Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Postcard Table

My neighbor’s dad is retiring from his dental practice after FORTY-EIGHT years (can you believe that??). They asked me if I wanted to do something with this solid wood coffee table that had been in their reception area:

Bellas 001

Umm…yes please! (You know I have a weakness for coffee tables!)

Bellas 002

See that interesting red pattern that trails across our driveway? That’s what happens when a can of spray primer falls off the sawhorse, punctures on a piece of gravel, and then rolls down the driveway spraying merrily all the way…

I did something a little different for this coffee table. Instead of a French advertisement, I wanted it to look like a vintage French postcard (albeit a rather large one).

I painted this table a creamy white. I got my graphic from The Graphics Fairy, and I used the method demonstrated for my French Chocolate Coffee Table to paint the image on the table.

I distressed the table heavily, and glazed it lightly with Minwax Jacobean stain mixed with Martha Stewart glaze.

French postcard table

I love the postmark from 1887!

French typography table

I like how the glaze sticks in the crevices of the legs.

love letter table

I can’t really read the complete address, but I think it makes it look like it has been around for a long, long time.

French address table

I wonder if this was a love note?

postmark table

I’d like to think so!

postcard table 017

And speaking of love…there are more than 600 of you dear readers who follow my little projects now, and send sweet, encouraging comments my way every week. Thank you for that! I am also rapidly approaching my first “blogiversary,” or that day when my teenage daughter convinced me to start a blog. In celebration of both events, I am planning a giveaway! Watch for it to be announced soon!

This project has been featured at The Homeless Finch, The DIY Home Sweet Home Project, and Party of 4.

Linking up to these parties.Link


86 comments:

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

That is GORGEOUS! I bet they want it back now, huh?

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Another example of stunning work and creativity. I love it. Hugs, Marty

Tara Leigh said...

You have inspired me with all your coffee tables and stools! I hope to try this technique on a bench for my foyer very soon! Keep your wonderful ideas coming!

Cassie Bustamante said...

that turned out sooo cute!!! love how you took a plain table and made it super awesome!

Mimi said...

Wow! That is one beautiful table. I keep reading this post over and over! Don't want to miss any detail here. I have some end tables that look sort of similar. It would be so fun to do something like this.
And I have to say I have been a big fan of your blog and always check it out but just realized I wasn't a follower. Now I am! Can't wait to see more wonderful things here.

Anonymous said...

Can I just say, WOW!!! That is an amazing transformation and sooooo beautiful!!
Your blog is fabulous and so glad I found you!
Have a wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Korrie, your table is awesome. Congrats on over 600 followers.

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

Korrie! Oh my gosh, each project gets better and better! I love this table!
super job girl!
gail

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

What a gorgeous gorgeous table! You have done a masterful job! I would love that in my living room!
I am a new follower!
Yvonne

Susan said...

That is one beautiful re-do! You gonna give it back?

Tina said...

Beautiful! You did a fantastic job capturing the details on the postage!
Your driveway...looks like you might be able to add a few details and make it look like a garland of rose buds! Then you could say "I meant to do that!"

Beverly@southernhomesweethome said...

That is wonderful. You do such a great job, so creative. I think it was meant for me since it has my birthday stamped on it, not the year, lol!

LaLa said...

What a terrific idea! I love it. What a perfect design for a coffee table....Cheers!

Pamela said...

Love this! It looks fabulous!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

WOW this table transformation is amazing!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Martina

Amy Gilman and Emily Lee (Sisters of the Wild West) said...

your table is fabulous!! i would love to have you link it up at our party going on now.
Amy
www.Sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com

Tamra said...

Good grief, you have got it goin' on!!!

Love your style and your ideas.

Carol said...

Amazing!

Karie said...

Oh, I love that. I want to do something like that with a table I have. Thanks for sharing. Karie

reFresh reStyle said...

I love this! And congrats on all your followers! You're someone great to follow! Please send me an overhead projector...maybe you can give one away to celebrate!! LOL Love your work!
Debbie

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Korrie, Congrats on the success of your blog! You always have the most wonderful projects and this table is no exception. I love it!! Thanks for linking to my party this week.
xo,
Sherry

Biała Korona said...

Jest cudowny!

Karena said...

Korrie I am absolutely amazed by this transformation. It is one of the most unique coffee tables I have ever seen! Bravo!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Do come and enter my new Giveaway, a painting!

Catie @ Catie's Corner said...

Wow!! Simply stunning. I love what you did with it. I'm visiting from Perfectly Imperfect and thought I'd look around. Great pieces you've done! I'm your newest follower. : ) ~ Catie Come by for a visit some time.
http://catiescorner2.blogspot.com

Ido said...

The table is gorgeous, did he ask you for the table back? I love that graphic I have used it on my pillows and birdhouses.
XXX Ido

BluBabesCreate said...

Really darling! Thanks for the compliment!

Gypsy Heart said...

This is fabulous!! I don't know how you do it but I believe each table gets better. If I lived near you, I'd probably have to turn over my retirement to you. :-)

Pat

Charlotte said...

Love the table and love your blog....you always do just great work on your furniture....one very talented lady....have a happy day.

Becca Bertotti said...

Ohmygoodness, this is one of the coolest coffee tables I've ever seen! I'm off to avidly take notes on your tutorial for working with the Graphics Fairy! Thanks for sharing!

Honey at 2805 said...

Another fabulous table! I just love it!

Homeroad said...

This is gorgeous! I love how it came out and I want to make one now... I made an IKEA cart with French postmarks on it and I love it! I'm sure you love your new table too! Beautiful!
Susan

Homeroad said...

I'm your newest follower!
Susan
@ homeroad.net

The Revamped Soul said...

Love the post card coffee table - you did a great job as usual!!!! I'm going to try it on something or other.....

Decor To Adore said...

What an amazing transformation! This table is just lovely!

Jacqueline said...

Wow Very creative!

Lisa said...

I love the white! Gorgeous piece, and yes, I also bet they want it back!

Beth said...

Seriously, this is soooooo beautiful!!!An amazing transformation....love it!
Beth

Anonymous said...

Oh my I love this! Used pages on a little table I just redid but this is gorgeous!

Terry @ La Bella Vie said...

OMG I just love this and wish it was in my house!!! Adorable girl and job well done!
Terry

imsteelefullofscrap said...

Absolutely loved what you did to the coffee table I would love to have it in my living room!

Kaye said...

WOW, I LOVE this!!! I found your blog through MMS and I'm going to start reading through your archives from the beginning!!!

Art Is Beauty said...

I am making one of these as we speak...I am one of your newest followers...would love if you followed back... I am so thankful for the Graphics fairy...she rocks..and so do you!! Great job!

Marg @ I Dream of Martha said...

that is to beautiful. you are so talented.

Unknown said...

Hey Korrie!!

Wrote about this table and about your blog on my blog today. Yes.....again. lol check it out
http://thehomelessfinch.blogspot.com/2011/07/its-hot-out-there-on-blogs.html

my2girlies said...

Oh my goodness - your talent and creativity are amazing!!! And you even decorate your driveway - LOL. I thought your first table was my favorite all time. But now --- WOW!!

Susan
http://lifeondovehollow.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Wow! That is beautiful!

Eileen said...

I just discovered your blog and I am enthralled. I love that table ! totally awesome work.

Kim said...

You could make a fortune selling those! Seriously!
xoxo,
Kim

Twice Nice said...

Absolutely lovely. I should try that out on our old scarred up piano bench...but then I might not WANT them to sit down and practice!
Deb

Full Circle Creations said...

Love it! You do such great things with coffee tables! Love the story of primer too!

Holly

Deborah March said...

OMG there she goes AGAIN!!!! Okay, now you need to get some of these beauties PUBLISHED...please and thank you!!

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Fabulous! I love it.

Aroura said...

You must know how amazing this looks! Love it!

Melissa @ Vintage Afterthoughts said...

I am DROOLING! This is fantastic!! :) Great job!

Kristal said...

Hi Korrie,
I feel like I might have visited your blog before, but I could be wrong. I'm thinking it was through Donna at Funky Junk...but I'm past 40 and have two kids, so I could also be losing my mind ~ LOL!!

Anyway, this is my first time to participate in 'Feathered Nest Friday' and I am slowly making my way to all the parties.

Wow, your pieces are just gorgeous!! Thanks so much for sharing. I have painted my first piece here: http://stateofgracegoods.blogspot.com/2011/07/baby-dresser-has-grown-up.html and am now hooked on painting furniture! I saw one of your post was about attending a show and I am off to read it as I would love to take that step but it absolutely terrifies me!!!

I will be adding myself to your blog following. Hope you have a great weekend!

Andrea said...

That is just stunning! You did a fantastic job.

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

I absolutely love this Korrie!!! How fantastic this turned out! Love it, love it!!!
Well done! Thanks for sharing this at my party this week!! :)

Funky Junk Interiors said...

What can I say. I'm a total FAN of your work! Gorgeous!

Shared this on FJI Facebook for SNS 90. :)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150309213176141&set=a.192514281140.164586.175378011140&type=1&theater

Donna

Elaine @kid in my heart said...

My mind is already trying to think of a way to translate this idea. Love it!

wisp said...

I love this so much! =D It's beautiful! You have such talent and creativity! =)

Sarah, Three Boys said...

Gorgeous girl!! Love it. I need to get a hold of a coffee table soon, you have inspired me!!

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

Holy Moly. You could sell this stuff you have been making left and right. I want a french table now! Gorgeous.

christini yogini said...

So pretty!!!

Unknown said...

LOVE THIS TABLE AND THE LOOK YOU GAVE IT. YOU COME UP WITH THE GREATEST IDEAS. TRULY INSPIRING.

Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic said...

Nice job! I love your choice of graphic on the top, it looks so pretty.
Stopping by from Gail's Catch as Catch Can party. Glad I did, I'm your newest follower now.

Anonymous said...

Just gorgeous! You did a lovely job - what a transformation!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

That is so fun about the paint can spraying down the driveway...that is EXACTLY why I am afraid of all the wonderful projects you do. Simply lovely coffee table.

about blue cedar lane said...

found your coffee table on SNS at Funky Junk - you know what they say about great minds and all that? Here's a table I did a couple of weeks ago:

http://bluecedarlane.blogspot.com/2011/07/fabulous-french-ish-coffee-table-find.html

Just wanted to say great work!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

I really love this (and the pictures of you working on the other table on the floor!). Today I was in a class at church and lo and behold, what was sitting in a corner of the room? An overhead projector. So instead of listening to my husband teach, all I could think of was, "I wonder who I talk to about borrowing that?" LOL

Megan Gunyan said...

Oh, it's adorable. Definitely a love note. Definitely. :) I love how you transfer these images. I think you have a talent few possess! Great job!

Heather Libbey said...

Awesome! What a lucky recipient!

Maddie Kertay- The Domestic Anarchist said...

What a wonderful table.. good job!

Maddie

Brenda Watts said...

Korrie...wonderful !! I want it !! I love the dished top and splayed legs..you picked the perfect graphic for it..LOVE LOVE & Jealous !! Stunning work.

Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home said...

That is amazing!!! Thank you for linking up to http://diyhshp.blogspot.com I can not wait to see what amazing projects you come up with next week.

Michele @ {Primp} said...

love this--so beautiful! You have a great talent, thanks for sharing.

Sam Findlay said...

The table is gorgeous!

Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com said...

Love, Love, Love this!

Missy @ Chateau Chic Boutique said...

Oh, I love this! Another great coffee table project. You're good!
Blessings,
Missy

Mariaelena said...

Gorgeous!!!....I'm your newest follower....going back to check it all out...that table is the best!!!...nice to meet you....come on over and visit me....Mariaelena

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Oh this is gorgeous!!
XO

Anonymous said...

Love the French postcard on the coffee table. And that stain/glaze combo is beautiful.

MissPrissyville said...

OMG! I would have totally passed on this table had I seen it while thrifting! I would never have imagined it could revamp itself into something this awesome! Wow, awesome!!

Anonymous said...

Love your table redos...I need to find a projector...who knew?..lol
patti

Unknown said...

Honestly this coffee table is look like a new table and you story is very inspiration for me. post card

Unknown said...

Your story really awesome and inspired me. This table look awesome as a new table. post card