verse of the day

Sunday, February 6, 2011

a labor of love

i mentioned a few posts back about some projects in the making. 
this table and sideboard (aka:cupboard) was a labor of love for my parents.
  my sister and i found the table on craiglist for a sweet price and the cupboard was in their basement.  my folks once upon a time had a smaller table and the cupboard had been used for storage in the dining area of the kitchen.  now that the "new" smaller table is in place, there is now room for the cabinet once again.   as you can see the table was very dated, however, we fixed that problem with a bit of paint and glaze. 
the top and leaves were sanded, re-stained and poly'd. 
the really cool thing about this table is the way the leaves are stored and used.  the table top lifts off and the two leaves, stored underneath, 
(each have double arm supports-you can see part of one in the right corner of pic below) 
fit into metal supports on the underside of table.   
the table top then fits back down between the leaves.
the cabinet was a handmade project (1970's era) by their former neighbor, mr. love (his real name) who worked for rockwell and had his own heated workshop in his backyard. this cabinet was a "whatever i have on hand to use" kind of project. most of it was real wood, but there were a few strange, mystery components. the very top was a sort of mdf board with wood edges, interior walls were a silver paper-covered board and the front skirt has wooden pegs that have a dimpled efect to them. overall, it was sound with a few minor issues. our carpenter friend, darrin, came to the rescue with refitting the bottom of the cupboard with a "warpless" piece of plywood and a wooden support for the middle shelf.  i also changed out the dated paneling that was used as door panels for beadboard to give it a classic, cottage look.
once sanded to take off the sheen from the dark stained & poly'd finish it was ready for paint.  i probably should have used a primer but after 3 coats of a creamy white pittsburg paint (pure performance) eggshell, it was done.  i painted the hardware using craft paint (it was too cold to spray outside) and then waxed it.  i had considered changing out the hardware but figured my parents (in their late eighties) didn't really mind one way or the other. 
so to keep things simple, i just re-used.  
i had wanted to add something special to the top, once i painted it.  i decided to go with a dinner prayer that my parents have always said in their home.  i found the font that i liked and using microsoft word, printed out the text.  i cut around each word, spaced it accordingly and using pencil rubbings a fancy technique, drew out the words and handpainted the letters with a mix of black and brown craft paint.
the next decision was "to glaze or not to glaze".  i let the cupboard sit in my painting booth (aka diningroom) for several days and then as christmas fast approached, it was necessary to make a decision.  i glazed and am SO glad i did.  it took several tries on the top as it wasn't coming out quite right but finally the 'less is more' application worked.  afterward, mr.1829 gave it 4 coats of paste wax (thanks cassie for the suggestion)
i'm really happy the way it turned out, from an ugly duckling to a white swan!
my mom was especially pleased with both pieces and couldn't believe that the cupboard was the same one from the basement.  she really appreciated the prayer painted along the edge.
  both pieces were a total surprise for them (we snuck the cupboard out without them knowing!)

i'd say overall that this was a mission accomplished!


sorry for the looooong absence but my parents have needed alot of help lately (dad's been battling varous infections & hospitalizations) and with that comes the neglect of the home front, paperwork & laundry piling up, along with various appointments here and there. life has been full of anxious moments but i am choosing to be grateful & prayerful. (phil. 4:6-7)


linking up to

Make it 4 Monday at Cottage Instincts

Metamorphis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

February Before & After at Thrifty Decor Chick

Power of Work Wednesday at Primitive & Proper


update june 2011:
these pieces qualify for under $100 as the cupboard was free and the table was well under $100 including the paint and paste wax which was already on hand.  nothing extra was purchased to complete this transformation.  my favorite kind of project!

also linking to:
Beyond The Picket Fence

21 comments:

  1. Judi- I've definitely missed your posts, I hope your dad is doing much better.
    These are precious pieces! Ya'll did a super job!
    love the cupboard!
    gail
    ps tweeted it!

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  2. Judi! I love this piece. You did a great job. So glad I found your blog. :)
    Blessings,
    Traci

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  3. You did a great job - it looks awesome!

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  4. Beautiful! And I really need to try the paste wax, too!

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  5. judi- they both look awesome! looove that cabinet- so cute!!! and the table is gorgeous, but i especially love the top! and glad you liked the paste wax. :)

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  6. Would the be called a glorious re-gifting? It is fabulous and I love how you painted the prayer around the edge. Such a neat idea! I am sure it is being loved now and so glad it is no longer banished to the basement!

    bee blessed
    mary

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  7. Mission accomplished indeed. I love the lettering around the edge of the hutch, it gives it so much warmth and personality. Great job.

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  8. What a wonderful gift for your parents. You are so creative and both pieces turned our great! Enjoy your time with your parents while you can. Be blessed and continue to be a blessing to them.

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  9. Hi Judi...both pieces look wonderful! I especially love the addtion of the table prayer, that's a special one to us too. What a sweet surprise for your parents! Hope your dad is doing better...family comes first, for sure! Blessings, Laurel

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  10. These are sooo beautiful--WOW! I love the lettering--I'm in awe.
    I hope that your dad will be feeling better. And yes, family certainly does come first!
    XO

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  11. You did such a professional job! Love how it came out. I found you through Make it 4 Monday. I'm following along!

    :)

    Kelly
    http://crazywego.blogspot.com

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  12. I so love this project...beautifully done...you are inspirational....blessings to you
    Julie at Fire Lake Camp
    lifeatfirelakecamp.blogspot.com

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  13. both pieces are great looking! Lezlee

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  14. Judi - its fantastic! :) Your parents must have been thrilled!!! Tell me about this paste wax when you can, sounds like a product I need for sure!!

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  15. So glad you stopped by ~ Loving your blog.
    I'm your newest follower ~ Look forward to your Link to our First YUM-Top 5. Praying for your parents ~ they have been blessed with you

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  16. You have an ADORABLE blog! This redo is definitely inspiring and I can't wait to see what else you do!

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  17. These look great,what a sweet gift.- hope your dad is better.

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  18. You have a great blog! I found you through blog hopping and I really love all your stuff! I love when I find fellow Christian bloggers, too! Your cabinet is darling!

    Becky B.
    www.organizingmadefun.blogspot.com
    Organizing Made Fun

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  19. Judi,
    Love the blessing on the table. Makes it extra special.
    You referenced Philippians 4:6,7. A couple of my favorites. Verse 8 keeps me thinking on the right things, especially during times of crisis.
    Blessings, Beth N.

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    Replies
    1. thank you beth. i so agree with thinking on the right things...it's so easy to go the other way if we allow it.

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judi

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