The beautiful old Bassett tables have a new life, I learned a new skill and cannot wait to tackle my hutch! They will be in separate rooms in the new house, but they flow into each other. So I want a touch of the same in both rooms.
When Hubby and I scored those tables, I pretty much had a single focus. I was ready to create. I love the very act of creating. Making something from basically nothing. Evidently, the folks at Savers couldn't see the potential in those tables (for which I am thankful). We didn't even have to change the hardware.
We started by simply taking off the hardware and roughing up the finish. There was very little finish left and that took minutes. I couldn't find the paint that was recommended in all the online tips and techniques pages I studied getting ready to start. At least not locally. And when I am ready to create, I have absolutely no patience at all! None, zero, nada! Luckily, there are always solutions.
I did some research, found a solution, two hardware stores later I was ready to go.
Hubby and I started painting on Friday night, several coats of chalk paint (I had to laugh at the sweet young man at Lowes - I asked him if they had chalk paint in stock and he assured me it was in aisle 13. After much searching I realized he thought I was asking about chalkboard paint - yeah, not the same thing!)
Yesterday morning before leaving for the Wounded Warrior Ride, I roughed up the pieces (to give it that distressed look) and nervously started applying stain. I have to admit, I was really okay with how they looked just painted. The color I chose "Rushing Stream", had pop and character. It was so pretty that the next step had my fingers shaking just a bit.
I had a vision in my head of what I was wanting. I was determined.
The Kona stain looked so dark, even darker on the white cloth in my hand. I was so concerned. I finally figured that if I hated it, I could always sand a bit more and add another coat or two of paint. In for a penny, in for a pound, yep that sounds about right.
Late last night, exhausted from riding all day, too tired yet too curious not to. I went back down to the basement and started adding the final touch. I gently sanded the dried pieces, working on getting an even finish, mellowing out the slightly darker spots.
I waxed the drawers last night. I've never used paste wax, and again was dubious of the outcome. I followed the directions to the letter, so worried and unsure.
Tick, tick, tick... how can 15 minutes fly by except when waiting to see final results. I was so very tired. Too many medications, too much sun, such a short night the night before... my eye lids started to droop.
Sip my tea, add a bit of wax to one of the tables, just a small part, trying so hard to stay awake...
Finally time to buff. I was terrified! Hopeful...
It was beautiful, the difference was shocking. Soft, smooth, deep. The texture was soft. I was too tired to go on. I really wanted to finish. I really wanted to be able to complete them last night. I just couldn't risk it. I was just too tired.
I got up early today, brewed myself a pot of coffee, gathered up my tools and headed to the basement. I was on a mission, yet again.
I carefully applied the paste wax with a brush, pushing it into the nooks and crannies left when you are working with chalk paint. I had the patience to wait those 15 minutes today. I was rested and ready to work.
As the tables dried, waiting to be buffed, I buffed the drawers once more and added the hardware.
I methodically buffed each piece. Paying close attention to all the corners, edges and grooves. Every swirl of the cloth brought forth the soft beauty that I had discovered with the drawers. Soft and beautiful, the colors blended and swirled.
The soft brown colored glass was put back in, the drawers put back in. I am very happy with the end result. I am very pleased indeed.
I have discovered a new found passion. I just have to decide what piece is next... It cannot be my hutch, this house is just too small for it. So... is it the other table that I want in living room? Or the two tables I made long ago, that had been forgotten and left behind (I was considering these for a yard sale, but Hubby has me thinking they may have a home in our new house...). Or maybe it is the beautiful table, affectionately called Estella's table (after the sweet woman it came from). I love that table.
I think it will be perfect in my new breakfast nook. I will finally be able to use it. Yes, I do believe that is next...
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