Remember the workbench I revamped for Lucketts?
I loved how it turned out and have since been on the lookout for humble handmade workbenches that others might overlook.
When I was shopping last week, I found this…
I dismissed it at first, because it’s a little clumsy, but in the end, the finger-hold handles won me over. I paid about $100 for it.
I added the steel wheels to make it a little taller and more mobile. I’m keeping this piece for the studio for now and we have just about everything on casters or sliders. They somehow make the piece look a little softer, even.
The top was a little boring and I didn’t want to just paint it, so I added some antique wood lath strips to the top. These are from the same bundle I used for my potting bench. I tacked them in with a brad nailer and, I have to say, it looks pretty amazing. They need a good sanding and some hemp oil, but then it will be perfect.
I applied two coats of a custom mix of Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint in Grain Sack and Trophy with the Bonding Agent added. It was about five parts Grain Sack to one part Trophy. I think this piece was wearing an oil based paint, because the milk paint was just sliding off. It was probably the worst I’ve ever seen, but I kept brushing the paint and the second coat went on much better.
I’ve painted enough pieces to know I just need to press on through the ugly stage. Every piece goes through a bit of an adolescence. Some go through it with only a retainer and frizzy hair. Others have a full-on headgear and mom-cut bangs. This one was the latter, but it’s pulling through!
I decided to remove the cabinet doors as well, since I didn’t like the hinges. Or the doors, for that matter! I happened to have a crate that fits almost perfectly in the recess and I think will prove to be a nice spots for envelopes, tape, etc. (We’re using this for a shipping counter.) I’ll show you more as I get it finished.
I debated between removing the back and keeping it, but I decided to keep it in the end. I thought it was the perfect spot for an Ikea rail system, so we can keep pens, scissors, etc. at the ready. I ordered a rail along with some hooks and caddies…
I am excited to see how it all comes together.
The need for a workbench for shipping came about because we rearranged the studio. We made some changes that took only a couple of hours, but made a huge different in how the space feels and functions.
We created a work space for me…
…and for Kriste…
I had a desk space, but it was crammed back in the corner and I never, ever sat at it. And poor Kriste never had a desk. We always worked on the workshop tables in the middle of the studio. It’s so nice to have an actual place to land.
We created a larger checkout area and some fun displays…
Our goal is to eventually set up a small retail section and start having regular studio hours, so people can come in and shop. More details on that later…
It’s nice to see the progression of your studio. I bought a house that I am converting to a woodworking workshop and retail space, so I am interested to see what you are doing. I must note that both you and Kriste have unpainted desks!
I love the paint brushes hanging off the board! What a cool idea. I may have to knick that idea. And I love the various series of posts you’ve been doing. The evolution of… and your room redo’s (BTW you will be stunned at the unexpected blessings you receive for doing design work for free. I have been doing that for years, and the rewards are always unexpected, but make it so worth your time and energy. Well done!) are great. I look forward to them. But are you ever going to show the footage you took with Karianne Wood? I would love to see that. Even if you just posted on your YouTube channel.
All the best,
The Other Marian
Your workroom displays are so fun and lighthearted! I particularly like the paintbrush rail, vintage truck, and basket hanging off the back of the door (I have a vintage bicycle basket in my craft room that I have hanging from a wall instead), and of course that wonderful chalkboard wall. Love it all and look forward to seeing more!!
Mary
You are truly a mountain moving miracle worker with furniture. I continue to love watching what you do! I have loved your series on your blog start up and I’m so excited to see the furniture you pull in for the Market at Chapel Hill. Your studio has got to be hands down the most amazing, beautiful place to work and be! Thanks for inspiring us and sharing with us around the world. And your work space, is so gorgeous, I’m pretty sure I could work there all day, in complete bliss. And as if that weren’t enough, your writing, and descriptions of the adolescence in the furniture stages: amazing and funny, and is pretty much the best description ever of the awkward stage to any creative process. Thank you, Marian! You truly are amazing.
I don’t know how you do it again and again,okay so maybe i do, God is wonderful,thanks Marian because you share.
i would give anything to have a quarter of your talent. I’m a great copier, but bad with thr original ideas. Thanks for sharing, you certainly give inspiration to all
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!! Can I just come and STAY in the studio???????? You girls are doing a wonderful job, as usual! I so look forward to these posts everyday Marian! Thanks for that!
Great work space. I truly believe when the work area is organized and enjoyable way more is accomplished. I have the Ikea caddy in my craft room and it is so handy and looks vintage.
I remember the workbench you revamped for Lucketts because I knew if I were lucky enough to attend, I would have made a bee line for that bench. I wanted it so badly!! Still love just getting another glimpse of it.
Can’t wait to see the Ikea rail on your workbench. What a great idea!
Did you know gym baskets have the name of high school on the tag?
We are heading your way from Alberta Canada in a couple of weeks. I would love to be able to shop in your studio! Hint, hint. No pressure!
Will you be here this week, Michele?? We will be in the studio Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and would love for you to stop by!
I love yours and Kriste’s desk areas! They look so pretty, and also functional! I’m hoping you’ll sit right down and keep writing posts about how you started your business – I’m really enjoying ithem. I’d also be quite interested in hearing Kriste’s perspective – what it’s like to work for MMS the brand. Did she have any previous experience in vintage home decor?
The wood top and custom color look amazing. I am looking forward to seeing th final reveal. The studio looks like it is a wonderful place to come to each day,…a charming place to work and be creative in. Thank you for sharing.
Love all the new changes! Glad you kept the back on the work table. It makes it a little more unique. The two desks and chairs look like the perfect places to get a lot done. Love both styles.
The piece is looking great. That wood top!! Excited to hear more about your shop hours. 🙂
Great idea for the workbench top! I have slowly been amassing a stash of paint stir-sticks, so that when the perfect project comes along, I’ll have the wood ready to apply and “age”. Thanks for the inspiration.
May I ask how you’d made the chalk wall look “chalky” like that? I have a chalk wall in my shop that needs this doing to it..!
Your space looks great!
I could paint for hours in there!
Jayne
Oh Marian I love your studio space!!! Love! Thanks for sharing.
I love your idea of adding wood texture to the top of the workbench. It looks amazing!
When you said that it was lath wood, it made me wonder if it is the stuff that I have a stack of in my barn.
Is that the same stuff that plaster is applied over?
Yours seems so much prettier and thicker that mine.
Yep, that’s exactly what it is!
Your comment explaining the “ugly stage” is the funniest thing I have heard in a long time. I will remember the next time I am painting something and start to cringe. Love your blog.
You made me giggle! Your description of “full-on headgear and mom-cut bangs” for the workbench, gave me the perfect image of a sad looking teenager, er, I mean, work bench. Thanks for the laugh!
Your space is really coming along together and I am really intrigued to see what you do next! Those office spaces are so nice 🙂 I really like the idea you have for a shipping station, that is going to be great once your all finished.
Lauren Baxter | Lovely Decor
xx
It looks like a fun project that is going to turn out fabulous. I adore your desk! That wood is to-die-for!
As someone who is trying to revamp her creative space and blog and possibly open an talk to you soon store, this refreshing post about updates was very much appreciated! Also what can you tell me about that amazing rug under Kristins desk?!
As always your finished ideas are amazing! Cheers!
Christina Marie