Saturday, March 27, 2010

Rusty metal + scrap wood = New table for me!




Rusty metal + scrap wood = 
New table for me!

Early last month, while visiting around blogland, I found the most fabulous table over at Flea Market Trixie.  Now I've always had a thing for junk, but since then I've been looking at metal junk in a whole new way - looking for things that I could breathe new life into for the house.  

While plundering around in my father-in-laws barn last week, I happened upon a rusty metal box thingy that my hubby drug home years ago. It has lived in the in-law's barn since we moved back to our hometown - about five years ago. Home with me it came! I had no clue what I would do with it, but I did know that it had potential.  I considered painting something on it and hanging it on the wall, and I thought about hanging it as a shelf, but I finally settled on using it as a table-top. Here's what I started with: 

 

When I told my hubby what I planned on doing, he thought I was plain goofy. I, however, thought it was a fabulous idea and was fully prepared to construct the table myself if I had to. Luckily, I didn't have to! 

My brother-in-law showed up about the time I was dragging in 4x4s from our barn. He seemed agreeable to helping, so I got out of the whole, measuring-drilling pilot holes-using electric screwdriver thing. I pretty much just told him what I wanted and handed him things as needed. Can't beat that, can you? (My hubby just shook his head at us & went to cook supper, since I was so excited about starting my project that I neglected to feed anyone.)

After just a little while, we had a table!

 

Then it was time to paint it.  First, I took the top off and cleaned it well, then sprayed on some clear sealer.
Since all the wood was recycled, I ran the mouse sander over it quickly to knock down any rough spots. I also rubbed some wax over the red paint so that it would show through when I distressed it. Then it was time for the paint. I had some good help!

 

It took two coats of paint to cover it well, and then I rubbed on some stain to darken it up and highlight the dents and dings. It really turned out brighter than I had intended, so I applied the stain twice, leaving it on longer the second time before I wiped over it. I sanded the edges a good bit, and also sanded it to expose some red paint. I then rubbed stain over the newly distressed areas to darken them up. After it dried for a couple of hours, I screwed the top back on and called it finished. 

My love, who thought this was a silly idea, still says he has no opinion on my table, but I love it!

Linking up to:

47 comments:

  1. You are so creative. I think that table is awesome.

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  2. Love how this turnd out and that your cute kiddos helped!

    Now a follower thanks for sharing!

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  3. I love to use unexpected things and make them into something usefull... Great Job!!! :O)

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  4. That is a fantastic project! I love it!
    I heart junk transformations!
    Great job.
    ~Amy

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  5. That is great! I love the color you chose to paint it. Awesome.

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  6. What vision you had for that metal piece. The table turned out great!
    Midge

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  7. What a wonderful table and such cute helpers, too!

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  8. I like the table a lot. Nice and sturdy.

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  9. Amanda,
    You are very creative, and lucky to have a BIL who knows how to build things! I love your table, and think you guys did a great job! Very clever!
    XO
    Heidi - Heart and Home

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  10. Love it! I love it when people turn 'junk' into something gorgeous!

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  11. Beautiful table!! "Repurposed barn stuff" is the best!! And I'm loving the turquoise color you used!

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  12. I'm with you...a GREAT table! I love the color.

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  13. That's one terrific table wherever it may have begun it's life. Great addition to your home.
    Hope you'll visit us to see our headboard bench project. -- Jane F.

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  14. That's awesome!! I know what you mean about the hubby thinking you're crazy with some of the ideas you come up with :) Mine has finally just learned to go with it and trust that it will be fantastic when it's finished!

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  15. Wow! This looks fabulous. I love the color blue you picked. Super cute.

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  16. I love thinking outside the box. You did great on it! One of a kind...

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  17. I LOVE this table!! Everything about it is fabulous! and I love how you got the kiddos involved!!

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  18. I am following you now. I meant to follow when I came to visit last time. I don't know what happened, but now it is working :)

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  19. I really love it, it's homey and rustic and cheerful...

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  20. The table turned out AWESOME! I love the scrolly metal thing on it too!

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  21. I love the table and LOVE the blue. Pretty clever I think. I have the perfect spot for something so darling-I'm inspired! thanks for sharing :)

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  22. What a great re-creation. I love the color blue you picked. Thanks for sharing with Made it Monday! Jules

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  23. This turned out amazeing!! I love that you let your kids in on the fun!!

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  24. I love the makeover! Be blessed. Cindy

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  25. What a great reuse of what looked like nothing. You made a wonderful table and I love it that the kids got to help too. xo Joan@anythinggoeshere

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  26. i love it so much i think you should just give it to me :)

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  27. That is jsut fabulous! I love, love, love it!

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  28. i love the color you chose- turned out beautifully!!!

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  29. absolutely adorable! great job! I dropped in from Blue Cricket. Hope to see you back at my place soon! until later...

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  30. Wow- this looks so great! I love the color too. What a fun project!

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  31. beautiful table!! i love it:) you did a great job. i'm actually quite jealous considering i recently bought one very similar to that for $75:( wish i would have seen this earlier...next time i will make my own!

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  32. Thank you so much for linking to my Turquoise Tuesday party! I do love turquoise!

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  33. That turned out soooo good! I love the color!

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  34. I love trash. didn't oscar the grouch used to sing that? I still love to make things from well....trash!

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  35. What a wonderful table! It looks fantastic. Love the colour. Happy Easter :)

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  36. Your table looks really great, good for you! Perseverance pays off! Hugs, Cindy S

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  37. What a creative project! I would love to have a table like that in my own home- and you can't beat the price! Totally better than anything you could buy new. Great work.
    Sarah

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  38. Way to go girlie!! He's proud and amazed what you did! lol

    You have a wonderful blog spot.

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  39. How COOL...it looks outstanding! Happy Easter to you and your family!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  40. It's gorgeous!! And I love the color!! Great way to re-use old stuff.

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  41. WOW Amanda!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ..did I say Love?... it! Looks great!

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  42. Wow! I think it turned out wonderful and I would love it to be sitting in my foyer.

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  43. That looks great! It turned out so wonderful.

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