Ok. So, like me, you're working and can't take off on Wed morning at 8 to go look at a great desk. But unlike me, you're many miles away from nearest town, and will need either to have several things to look at or get a really good lead on something and then, go for it. Now, I've haunted CL locally, looking for something, then, gone right after work or on Saturday morning. I've also haunted cities 2-3 HOURS away, when I wanted something particular. My best tip for doing that? Find it, and email the seller immediately, asking if they still have it and for more details. If they say yes, then, let them know you are out of town but willing to travel for the right item, so you realize that if I can't come till Saturday, I'm going to have to check back with you to make sure you still have it. Get the phone number. And if it's something you really want, just the right size and style, you've had the seller send great photos, then, call them. Call them and tell them you want to come see but can't do it till whenever. Don't ask them to hold it, they won't. But do tell them you will call the night before and make definite arrangements. Get GOOD directions and google them. Take the phone number with you. If you make a good connection with the seller, have emailed back & forth, call just before leaving town and saying, "Ok. I'm leaving now, will be there in 1 hour or so" they will most likely be willing to wait for you at that point. I always tell a far-off seller that I need all my info up front, good photos and such, so that I am 90% sure I want it when I get there. I've bought 3 sideboards, one dining set, and one armoire this way. Now, last month I wanted a desk like you want. I set a top price of $125 but was hoping for less. Like you, the ones I saw early in the week, were gone or unreachable when I got serious about looking. We ended up with an old wooden hospital desk (green with off white laminate top, file drawers 60" wide) for $40. It wasn't what I wanted, I wanted something done and nice. We spend about $30 on spray paint and painted it black. It's pretty nice, but one day, I will start looking again. I was down to the last day to get a desk and needed to get something. I go to my city's Craigslist and in the search box, type "desk". That brings up every ad with a desk, the antiques, the crap, the kid's stuff, everything. Then, when I find something that looks worthwhile, I email immediately. My email may read like this. Hi. Do you still have the desk you listed on Craigslist? Do you have the measurements? I'm looking for something to go in a particular spot. Thanks, Red 559-222-1122. Adding the phone lets them know I'm serious. Now, if the measurements are already in the ad, I may ask if they have it still and do the drawers move smoothly, or something like that. If the photo is bad (cell phone) then, I ask if they could email me more photos. I also ask what area they are in. If I get a good response, I ask when I could come see. I don't ask if they will take less money, and I don't offer less money. It's stupid to offer ANYTHING for something that you don't even know you want. If there is no email addy for the ad, I call to ask my questions. Calling is simple and sometimes gets you much further along faster. If I get something that's pretty darn perfect, I move heaven and earth to get over there to look. And don't be daunted by the fact that a good desk at a good price may be rare. There may be 3 other people that want it bad. But they may be in the same fix you are........working and only the weekend to go check it out. Now, if I see one and it's priced too high, but it's really nice, I WILL ask in my email if the "price is firm?" That gives both of you wiggle room. Red

Upon closer inspection I just didn't get the top piece covered well enough. Another coat & it matches up fine. I think a metallic blackish paint would help define the fluting in the pole & rope detail around the bottom. Maybe I'm just not finished yet? A little dab of antique gold to highlight the bottom starburst piece maybe? I just need to work on the color....keep it from being too uniform. ALL in ALL it isn't rusty anymore! lol :0) The glass globe is still VERY attractive sitting there!

Beautiful tray, 3 dogs, and a lovely addition to your breakfast nook! I've always loved tole myself, and even took a tole painting class back in the 70's, to learn how to do the correct strokes with the paint to form the flowers or fruit designs so intricately. We used wooden plaques to paint on, and during the early years of marriage, I had these little wooden plaques decorating my kitchen.....sigh, decorating on the cheap! I''ve since forgotten all I learned. My mother had a lovely tole painted wooden tray, similar to yours in size, with the graceful bird that you see in some of the designs, that I remember well. I guess that's where I learned to appreciate this type of painting. I've been looking for something to dress up my bathroom, and your post inspired me to put in a bid on a small tray that caught my eye......wish me luck!

After a 13 hour day at my 'real' job, I'd LOVE to do this for living. To be able to shop on CL for other people, or to find the perfect accessory for them on eBay? Heaven! I am so busy with work that I can only check CL before 7 AM, and then once I get off work in the evening. It's killing me!