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I purchased these side tables (originally a vanity) at a yard sale for $3…for the pair. $1.50 each! They were in rough shape and sat in my basement for several months before I gathered the courage to work on them. I made new tops, sanded, primed, and painted them an olive green. I then did the floral and scroll decorative painting (I’ll include more detail about decorative painting in a future post), applied a dark walnut stain, and a polycrlic topcoat. 
Marian Parsons
Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer
I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.
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Welcome to the first of several Move Slow & Make Things giveaways! To celebrate the book and introduce the themes explored in these pages, we’re
I take a hybrid approach when it comes to running my life and organizing my thoughts. I like paper, pencils, and pens for writing down ideas, planning, and managing my day. While old-fashioned notebooks are my preference for most things, I rely heavily on a digital calendar and reminder alarms
It’s been a full, exciting week. I’ve been walking each morning, caring for the garden beds, working on commissioned paintings, packing prints, and recording some test audiobook samples for Move Slow and Make Things. I’ve also been arranging some fun giveaways as we get closer to the launch, and this
27 Responses
They are just lovely! I bought an antique dressing table at an estate sale a few years ago. The mirror was not included and when i removed the center section…the remaining "tables" look just like your pretty set! Well, minus all of the work that needs to be done. They are in rather rough shape and I'm sure I will need to give them new tops. My intention upon purchase..was to use them as bed side tables in a fairly skinny room.
: )
Julie M.
ps The link to my post, "All in a Day's Work," which features the neat old green counter I found..but have yet to restore is: http://thelittleredshop.blogspot.com/2009/07/all-in-days-work.html
What a change! Can't wait to see more of your transformations.
Ahhh…just beautiful!! I wish I had your talent! Ooooh, I'm getting ready to paint my kitchen cabinets. Maybe you can give me some advice. We could connect thru e-mail!
Jane~ Finding Fabulous
SOOO pretty!! Amazing!
I love this! Would you mind if I featured you on my blog? I'm really big into before & afters, as you can see 🙂
Beautiful!
Very nice…I love them. I'm always on the hunt for a pair of those.
Great transformation!
I would like to paint my kitchen cabinets with the same technique you used to do the paint and stain. I'm gonna have to practice on scrap wood first though, that is for sure. Good job on the tables.
Just an FYI, I used minwax Dark Walnut stain. Brush it on with a sponge or chip brush and rub it off with a rag. Just don't put too much on at one time and give it plenty of time to dry. It's a good idea to practice and do a test over your desired paint color. It affects colors differently, so make sure you like it, first.
I'll be doing lots of posts on painting tips, so please follow me!
So sweet!
how cute!!
you are sooooooo talented!! they'r gorgeous, a $1.50 each omg
pretty, pretty, pretty
Wow! Love it, you are too talented.
That turned out so sweet! Anyone would love to have this next to their bed 🙂
So pretty! You're so talented. What beautiful side tables and the price was amazing.
Your artwork is amazing…fantastic job!
Alyssa
lifeoflyssie.com
Very, very nice … I would have been sad when they sold, too but I'm sure they are being loved everyday!
ohhhh myyyyyyy how great!!!! Give me some great ideas!!!!
Oh wow! They're beautiful! You are most talented, my friend.
You did a fabulous job. They are so pretty!
My goodness, how beautiful! What a lovely job you did!
beautiful work! love it.
xo,
cristin
Those are so beautiful. I am the same way — I make something really cool and think Oh I should keep this. I am getting myself in the mind set to sell sell sell.
Thanks for posting to the party and I look forward to getting to know you.
Cheri
Your painting is awesome. Been studying your blog. Love it. Terry
Yourl tables are beautiful but the fact they needed new tops would be enough to keep me from buying them. Even at $1.50. I find it intimidating. Where and how do you begin to make new tops?? I’d love to know how you did it.
Love your style!!!