first step. I don't have a picture for this second layer step. At this point it was quite late at night. Anyways, after I was finished with coating all the drawers, I let them dry overnight.

The next day, I poked the paper through the holes and re-attached the drawer pulls. And Voila! My desk drawers were ready to be stuffed with all the stationary goodness!

Here's a closeup of the final product. The wrapping papers are in bright colors. Which I thought would be very appropriate as a break from long brainstorming sessions.

The best part was that the whole project cost me only $6.25. It is great to be crafty!

Have you done any DIY/makeover inspired by Pinterest lately? Please do share!