Sunday, July 8, 2012

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

18 comments:

  1. It turned out great! I love the base.

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  2. That is a cozy little spot now, and I love the table. thanks for sharing with the newbie party.

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  3. What a pretty table! I love the stain.

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  4. I remember a few years of water restrictions. We used to scoop out all the bath water and use it on our plants. The past few years though we have had plenty of rain and hardly have to water at all. Funny how that goes. Your table is just wonderful :)

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  5. Nice job on the table. She has such great legs!

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  6. How fun- what a great job you did on this table!! Nice! I am coming over from the Newbie Party!!
    -Jen

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  7. You did a fabulous job. I love the base!

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  8. You got a great deal on that table! I would have snatched it up too! It's look perfect beside your chair! I'm your newest follower! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I hope your husband wasn't too upset when you emptied his golf balls from the pickle jar! LOL!

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  9. Your table is beautiful. I love the pedestal. The entire vignette is just perfect. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Your table turned out great and I love your vignette! Such a pretty space!

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  11. Your table is beautiful!! I'm your newest follower from the newbie party. I would love to have you join me. I look forward to getting to know you better. :) I love your cute little blue bird! HUGS

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  12. Just lovely! I love gel stain, too.
    -Revi

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  13. I was so glad to read your post. I am about to stain several pieces of furniture and I will now use this stain. Your table turned out just lovely!
    I have awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award.
    Stop by and check it out.
    Kathleen
    http://melange-kathleen.blogspot.com/2012/07/versatile-thats-me-baby.html

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  14. Great job on the table! It looks beautiful! Blessings, Dani

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  15. Okay, I really love that little table!!! Just perfect. Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  16. You got a great deal on the table, and if I was there before you I would of grab it too! You did a great job on the table, and she does look right at home in her new spot. I'm going to try out your stain. I'm a graduate of Debbie's Newbie party, so was wondering would you share this adorable table at Sunday's Best this evening. Sure hope so, to darn cute not to share!

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  17. I tried gel paint this year when I made a standing desk. It was really easy to work with. Nice job on this table. I think it's beautiful!

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