Desk Set-The Rest of the Story

Today we're going to finish up the Desk Set that we started a few weeks ago so that next month we can get on with some serious crafting in time for Christmas. (Make sure to read the whole post to learn about MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!)

A few weeks ago I showed you the beginning of the Desk Set with some pencils and pretty clips.  To round out your set and make your work space look ultra pretty we're going to add: a small container for paperclips, a picture frame, a pencil holder, and a drink coaster.

This project is so simple but in the end looks super cute.  Keep in mind that you don't have to use only one kind of paper.  Use different patterns from the same series or collection to get a really swank look.  My favourite paper to use right now is paper napkins.  They're the easiest to use with the glue and they come in so many beautiful patterns.

Basically, we're just going to decoupage anything we can get our hands on! Yeah!  I love decoupaging!

Here are the supplies I used:

Steps:
1) Cut your paper to fit whatever item you'll be applying it to.  Here, I traced the bottom of the small ceramic container and cut it out to fit inside.

2)Just apply your modge podge to the surface that you want to add the paper to:



I think it's time for a new brush!

3)Place your paper on top of the modge podge.  And now for the fun part....add another layer of modge podge on top.  This is when I usually pull out my Sparkle Modge Podge.  It seals the paper down and gives it a smooth and shiny finish.  And the Sparkle Mod Podge gives it an extra something.

Make sure to go just a little outside the edge of the paper to seal it in.  The glue will dry clear so don't worry about making a mess.

Now, we just do the same with all of the other pieces!


Drink Coaster

I used an empty pasta sauce jar to make a holder for all those pretty pencils we made last time:

Pencil Holder

This little alcove desk in my kitchen usually ends up collecting all sorts of junk.  I actually had to take away a pile of stuff before I took this photo:


My desk BEFORE

I think I've heard on both Nate Berkus and the Oprah show that when you have a nice looking space to do work in that you will actually use it and you won't clutter it up with garbage.


My desk NOW

I think they're on to something.  I've had my pretty accessories set up on my desk for a week now and it's still in good shape. Eventually I'm going to paint the wall behind with both magnetic and chalk board paint and get rid of that little inspiration board.

A whole set like this would make an excellent Christmas gift for a co-worker or someone who's going back to school~

And now for THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!

OK, here's the deal.  If you are signed up as a follower AND I have at least 50 followers by the end of November I will choose one randomly numbered comment from this post and giveaway one set of 4 pretty clips with 4 pretty pencils!

All you have to do is click that Follow button on the side bar and leave a comment at the end of this post telling me which colour you would like if you win, Asian Blue or Pretty Peach:



Asian Blue



Pretty Peach





Tell your friends and family to sign up.  There are no hidden shipping fees and it doesn't matter what country you're from...the more the merrier!

Good luck, have fun, and spread the word!

Whoo hoo!  I have a new top referrer this week.  Head over to Tatertots and Jello and check out Jen's great crafty ideas, linky parties, and giveaways~

As always I'll be posting this project at the linky parties throughout the week.  Check them all out under the linky tab at the top of the page.

Desk Set

Well, today is your lucky day, because today you are getting two tutorials in one!  I did the first part of this project a few weeks ago but then noticed that there were already several other posts in the linky parties for the same project.

Not wanting to waste a good post that was already written I started to think about ways that I could add to it.  So, here it is, the beginings of a very pretty deskset that I think we might be able to add onto in the next little while.

Because I did each part of the project separately, I'll show the steps separately for you, but I think this is something you could do all together at the same time and would probaby end up saving you time and clean up.

Part 1-Pretty Clips

Here are the materials you need:

(paint is optional)

Steps:
1)Apply Modge Podge to one side of clothes pin and place onto wrong side of paper.  If you line up one side of your clothes pin with the outside edge of the paper you don't have to make as many cuts.

2)Using a sharp blade cut your paper as close to the clothes pin as you can.

3)Apply another layer of Modge Podge on right side of paper for a nice sleek finish.

If you're really industrious and want something that looks uber professional you can paint the clothes pin.  I decided that I liked the natural wood look....and painting seemed like it would get pretty messy.


I tried a few different kinds of paper (origami, tissue, scrapbooking) but had the best results with some beautiful paper napkins that I had.

You can adhere magnets on the back to use on magnetic surfaces like your filing cabinet or fridge or just use them to keep all of those important papers together.  Try adding embellishments or using stamps.  The possibilities are endless!

Now for Part 2!-Pretty Pencils

Here are the supplies you need:



After I took this photo I realized you might want to add a pencil or marker.

Steps:
1)Place your pencil onto the wrong side of your paper with the metal end at the bottom flush with the edge of the paper. Or, just measure the length with a ruler.  Cut your paper the desired length.  Don't worry if your off a bit, the pencil will need to get sharpened eventually so any extra won't even show.


2)Roll the paper around your pencil to figure out the width that you need.  I used standard pencils and needed just over 1" but you should double check in case in your pencils are different.  Cut your paper the desired width.

3)Cover the wooden portion of your pencil with Modge Podge

4)Place the pencil onto the wrong side of your paper.  Roll the pencil and press the paper until you get a smooth finish.

5)Apply another layer of Modge Podge to the right side of the paper to seal the seam and to give it a nice shiny finish.  (I tried my new Sparkle Modge Podge for this step on some of the pencils and absolutely love, love, love the effect!)

6)Let Dry.  I propped mine up against some styrofoam.  Make sure whatever you use that your pencils don't stay stuck to it.

I found that the thinner the paper is, the easier it is to use.  The scrapbooking paper was the most difficult to roll and to stay put.

So, here you go!  The beginnings of a very pretty set of accessories for your desk at work or at home:

I did try sharpening the pencils and they still look beautiful...

These will make great stocking stuffers or thank you gifts throughout the year.  What do you think?  What else can you use them for?  Don't be shy...leave a comment.

This weekend is Thanksgiving in Canada, so...Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Have a great weekend~

(This project will be posted throughout the week at the linky parties from the linky party tab above.  Check out the sites for more great ideas!)

 The Shabby Chic Cottage was my top referrer last week, so go visit Gina and
check out her site for other fab ideas!

As always, don't forget to check out Todays Creative Blog for more fun ideas.