Pretty as a Peacock

When I came across this little side table sitting outside my parents garage and was told it was headed to the burn pile, I snatched it up and brought it home with me.  

It was definitely looking a bit rough, but I thought there was no harm in trying to bring back its original beauty.  I knew I had my work cut out for me though.

To start, the front of the drawer was dented, scratched and the original hardware (which was now missing)  must have been rubbing on it because it had worn a large divot in one of the panels!  Poor little table. 

Unfortunately the outdoor weather hadn’t been kind to the table top causing some water damage to the surface.

The first thing that caught my eye though was the chunky legs.   I absolutely loved the square detail on them!  Even though I wasn’t quite sure what the outcome would be, I knew I had to try some paint magic with this piece.

I started by filling in the original holes for the hardware,  large dents and other damage with some wood filler.  After a good sanding, I applied a coat of my favorite primer.  After that I sprayed on a few coats of white paint.   

 I thought it looked fine, but it ended up sitting in our garage for a few months after that point.  For some reason it just didn’t feel “finished” to me.

About a month ago, I had this crazy idea to try something bold...I wanted to try painting with color!  Now, if you know me, you’ll know I pretty much always stick to white. White works...it’s a “safe” color.   Ok, so I’ve tried a few different cream colored paints, but that’s about as extreme as I go.  This time I wanted something completely different!  Before I could change my mind, I went and bought a can of “Peacock Tail” blue paint.

The first few coats I sprayed on were a bit shocking!  At first I wasn’t sure if I loved it...or if I had completely lost my mind!  Eek!  After at least 4 coats of paint and drilling new holes for the hardware, I was happy with it and so  I set it aside to “cure” for about a week.  

What I quickly discovered was the dark paint was really bringing out all the imperfections.  Remember the water damage on the top?  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to sand it down to a completely flat surface.  The white paint seemed to camouflage that, but the dark blue, well, not so much.  Rather than try to fight it though, I decided to go with it.  I took my mouse sander and “distressed” all the corners and edges.  I loved how the white paint was showing though!  

After a few coats of wipe-on polyurethane, I added some vintage hardware and it was finished!  

I just love dovetail drawers!

 Sure, it’s not perfect, it’s got its lumps and bumps here and there, but it’s all part of the Cinderella story this little table has to tell.  I’m thrilled I was able to “rescue” it and hope it can once again be enjoyed in someone’s home.

Here's another before & after.  Such a transformation, don't you think?

I'll be adding this side table to my shop shortly!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cristina

Basic Black

Just a short post regarding another project I finished yesterday afternoon.  I picked up this small pine table a few weeks ago for a decent price.  Nothing spectacular, but it was sturdy and in decent shape.  It had previously been painted white and someone had even taken the time to paint a checkerboard in the middle of it!  Perfect for a games room!

Here's the pic from the online ad.  Oh, and in case you're wondering, no, the toys and wires on the floor were not included in the deal. ;) 

My husband had asked me to keep my eyes open for a small table for him to have in his "man cave" and I thought this one would be perfect...after a paint job.

I have it a light sand and gave the entire piece a coat of primer.

At first I was hesitant to paint over the checker board, but hubby had no need for it, so it had to go.

After a couple coats of black paint and a clear coat, it's finished!

The table is a very simple design and with its basic straight leg, painting it was easy.  It will now fit in with the other pieces of furniture in the basement.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cristina