A few months ago, I spotted a sad looking table next to some trash cans on the side of the road waiting for the trash truck to pick it up. I slowed down and looked at it, but was on my way to drop my son off at school, so I couldn't stop. I spent the morning working in his school as a volunteer and was sure it would be gone before I was able to get back to it. However, on my way home, I was pleasantly surprised that it was still there - as the trash truck hadn't been there yet!
When I stopped to check it out, I was ready to see something beyond hope - but it wasn't so bad - it just needed some TLC - so in the back of my SUV it went. Then, into my garage - where it sat for maybe 5 months. Yes, nearly half a year. This is what happens to the misfits I drag home. They wait patiently until I can decide what they need to bring them back to life.
This table is a well made solid wood Duncan Phyfe style drop leaf with one drawer. It was missing one of the brass claw feet caps and the veneers were all separating from tops. When a solid wood piece is losing its veneer, I typically just go ahead and remove all of it - but in this case, the veneer was still in one solid piece, so I decided to re-glue and clamp it all back flat and tight to the table top. All three leaves needed help. Other than that, I needed to hunt for a replacement foot cap. Thanks to Etsy, I found a whole set of 4 vintage foot caps that worked perfectly for me. I kept the original 3, so now when I find a 3 footed table needing caps, I will be set!
I realize now, that I am not too good at remembering to take BEFORE pictures. I really need to work on that. IMO, it wasn't so bad that it deserved to be put in the trash - but, maybe it was meant for me to find it so I could give it a new life!
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| Here it is after I glued down the veneer and removed all of the foot end caps. |
I used a Clark & Kensington color called
Laredo Lake, hand distressed, then sealed with several coats of Folk Art Home Decor Wax that I tinted myself to give a more subdued and aged look to the piece. The final color of my table reminds me of a piece of
French blue enamelware. Isn't it dreamy? I can just picture this sweet table in a
home with a French country theme - with a pair of white chairs and
beautiful ironstone dishes on top.
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| This drawer is the perfect spot to stash a few table linens or candles. |
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| A beautiful leg needs a great shoe. |
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| Here she is at my booth at The Morgantown Market waiting for it's new home! |
