You might remember this little table that I scooped up for practically nothing at our wonderful local thrift shop, while I was dropping off a load of donations.
Something about her fun shape and pretty legs spoke to me, plus I loved the fact that she has tons of storage in her “hips” and front drawers. So I brought her home and she lived in the garage for a few weeks while I decided what color to paint her.
I call her “she” because I think her shape is decidedly feminine–and I can’t imagine this piece in a man cave!
The only flaw I found was a crack on the table top, and the left side lid needed a hinge replaced.
I did a little research and learned that this is an old sewing box, designed to hold sewing supplies. I also found a needle in one of the drawers. Here’s the stamp in the top drawer:
I decided against stripping her and staining her because I have been wanting a bright pink piece…and this table is just the right size for my office.
I pulled out my wood filler to take care of the crack:
And gathered the rest of my materials:
I moved everything outside in preparation for painting.
I gave the entire piece a light sanding and then wiped it off with a cloth.
Two coats of Rust-Oleum’s 2X paint in Berry Pink gloss did the trick. I was so pleased with the color–it’s a perfect bright pink!
If you haven’t used their 2X spray paint, it’s my absolute favorite and I won’t use anything else.
I decided to give the drawer knobs a coat of gold metallic spray paint. Check out how I used floral oasis to keep the knobs positioned for painting (styrofoam works, too):
I like to use a layer of clear coat on the gold as the last step to prevent smudges from fingerprints and other use.
Here’s how the piece looks in my office now:
The gold mirror is another thrift store find (same store); it was only $10 and I love its shape.
The gorgeous blue and white lamp is from HomeGoods, and I wish I had bought two! I added the gold Greek key ribbon to the shade.
The blue and white soup tureen was another thrift store purchase, and because it didn’t come with a lid, I figured it would make a nice flower pot. I had tulips and hyacinth bulbs in it for awhile, but they don’t last for very long so I switched to a fern.
The wire basket that holds my wrapping papers is from HomeGoods, and the rug is from that same thrift shop. It was $30 and in perfect condition (it’s at least 8 x 10) so I was pretty pleased with that.
I’ll have to show you the rest of the office soon. It’s really fun and cheerful with all the pinks and greens. I love working in it!
What do you think? I don’t normally choose bold colors for furniture, but I have to say that I love the pink.
I submitted this project as part of a $10 Thrift Store Challenge over at Rust-Oleum’s Creative Studio, and I’d be honored if you took the time to vote for my project {here}. While you’re there, take a look at the other $10 Thrift Store Challenge submissions {here}–there are a lot of great ideas!
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Here are a few quick links to the supplies I used for this project:
Love the table, mirror, AND lamp!
Thanks, Lauren–I’ve had some lucky finds lately!
I LOVE it!!!! You’ve inspired me to be bold in my new home office!!
Where did you get the large basket that holds your wrapping paper? I’ve been looking for a large one.
I’m so sorry, I just saw where the wire basket is from. Love it!!
Thanks, Susan! I saw your other comment that you saw the basket is from HomeGoods…I believe it’s actually intended as a laundry hamper (it came with a removable fabric liner) and I found it in the bath section. Good luck!
Love this Christy! So chic & sassy! I’m totally digging pink right now!! Great find ;). – Rachael
Thanks, girl. I don’t think I ever stopped loving pink (my room was 100% pink growing up:), but this is the first time I’ve brought it into the house as an adult. So fun!
Perfection!! Unique AND pink! Would you mind telling me what the cute, curly font is that you used on the instructions? Love it!
Thanks so much, Cathy! The font is called CoffeeBreak…I think you have to buy it. I use it through our PicMonkey subscription (http://shrsl.com/?~9ycq) . It’s so cute, isn’t it?
Love it! I’m not usually a pink person, but this looks great!
Thanks, Kassie. I think the key is that it’s a small piece, so the pink isn’t completely overpowering–just fun!
I can’t tell you how much I love this! Now I’m totally inspired to go bold on an old piece of furniture that I hadn’t figured out what to do with. Just voted…Good luck on the challenge!
Thanks so much for voting, Robin. And I think you should go bold, too. I wish I had done it sooner!
I have one very similar. my great grandfather made three from three kits for each of his lovely daughters.My great grandfather constructed the kit sometime in the early 1900’s. I inherited mine from my mother. It has the original stain, another child painted their sewing container and the third is ‘somewhere’.
My sewing container has my grandmother’s threads, and needles and other supplies. For me it is a treasure.
I know you will enjoy yours. lyn
Lyn–that is wonderful–I love your story! What an amazing piece to inherit! I have a table that my grandfather made for my grandmother to put her typewriter on, and a small bookshelf he made, too, and they’re two of my favorite pieces in our home. Such great memories!
Christy, you hit the jackpot on this table, the mirror and rug. So cute. Love the bright pink color. How girlie! Perfect in a lady’s office. Love the addition of the gold key ribbon on the lamp shade.
Carol–
I know–as soon as I walked into the store and saw it, I snatched it up! Can’t believe no one grabbed her before I did…but I’m sure glad they didn’t. I’m afraid they’ve spoiled me for “regular” thrift stores now, though!
I love it. Pink is a favorite of mine, The thrift store finds are great together.
Thanks, Karen. It’s my favorite corner of the house right now!
I love this little area. I also love your mirror! Where is it from? It’s so stunning!! I’m looking for some arched mirrors like that to add to my farmhouse bedroom
http://www.theruggedrooster.com/blog
Thanks so much! The mirror is actually from that same thrift store (it was $10) and it’s pretty old. There are a few areas on the back of the mirror that are scuffed away, but I like it like that. I’ve seen reproductions online, but Craigslist is one of my favorite places to find old mirrors since they’re the real deal.
Good luck with your search!
I absolutely LOVE it!!! I’m normally not a pink person at all, however, in the past couple of years that has changed. This is the best shade of pink for my taste. I painted a table a few days ago with another brand of spray paint that was “highly recommended” for the finish as well as the color. NOT so! I’m so disgusted and I really should have stayed with the Rust-Oleum’s 2X ~ lesson learned! This piece is so cute and feminine…perfect for your office.
You really scored at this thrift store with all the treasures. Love the mirror! Off to vote ~
xo
Pat
Thanks, Pat. I have a few Lilly Pulitzer pillows in that room, so the pink and green work well together. Obviously, my husband and son wouldn’t be caught dead in my office. 🙂
Thanks for voting–although, if I win, I have to give my pink table away so I’m not 100% sure I want to win! LOL
Christy, I forgot to ask about the clear coat you mentioned….more info please?
xo
Pat
The clear coat is a spray, too (I linked to it in the Amazon sources at the bottom of the post). I find that metallic finish spray paints need a clear coat or they tend to lose their finish with washing and handling. It’s just clear poly.
It’s gorgeous Christy! I wish I had your luck in finding things like this.
Thanks, Heidi. I promise, you can be “lucky” too–you just have to go in several times a week over a period of years! Most times I turn around and walk back out, and a lot of times I’m also dropping off donations before I stop into the store, but the key is consistency (and yes, a little luck!).
I love, love, love, LOVE this!!
I moved into my Grandparents’ home many years ago, and I have one of these sewing tables in my hallway…this could be the perfect solution for it!
Thank you for sharing this. I need a little pink piece of furniture in my life!
After completing this project, I think everyone needs a piece of pink furniture in their lives! 🙂
My Gma had a sewing table just like this! Wish I still had it…Very cute idea! What is the difference with the 2x paint?
Thanks, Susan! The 2X paint covers REALLY well, so you wind up using half as much (and less risk of drips). I’m not kidding that I won’t use anything else now.
I have one of these as well (with the original finish) that was handed down to me – it’s called a “Martha Washington” sewing cabinet! Love yours – very fun, and I will vote!!
How nice that yours still has the original finish! I’m sure it’s lovely. Thanks so much for the background information, too!
Love the color and would love to use it in my granddaughters room. My question is do I need to seal the top of the table since it will be used by a 3 year old mover!!!