| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 07:04:55 AM
I received this old table from my Great Aunt several years ago, and it's been sitting in my mother's basement waiting to be loved. She said it dates from about 1870 or so, and it's been painted many, many shades, the last being ivory in 1950. She used it as a laundry table in the basement until it came to me. I've always wanted to use it as a kitchen table--it's perfect for our little kitchen. The table is solid wood, though I can't tell "what type", and I thought I "might" be able to restore it. If the wood isn't in good condition or whatever, I can simply repaint it again.
We still have a LOOOOONG way to go, but I think it's going to be really nice when finished.
Here's what we started with!
With the solvent on...
The top of the table is a very wide, solid board. And was apparently never stained--just painted.
This is a close up of the underside of the table, where the legs attach. Two greens, the light being the first ever paint, then a taupe and the ivory.
Oddly enough, each one of the legs was stained and THEN painted the many colors. I wonder if the table top was added from another table at some point?
This took almost all day, so I'll tackle it again this coming weekend (if it ever stops raining!!!)
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 09:31:10 AM
Thanks for the encouragement! I plan on using it until I can pass it down to my daughter and her family. I wouldn't be surprised, Grace, if you're on to something. It does seem a bit strange that the table legs are perfectly stained, very dark, but the table top isn't. It's from a large, old growth tree, though, for sure, based on the width of the wood, and about an inch and 1/2 thick. That alone dates the table for me as an early one. Though I'd love to know it's provenance, I think I'll be equally happy seeing "what" it becomes over the next few weeks. I'm crossing fingers for good weather this weekend, though it doesn't appear that will be the case!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| katmom |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 8:00:45 PM
knowing how re-sourceful our fore-parents were,,,after all, they were the origional 're-purposers' from quilts yo furniture...I would not be surprised if the top was from a different table as a replacement...
how lucky you are to be the care-giver now of this sweet table.
enjoy youe treasure.
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom.
"Is it time for my Dirt Manicure yet!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
|
| laurentany |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 7:50:41 PM
What a beautiful drop leaf table...I just love the detail and quality craftmanship that can only be found in old pieces like that!
Good luck with it...please share pictures of your finished project!
Smiles,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| french08 |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 7:06:36 PM
I have noticed also that the older the item is, the better it was made. Good luck with your table. Looks like a great project!
~~Kim French~~
Farmgirl Sister #2997
Farmgirl at Heart From The Start |
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 1:15:24 PM
beautiful table, I would keep that forever. Good luck, please continue to post photos!
Marianne |
| Shi-anne |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 10:16:46 PM
Wow, this is going to be so nice when its finished!!!
http://theprairiemaid.blogspot.com/
Farmgirls don't have hot flashes ~ They have power surges! |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 11:41:08 AM
I'm really excited, Elaine. This was the first "table" project, then comes the potting bench project! Probably late summer on that one--we need a kitchen table, first!!!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| embchicken |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 10:02:14 AM
Can't wait to see it done! I'm going to start waterprrofing my found hutch for a potting bench!
~ Elaine
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi
Farmgirl sister #2822
http://embchicken.blogspot.com
|
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 07:20:25 AM
Thanks, Jackie...hope we do get finished!
The table it really sturdy, and the supports under each leaf are solid and there is no collapse--it was well made to begin with, and it really has withstood the test of time.
I agree with you about the newer products--they're are all made with pressboard and veneer, and sometimes fake veneer and they want a fortune!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| BalancingAct |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 07:14:47 AM
That will be a nice table when you are finished. Isn't it amazing how the old, antique, solid wood items have mostly held up through time while today's products can not withstand much at all? Going furniture shopping I am always disappointed in the new products. And the prices! It's crazy!
Farmgirl Sister #2851 -"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson |
|
|
