I'm Gel'in!

Happy Sunday all! What a scorchy scorcher it has been around here...walking on our grass is like walking on pins & needles (ouch!) and if you like yellow & brown, this is the place to be because anything green has turned that color.  To make matters worse, we are on indefinite water restriction and can only water our potted plants (and other things) every other day, for only a few hours.  Needless to say, I won't be posting any gardening pics unless it is a "don't let this happen to you theme!"

But...anyhoo, on to happier topics!  Awhile back, I picked up this little side table for $14.00 at a thrift store.  I liked its sort of harp style base and the kind of chunkiness it had.  However, it was a combo of two pieces and although sturdy, it was a bit on the shabby, but not chic!, side.

As you can see, the top was marred and dried out, and generally pretty bad! I got a bit ahead of myself and already had put a coat of creamy paint on the base....aaahhh! Forgot to take a "before" of that!  But again, back to the top.....after sanding, I took out my trusty gel stain in dark walnut and brushed it on.

You just kind of brush the pudding-like gel onto the surface and after three minutes or so, buff it off with a soft cloth.  And look.......

What a change! It turned out beautifully!  Here you see the base - isn't the shape wonderful?  I love. There are several deep gouges and holes in the base, making it a perfect candidate for a little antiquing and distressing.

My oh my....what a beautiful girl now!  When I started this project, I wasn't sure where this table would end up, but for now I think it has found a home in our den.

Such a cozy little spot now, in front of the desk where I can take a break, watch a little tv, and sip a little somethin' somethin' .....heavenly!

This room tends to run a bit dark, but it is a den, and I was going for a library look.  I love it. It is also mainly used by Mr. Bluebird and he requested a manly man room. The walls do not photograph accurately, but they are painted in Grand Distinction Boston Tea Party. The panels are from Pier One last year and the chair...oh the chair!  I searched high, low, and every where in between and finally stumbled upon this one at Steinhafels. It was made by the Best Chair Company. The print is a little out of my comfort zone, but I am thrilled with it. 

The tabletop holds a little vignette of books, a collie figurine, my traveling galvanized pot of ivy, and a fleur de lis lamp from Home Goods with a burlap shade.

(Sorry about the cords - this is the first picture I took and I was a little over-eager!) Above the tablescape, is a vintage print of  four sweet little kittens.....can you say too adorable?  I received this picture from my sister many, many years ago and I have never tired of it.

So there you have it folks....another cheapo re-do!  Gotta love gel stain - it's any easy rescue to damaged wood that you don't want to completely refinish.  For $14.00 dollars and a few dollars in gel stain, I am enjoying this little table.  I am sure it will make the rounds in many of the rooms in our house!

Thanks for stopping by!
Wishing you happiness,
Jane

Partying with
Debbie-Doos Newbie Party
/Southern Hospitality's Thrifty Treasures
Between Naps on the Porch's Metamorphosis Monday
The Dedicated Houses's Make it Pretty Monday
A Stroll Through Life's Tabletop Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday
http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/2012/07/share-your-creations-party-45.html