“Paint a Grain Sack Table”
I don’t even try to hide “it” anymore.
The scary part is that my family has accepted “it” and they don’t even
question me any longer.
“It” is part of my life now, and “it” makes me who I am.
“It” brings me joy in so many ways and fulfills my creativity like nothing
else can.
But, I won’t lie… “it” makes me do some pretty crazy things.
Things that others, who don’t understand “it,” would deem borderline madness.
Things that make others wonder if something is truly wrong with me.
(that subject is not open for discussion, thank you very much!)
But, “it” saved my life. Not figuratively, but literally.
“It” gave me something to focus on to at 3am in the morning, when I was
laying in the Emergency Room last year, hooked up to every machine known
to mankind, because they thought I was stroking out.
“It” renewed my belief in people and made me want to be a better wife and
mother and Grammy…and friend. “It” gave me new hope that my life could
start again after giving up a very intensive and stressful career.
“It” isn’t a magical formula or even something you find Over-the-Counter.
In fact, anyone can do “it” and I would highly suggest you do so.
So…. what is “it?” What is “it” that makes me happy and makes me do really,
really whacky things…like pulling over on a busy road and running across two
lanes of afternoon traffic to go ditch-diving for a beat-up drop leaf table?
Blogging.
“It” is Blogging.
That’s all. Like I said – nothing magical at all.
My neighbors think I am part lunatic/part wild woman. I mean, who drags
out a cute little, grain sack painted table into the front yard…plops a pretty
white bean pot with a plant and a #6 metal tag on it…and lays on the wet
grass taking pictures of said table. Who does that?
That would be ME! Official DIY/Lifestyle Blogger.
Me, who worried all weekend about my new Blog design and whether or not
it was the right colors to use.
Me, who made a grocery list for the week and included the ingredients for my
Tasty Tuesday post.
Me, who has been know to be out in the middle of the night in her Hello Kitty!
jammies with garden sheers in her hands, clipping armloads of grapevine and
flowers for a tabletop vignette.
Me.
Happy Me.
Blogger Me.
Hope I Make a Difference in Your Life Me.
I like that Me.
Crazy antics and all.
xxoo, Barb
How to Paint Grain Sack Stripes on a Table
* I used Annie Sloan products, but you could use basic craft paints which
have been watered down, or milk paints if you prefer.
1) Since this was a “roadkill” table, it needed to be cleaned of
all of the roadkill scum.
*(you can stick this step unless your table is also roadkill.)
2) Your table may need some light sanding, as well.
3) Apply a single coat of Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue
and allow to dry completely.
4) Determine the size of stripes you want your table to have.
My table was smaller in scale, so I used a 1″ Frog Tape.
Apply a strip of tape down the very center of the table.
I did this free-hand. If you are more anal than me, you
could use your handy-dandy level and a pencil.
Go for it. We all have our issues.
5) Apply another strip of Frog Tape down each side of the middle strip.
And then apply another row on each side of those strips. Keep going until
you have a total of (7) rows of tape.
6) Remove the middle row of tape, then remove the two rows on tape that
is shown below. Make sure tape is adhered, but I would not worry about
paint seepage in this case, as an uneven line will only add to the overall look.
7) I used Annie Sloan Old White, and applied a solid color
between the rows of tape. I allowed it to dry, and painted a
second coat.
8) Once the paint was dry, I carefully removed all of the tape.
9) Using more of the Annie Sloan Old White, I lightly dry brushed the
entire table, legs and all, until I was happy with the results.
10) Using a fine grit sandpaper, I applied a light sanding all over,
applying more pressure on the edges so it appeared more
time worn.
* This is where the do as I say, not as I do advice comes in.
Let your paint completely dry!!!
Don’t decide to paint your table a few minutes before your 14-month
old granddaughter wakes up from her nap and will be wanting a snack
and will want to “help” Grammy paint and will get graham crackers
smears all over your table. DON’T do that! 🙂
If you do what I did above, the tape may pull off some of the paint.
But, it just so happened that I kinda liked the look, so it all
worked out in the end.
I applied a clear wax to the entire table and gave it a good buffing.
And now it sits at the end of my Kitchen Island holding a pretty
pot of herbs and a vintage scale filled with onions and garlic.
…. and speaking of my Kitchen…
(how was that for a good leadway?)
I am honored to be part of an upcoming Showcase of Kitchens.
This Thursday and Friday, 25 Bloggers will open up their Kitchens and share
with you the “ins and outs” – the “down and dirty.” (Oh wait, the dirty part
would be my kitchen.)
So, please join me and some other fantastic Bloggers as we take you on a
little “Behind the Scene” tour of what makes our kitchens work.
And if the Tour isn’t enough… look what you can register to win!!!
One lucky winner will receive a new Faucet, courtesy of Pfister, up to
$300 in value.
And a second lucky winner will receive a $250 Visa Gift Card!
This GIVEAWAY deserves a loud Yoo to the Hoo!
Don’tcha think?
Hope to see you on Thursday and Friday and good luck, everyone!
(Annie Sloan nor Frog Tape has neither paid me or endorsed me to represent their products.
I just like them and suggest them.)
Sharing With:
Delivered by FeedBurner
kelly says
Love this post Barb…u have definitely made a positive impact on me & my blogging! Race u to the next sad little table across the road!!
View Commentxo,
Kelly
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Love your table, it is wonderful. Great post. Hugs, Marty
View CommentDiane says
I love your grain sack painted table. I’m really loving the grain sack style more and more. I understand what you mean about blogging. It truly does fulfill a need to create and communicate with others like us. It is addictive, but in a good way!
View CommentMarty Walden says
I love this and I love you! You crazy blogger, you! I’m glad you’re happy with your new design It looks great!
View CommentShenita says
Barb, your table is wonderful! Blogging makes us all do some crazy things. It’s the thrill of the hunt, the challenge of making “the impossible” work, and the joy of having others appreciate it! So, if “it” makes you happy…keep it up!
View CommentMichelle Robertson says
Your commentary made me smile!
View CommentLorraine@MissFlibbertigibbet says
The table looks great and I love the new blog design!!!
View CommentElizabeth@ Blue Clear Sky says
That is a beautiful table. I enjoyed reading your post and totally get the ‘it’ part. I often wonder what my neighbours (who are extremely close by in this subdivision) think when I am standing on a chair at the window taking photos etc.
View CommentWendy says
Hi, I LOVE this post and the table, way to go.
View CommentI feel the same about blogging, I am JUST starting and love it.
My family are indulging me now too, ha ha
Thanks, Wendy
(ps..trying to subscribe to receive by email by your subscription link is not working today..just fyi)
Confessions of a Plate Addict says
Just thought you might like to know…you were featured today on my blog! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing at The Scoop!…hugs…Debbie
View Commenthttp://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2013/08/finding-french-country-style.html
Jean says
That’s a shrewd answer to a tricky quioetsn
View CommentJayne says
Love, love this table!
View CommentKaree says
I love the table, I’ve got one I’ve been anxious to try this look with. Thanks for sharing your story!
View CommentKaree
Christie says
I don’t blog, but I can totally relate to your post! I do paint and resell furniture. My 13 year old is embarrassd when I stop and pick up furniture out of people’s trash. And any neighbors looking hard enough to see me( we live in the country) will wonder why I furniture in the yard and am taking pics of it!
View Comment