Friday, January 27, 2012

Flipping Tables...

Not the Real Housewives of New Jersey kind, but rather the Jeff Lewis kind (clearly I've seen my share of Bravo TV).   On any given day there are a plethora of tables for sale on Craigslist  -  for ridiculous resale prices I might add!  Somehow many people think they should get the near same amount of money for something they overpaid for 5 years ago! Puh-leez. So my aim in refinish-resale with regards to the over-flowing stock is to find ones that are unique, truly vintage and have some character.  At an honest, reasonable price.  And for my purposes, the more roughed up the better!
Here is a table I bought off craigs for exactly what is was worth, less than $50.  It was your standard pine, shellacked table but with lots of wear, which saves me the trouble honestly, and had a center drawer.  Making it a perfect 'farmhouse' style candidate.
Here I had begun stripping the top to remove the finish and start with fresh wood underneath.
 Then I stained it with 'ebony' by minwax and as you can see, the wood didn't absorb it evenly.  But that's OK, we want to make it uneven and worn looking anyway.  It's just a starting point in achieving the look we want.
Sorry for the bad photos, I took them with my i-phone in garage :p



Then I applied a technique called 'white washing' which you can read about here, and actually did 2 applications to lighten it enough over the dark stain.  Then I flipped it upside down, and painted the body in a mineral gray by Behr that is like clouds on an overcast day...not gray, but not truly white either.



Perfect kitchen size to seat 4 or could use as a desk!
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The next one doesn't have any before photos because it was taken apart and stacked against the back wall of my garage.  It was listed for $25 and when I showed up to buy it, the owner was looking frantically for a missing piece  (as her dog gnawed on an unknown 'chew toy' next to it-ahem). Then as I lifted one of its 'v' legs to inspect, it broke in half!  She and I looked at each other in disbelief and then she said 'ummm, you can just have it.'  Yeah, Okay.
So here it is, no before shots other than mid-painting.  I distressed rather heavily and sealed with a few coats of varathane which is always best when doing tables.  At least on the table tops because it creates a smooth, safe barrier against coffee and food stains as well major scratches.  It's what is used to seal hardwood floors most of the time.


Here is a snapshot of my garage so you can see what I'll be working on next!
More tables, a desk/hutch and some dressers.
And I am so THRILLED (and terrified at the same time) to announce I'm moving into an antique mall in a couple months!!!  This will make things all the busier around here but it's a dream come true and a great way to get increased exposure.  My mom will be coming out to help me fill it with 'smalls' and get it set up.  So I am spending a lot of time 'hunting and gathering' off craigslist these days.   I can only do this during the day when the kids are in school so I can take out the carseats, pull out the bucket seats and haul things....it's quite the endeavor.  I've got it down to a science now though ;)
In other news, my hubbie is back in school to complete his Masters Degree, something he's wanted since I met him (8 years ago).  This on top of his day job - so well, it's a little crazy these days between the two of us.  But I'm so proud of him and happy to support it :)   Even if it means my kids eat microwaveable meals 4 times a wk :o  They're not complainin'!
Till next time....

12 comments:

  1. I just love that finish on table top....need to try that soon!

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    1. And it's sooo easy, truly. Happy to walk you through it!

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  2. Hi Cameo! Just found you via MMS. I'm a new follower and I love what you've done with all this furniture! I have a six legged table like the one above sitting in my garage waiting to be refinished. I was thinking turquoise too! I love how yours turned out! You'll see mine soon at http://antiquerecreation.blogspot.com/

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    1. Wow Danielle, you are doing some amazing things too- glad to find your blog. I'll be following you as well. Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I really liked how you whitewashed the top of the first table after you stained it! Both tables turned out gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks so much Cynthia! It's always trial and error but seems like a good white-wash can almost fix anything! lol :)

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  4. All of your furniture redos look fantastic!! Good luck with your antique booth...very exciting!

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    1. Thank you Sue! And back atcha, your work/blog is so inspiring.

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  5. It's gorgeous! Love that color.

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  6. Cam... I am in awe of your natural talent. To be able to "visualize" how beautiful a piece will be when you get done with it. You really are talented, girl and I wish you ALL the success in the world as you open up your own store. I think that's fabulous. I am excited for you! You'll have to take pictures and show off your new store when you have it all set up. :))

    Congrats to your hubby on his return to school and for you both fulfilling your dreams. You guys aren't just talking about it, you're doing it and that makes all the difference in the world.

    :) All the best,
    Danielle

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    1. Oh you are so sweet Danielle! Thank you for the encouragement friend :). I will def take pics when it's all set up and blog about it. You are one talented girl yourself! Love seeing your creations on etsy (Crayon box Learning) amazing and so many!! Just love them :)
      Xoxo

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