Wednesday, February 29, 2012

$5 Fabulousness

Good Morning! I'm taking some time in the midst of a leap day snow blizzard here in Eagle Creek to share my latest project with you. I was fortunate enough a few weeks ago to acquire a couple little tables for next to nothing while out on the town with my baby daughter. I drove quite a distance to get them,  in fact the lady couldn't believe I'd come so far for a $5 table.


Most of the time when I'm looking through Craig's List or an estate sale and I see something that interests me I have an almost instant vision of what I'm going to do with it. Maybe that's weird...I don't know. By the way, currently as you may have already noticed I do most of my painting on my kitchen island, hence the cupboards in the background. This time of year the lighting in the workshop is horrible without the big door open and well...it's just way too cold!


This little table came to me painted bright white and baby blue painted like clouds. It had beautiful carving on the legs that was hidden under all that paint. I sanded it smooth, gave it two coats of primer and then two coats of ivory. I found the center and divided the table into 3" stripes with painters tape. I grabbed a fabulous can of oops gold paint that I have been dying to use and filled in the stripes. Once it was dry I removed the tape and lightly sanded the whole thing to get a smooth surface.


After I had such success using the heat transfer tool on my last project, I was excited to try it on painted wood as the instructions said I could do. I found a wreath graphic that suited the shape of the table and had it blown up to match the dimension of the table. Here's where things became a hot mess...literally. I first tried a sample board and it worked beautifully. I taped down my transfer and went to town. Now I'm not sure how hot this little tool gets, but I do know if you don't keep it moving it will burn your paper.


I tried to "peek" along the way as I had done with the fabric transfer I did before and it was so hot it peeled the paint off with the paper! I was so frustrated I had to walk away. I stewed over it as I tried to sleep that night and decided I was going to try it again. This time I was going to let the image cool before I tried to remove the transfer. So as crazy as it seems, I sanded the top again, repainted it as before and applied another .40 copy to the top. This time I was successful! It is faded in some spots, but I think that adds to the charm of the whole thing. I sanded all the edges, antiqued them and finished it with clear wax. Actually, I liked it so much I almost kept it for myself.


Once again, I have managed to demonstrate what NOT to do for all you ladies out there. This little tool is a great thing with endless possibilities, but keep it moving... or have the fire department on speed-dial!
Linking up with these lovely ladies:



vif187                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                     
                                                                   

32 comments:

Art From The heart said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Anonymous said...

It's lovely!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful!
Lindo!

Kika Diniz - Brasil

Jan@southernjunkin' said...

A great restyle! Love the stripes!!

The Rooster and The Hen said...

Those stripes are divine! This project would be perfect for our linky party featuring "Transformations" called Repurpose-Remodel-Reveal, I know our readers would love to see it too! (It starts Friday, March 2nd 2012 at 7:00 am MST and reoccures every 1st and 3rd Friday)

-Whitney @ TheRoosterAndTheHen

foreverdecorating said...

Well done. Really pretty.

Meg said...

This turned out lovely! I'm your newest follower. I would love a follow in return and I would love if you linked this up to my little party: http://www.nutmegplace.com/2012/03/showoff-saturday-4.html

Hope to see you there!

Shabby Sweet Tea said...

I love how you went bold with the color and stripes. Well done and what a deal!!


I'm new to blogging. Come visit if you have time!
http://shabbysweetea.com

Have a great weekend

County Line Road said...

Love the stripes and what a perfect color!

Unknown said...

Very cute!! Found you via link party at Nutmeg Place! :)

-Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
www.revolutionariesblog.com

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

I love that pattern. Beautiful transformation.

Haverford House said...

This is the cutest table, love the yellow stripes and the transfer is the crown jewel on top! ~Marcy

Rooms by Ann said...

I love this table. I want to try the tranfer.Your newest follower

STARDUST said...

Carrie this is amazing! So much like the yellow stripes! Well done!

Good Time Charlie said...

I have a table very similar to this one. I am inspired to try this! Visiting from MMS.

PS, I host a linky party every Friday-Sunday, I would love it if you stoppe by to link this up!

Sarah @ Imperfect Patina said...

Great job!! I love how it turned out. Definitely worth the headache!! I am your newest follower. Stop by sometime!! Sarah

Debbiedoos said...

That turned out beautiful Carrie! Thanks for linking up to the newbie party!~

Beth Bryson said...

Hi Carrie! This table looks awesome!!! Thanks for sharing! I stopped by from Debbie's Newbie Party! Best To you~ Beth @ Flair For Home

Alison Meade said...

This came out great! I found you at Debbie Doos Newbie Party - I'm a new follower. I'd love for you to check out our blog at Bringingbeauty.blogspot.com

Jen Lossing, Artistic Abode Designs said...

This looks great. I love the combination of the stripes with the graphic! I just completed my first graphic transfer this weekend. Great job!

Unknown said...

What an adorable table! You did a fantastic job.
XO Cindy

Miss Charming said...

It looks absolutely beautiful! The stripes with the transfer image are a great combination. (Newest follower.)

Pollyanna said...

... and now I am your newest follower. Love and adore the stripes, just like everyone else. Brilliants!!

thistlewoodfarm said...

Visiting from Debbie Doo's! This table is amazing! Glad you tried the transfer technique again!

Thanks for the inspiration.

blessings,
karianne

Kammy's Korner said...

I think you're right, the faded part of the transfer adds to the charm - and it sure has a lot of CHARM! Looks great!

Good Time Charlie said...

Can't wait to share this tomorrow!! Thank you so much for linking up. -K

Christine Jargick - JPEG Apothecary said...

This is adorable. I admire your patience, the way you sanded over your work and did it again.....

The Style Sisters said...

I LOVE your table!! What an incredible transformation! Thanks for telling us how you did it!
Karin

Anonymous said...

FABulous job!
LUV EVerything about it!
Catherine

Lee Hill Primitives said...

Wonderful!!!

Unknown said...

I'm glad you stayed after it because it turned out great! I love the transfer...you have great vision and sense of humor! Thanks for sharing at the Rock 'N Share!