Gossip Table Redo!!

I was going to write about my fantastic Mother's Day, but it was just too wonderful and special to describe and share. Really, that great. Memories created for all. The kids keep talking about what a great day it was....and it was!! Gardening, relaxing, and eating yummy food. Okay, so I shared a little. Here is a picture of the kids and I making silly faces after dinner (yes, I am in my jammies.....again)!

Now, my second reason for this post....my gossip table redo! I LOVE how it turned out. And I definitely learned some lessons in painting furniture....the biggest being that I need to SLOW down and be patient!!

Here is a before of the lovely. My in-laws gave it to us. I know my mother-in-law used it while sewing. She is an amazing quilter and I think when she was handstitching, she would sit at this table and watch t.v. while working. I am not sure where it came from before then. Anyway, we have had it for a few years and just kind of moved it from area to area and threw a blanket over the cushion. The past two years it has lived in our garage.

It is hard to see in the picture, but the chair/table really has some pretty detail and curves on the chair. I decided I would paint and then attempt to distress, hoping to reveal some detail. Easier said than done. And I started out WAY TOO FAST. I bought a sample container of Martha Stewart Sea Glass paint. I read somewhere that since I would be distressing/antiquing it I didn't need to prime. Not sure if this is accurate or not, but I went for it. First mistake, painting with five year old son who wanted to help. While entertaining him and trying to keep him out of trouble, I accumalated a few drip marks on side:(. Oh well. It took two coats to cover dark wood. I did one coat, waited 24 hrs. and did second.

I next finely sanded edges, purposefully (no accident this time)taking off a bit of paint here and there. I then used my black antique glaze and rubbed it all over with towel. This only turned out OK. Definitely need to practice that !!! Without alot of detail ( I am used to antiquing smaller items) it was difficult to achieve the look I was going for.

My third mistake was to leave the table in the garage for days and days without sealing it. My girls put a cooler on top of it and left big chip marks:(. So, I fixed that today. I also sprayed the table with Miniwax. It took me forever (and I am still not done searching) for fabric for seat cushion. I typed dishtowel for cushion cover in google yesterday and found a post from a girl who used a Target dishtowel to cover hers. The chair and color looks so similiar to mine, so I had to run to Target and get the same dish towel...for $2.88! I had to put it together right away. While I love it, I am still searching for fabric because the lamp I am putting on it does not go with that fabric. I am very wordy right now. Here is the reveal pics!!

Here are some daylight pics, you can see more details.

So, I need less paint where the detail needs to show through. And paint slower. And hide from children to finished. The towel is not attached yet because I am keeping my options open. Carly had to jump in a shot:)! I am going to see if I can find the site where I got the Target dishtowel site.

Toodles, Beth

Transitions

Busy, exciting, and frustrating past couple of days. Busy because I am finishing my student's grades and wrapping up end of semester stuff (actually, this has been the frustrating part because of students arguing about grades and missing deadlines. Also busy because it is Teacher Appreciation Week and I have tried doing some little things for my children's teachers. AND, exciting because I registered Jack for kindergarten and Madison had her MIDDLE SCHOOL orientation tonight. And I am typing this because I am trying to distract myself from the fact that I have the stomach flu. Gross. Gross. Gross.

So here are some pics and recaps of the events. First, Jack's registsration. He was so super sweet. I asked him what he wanted to wear and he told me a "handsome" shirt and jeans. He knew just the shirt. He brushed his hair and looked soooooo stinking cute! Here he is on the way to the school.

He ran, skipped and jumped all the way to the front door. He, of course, got a bit bashful when we got inside. I told him not to act silly. Then I felt bad, because as we left, he asked, "can I act silly when we get back in the car?" Of course he was just acting silly because he was nervous:(! Anyway,he did great. We got tours of the traditional kindergarten classrooms (as opposed to multiage). I think this is the best choice for him. I picked up his graduation pictures from preschool today....ADORABLE!! My family followers, you will get pics soon:)!

Jack on his way up to the school!

Madison's orientation was bittersweet for both of us. I can not believe she is going to middle school!!! She is excited,nervous, and sad (to be leaving Lake Ridge). I am excited for her. I REALLY liked the middle school. She will be doing chorus. I, of course, did not bring a camera inside the tour, but snapped a shot before we left. I told her we can see how much she grows from now until then:)! She looked so tall, mature, and beautiful at the orientation. I am proud of her.

I have managed to do a bit of crafting this week. I attempted a Shabby Chic redo on this "gossip table". It turned out okay, but I definitely learned some lessons in painting furniture! I am currently looking for fabric for seat section. I will post an after picture when all is complete:).

Before:

I hope I am not sick all night!!! Too much to do tomorrow!!

Toodles,
beth

Good news!

I am so glad that I can finally say this!!! My baby sister and dear friend is....well, let me just post a quick picture:

In December, I will have a niephew (cute title,huh)? I couldn't be happier. Can't wait until we get the go ahead to tell the kids.....they will be so happy!

So, Congrats to Chris and Courtney, you will be AMAZING parents!!!

Welcome to our family blog....

Who am I kidding? this is MY blog about me, starring my family. I am currently obsessed with: finding a full time job, making our home beautiful on a budget,and my children! I don't know much about creating a blog, but I am determined to use this blog as a creative outlet to share with others!