Sunday, August 19, 2012

A Table with Racing Strips?

Ok, sweet friends.  My teachers come back to work tomorrow so this may be my last post for a week or two until I can come up for air.  No worries, though.  I've got a great buffet in the garage waiting for my attention.  Soon enough!

So I found this library table at a flea market last month.  To my delight, it was already painted white.  One less thing to do!

The only problem is, it was too plain.  

So I decided to put stripes down the middle.  First I measured for their placement and used a straight edge to draw them in place.  Then I used the pencil lines a guides for the painter's tape.
(If you look closely you can see the pencil line for the bottom edge of the stripe)

Once it was taped off, I started to paint.  I used ASCP Emperor's Silk.  Two coats was just enough to get a great red stripe.


Well that little stripe needed some help, so I decided to put smaller stripes on either side.  I used the same method as above to mark and tape off the stripes.  Then painted them in!

When I pulled the tape off I had the coolest grain sack-inspired stripes!

I loved it!  But it was still lacking something.  So I decided to follow through with the grain sack motif.  I printed out (in reverse) a design I worked up on my Silhouette and copied it on a toner-based machine.  Then I taped it face down in the center of the table.

I used a blender pen to transfer the image and burnished it with the back of a spoon, working one small section at a time so it wouldn't dry out.  Here's what it looked like when I finished.  


The transfer worked great but I wanted it a little darker so it could compete with my bold red stripes.  So I grabbed a Sharpie marker and started filling in the design.


Darker is definitely better!

I was careful not to color in each area completely so it would have a more distressed look.

It turned out exactly as I had hoped!


Does it look like a landing strip?


Or racing stripes?


This is yet another piece I would love to keep if I had room!


I bet this one won't last long!


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33 comments:

Anonymous said...

No, it doesn't look like racing stripes! I love what you did there with the grain sack motif.
Love it.

Happy Monday.
Suzanne

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Great job, Cyndi! I love how it turned out. I don't think it looks like racing stripes at all. With grain sacks being so popular, I'm sure this will sell fast for you.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

I'm definitely seeing a grain sack look - how cool! ... Happy back to school week!

Twice Nice said...

It definitely looks like a grain sack print! Nice job!

NanaDiana said...

Cyndi! That is a great looking piece. I would have a hard time parting with that one- xo Diana

Good Time Charlie said...

This is just wonderful!! I love it with the stripes and the graphic. Too perfect!

Anonymous said...

Love it !

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous table!
Would have to keep that I think!

Anne Boykin said...

What a great idea! It looks lovely.

Ally said...

I would find a place for it. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen! Do NOT sell it.

farmhouse-story said...

this is so awesome--i just love it!

Kammy's Korner said...

Superb, Cyndi!!!

Inspired by you said...

Looks so great!

kathryn cain said...

love this and you hit the mark with the finishing transfer....love it...I did a table and chairs and did the stripe...I liked how it came out to....I am in Belton about 4 hours from Abilene....

Anne said...

I love this, great job Cyndi!

Cassie Bustamante said...

beautifully executed, cyndi! i love the colors and love the table shape!

Unknown said...

Love it! I am on the lookout for a similar shaped table so I can try this out and I might just keep it for myself! LOL Three Mango Seeds

Sarah said...

This is one of best projects I've seen yet. what a terrific idea! Is it available?

Kim@todayismysome-day said...

Fabulous! As always! I need to keep your blog open just to see what you come up with next!

Miss Charming said...

I was visiting Sharla at The House At Bluebird Lane this week who is a new vendor at Classic Collections. I stopped in your booth and absolutely fell in love with your library table. It's simply gorgeous in person. Wonderful job, Cyndi!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I wish I had it for a desk! It would be perfect.
Brenda

Art Is Beauty said...

This turned out awesome! LOVE IT!
Over from MMS
Karin
www.artisbeauty.net

Honey at 2805 said...

This is really a unique idea! Nice job! I have been looking for one forever! I would be delighted for you to share this at Potpourri Friday, in progress! I've been back for a few weeks after an extended blog break!

Honey at 2805 said...

Hi! I'm stopping back by to say thank you for sharing your gorgeous and unique project at Potpourri Friday! Hoping you will make it a weekly or regular party stop!

Anonymous said...

I rEAlly love this! What a fresh take on the grain sack ideas out there! THIS is a project I won't forget! Luv-luv-luv!
Catherine

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Oh I love how that turned out! How totally wondeful! I came over from Miss Mustard Seed's FFF :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful job, Cyndi! I love how you made it look like a grain sack, so creative! Thanks for visiting me and leaving such a nice comment. I can't wait to meet you! :-)

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

I bet it goes quick too! you did a really nice job. I like that you darkened the grain sack image.

gail

Unknown said...

That's an awesome idea, it looks great! Thanks for linking up at Doodles & Stitches!

Homeroad said...

I love this table!
i'm pinning it!
Susan

I Play Outside The Box said...

Fabulous!

One bolt short of a toolbox said...

Looks amazing!!

Jan @Door251.com

Sumaya at Evocative Vintage said...

I was looking all over the Net for a a graphic over painted stripes and how happy I am to fund your post. Your table looks amazing and I am sure it has found a happy home by now. I am busy painting a buffet that I plan to use as a craft centre as all the doors are missing. I just finished painting my stripes and waiting for the paint to dry. I am using a cafe au let effect with blue thron in for good measure. After seeing your post I know a transferred graphic can work. Thank you. I am a new follower. Would love you to follow back!:)