I’ve been to Goodwill twice over the last week and each time I’ve had a MAJOR score. That really never happens. I’m so excited about all the fun {inexpensive} things I have found and am slowly starting to recreate them one project at a time. It’s hard though, I have several big furniture building type projects, a couple room makeovers, and tons of craft type projects to do and sometimes I just get overwhelmed and don’t work on any, lol. But, I’m not doing that anymore. My new goal is to work on one project each day if possible without stressing out too much when things get done. I’ve actually already finished a couple Christmas projects. Of course those got moved up to the from of the line 
I’m trying to really narrow down exactly what my decorating style is and sometimes I get a little too caught up on all the awesome projects on Pinterest and want to make them without really giving it much thought as to if it fits with what I”m trying to go for. I’d say my dream style is rustic vintage (slightly industrial) farmhouse with muted, neutral colors. Yes, I was trying to add more color to my life over the summer but I keep coming back to those neutral color schemes, think burlap, distressed whites and off-whites, linens, and jute. I love little time pops of color here and there.
It is my attempt to stay focused now though. It’s helping too. When I was at the Goodwill my eye was only catching those things that had potential for ‘the look’ I’m trying to achieve, which I will be revealing more of as time goes on. So, on to today’s post! One of my awesome finds was a small wooden try with handles for only .99 cents! Total score! I have a fairly big desk and things tend to collect all over it and it frustrates and frazzles me. I can’t even begin to attempt any work until everything is in it’s place. Forever all my little loose things like stamps, sticky notes, my calculator, and vitamins have been collecting in various spots and it drives me up the wall. When I saw this little tray I thought it would be the perfect thing to help me stay organized.
And here it is.!One thing you will notice is it says est. 1290 which I MEANT to put 1920 but in my half asleep state I accidentally put the two before the nine. Opps! At first I was annoyed then I just told myself to let it go. I’m sure they had wood in 1290 and someone made a box out of it.
This was really quick and easy to make. If you’ve read other post of mine, you probably see a theme; quick and easy. I am extremely impatient and if a project doesn’t come together easily, I lose interest and stop working on it.
To create the vintage, old look I first took the handles off and tea stained the box. Tea stain is just what it sounds like. I steaped a darker tea until the water cooled and with a paint brush coated the entire thing with the tea water and let it dry. Then I spray painted the tray and let that dry.
Once the paint was dried I used a fine sand paper to ruff it up a little, especially the corners, to give it the appearance that it is older then it really is. This is when the darker spots from the tea come through.
Last, I screwed the handles back on and used my Martha Stewart alphabet stencils and stenciled the letters and numbers on it.
And that is it! I love my new little organizer and it’s already giving me piece of mind that my desk will be clutter free.
I’m linking up to some of the following found here as well as TipJunkie, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Today’s Creative Blog, Home Stories A to Z, The Shabby Nest, My Repurposed Life, Funky Junk Interiors,Thrifty Decor Chick, Between Naps on the Porch, Live, Laugh, Rowe, The Better Half.
So Simple, yet so functional! LOVE!!! Sharing it over on my FB today.
Thank you SO much! Have an awesome day!
So cute! I love it. I am just like you, simple and quick or I will lose interest. xoxo Love it. Pinned.
lol. I’m trying to change it but I just can’t seem to
Thanks for stopping by!
I think it is lovely. Great job! This would make a great gift, especially if you included some cookies or homemade bread in the box.
I love this. I’ve been looking for something similar, but haven’t had any luck at thrift stores. Love the idea of tea staining. Great job!
I love what you have made here!
Love this little project – sooooo cute and doable! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Hello from a fellow Oregonian! Saw your post over on Hometalk and had to stop by, ’cause I just love this.
Quick and easy is my mantra as well, and I’ve been showcasing thrift store transformations on my blog all month as part of the popular 31 Days series. This is a great deal! I’m going to share on FB as well, ’cause it fits so well with what I’ve been doing. 
That’s so awesome of you! Where about do you live in Oregon?
I love this. Please link it to my linky party & anything else you have to share.
Thanks, Peggy. http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/10/whatcha-work-up-wednesday-5-linky-parties-are-back.html
I’d be happy to. Thanks for coming by!
This is so cute, and simple and fast. Love how it turned out.
Saw you linking At The Picket Fence
Debbie
Thanks for sharing your tips on how you refinished this …. I love wood bargains at Goodwill but am always stumped at the refinishing part. I thought your est. date might have been the month and year of your anniversary ….
I reached your blog from The Shabby Nest.
Ellen
Super cute!
I love this! Pinned it:) I posted “Halloween chalk board” to twirl & take a bow! Following you now via Linky. Follow me to on google or linky at www.sewsweetvintage.com Happy Halloween!
So so pretty. I made something similar but larger, as an herb garden. Love the stenciled letters!
Would love if you came and linked up with us. We’re giving away one free week of ad space for one lucky feature, and our blog gets thousands of hits per day! Hope to see you there!
http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-4/
Hi Jocie! First, I love your name! And thanks so much for stopping by. I’d love to link up! Thanks for stopping by here.
Hey Amanda. Thanks – it took me awhile to love my name, but i do now!
Thanks so much for linking up last week at the Humble Brag! Hope to see you back tomorrow to link up more great projects. Also you were featured, so be sure to grab a button and show it off – you earned it!
ww.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-5/
So simple and cute! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
cute! this could go anywhere, I love it
Love your organizer! Thanks for linking it up to my party! Stop by tomorrow to see it featured and feel free to grab a “House Featured” button!
Leslie
I get a but overwhelmed with all the projects swirling around in my head, too. Now I am approaching it the same way as you-one at a time. I love your thrifty desk organizer.
Ruth
This is such a creative idea. I love that it’s made from a thrift store purchase! Thanks for sharing at All Start Block Party last week. I included you in my features