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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Dining Table - before and after

Well how's that for a creative original post title?
So although I'm not quite finished - ( 2 chairs left to reupholster ) I'm ready to show her off I think :)

This is how it looked when I spotted it on Craigs List


this was a pretty long process for me - ( I can usually whip these things up in a couple of days - but I'm feeling soooo tired all the time lately - I really dragged my butt on this one ) here we go




I started off using the same process as I used for the matching sideboard -
I painted the top Paris Gray - then White Washed it to give it a " farmhouse" type of finish - and lastly dry brushed some more white and gray on the surface "





and I looked at it - and looked at it - and looked at it some more - and thought
" less is more "?  no way - more is more - ( more or less tee hee ) watched the elections - had a snack -
came back out and decided it could use a laurel wreath or 2


I printed the image from Graphics Fairy - placed it face down and burnished it with a flat pencil






This type of pencil is the only one to use in my humble opinion - it really speeds the job up ( and when you're dragging your butt you need anything that's going to save time )

Once the transfer was on I painted it with Paris Grey -


did a mirror image on the other side - sanded a little bit - waxed and buffed - until it looked like this



I painted the legs solid Paris Grey for contrast - sanded only slightly - wax and buffed





I just love the outcome of waxing - but my dirty little secret is that I HATE doing it - I know, I know, everyone goes on about how much they enjoy the process but really?  Slapping on a coat of polyurethane used to be soooo much easier - this rubbing and buffing and rubbing and buffing plays havoc on my arms.


THEN - after asking everyone's opinion on the finish for these chair - and getting an overwhelming " go with the lighter version ) which is the one I preferred in the first place ( John liked the gray version best ) AND painting them all lighter - I promptly decided to change them all back to the gray ( it ain't easy being me I tell ya - the internal conflicts are getting harder and harder to deal with lol ) but there's a reason for this,
The lighter version kind of faded into the table top - they needed a little contrast -
SO

I looked at them - and looked at them - and looked at them so more - and thought
" less is more "?  no way - more is more - watched the Duggars - had a snack -
came back out and decided they could use a number or 2 or 3 or 4


sorry you only get to see number 3 for now - not finished all of them lol
Country dining anyone?  I adore this dinnerware set - purchased it many years ago at a flea market



AND THEN it was time to go play on  PICMONKEY - lucky you



I was going for a type of elegant farmhouse look - as opposed to the chunky trestle type farmhouse look which I really really love - but hey you have to work with what you find right?
Ok back to normal photos


better?


John says - excuse me Martha Stewart - how many times are you going to set that table this week?
Suzan says - I have to make it look nice - you still don't understand at all, do you?
John says - I HAVE NEVER in my entire life seen branches laying down on a table
Suzan says - I guess you've lived a pretty sheltered life then .......................
John says - when you're finished making a pretend dinner - do you think we could have a real one?
Suzan says - Sure, whatcha making honey?

and 10 minutes later

John says - SUZAN.....................
Suzan says - yes?
John says - how about a chicken sandwhich?  Do you want me to make you one?
Suzan Screams - NO - don't touch my plate - and runs in with her camera




John continues eating his sandwich shaking his head.....................

and again a little later

John Yells - Suzan - quick bring your camera
Suzan yells back - why?
John says - Soda ( my beloved little best canine friend )  just barfed - you may want to get a photo of that for your blog
Suzan says - No that's ok - I've got all I need for today - but thanks very much anyway.

and I think I'll leave you guys with this instead.............................



and this because I can't help myself - 





Partying here!

At the Picket Fence
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/11/its-inspiration-friday-no-89-welcome.html
Shabby Art Boutique
http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.ca/2012/11/shabbilicious-friday-link-party.html
French Country Cottage
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.ca/2012/11/feathered-nest-friday_8.html
Redoux Interiors
http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2012/11/its-time-for-some-happy-happy-joy-joy-link-party-79-and-mes-preferes/
Wait till your father gets home
http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com/2012/11/08/keep-calm-link-up-14/
Simple Home Life
http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/2012/11/simply-creations-link-party-features-81.html
My Romantic Home
http://romantichome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/show-and-tell-friday.html
Funky Junk Interiors
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/11/sns-161-trash-to-treasure-projects.html
I should be mopping the floor
http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/11/mop-it-up-mondays-42.html
Debbie Doo's
http://debbie-debbiedoos.com/pumpkins-galore-and-pretty-soon-no-more-features.html
The Dedicated House
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.ca/2012/11/make-it-pretty-monday-week-23.html
The Rustic Pig
http://www.therusticpig.com/2012/11/creatively-tuesday-9.html#.UKGRv-Q83j4
Coastal Charm
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.ca/2012/11/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no139-and-giveaway.html
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-111/
Knick of Time
http://knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.ca/2012/11/knick-of-time-tuesday-60.html
Kammy's Korner
http://www.kammyskorner.com/2012/11/trash-2-treasure-tuesday-link-party.html
Kathe with an E
http://www.kathewithane.com/2012/11/youre-gonna-love-it-week-30.html
Not Just a Housewife
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/11/show-me-what-ya-got-99.html
A Diamond in the Stuff
http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.ca/2012/11/time-to-shine-party-no-94.html
Homework
http://carolynshomework.blogspot.ca/2012/11/the-inspiration-board-link-party-76.html
Blueberry Craft & Hobby Time
http://blueberrycraftandhobbytime.blogspot.ca/2012/11/crafty-tuesday_13.html
Primitive & Proper
http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.ca/2012/11/poww-114-furniture-link-party.html
The Winthrop Chronicles
http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.ca/2012/11/share-it-link-party-37.html
Elizabeth & Co.
http://elizabethandco.blogspot.ca/2012/11/be-inspired-features-and-link-party-45.html
Chase the Star
http://www.chasethestar.net/2012/11/chq-blog-hop-15.html
The DIY Dreamer
http://thediydreamer.com/2012/11/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-42/
Uncommon Designs
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/uncommonly-yours-link-party-54/
Clean & Scentsible
http://www.cleanandscentsible.com/2012/11/the-creative-spark-no-66.html
Savvy Southern Style
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2012/11/wow-us-wednesdays-92.html
DIY by Design
http://diybydesign.blogspot.ca/2012/11/fall-into-fall-its-party-91.html
In the Old Road
http://intheoldroad.blogspot.ca/2012/11/all-star-block-party-24.html
Domestically Speaking
http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2012/11/152nd-power-of-paint-party.html
The Life of Jennifer Dawn
http://thelifeofjenniferdawn.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-17.html
Family Home & Life
http://www.familyhomeandlife.com/2012/11/wow-us-wednesday_14.html
Have a Daily Cup with Mrs. Olson
http://jannolson.blogspot.ca/2012/11/share-your-cup-thursday-33.html
We like to learn as we go
http://weliketolearnaswego.blogspot.ca/2012/11/what-i-learned-wednesday-33.html
No Minimalist Here
http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.ca/2012/11/open-house-party_14.html
52 Mantels
http://www.52mantels.com/2012/11/thursdays-are-your-days-sterling-pear.html
I Gotta Create
http://igottacreate.blogspot.ca/2012/11/wildly-original-link-party-26.html
Beyond the Picket Fence
http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.ca/2012/11/under-100-linky-party_14.html
The Shabby Creek Cottage
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/11/transformation-thursday-no-178.html
Saving for 6
http://www.saving4six.com/2012/11/welcome-to-think-tank-thursday-5.html
Embracing Change
http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.ca/2012/11/creativity-inspirations-linky-party.html
Bloom
http://bloomdesignsonline.blogspot.ca/2012/11/link-party_14.html
Katherine's Corner
http://katherinescorner.com/2012/11/15/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-62/
The Vintage Farmhouse
http://www.thevintagefarmhouse.com/2012/11/creative-things-thursday.html
Common Ground
http://www.commonground-do.com/2012/11/vintage-inspiration-114-almost.html
Rooted in Thyme
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-little-snow-and-simple-sweet-fridays.html
The Charm of Home
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/home-sweet-home-93.html
A Little Knick Knack
http://www.alittleknickknack.com/2012/11/shabby-apple-dress-giveaway-ebtks-link.html
Miss Mustard Seed
http://missmustardseed.com/2012/11/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-link-party-4/
The Shabby Nest
http://shabbynest.blogspot.ca/2012/11/frugal-friday_15.html
Finding Fabulous
http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2012/11/frugalicious-fridayellis-and-wiles.html
My Turn for Us
http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.ca/2012/11/freedom-fridays-28.html
Homespun Happenings
http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.ca/2012/11/rustic-restorations-weekend-linky-party_15.html
Happy Go Lucky
http://www.happygoluckyblog.com/2012/11/shine-on-friday-lets-party.html
The Answer is Chocolate
http://answerischocolate.blogspot.ca/2012/11/bff-open-house-link-party-79.html
Create Craft Love
http://www.createcraftlove.com/2012/11/keep-calm-and-link-up-15.html
Redoux Interiors
http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2012/11/link-party-80-and-mes-preferes/
Simple Home Life
http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/2012/11/simply-creations-link-party-features-82.html
Funky Junk Interiors
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/11/sns-162-refabbed-furniture.html
I should be mopping the floor
http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/11/mop-it-up-mondays-43.html
Homemaker on a dime
http://www.homemakeronadime.com/2012/11/creative-bloggers-party-hop-86.html


52 comments:

  1. Looks fabulous! love the grey on the chairs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Deanne!
      Took me much longer than it should have ( and I'm still not finished lol )
      xox

      Delete
  2. Ethnic collection of dinning tables, really amazing to look upon, the make over done by you is really fabulous.
    Nice work !!!
    Gestuz online

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  3. Love it! That Paris Gray was an excellent choice.

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  4. I love the the table and chairs! Beautiful! Your conversations with your Hubby sounds very familiar! Ha! What a hoot! -Laurie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks Laurie lol - I think our conversations are pretty universal!
      xxx

      Delete
  5. oh you did a beautiful job, its just so soft and lovely painted, I love it, and your words made me laugh, they hit home too close!!!!I enjoyed this so much!!!!

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  6. Great job, again! I like how you used that spot on the top of the chair frame for the numbers, that just finishes it off perfectly.

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  7. Ya know, if that man only realized what a genius he is living with. I mean, does he appreciate you????? LOL I LOVE the 'after' photos. Wonderful transformations. And I hate the 'before' photos. I have to start looking at stuff with an eye to WWSD (What Would Suzan Do???)

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  8. You did it again - great makeover.... Love the colors, the transfers, everything. Great job Suzan......

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  9. Are we having soup?!

    Beautiful transformation. And that is a very attractive chicken sandwich.

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  10. Absolutely gorgeous! I love the effect on the table top. And the wreath just hit it out of the park. Your post was most entertaining as well. :) I just came by after your visit to my blog. I'm your newest follower!

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  11. That lunch looks so good! You did a fantastic job, I love the laurels. And you also did a great job with the staging. Magazine worthy!

    Nicole
    xx

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  12. Thank you for your visit and for your kind comment Suzan.
    wow, i love how your table and chairs turned out. you did an amazing job!
    rita

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  13. What a beautiful job! I love getting a chuckle out of your conversation with John!!

    Shirley

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  14. What a lovely table--it's vintage elegant Frenchy pretty wonderful! Does John make you dinner sometimes when you are busy blogging? My hubby has started doing that, and I have not stopped him :) Just the other day I woke up, saw sun, and immediately ran to get my camera and start styling and shooting pumpkin bread--I am not normal anymore:)

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  15. Just when I thought John was coming 'round and understanding this whole blog stuff, and he wants you to photograph barf.

    Bliss

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  16. Some blogs just make me happy! You are so funny and talented! That table is gorgeous. Now I want a chicken sandwich :-)

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  17. Your table is absolutely beautiful. I am just getting into painting furniture and I aspire to be at your level.

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  18. Fabulous job on the dining suite! Such a dated, uninteresting set to start and so chic when your magic has worked it over! ~ Maureen

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  19. Love how this turned out! I'm glad you decided to go with the gray. (Even though it was extra work) The numbers on the chairs is fabulous and makes it so you! Great job! Thanks for sharing at the Keep Calm and Link Up party! Hope to see you back next week!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Replies
    1. thanks again!!! have a wonderful day - hope you're recovering from Sandy's wrath...................xxx

      Delete
  21. Beautiful and inspired paint job, it looks just like the pages of a magazine!

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  22. I love how this turned out! I have a table with the same chairs on my screened porch which is being made into a sunroom. I couldn't make up my mind what to do with it but I think I'm following your great example!!

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  23. What a beautiful transformation, I love the color you chose. And thos cane chairs, Love it!

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  24. beautiful job! i especially love those chairs!

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  25. Love that Paris Gray!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks SO much! I do too - she has the most amazing colors doesn't she?
      xxx

      Delete
  26. A wonderful job with great result !
    I liked very much !
    Have a nice day !
    Olympia

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  27. Awww poor Soda, but glad you didn't share it! And poor John...
    I love the table & chairs, they're perfect.
    Debbie :)

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  28. Hi Suzan! Met you on my blog (www.homesweetthriftyhome.blogspot.com) and wanted to come by and say "Hi"! I love the stenciling you did on this table. I'm going to get brave and stencil a piece of furniture soon! I love the look! Have a great day! Amy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amy!!!
      It's not a stencil actually - it's a transfer - but same thing ( kind of )
      Thanks for your sweet comment!
      Hugs,
      Suzan

      Delete
  29. I loved the grey chair first before the white one which is weird for me because I always love the white.
    What type of wax do you use? Is it liquid or pasty and also what brand is the Paris Grey?
    Thanks for sharing.
    I love the conversations with your husband. Here I am sitting here cracking up laughing, trying to read them to my husband who isn't getting it...why I think it is so funny. My hubby goes through what your hubby goes through.:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!!!
      I use Annie Sloan waxes - and also Paint!
      And hubbies never seem to " get " me lol
      xox

      Delete
  30. Love that table and the chairs too! The numbers really are the cherry on top! And then you went the extra mile with a beautiful tablescape - nicely done!

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  31. The table is so lovely!! I like what you did with the chairs too. Good Eye! Thank you for sharing at Rustic Restorations Weekend!

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  32. Wow Susan this turned out amazing! Love the color, the laurel wreath, and the numbers. The table vignette is great. The branches just make it. Ha-ha! Must admit that I am a little disappointed that we didn't get to see the dog barf. lol! John and you make for some entertaining conversation. Would love to have you sitting at my dinner table. Certainly would not be in for a boring meal! Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup. I love it!
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  33. Suzy,This is definitely magazine worthy! Thanks so much for sharing your inspirational project on Simple & Sweet Fridays. Love the laurel wreath!

    Jody

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow Jody - what a compliment!!! Thanks so much
      Hugs,
      Suzan

      Delete
  34. You've done it yet again! Gorgeous work :o)

    Thanks for partying with us at Keep Calm & Link Up last week! Our party is starting a tad later this Thursday evening at 9 PM EST! Come join us when you get a chance sometime this weekend...can't wait to see what you've been working on!
    xo, Meredith @ www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Congrats! You've been featured on Simple & Sweet Fridays for this fantastic makeover! Hope you have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Jody

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  36. So awesome! I love the detail in the middle. Genius!

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  37. Great transformation! love those chairs, beautiful job.Discount Beds and Mattresses

    ReplyDelete

Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo