Monday, July 8, 2013

Bistro Table v3.0

So, there's this table I've had for about 12 years. It was purchased at IKEA for a small studio I had for my invitation design business. I also used it in my booth at wedding expo's (what a mad house those were!). After that, it was my dining table when I was a single gal in a little one bedroom apartment. And finally it was a patio table in our California apartment. It sat in the scorching sun for 4 years before I decided to jazz it up a little. Here's the first make over, v2.0.

Sun faded and tired.  I wish I had better before pictures, but I didn't know they would end up on a blog!


A little more fun with a bright pop of color!


Fast forward 2 years, the red paint is faded, the legs are rusting, and the wood veneer is peeling up.  I had visions of making the table top a clock face, or replacing it all together with new wood.  Turns out its quite expensive to get wood for a 29.5" round table, and I don't like laying out type in a circle.  Then one night I found a fabulous site.  Its called Graphics Fairy, and she is has the most wonderful vintage images!  Inspiration strikes.

I was able do this project almost for free because I had the table (obviously), off-white latex paint, black acrylic paint, finishing wax, and sandpaper.  I did go to HD for black spray paint for the legs. Side note: Why do I always feel like a criminal when buying spray paint? Its locked in a giant cage and they ask for your birthday! Not to mention the pressure you feel to choose quickly because the nice lady is waiting for you to lock it all back up! But well worth the anxiety for the magic of spray paint!  So for about $4, I had made this, v3.0...





I love the new look. New but old! I don't know where it will live in the new house, but it will become an inside table because I don't think it can take the weather in its old age. One other quick note, I did flip the table top over to solve the peeling veneer problem. It doesn't have the cute detailed edges, but it is smooth and flat!

Need a tutorial to transfer images to furniture? I read this tutorial, but I used regular chalk and acrylic craft paint because I had them on hand. The lettering is hand painted, which didn't take nearly as long as it did to put three layers of wax on the table. My arms are still feeling the pain!

I bet you have something in your house that needs a new look. Go for it!

- Sarah
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12 comments:

  1. audreeJuly 9, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    I love this Sarah! Nice job! We have an empty space near one of our windows that I was thinking of getting a small table like this and two chairs for.

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    1. UnknownJuly 17, 2013 at 8:34 AM

      Thanks Audree! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  2. PieraJuly 17, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    grande recupero! Bel lavoro..ciao!!

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  3. Norma BennettJuly 17, 2013 at 1:16 PM

    Saw you featured over at the Graphics Fairy, the table looks fabulous. (I'm about to try using her images on some round wooden dollhouse tables so was really interested to see how beautifully your makeover turned out).

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    1. UnknownJuly 17, 2013 at 10:00 PM

      Thanks for telling me this. I was wondering where the sudden spike in views came from! She has so many images to choose from, it seriously took me 2 days to decide! Good luck on the doll house tables.

      Delete
  4. Marianne HJuly 18, 2013 at 3:59 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. UnknownJuly 18, 2013 at 7:14 AM

      Oops! My fat fingers accidentally deleted your comment! So sorry. Thank you though!

      Delete
  5. rkramadhJuly 18, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Beautiful table! Very nicely done. May I ask if it was done using projector method since you say it was hand painted? TFS!

    Yes, Karen is a truly wonderful fairy and I have been a long time fan of hers.

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    1. UnknownJuly 19, 2013 at 7:38 AM

      Thank you! No, I don't own a projector, but that would've worked too. I used a chalk transfer method by printing out the graphic really large (on several pieces of paper and taping them together!), coloring in the back with chalk then outlining the graphic with a ball point pen. Full method can be found if you click on the "tutorial" in the last paragraph. All you need is a steady hand for painting in the outlines, but luckily any "mistakes" just add to the vintage look!

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  6. La Maison del Punto croceJuly 18, 2013 at 11:08 PM

    Ciao Sara, Bellissimo!
    Caterina

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