August 2011 | Page 2 of 3 | Crafted Niche - a lifestye blog that shares DIY crafts, recipes and tutorialsCrafted Niche – a lifestye blog that shares DIY crafts, recipes and tutorials

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$10 Table – Part 4

August 24, 2011 in Building and Repurposing, Kitchen

Thank goodness for dogs. I was officially sucked into the black hole that is my couch and DVR. Remote in hand and snacks within arm’s reach, I’d found myself sucked into the darkness for almost two hours. Were it not for a cute lab and a snuggly boxer, I might never have found my way out!

Duty calls… had to take them outside to potty. I decided to pop in my shed and have a looksie at my pedestal table I finished staining a couple of weeks back. On impulse, I grabbed a brush and can of poly and got to work! After 8pm / Before bed is the perfect time to dive into a project right?

I don’t know much about poly’ing… in fact, I’ve only done it once before. My island makeover (see that here) was my first attempt and I think it turned out pretty good. I can’t speak to other types of poly, but I CAN say that so far I like this stuff! Low odor, dries fast and pretty simple to use. It’s called Minwax Polycrylic. Before picking it out, I stood in the aisle at Walmart and read every. label on every. can. Obsessed with reading directions? Maybe!

The labels say DON’T SHAKE and use smooth, thin coats. I whole-heartedly agree. Also, don’t over-brush. It dries quickly so you have to keep moving!

The grain on my table comes to a point in the center. I decided my best plan of attack was to follow the grain to the center with my brush and then go back and do the border very last. To give you an idea of just HOW quickly it dries, I worked in a pie shape around the table and when I got back to the start of my pie, the beginning edge was already drying. Wow. I quickly slapped on the border and grabbed my camera so I could snap you some pictures!

So here’s where she stands tonight… after catching my 2nd wind at 8:30pm. Drying with her first coat of poly:

I love how the poly brings out the grain of the wood. It almost made the table top seem brighter. If you remember back to Part 3, I was worried it was too dark. Careful what you wish for! I wanted darker and I GOT DARKER! I had added some ebony stain to my dark walnut and let me tell you… a little goes a long way with that stuff. Wowza. Putting the first coat of poly on really put me at ease. I’m starting to picture it with a painted base and I’m excited. Woop!

Kitchen Table Strategizing

August 23, 2011 in Building and Repurposing, Kitchen

I’ve been toying with the idea of adding board and batten in my kitchen table “nook”. My house doesn’t have a formal dining room. Instead, I have a SMALL space next to the main door I use to enter/exit the house. It’s big enough for a 4 person table… but just barely!

This might give you an idea of what I’m working with:

This photos was taken when I took my first look at the house.

…and this one was taken two moths later. I’ve since added artwork to brighten the space. Sorry for the poor lighting. I remember snapping this pic at night. My space has three sky lights, but not a lot of artificial light. Makes it tough to get good pictures at night!

I love this greyish/taupish wall color, but I feel like a little more white would really make the space feel larger. ENTER BOARD AND BATTEN! I’m dreaming of B&B with a picture ledge along the top. Maybe even add some hooks by the door?!

I snagged a $10 pedestal table that I’m currently refinishing. WHAT IF I put the table here and built bench seats with storage for 2 sides and then used two individual chairs on the other sides? Talk amongst yourselves….

Here are a couple photos of what I’m imagining:

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Dana on Pinterest

What do you think? Could my kitchen pull off the look? Also, don’t forget – Board and Batten!

My Home for the Day

August 22, 2011 in Uncategorized

I’ve been on vacation for almost a week now. Helping a good friend get ready for her wedding and playing with the coolest 6 yr old ever. Tried to fly out yesterday and my flight was cancelled. Bah.

LONG story short – I’m out about $400 so far and still in Philadelphia. I won’t get home until tonight after 8pm. Not a Happy Camper. Customer Service is my #1 pet peeve and right now I’m on the verge of losing it!

Insert patience here.

So this is my lovely view for the rest of the day:

Not exactly warm and cozy, but I’ve grown to appreciate my quiet little airport nook. At least I have a plug to charge my phone and iPad. Beggars can’t be choosers.

Lots of projects waiting for me at home! Can’t wait to get home tonight and pick up my pups. It was worth paying for a flight on another airline to not have to wait until tomorrow late afternoon to get home. My messy kitchen, dog-toy-covered living room, and tousled covers bed will never look so good!