Outdoor Table Re-Do

My friend gave me her mother's kitchen table.  It's not your average kitchen table.....It's HUGE and ROUND!!!  I think the table originally cost $$$$.  It was in bad shape when I got it.  The mom had caught a floral arrangement on fire and burned part of the table.  Then she cleaned it with some harsh cleaner and it reacted with the finish, turning it into a sticky mess!  Of course we'll take the table!!!

I didn't get a good before picture - but this is it after hubby took it apart.  I just love power tools!!!  We plained it down pretty good - it took the burn mark right.  Then finished with light sanding to get it really smooth.  I didn't bother sanding the base - it is getting paint!

Meet my new favorite stain - Rust-Oleum's "Driftwood".  That's exactly what it looks like!  It's perfect for this project because it will be living outside!

That's me!!  Of course I do all my DIY projects in tie-dye!!

We took out the rotten fake wood inlays and prepared the surface for tile!!

And here it is with super cute 1" tiles.  It makes me think of the ocean!!  Don't you love the Lazy Suzan on top!  My kids LOVE this - we've never had one before!

I sealed it with Rust-Oleum's Ultimate Spar Varnish.  It has maximum weather protection!!

I love that it can seat 10 people comfortably!

I couldn't resist painting the base a bright turquoise color!  Spray paint, of course!!

It's pretty bright, but the outdoors can handle it!!

 

I love how it turned out - it's totally me!!

Repurposed Window

 I love old windows!  I am always trying to find something new to do with them.  At the top of my stairs, I have 3 frames with pictures of my 3 children on their blessing day.  This window I found has 3 openings....hmmmm!

This is how you make a fabric mat background for your window:

Measure the opening

 Cut cardboard the size of your measurements

 I have 3 pieces the exact same size.  I used my rotary mat and guide, but I used a utility knife so I didn't ruin my rotary cutter.

 Next, cut your fabric 1" larger on all sides.  Love this Riley Blake print!

 Get out the hot glue gun - yea!  Glue all sides and pull the fabric so it is tight.

 It should look like this on the back:

 Front:

 You can put these on top of the glass, behind the glass, or instead of the glass.  I put mine behind the glass.

 I took each of the photos and attached them by putting push pins in each corner.  I didn't actually put a hole in the picture, just next to it and the tack holds the picture in place.

 To secure the cardboard mat to the frame, use small nails and hammer them in each of the sides.

 Because this is pretty heavy, I wanted to hang it safely.  I used "D" rings and attached them with screws to the back of the window.  To hang it, I drilled holes where the "D" rings hit and used anchors and screws.  The "D" rings hook over the anchored screws.

I really like how it turned out!  Looking at my daughter's photo on the left  (13 years ago) all I have is this snapshot I took of her in the basement (it was on film of course).  The date is even stamped on the side of the photo.  We've come a long way in photography!

Painted Armoire

 I bought this armoire on Craig's List on Saturday.  I needed something for my 5 year old's room - the mess is out of control in there!  I paid $125 for it - she originally wanted $200 so I felt like it was a pretty good deal.  (I am used to garage sale prices!!)  The armoire was from an antique store in Beverly Hills - sold!! 

I got it home and immediately sanded it and painted it...in the dark!  I might be the world's most impatient person!

 

By Monday morning 3 coats of paint had been applied.

I decided to distress it a touch.  I like the "shabby" feel of it.  I love the detail of the flowers - perfect for the princess Rapunzel room!!

 When I was done with the distressing, I rubbed Minwax Finishing Paste on it - it's my FAVORITE way to finish furniture.  I love the feel it gives it!

 It is hard to photograph in my daughter's room - but we got it all moved in last night - yea!!!

Painted Tea Cabinet

 I have been wanting to paint this cabinet for quite some time.  I can't believe I finally did it!

 This is how it looked before.  It was stained one color.  Enter in Sherwin-Williams "Splashy".  Only my new favorite color!

 

I decided to tackle this project at 10pm Saturday night.  That's just how I work.  I took the doors off the hinges and lightly sanded - I mean LIGHTLY sanded.  This piece does not get a lot of wear.  I didn't even prime (gasp).  I wanted some wood showing through.

 (Do you like the cereal boxes used to hold the doors off the floor!)

After it was painted I rubbed a walnut stain on the painted parts and then quickly wiped it off.  It took the "Splashy" down a notch and made it look a little more vintage.

 I bought some glass knobs which give it just the right touch.

 I added wallpaper to the back of the cabinet.  I cut the wallpaper to fit the dimensions on my rotary cutter.  I followed the manufacturers instructions on adhering the wallpaper.  It was quick and easy.

 

Whose ready for a tea party?