Monday, August 13, 2012

I Wish I Could Read

When I bought this table at an auction, I thought it was a great design. I love the frenchy shape and, even better, I got it for a song!



When I am excited about a piece of furniture, I usually have something in mind and can't wait to get it home and get started. This was one of those pieces. I think I was cleaning it as it was being unloaded from the truck.



I painted the legs with a coat of Chalk Paint in Old White and then layered on some Country Grey and Paris Grey with Pure White pounced on in spots. I wanted it to look like layers of paint had been applied and were chipping and peeling away.




As I came around the final corner, feeling rather proud of myself for finishing so quickly, I noticed a sticker on the underside of the table. Crap... It was a container import sticker. From France. Seriously? I had just painted an antique, imported French table. Trying not to kick myself, I looked up the name of the shop in Dallas this piece had been shipped to originally. Horrible idea, just by looking at the website I could tell that this was a place I would never be able to shop. The only pricing I could find on the website was this line from their "about us" section "We have vast selections and styles of armoires ranging in price from $3,300 to $24,880". I thought I might be sick.



The consolation? The finish on the top was not in great condition. It had been badly lacquered and was visibly chipping. After I stripped and restained the top, it is beautiful again. The grain and pattern of the wood is spectacular. 



If I knew then what I know now, I might have left the apron and legs as found and just refinished the top. As it is? I love it! I think that the carved details are yummy and I love its clunky little feet. They remind me of platform shoes. Which I do not wear. They don't really go with my paint splattered sweats.





For a little while, this table lives in my dining room. I love having it here, it makes me feel fancy. Which I am not :-)



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22 comments:

  1. Wow! What a fabulous find! And I love the paint job you did on it. I always prefer finding out about the piece after I've made it what I want it anyway. I like your's better painted.
    Fran

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    1. Thanks Fran! I really do love it painted so I guess it is a bit of a blessing that I didn't look first!

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  2. rainbow drive here: No you made it your own... It needed updating and it is now so much better...

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  3. Hey, you've got a high end piece of furniture in your house that is customized to your liking! What good is a pricey piece if it's not your style?! Great transformation!

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  4. How cool from
    France!
    I think it's lovely

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  5. Love it! I would totally go over a sticker on accident. LOL. ARe you in KC????

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    1. I am! I live in Lee's Summit and have a space for my treasures at Restoration Emporium in the West Bottoms. I have been following your blog (and loving it!)for a while and keep trying to get out to The Red Apron. Once school starts...haha, story of my life!

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  6. The table came from France which is so cool but better yet you created your own signature on this masterpiece. Love it.

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  7. I think it looks so good. I would have painted it even if I did know its potential value. What matters is what makes you happy. I love it!

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  8. It's gorgeous! The top is unbelievably beautiful.

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  9. I live in Dallas and have been to the Whimsey Shop many times but could never afford to buy anything!!! You are very lucky!!!!!

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  10. Hahahaha! That would absolutely happen to me! Well, the "finding the sticker later" part, not so much the "stumbling upon a French Antique" part :) But I would still be happier to find out later, because if I knew ahead of time I wouldn't paint it either. Kind of like buying a house where someone already painted the big, wide woodwork white. I would be afraid to do it myself, but so happy someone else already did!

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  11. It looks beautiful! It never would have looked as good if you would have stained the whole thing, give yourself a break! Newest follower! Would love to have you follow me back @ dwellrepurposed.blogspot.com

    Thanks
    Andrea

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  12. Stunning table! You did an amazing job.

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  13. It was meant to be, it's absolutely beautiful the way you've painted the skirt & legs and restored the top. I have a pecan inlay table with matching chairs that my parents bought off a designer showroom in CA in 1940. I keep debating whether to update by painting the skirt & legs, wondering if I will ruin the value if I do. You've given me one more reason to paint it.

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  14. Been there, done that! Regardless, your table turned out absolutely stunning! Love it!!

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  15. Hello there! Did you ever deal such a position when a complete stranger has robbed you online and took your articles? Can't wait to hear from you.

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  16. What method did you use to remove the lacquer? This is really beautiful!

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  17. I was wondering what you did to achieve the flakiness in the paint?

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