Country French Side Tables

Okay...I admit again...I forgot to take the before pictures...sorry!

I picked up these 2 side tables with leather tops.  I love the curve of the legs and the fact that they have a drawer and they were good sturdy wood.  However, they had leather tops....really dated leather tops, that were scarred and coming up on the corners.  At first I thought I could salvage them but soon realized I couldn't.

So...once again I searched the internet for a little inspiration.  Voila!  Reloved Rubbish had the answer.

This is the table that inspired the end result of mine...

I painted the tops with a custom mixed graphite color chalk paint.

...and roughed up the edges a bit

The body of tables were painted with a creamy white chalk paint and roughed up a bit, as well.

I finished both pieces off with the usual 3 coats of paste wax...clear, dark, then clear again.

The original lack-lustre hardware was replaced with something a little more up-to-date.  The grey of the new handles plays on the grey in the tops.

I absolutely love the way these tables turned out and if I had room in my house...they would've stayed with me!

The drawers were crummy on the bottom so I decoupaged them with this fabulous paper.

They're going to look great next to someone's sofa or bed.

Next project in the works...stay tuned...hey!  look at that...a before picture...ta-da!


I'll keep you posted!

~Mary

Squared Up End Table

This great little end table had seen better days...but it was super solid, super heavy, and even had a drawer with dovetailed joints...and best of all, the price was right.  So, it went home with me.

Poor little end table...you need some lovin'...

The hardware got a coat of stainless steel look spray paint.

I settled on a blue-y green chalk paint.

Sanded the edges a bit and 3 coats of paste wax (clear, dark, clear).

Simple but I like it.  I'm not sure this is going to make it to the shop.  I'm doing a living room for someone and I have a hunch this would be perfect for them.  (posts to follow)

Until next time...

~Mary

Union Jack Table

I acquired this little Bombay and Co. mahogany half table but wasn't quite sure what personality I wanted to give it...it's original one wasn't doin' much for me.  

Browsing blogs one day it hit me..viola!...and I got inspired by a table done by Loot Vintage - omg these ladies are talented! - and this little half table seemed just right to give it a try.

My usual impatient self gets halfway through a project before I realize that I didn't take "before" pics...I promise I'll get better at that.  Anyway, here's what it originally looked like:

(Thank you Bombay & Co. website)

There's nothing really wrong with it...it just didn't do anything for me looking like this.

I had some leftover grey from the chevron chair project, so I lightened it up a bit.  My husband painstakingly figured out the union jack drawing (insert thank you here) because my geometry days are far behind me and have been replaced by more important things...like what aisle almonds are at Sam's Club and how many carbs are in a handful of Wheat Thins...

Anywho...the taping and painting began, layer by layer...

A little shabby sanding and then 3 coats of paste wax (clear, dark, clear).

I was so excited to share the picture of the finished product that I couldn't wait until the hardware dried!  But seriously...how fantastic is this little table now?!

So fantastic!

So far, this is my favorite.  It makes me happy.  It looks like it could be at Anthropologie...for a whole lot more!  In fact, Bombay & Co. sold it for a whole lot more!

It makes me want a cup of tea...

Until next time...

~Mary

Painting Furniture

I love to paint.  I know that might make you cringe, but it doesn't matter what needs painting, I get excited just at the thought of it.  Nothing perks me up like a freshly painted wall!  In fact, my husband says the only thing holding up the walls in our 20+ year old house is the layers and layers of paint on the walls!

I love picking out the colors and even the random weekend trip to Home Depot has me gravitating to the paint chip display.  Maybe it's a childhood thing...my mom used to hide "rainy day" stuff in the cupboard on top of the refrigerator and there was always a brand new box of Crayolas with the built in sharpener...ooh! I can smell them just thinking about it...there's nothing like a new box of crayons!

So, I don't know if it's Spring that's sparking my creativity again, but I've decided to dedicate some time each week to paint some furniture to sell in the shop.  We had some pieces in the Upland store when we first opened but the day-to-day chores of running a store quickly took precedence and it was hard to find time to paint...let alone scout out the furniture!

First on the list ~ this lonely little chair:

I love the turned legs and the harp on the back.  The seat was a disgusting cream vinyl with so much goo stuck to it, I didn't even want to touch it!

I removed the seat and cleaned the piece with a little TSP.

The color looks a little blue in this photo - sorry!  But it's actually a light dove grey.  I love the look of chalk paint furniture and have been itching to try the technique.  I mixed the color myself and because I'm cheap frugal, I made my own chalk paint, too.

I highlighted the details with some cream colored chalk paint and finished the whole piece off with 3 coats of paste wax (first clear, then dark, then clear).

I upholstered the seat in this super cute chevron print.  I just love the finished product!

The paste wax makes the paint finish feel so great...just like a new crayon ;)

Until next time...

~Mary