Beach Towel Bookshelf

I thought today I would post a little bit about some of the things I've been working on lately.  I've been fortunate enough to have a good chunk of time off this July, and I'm going to put that time to good use. I hope!  I've got a long list of projects that need taclking and this is the perfect time.  Aside from all the string art orders lately (thrilled!) I've managed to set aside some furniture time. Which I didn't realize it as much before, is my favorite time.  It's relaxing, I get to take a break from orders, blogging, marketing etc. which can surprisingly eat up a huge chunk of time! So these first few projects I'm embarking on should serve as a real treat. Here's the latest:

My loving family is nice enough to snag a good piece of furniture when they see it, and save it for me. So sweet, muchas gracias familia! This bookshelf arrived recently, and it's solid wood. Always a good sign.  It's older, and has a few cracks and warps here and there, but it really adds to the character and doesn't effect the stability one bit.

I love that color! It's one of my favorites.  It's Behr's "Beach Towel" and my sister introduced me to it when she painted her spare room.  I tried not to be a total copycat, but couldn't get over it - and used it for the bottom half of my kitchen.  Let me tell you, the color has never gotten old & everyone loves it.  So I decided to use it on the bookshelf. This is a progress shot, so the shelves are missing, but are also solid blue. Here's a link to the color, and a little swatch for ya:

I am stuck here though! I can't decide what to do next. Nothing is jumping out at me. I think it looks great in the solid beach towel blue, but wonder if it needs something more. Distress? Black Glaze? A pattern on the back? I can't decide, what do you think? Help,  I need input! (That totally reminds me of the old movie Short Circuit...ha!)

The other piece I'm starting up came from our good friend Allison, who was shedding her life of all her large possessions before she started on a long South American journey (awesome!), and I mean LONG! Like, not-sure-when-she'll-be-back long. Amazing. So, she generously gave me my first roll top desk to work on:

I'm really excited, it's in great condition, and I'm leaning towards a blue hue chalk paint with heavy duty distress to show a LOT of wood. Maybe run n' buff those handles.. dark wax afterwards...oh yes! This will be really fun, and my first time with the DIY chalk paint. What new projects are you working on?  Have a fantastic Thursday, the weekend is almost here - project time!