Melissa Beck Photography » Premier Wedding Photographer for New England and Colorado

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MBP | DIY OFFICE DESKS

Problem: Find a set of awesome desks for cheap that fit our style and brand.

I wanted to have an awesome pair of desks in the office but considering everything I found that I loved was insanely priced. I refused to fork up the very pretty pennies that it would take to call them mine.  Possibly something as close to a Restoration Hardware knock off as I could find that existed on a tight budget? Nope. Trust me I searched.

Answer: DIY. Check out how we made the set of desks we have, what you need to make your own, and the process we did to make them.

Supplies Needed:

Legs: (Found in the Plumbing Department at your Local Hardware Store, Per Desk)
3/4 ” Black Steel Pipe.
3″ x 3
10″ x 6
24″ x 2
48″ x 1
T’s x 6
Caps x 4
Flanges x 4

Reclaimed Wood or New Wood Made to Look Old.
Stain
Poly
Wire Brush
Clean Rags
Pipe Wrench
Awesome Husband (optional)
Tons of Patience
Hours of Searching Craigslist
 

For some of the pieces, we needed to have them cut down to they would be the correct length, and our trusty Home depot guy was able to help.

While you are picking out your pieces of piping and making your measurements, (or in this case my awesome husband) remember that stuff of the pipes is dirty and greasy, so come prepared with some rags for clean up.

Some of the pieces for one desk ready to go.

The T’s and ‘Caps’ that we used. There are other options that you can choose for caps, which we used for our feet, but these little guys were the cheapest. I think if we had hardwood floors then I would have picked something with a little more girth to them but once these are on the carpet they blend right in. Good or Bad? Cheap is all I know.

Okay, so you have all of your pieces… Now time for some wood.  Left: old reclaimed wood that I found on Craigslist for $10.00. Right: Craigslist butcher block table cut to length and sanded, beat up, hand aged, and set out side wet to dry out and crack. (Note: wood does not dry out and crack in three days of snow. You can’t rush the awesomeness of wood aging. ) If you find reclaimed wood awesome, give it a good scrub. (Preferably in funny yellow kitchen gloves like me ) Otherwise Ikea or any other place you can find a piece of butcher block, will work great.

On our reclaimed piece of wood we had some places with rot. Make sure to scrape that out. Now for the piping. Most of the pipe comes unfinished. But you are dealing with plumbing not furniture legs. Some of the pipe will have a thick black tar like covering. Not to worry, it looks awesome once removed.

Next, spend what seems like forever using Acetone to strip off all the black goo covering from the pipes. Do not use water on this step, or you can run the risk of the pipe rusting in places. Get ready to muster up some good ol’ fashioned elbow grease, and a TON of rags. This step was messy. Wear gloves, the Acetone will be hard on your hands and brush the threaded ends with a wire brush after to make sure it will thread properly once you begin building.

Back to the wood. Make sure you have a clean surface to start with. You can also use a small amount of the Acetone again to clean off any extra saw dust and dirt from the wood. Water will raise the grain back up, and after all the sanding you just did you don’t want that to happen.

YEA! Staining time. We used Water Based Minwax American Walnut stain because we had that left over form an old project. When we went to get more for desk #2, we only found Oil Based… Huh. All in all they finished looking pretty close to the same but we had some trouble with the oil based stain.

Again, wear gloves or it will look like… Well, like you didn’t wear gloves.

For both desks we finished with the ever so awesome Minwax Wipe-On Poly. Love this stuff. Literally dump some on a clean rag and rub it on. Easy Peasy! It looks awesome and has a slight hand rubbed finish. *Always finish in a dust free enviroment. Wink Wink* Do all of this twice and you have what we have!

Then assemble. This can be a bit trick because it all need to go in order, but I think trial and error is the way to go here. Make sure to level the legs. You can do so by adjusting the tightness of the fittings.

And NOW, for the final project! (Keep in mind we did this process twice for two separate desks.)

Desk #1 measures: 20×48

Desk #2 measures: 30×55

Total Cost of Project, Including both Desks: $225

Not too bad considering I was in love with the Restoration Hardware Flatiron Desk! Yikes. Have you seen the price tag on that beauty!?? What DIY project are you doing this weekend?? 

TWO BRIGHT LIGHTS | Editors’ Choice Award

I am thrilled to announce:
 
Melissa Beck Photography has been selected as a winner of the 2012 Two Bright Lights Editors’ Choice Awards!
 
Editors Choice Award
 
This award is given in recognition of the those whose number of published features in 2011 placed them among the top 5% of all Two Bright Lights members. Winners were published across many of the most respected lifestyle, wedding and other print and digital publications in the United States and worldwide. By submitting their authentic, stunning imagery and services directly to the top industry publications and editors, the Editors’ Choice winners represent the best-of-the-best.
 
Editors Choice Award
 
What an amazing email to wake up to! In all honestly, it is all made possible by you guys… Our brides and followers. We just feel so lucky to be able to capture your love and weddings. It is all of the thought, planning, time and dedication you as MBP brides pour into your weddings that allow us to submit your images for publication. It seriously makes my day to see your lovely faces and amazing weddings getting accepted and featured. Little ol’ MBP. Rocking it out in 2012!
 
Thank you so much to all of the other creative professionals who made these features possible! Your work is always stunning and we are privileged to be able to work with all of you! We are so looking forward to each of your weddings this year being featured as well! Congrats to all of you amazing brides, and little ol’ MBP!
 
To see more of our Featured Publications, please visit our Press Page.  If you are interested in MBP photographing your wedding, please contact us at: info@melissabeckphotography or by heading up to our ‘Contact Tab’ above.

Linda - Wow! Well deserved! Your work is amazing!!

MB CREATIVE | Mentor Session : Posing & Styling Workshop

***EDIT***

This post will remain the first post on the blog until March 7th, when a winner is announced. To see the newest posts, Please Scroll Down. 

Mentor Session | Posing & Styling Workshop Date : Saturday April 14th $99.00

 

Today begins a full week of announcements for MBP.

I am so excited to announce something we have been working on for months. The new extension of Melissa Beck Photography, MB CREATIVE. And today we begin with:

Mentoring Session |  Posing & Styling Workshop. 

  • Have you ever struggled with preparing for your session?
  • Is it difficult for you to communicate to clients how to move their bodies into the positions you want them in?
  • Do you want to take how you communicate with clients to the next level to get the images you are really looking for?
 Then Join MBP during on our our upcoming Posing and Styling Workshops.
 
All the info:
$99.00
Styled Session with a Real Couple
3 hours of Group Learning and Shooting 
Information Booklet full of Tips & Tricks
Step by Step Look at how MBP Works and Interacts with Clients
Learn What Questions to ask Clients to Make their Sessions Personal 
Drinks and Dessert Group Gathering Session at MBP Meeting Space for a recap of the day.   
 
Because we want this to be a great afternoon of learning and growing, we are limiting each session to 5 attendees. Session dates will be available monthly. For more information, details, and dates of sessions email: MB CREATIVE at creative@melissabeckphotography.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

The MB CREATIVE line is something we have been dreaming of doing and offering for months now and none of this would be possible without each one of you here. So as small token of appreciation and a way of saying thank you, we are GIVING AWAY a seat to the 1st Posing & Styling Workshop. To enter leave a comment below on the blog. Tell us how you think this will help you and benefit your clients. We will pick a winner and announce the date of the workshop on March 7th. One week from today!

If you are not already a fan of MBP, please make sure to head over to our FaceBook page and “Like” us!

 

Michelle Hebert - Melissa, it’s been so inspiring to watch your business grow and flourish. All your hard work is absolutely reflected through your images and by those who supported your dream. I am now venturing in a whole new direction of photography in order to find a healthy balance between family and work, and make sure that when I leave my kiddos and husband to do a photo shoot,I will have the proper tools and creativity to maximize my time and get the results that I want. Posing is not my strongest talent and at times it can be intimidating, especially stepping out in this new direction. I’ve been LOVING my maternity time off and spending some quality time with my kids, but I’m a bit rusty and could use some inspiration! I’d love to learn the skills that have helped you succeed and thrive, especially since I love your timeless style!
Xoxo, Michelle

Tiffany - I am a developing photographer that needs all the help I can get. I love shooting and have a strong desire to learn more. I have had a chance to practice with some friends and family members doing posed shots but I know I have a lot to learn still. I have been asked by friends, how can’t afford to spend a lot of money on a photographer, to shoot some pretty important life moments, like engagement photos, maternity shots and even some weddings. I would love to use my passion to help them out but would feel much more confident with some more skills from a great photographer like yourself. Thanks for the opportunity.

Sara - After shooting with you last summer I realized you had a strength in directing your couples that will never come naturally for me. The way you directed the couples not only made them comfortable but inspired a creative element to the day of the wedding and the photographs I was able to capture. I would love to be selected as the winner so I could grow when I am shooting a family session and really want to highlight the spouses. Thank you for offering this!! I am thrilled to be apart of it even if I am not a winner 🙂

Amy Stephens - Hi Melissa! Thanks for the great opportunity to enter your contest. I am a child and family photographer and have run my business for 3 years now with success. I am wanting to expand into weddings and engagements (I have my 2nd ever wedding on the books for June in NY this summer!) and would love some guidance in working exclusively with couples. My family style is very natural and playful, but I feel for the next level I need to hone my posing and communications skills for couples. Your workshop is the perfect opportunity to help transition my business for 2012! I

Cheers!
Amy

Amy - I have had a passion for photography since I was old enough to have a camera
I now have children and have been married for 17 years. What I have learned over the years is that God has His perfect timing for all he does in our lives. Our children are now in elementary school and HE has been opening doors for me and blessing me…being paid to do what I LOVE makes me feel like a precessional athlete. I have been devouring photography books and blogs trying to learn as much as I can. I have my first two paid jobs coming up in march and would LOVE the opportunity to be taught by you. I would be an excellent student! I eagerly await your response.
Amy-

Amy Cronk - Dear Melissa,
I have learned so very much from you already. I know if I came to this workshop I would learn so much more than I could ever imagine. My weakest point is posing, I love to let clients do thier “natural thing” and as we all know natural is not always pretty. I know standing behind the camera with your guidance and wisdom would grow me in incredible ways and help my business really go where it needs to go. 🙂 XOXO

Rhema sturgeon - I would love to learn more about communicating poses to my clients. Sometimes I find it hard trying to find the right words to explain what I would like them to do! Haha. Posing is something I have been wanting to be very intentional about and I feel like your workshop would be a great benefit for my business! 🙂

Shannon Coker - Wow, having the opportunity to learn from MB would be an incredible honor. I always feel like I do the same stuff, especially with engaged couples or during the oh so important 15-30 minutes of bride and groom portraits at a wedding. I love MB’s style and think that this opportunity would greatly benefit me and provide my clients with a larger variety of images.