One of the most profound joys in my life is being a mother. Not only a mother to one, but to six blessings on earth and two in heaven. All of my children are my BIGGEST fans and my best friends. Yes, we have moments that test us, but that’s what family is for, right? What’s more is when my kids know how to pick up where I need filling in. And then there’s the teachable moments like today. My youngest son, Mr. O, wanted a project so here’s his accent table makeover for Prodigal Pieces Kids CREATE.
Isn’t that such a masculine table? tee hee. Mr. O is not a newbie to this whole creative outlet. Back a few months ago he and I built birdhouses, but also he’s upcycled a #trashure find into a clock face table, a French stand for outdoor decor, as well as this prim chair and oodles of more projects. Look how sweet and little he is!
Now, this not-so-little guy looks me straight in the eye (me being 5’10’) and has plenty of room to grow because he’s not even a teen…yet (though he acts like one – if you know what I mean. ahem.)
FIRST GLANCE
First, let’s take a look at his project piece. It’s definitely hand-made – can you tell? What is with those dowel plugs…like rivets or something!
And it has that crazy split down the middle. It does look intentional, but not sure why??
As Mr. O and I assess what is obvious and contrast to what his end goal is…to earn money. You see, my family adores tennis and all of us play. I bought Mr. O a brand new racquet not even a year ago, and the frame cracked. ouch. He’s super careful with his treasures, so I think a flaw paired with a too-tight restringing made it give.
However, he decided to take his earnings plus a bit of his savings to purchase a new one. We’re talking a couple hundred dollars for a racquet that will last him through his high school tennis years and into adulthood. I told him as long as he earned back what he took out of his savings I was game to help him in any way. So here we are with this accent table. He has a tiny bit amount to earn back and I couldn’t be more proud of him.
DIY TIME
Then, it’s time to get this project underway! In order to do this right, Mr. O removes the split top after first removing all those crazy screws.
Then, he uses my cutter tool to knock off those domed plugs that look awful. buh-byeee!!
Next, he uses his sander to not only finish the plug removal, but also buff up that purple paint (with green underneath). I’m all about helping my kids build their own tool arsenal so that when they head out on their own, they’re equipped. As soon as he has the base ready, we dig into my wood stash to pull out some bed frame rails. A DIYer has to have a stash!
He cuts them to length and then sets them aside.
Before we can call it quits, he paints the base a fresh coat of a custom-mixed white to tone down that purple.
Next as the paint has cured, Mr. O adds the top planks, stains them, and then finishes off with a hemp oil treatment.
FINISHING
Finally, are you ready to see his reveals? Yes, there are two. eep! First, here’s the accent table complete with a brand new feel.
Isn’t that soooo much better? Not only the color, but the overall feel. Way to go, Mr. O!
ONE MORE THING
Oh, and as promised, the second project. In a quick rush, we decided to make use of that split top. Hey, it is made of solid oak and too good to waste. I dig around in my stash again and find two corbels, a middle piece, and dowel to help Mr. O create this knick-knack shelf.
This gave him not only more practice at measuring, but also using my other favorite tools like my pocket hole joint jig, nailer, and forstner bits.
Are you feeling inspired yet? Mr. O and I had a blast working together, but also I feel like my “little man” is learning life skills that will aid him in his life’s journey.
If you would like to make one or both builds a part of your home story, you can find them and more available in my online shop.
SHARE
In addition to leaving us some comment love below, do pin and share to inspire others. I know there are other fun projects just waiting for us all.
Likewise, I can finally show you the start to my living room remodel beginning with my hallway. Small, but a mighty amount of work! ugh. See the REVEAL HERE. Be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see!
Also, more Mr. O makeovers like this accent table:
You two are a gr8 team! Keep up the good work.
That’s so sweet to hear. I’m so pleased with his willing spirit and joy. Thank you!
Mr O did an excellent job! How fun for you to be able to instill in your kiddos a desire to work on practical skills!! Not to mention that you are training them up in the way they should go!! God bless Larissa. Have a great weekend!!
I’m all about built-in family labor. haha! Really though…it delights my heart to no-end that they will be self-sufficient.
Looks like your “littles” are all becoming “bigs.” While you will miss having the little ones to snuggle and l0ve, it’s so much fun seeing the men and women they are growing in to!! Before you know it, your house will be filled with grands and you will be ready!!! This table proves it!! ?
Yes!! One snuggler yet, but I will miss it. And as you say, grands will fill the gap perfectly. Hugs to you!
Excellent job!
My thought about the little dowel buttons is that in it’s previous life, that was supposed to appear to be a butcher block. Authentic typically maple butcher blocks frequently have long screws holding the blocks of wood together with metal caps holding the ends . I’m not describing it well, but if you do a search on true “antique butcher blocks” you’ll probably see them on many of them.
I have one out in my barn awaiting some love… and SEVERAL strong men to help me move it!
I get it as I’ve had and sold many of those counters. I don’t know…the assembly of this was so weird and wonky. Either way, I’m so glad you like it! And…get those guys on it! 😀
Oh my goodness, Larissa, your kids are growing up too fast! Mr. O did a fabtastic job on this little table makeover and the wood slat top looks so much better. Wishing him luck with a quick sale on this piece!
How fun to hear from you, Marie. They sure are and I ache for the day I have an empty nest. It’s been a long past few months, but I know God is blessing me left and right. Sending hugs!
Your son did a great job on both projects. I see a young man who will find success at whatever he sets out to do.
How sweet of you to say, Joanne. Thank you so much from the two of us.
Way to go, Dynamic Duo!!! Larissa, not only are you an A-1 teacher, but Mr. O is an A-1 student, obviously!!!
aww…you’re so fun, Marcy! Thank you for bringing us both a smile. 😀