It’s a wonderful thing to have people think of you when they have some sort of item they’d like to part with. Often, in my case, those unwanted pieces are furniture related. My typical protocol is to check it over for quality and resale prowess before taking it on, then I hand it off to one of my six kids. Just like this Mid-Century modern table we were given.
My desire is to show my children how they can take something unwanted and make it new, but also how to make it in this world by earning a living and staying out of debt. You can see more of their work in this post dedicated to their work. This time around, the recipient was my second oldest daughter , Miss S.
This table is really awesome and had to have been a statement piece in its day. I found the label and looked up the company. Seems they had some pretty cool stuff!
Funky design AND the top swivels – how cool is that? In addition, the legs had been damaged and would need repaired, but other than that this is a solid piece that would shine once again.
To say my daughter was stoked, was an understatement. My kids love to get to work on things. This isn’t her first project, but a larger one. She just recently bought and fixed up this vintage rocking horse. I was so impressed with how she took such care in replacing the mane and tail by hand-stitching all the yarn, and then whitewashed it to give the horse a fresh look. Needless to say it sold quickly. Yay!
DIY TIME
Now it was the tables’ turn, so off she went dismantling it to make it easier to work on.
First, we filled the damage on the legs with wood filler and then she sanded the surfaces with my orbital sander giving it some “tooth” for the paint it was about to receive.
And then the most logical step in my mind is to go to one of my favorite tools, my sprayer. (wahoo!!) However, this was her first time using the sprayer and I could tell she was nervous, but also very excited. Funny thing was….I was too. Using a brush to paint something like this would be so time-consuming and there’s nothing better than the finish of this sprayer.
She choose a paint that I had on hand from a past custom order called Cloudless. It’s a gorgeous sort of piercing blue that will give this Mid-Century Modern table a whole new look.
MORE PAINT
Then, after spraying two coats of paint, we decided to add a geometric shape to the top that would keep it in the same Mid-Century modern styling and add character at the same time. Also, we chose a sunburst made by a bowl and some painter’s tape, and painted in with metallic gold.
I love watching her younger sibs look-on in awe, and she soaked up all the attention. Last, after the sunburst was added, she also gilded the feet of the table to tie in a bit more pizzazz to the top. Then back out it went for a poly topcoat, again, using the sprayer.
Isn’t the finished piece fun?
The color truly makes a statement and the addition of the sunburst just makes it a happy piece.
In addition, I found that solid brass buck at the thrift store recently and that quote seemed perfect for her project. It is a simple reminder that each day is a new day to make the most of what we are given.
I’m a proud mama, and am happy to say that my little prodigy does good work. Likewise, her sweet piece is available for purchase in my shop. (SOLD)
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
Isn’t it fun what a little paint can do? Check out what she found yesterday for her next project below.
SHARING IS CARING
Additionally, we’d love it if you would pin and share to inspire others to see the beauty in worn out vintage pieces.
True story: We are headed out to run our errands and it is trash day. As I was telling my kids to keep their eyes open for a score, we pass by a house and my daughter said, “Mama, there’s one!” Lo, and behold, there is this sweet piece for her to work on next. She’s got my eye, I tell ya!
UPDATE: You can see how we whipped it into shape HERE. It will surprise you!
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Also, more Mid-Century Modern makeover fun:
Oh it’s gorgeous! She did a great job! And someone was throwing that dresser away? Wow. That is a good find! I’d say you have a furniture refinisher in the making! (That totally makes me smile)!
PS
Did I mention how much I like the sunburst on the tabletop? It’s the perfect touch.
I agree….what a great thing your daughter is doing…other than playing video games! Rah yay for her!
Yes, we don’t have much for a television or screens in our home, so this is totally fun for her. Thanks!
hee hee…thanks, Cecilia! (I love your name!) Yes, the dresser was set out for trash and needs a whole lot of TLC, but nothing we can’t tackle together. 😉
Sure has Mamas eye and magic touch! Great work!
Thank you, Ellen. She is eager to learn and has a strong spirit.
She did a wonderful job. What a great lesson you are teaching your kids.
Thank you, Kim! She’s a great apprentice too. 😀
Your daughter did a wonderful job on this table!! Love the color and sunburst design!! I can’t wait to see the dresser makeover!
Thank you, Kari! She had fun and I loved seeing her go at it. Yes, her little dresser will be fun. 😉
What a beautiful piece of furniture. She did such a wonderful job. WIth this piece it is all about the details. The c ontrast in color on the foot of the legs and the sunburst. That picture with the younger ones looking on is so precious!
I am so truly blessed, Mary, and thank you for taking the time to share your compliments. It’s making her day!
Wow she is taking after Mom. She did an awesome job. And how proud you must be. Plus she is learning on so many levels.
Thank you for saying so, Debra. I am a proud mama, and hope that I can impart something worth hanging on to.
I’ve said it before, I just LOVE how you take the time to teach and enjoy your children! I know it is not always easy to give up the time when you probably have a million projects of your own! It is so cool to see the little ones looking on soaking in the experience. Great job your daughter did on this piece and I look forward to her future accomplishments as a budding young artist ???
Thank you, Debby. 😀 It’s hard for me not to take over…tee hee. And yes, to carve out the time can be hard, but it’s ALWAYS worth it.
She did a beautiful job and I bet she makes a sale lickity split! I love how you are encouraging your kids to express their creative side, teaching them a new skill set and the value of recycling/repurposing things, along with the value of how to earn money. Can’t get better than “hands on” education!
Thanks so much, Marie! It does my heart good to see them work for what they earn and when they light up at the sale…it’s just amazing. 🙂
I love this! It’s so awesome how you added the starburst to take it from an ordinary table to extaordinary! Love the little good feet too. :o)
Tania
Thanks, Tania! It just looked as if it was begging for something and we’re happy with the sunburst effect. (and the little gold feet). 😉
Oh my Lord she is so talented, you can see she knows what she is doing by the way she handle the tools. She is completely on her zone.
hahaha…yes, she’s watched me and loves to have at it. It’s so rewarding to watch.
What a great way to train up your kids! She did an amazing job – I love the offset sunburst and the colors are fab. Can’t wait to see what becomes of the dresser next!
Thank you, Meredith. 🙂 We had fun putting this project into reality.