Dining Table Progress Report

The dining table renovation is still is process... As we go along I have changed my mind a little at the process to finishing the table. After all, it is a womans perogative to change her mind  (hehe).  I ended up deciding to do a dark antique glaze over the stain. I really wanted a vintage rustic farm house look for the table and I think the glaze achieves it. With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away we are keeping busy working on it.  I am currently doing the antique glaze process on the table. Here are a few pictures to see where we are at. Today I will finish with the antique glazing on the rest of the table and my husband Jim is starting to sand the chair frames.

The final step on the table with be a waterproof polyurathane finish to protect it. I love how this project is turning out... But I so hope we can finish everything in time for Thanksgiving!!!

Architectural Salvage Decorating

I love architectural salvage yards and stores!!! It always amazes me how much beauty is in so many of the old items I see there. Something like an old iron gate or vintage window can become a beautiful piece of wall art. An old corbel or a clawfoot from a vintage tub can be used as a bookend or as a decorative piece on a book shelf. The ideas are endless as I look through all the great stuff! Each item has character, age and tells a story. If you haven't been to an architectural salvage store yet, check the yellow pages or a local directory to find one in your neighborhood... Shopping salvaged items is considered "green" because you are repurposing vintage and antique items.

Flea markets are another great way to find great vintage pieces and often great prices... But at an Architectural Salvage store you get to see a large collection of beautiful items all in one location.

 My favorite shop is Architectural Salvage of San Diego. It is located in downtown San Diego. It is an easy visit since it is just off of the 5 freeway. The above photo is from their store.

Nicely detailed old radiator cover. With this piece I picture putting a nice wood top on it and using it as an entry hall table. It would be stunning! It could also be used in a dining room as a small serving table. If you are decorating a small space, you could use a glass table top. It wouldn't feel as heavy in the room and you would be able to see through the glass to all of the beautiful scroll details. These vintage and antique radiator covers can often be found in bare metal or iron usually with a nice patina or painted with shabby chippy paint. The aged look adds so much character. Just wire bush off any loose paint or debri and then I like to seal the with a clear polyurathane.

Old barn doors.. Some would look at these and think they are junk... but they make great interior barn style sliding doors... and they add so much character! (see photos below). Use your imagination and take risks in decorating. It can be so much fun...

Shopping Architectural Salvage can give you ideas for things you may never think of when shopping your local hardware store... Just be willing to think outside the box. There are many unique treasures to be found. And the nice thing is, most vintage items can be mixed into any decorating style. Mixing old and new is in!!!

Christmas Baking Inspirations

Today I was looking at baking ideas for Christmas... I know Thanksgiving isn't even here yet, but I seem to constantly have Christmas on my mind.  I found some amazing photos of Christmas cookies, cupcakes and candies... (via GloriousTreats.blogspot.com, where she also posts recipes). I thought I would share a few of the photos with you.  But, take note: looking at these will likely make you want to eat some sweets!!!

Great DIY idea... Christmas tag cookies. Besides being cute cookies, you can actually use them as gift tags or table place setting cards.

I love the snowflake cookies and cupcakes... They are beautiful!!!

 

Dining Table - Update

Snow coming down on our dining table???  Well, I am dreaming of a white Christmas.... But, no, it's obviously not snow. It's just the camera flash reflecting off of dust in the air from sanding the table top...

Our dining set DIY renovation project is coming along nicely. Last night after my hubby got home from work, he fininshed the final sanding on the dining table. Then he was able to start the staining on the base frame. Tonight, after he gets home, he will stain the tabletop.  As I've mentioned before, I absolutely love painted furniture!!!  I've painted many items.  However, staining furniture is new to me...  All along I've been planning to paint the chairs an antique white color in contrast with the table that is being stained... However, after seeing the stain last night, the stain is a little dark, so I think I'm going to do an antique white glaze on the detail areas of the table (the table edges and legs) to see them better. I am going for a vintage farmhouse look and I think a little white on the edges and in the detail will look great and it will compliment the white on the chairs.

Thanksgiving Table Decorating Ideas

With Thanksgiving just over two weeks away it is time to start thinking of how to decorate the holiday dinner table. Thanksgiving table decorations don't have to be too fancy or expensive. It's amazing how beautiful vegetables and fruit can be. There are many great fall harvest items at your local grocery store that you can use, such as pumpkins, gourds, pomegranates, cranberries and corn. These items can be placed in the center or down the middle of your table with items such as candles, fall leaves, twigs, pinecones and possibly a decorative bowl that you already own. Below are some pictures to help you get inspired...

(above photos via: Country Living)

Consider decorating other areas in your home for Thanksgiving. As shown below the mantle and buffet serving table look beautiful decorated with harvest decor.

(source: Pottery Barn)

For something a little different... notice, on the photo below, there are mini pumpkins and gourds that are painted metallic bronze gold, silver, cream and gilver (a silvery gold color). This is an easy DIY craft project that can be done with spray paint or craft paint. Spray paint tends to leave lingering fumes, so if you use spray paint, be sure to spray a few days in advance so the fumes will dicipate. Most craft stores sell both metallic spray paints and acrylic craft paints in all colors. Craft paints can be easily applied with a sponge brush, also available at your craft store.

Happy Harvest... and Happy Decorating!