My New Furniture!

The other day I decided I wanted something new for my classroom. Something different. However, I didn't want to go a teacher store to pay lots and lots of $$. I thought I would give thrift shopping a try. One of my best friends is really crafty and I knew she could make something old look new (and fun) again! When we set out, I was looking for a small table to use as a partner reading station. However, I fully planned on not finding anything (I didn't want to be tooo disappointed if I didn't find anything!).

Our first stop was a yard sale and I found this old, child-size writing desk. All I could think was that it was perfect for a writing center! I walked away, knowing it wasn't what I was looking for. But, I just kept coming back to it. I knew I had to have it! And for $15, this is what I got:

How cool is that??

Then, we went to a thrift store and I found exactly what I was looking for when I started out - a simple, small table! And it was only $6!

Okay, okay, I know you're thinking these look a little boring for a second grade classroom, right? But wait till you see what my wonderful, talented friend did to them!

Here is a picture of the writing desk, closed:

And open:

I plan to use this snazzy writing desk as my writing center. I haven't figured out how quite yet, but I will!

And here is the boring old table:

I plan on using the table for a partner reading station during Reading Workshop. I got the idea from Christina Bainbridge's blog (and snagged some freebies while I was there!). I found a little basket to put on the table (only $0.69), which my friend decorated as well. I'll post that picture once it's in my room.

How awesome does my new furniture look?!? And how excited am I to have them in my classroom?!? Thank you thank you to my friend for doing such a wonderful job! I can't wait to bring them into school tomorrow. Now I just need to find a place to put them!

And a thank you to Christina Bainbridge for inspiring me to start this project!