First of all, the Pleated Poppy Giveaway is still going on, so make sure you don’t miss it.
Now, I think the woman who owns the shop that sells my stuff thinks that I am a miracle worker. You should see the rickety, dated, nasty pieces of furniture she brings to me (well, not all of them), expecting me to make something beautiful out of them.
Case in point…
This table was dirty, dated and had a wicked wobble. It sat in my basement in that sad state for quite a while before I finally primed it. Then it sat…primed and ready to go and I had no clue what to do with it. So, I waited until it spoke to me. I thought maybe it was speaking when I was in the shower or had my earbuds in, because I wasn’t getting anything for quite a while. When pieces don’t speak to me, they end up in a yard sale, at a thrift store or in the trash. Things weren’t looking bright for this little table.
Then, I heard it. “Look at the boards on my top. Check out these cute turned legs. There’s potential, here, and I deserve better than the curb. I want to be beachy, cottagy. I want to be white and then I want to be abused by a sander in the best possible way. Wipe me down with a antique stain to showcase my flaws. Someone will love me for my imperfections. That’s what would give me a new life.”
This was a mouthy table and the old girl wasn’t going down without pleading her case.
…and she was right.
Wouldn’t this table look perfect in a beach house or cottage? It would make a ideal side table or coffee table, even.
My husband glued and screwed the legs to make them rock solid and I painted the piece in SW Creamy (my favorite white) followed by distressing and stain.
The knocked off edges looked so dated before, but the distressing makes them work.
So, I wouldn’t call a table transformation a miracle by any means, but I am always amazed at how the right paint and the right treatment can totally transform a piece of furniture.
One more thing…I want to throw out a congrats to my blog BFF, Donna from Funky Junk Interiors. She is celebrating reaching 2000 followers this week. Check out the giveaway today…especially if you like my hand painted grain sacks (hint hint.)
53 Responses
love it! i love the planked wood top. don't you love when people think you can do anything? it always cracks me up that they have so much faith in us, but i guess it is a compliment!
I think you heard your little table well. It looks great and I am sure it will not take long to sell. I love seeing the different colors you use. That green you posted a couple of days ago was great.
I think you heard your little table well. It looks great and I am sure it will not take long to sell. I love seeing the different colors you use. That green you posted a couple of days ago was great.
I think I agree that you are a miracle worker. Love all of your wonderful paint jobs. Gorgeous table. Hugs, Marty
I love this little table. It is so sweet! What a difference the right paint treatment makes! I know that can make or break a project! I still struggle… trying, but it's hard!
gail
You did a great job as always. This table definilley hsa been given a new life.
Loving this little table. What a great size. So many spots for it! It would look great out on a porch too.
I wish I could hear what my furniture projects are saying! This turned out beautifully.
Sarah
Absolutely the right tinted color on the paint. It was all meant to be. Your tabletop decor is gorgeous too. Beautiful.
Well sheesh, no wonder she thinks you're a miracle worker…maybe it's because you are!!! I love that little table!
PERFECT !!!! :))
Yes, it is perfection. You've done it again, you ARE a miracle worker !!
xoxo
Kate
I think this is what I want my cabinets to look like in my kitchen. 🙂
Your table looks wonderful….do you mind me asking how you charge to repair and paint up pieces that the owner of the shop bought? I have been asked to do this a few times, however when I didn't purchase the piece, I get stumped! It is easier to buy the piece, fix it up, and then set a price!
It's a beauty!!
I.LOVE.THIS.TABLE! Gorgeous!
you ARE a miracle worker!
She is a beauty and great job capturing those detailed images of her flaws, I love every one!
T
Wow, not sure I would have "heard" all that and look what I would have missed!! It is perfect now! Great job!
It looks wonderful! I think that my dining room table is speaking to me…I'd better go listen! 😉
You nailed it! The old girl looks fabulous!
Brenda
MMS,
She must be so extremely happy. Like smilin' to herself happy, winking at you as you walk by. Now are you gonna sell this? Because you know in your lovely imagination you could just pretend you live in a beach house. I do it all the time!
Love this post. Love the table. So glad she had a bit of chutzpah and didn't back down!
And you are way talented. Can someone just say that right now?
Somethings are so easy and looks after dreamly! I like simple things – that's life…
Hugs
VINTAGE
OOoh it turned out beautifully! I've been thinking about painting, distressing, staining, and adding new handles to my entertainment stand. It sits directly under out TV. It's dark brown, and it's very pretty, but I'm just…bored with it, you know? Seeing this post is giving me just the "itch" I needed to re-do it! You do a wonderful job with all of your creations. You're very talented. Hopefully I tackle this new project very soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
Do you water down the stain? How do you apply the stain? I just painted a small server SW Dover White and it needs a little warmth before I sand and distress it.
I love your blog and seeing all your transformations. I love how paint changes the personality of something … 🙂
She is fabulous!!! I'm glad she decided to finally start talking.
You can almost hear her sigh of relief…
Oh where would we be without loquacious lil tables? She's a beaut.
If you'd stop working miracles, she wouldn't expect so much of you! :). I just got a call earlier from my consignment store buddy asking me to reupholster a chair…
You are so clever!! Thanks for sharing your genius!
So glad she spoke to you before you threw her to the curb. She is just beautiful!
I think you hit the nail on the head, literally and figurativley. There is a lot of Shabby Chic makeover around, many on Craigslist or even in retail shops. Bit if the wobble, drawers don't open etc, they just are shabby. By doing the whole "transformation" nailing, screwing then painting you end up with a piece with integrity.
Colleen,
It really depends on the piece. If I want a heavier stain (like on the table), I use minwax’s dark walnut stain right out of the can. I brush it on with a foam brush and then wipe it off with a slightly damp rag. If I want a softer stain, I’ll some burnt umber universal tint mixed with water. I always apply the stain after distressing, so it ages the wood underneath the paint as well. Good luck with your server! Dover white is a pretty color and another favorite of mine.
Your table turned out great! Love it. Love & blessings from NC!
So you ARE Anne Sullivan! I knew it! 😉
This proves it without a doubt. Perfect.
Rose
you do great work! I love the table…can't believe it's transformation! way to go!!!
Too funny! I am so glad she did not get tossed to the curb, she looks great!
~ Tracy
Ooo, I love that table!
I laughed out loud when I read your post- we must be kindred spirits- If a piece doesn't shout out some ideas in a reasonable amount of time, I also say "Adious" You really did an amazing job. I loved following you on So You Think You Can Decorate- I'm auditioning for season 2. Thanks for the inspiration.
You are a miracle worker! Great job. The table is beautiful.
way to listen! That is the perfect look for that table!
Her make-over turned out wonderful! This would be beautiful in a beach house.
I just love that you do things properly and I love the table! The paint finish is fabulous! Miacle worker- I would most certainly agree:)~ Tina xx
Love the table!! It is perfect for any place actually! Love the vignette!!
Hugs
SueAnn
I always love your projects. I love hearing each story those pieces tell you. But nothing is better than your photographs. I love how rich they always look. I think I need to take a course in photography. They are lovely!!!
She's right! You are a miracle worker. You do some of the best furniture makeovers that I have ever seen.
I have the same issue. Pieces have to speak to me. I just can't jump into a project. I think that's why I have so many that are not completed. 🙂
Simply….gorgeous!!!!
That table belongs right here at my Spindle Cottage, YES IT DOES!!
http://spindlecottage.blogspot.com
drool.. sigh.. that is beautiful! LOVVVVVE it!
I had to come over and check you out. I just became a follower.
Pattyjo
rholschen@air-pipe.com
Love the planked top. She told you right, beachy is the perfect fit for this one. Great job!
Londen
Love the planked top. She told you right, beachy is the perfect fit for this one. Great job!
Londen