It’s Called Using What You’ve Got

Posted by Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine

Happy New Year everyone! I didn’t work too much over the Christmas holiday, but I did get this easy project done… and while I realize that most people may not have two vintage Singer sewing machine bases on hand, we did… actually I only had one, but I found an exact match at an auction and snatched it up in order to do this project!

We (really me) wanted to make a table for the kids playroom… I had just bought a low vintage chest that I’m repurposing as a window seat (with storage!) and I wanted a table to sit in front of it for the kids to play with their houses etc.… They love building towns and frequently have their “towns” setup all over the floor and will play with them for days!

This is the story of the build… (it TOTALLY looks like SAH is doing all of the work in these pictures, but he’s not… someone has to take the pictures right?)

We used 3 6×10 pine planks and lined them up on a flat surface.

We attached the planks together with 3 pieces of 1×2’s using 2 wood screws in each plank. We drilled pilot holes prior to screwing… very important or else the wood can split!

We left a gap between each plank, using a paint stir stick as a template, very hi tech!

We sanded the top and sides of the planks with 150 grit sandpaper and took all of the pieces to the playroom to assemble. We attached the top to the bases with wood screws and set the table in place.

I stained the top of the table in place, I REALLY should have stained the planks first because I had to use a teeny tiny brush to get the stain in between the planks… I will remember this for next time! The stain is “Kona” and I only applied one coat as it is a very dark color.

I’m so glad I had all of this help Sarcastic smile

I knew I wanted to do something else with the top and this is what I came up with… The stencil shape just happens to mimic the shapes in the sewing table bases…

I used the same used the Moorish Trellis Stencil from Royal Design Studio I used on the stenciled bookcase transformation and some Benjamin Moore paint I had color matched to Provence ASCP… just a quick roll with the sponge roller, seriously it took maybe 10 minutes to do…

After the paint dried I applied a coat of Briwax Dark Wax to the surface which toned down the blue and gave it an aged appearance, it also added a beautiful richness to the finish…

After the dark wax had dried I applied a coat of Annie Sloan clear wax, making sure to rub it in really good. The next day I came back with some 0000 steel wool and buffed it… what a gorgeous sheen!

This is the perfect place for the kids to sit and play now! They can play board games or setup their LPS houses or whatever! My oldest daughter doesn’t understand why we went through the “trouble” of making this table look nice as she is certain the kids will “mess it up” but I have some faith… Thinking smile

Anyway here is the breakdown of the costs & time in case you are interested:

Sewing table bases: $24 for both (what!, I know…)

Wood: $44

Total = $68

Total time = 2 hrs.

I think that’s pretty awesome for a one of a kind table that is custom made for the space!

I’m super excited and I hope the kids will enjoy using the table! I’m also hoping that the extra storage added with the bench will help the playroom stay more organized but I’m not holding my breath! I still need to make a bench cushion, but I tend to procrastinate when it comes to sewing projects so it may be a while before I get to it…

What do you think… is the table just too nice for the playroom?

As always thanks for stopping by!

Until next time…

Linking to these parties!

Domestically Speaking, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch to Yours, My Romantic Home, Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Sumo’s Sweet Stuff, The Dedicated House, A Jennuine Life, Miss Mustard Seed

About Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine

Hi, my name is Susan and I’m a furniture hoarder… whew, now that I have said that I feel so much better! Anyway, I started this whole furniture refinishing and blogging business in 2011 and I have LOVED every minute of it! It’s not “easy” by any means but it allows me to utilize my creative side and meet lots of wonderful people… it is seriously my dream occupation! I have been refinishing furniture for myself for over 20 years but never gave any thought to doing this for others until my kids had gotten to the point that they didn’t need me as much… sad but true! So now I’m a stay at home mom and wife who has decided that fixing up and painting furniture is so much more rewarding than vacuuming and grocery shopping… my house is never quite as clean as I would like for it to be and there is furniture everywhere… but I couldn’t be happier! I hope you can come along on this journey with me!

View all posts by Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine »

Posted on January 1, 2013, in Furniture and tagged Annie Sloan Wax, ASCP, Briwax, how to make a table, rustic pine table, sewing machine table, stenciled pine table, Stenciled table, stenciling a table, vintage singer sewing machine base. Bookmark the permalink. 49 Comments.

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Comments (47)

Virginia | January 1, 2013 at 10:58 am

I love it and it’s on my to do list!

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:06 pm
  
  Thanks Virginia! It was an easy project so good luck to you with yours!
  
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Christal Robinson | January 1, 2013 at 11:00 am

WOW! What an awesome table. Not too nice for the kiddo’s. Great idea.

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:07 pm
  
  Thanks Christal! I’m just hoping the kiddos don’t mess it up
  
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Ann | January 1, 2013 at 11:16 am

What a great idea to use two bases, and the stencil is perfect!

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:08 pm
  
  Thanks Ann! I would have used the one base but I was having an issue finding a metal stretcher to connect the two sides…
  
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LPT | January 1, 2013 at 12:08 pm

Beautiful and practical! Love it. I so enjoy your posts. Happy New Year!

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:08 pm
  
  Thank you so much! I always appreciate comment love
  
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Cloches & Lavender | January 1, 2013 at 12:30 pm

Thist turned out beautifully. Happy New Year.

Cynthia

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:09 pm
  
  Thanks so much! Can’t wait to see your projects for 2013!
  
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Cheryl | January 1, 2013 at 12:40 pm

Your work is always so amazing! Love the stenciling!

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:09 pm
  
  You are sweet Cheryl! Thanks so much for your sweet comment!
  
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Kathryn Cain | January 1, 2013 at 3:06 pm

totally unique and unsable

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:10 pm
  
  Thanks Kathryn! It was a simple project too!
  
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Jeannie & Linda | January 1, 2013 at 5:28 pm

Susan, love the table, I can see so many uses for this table, I’m afraid the children would have to share. Love it, great idea! Happy New Year to You!
Jeannie
of The French Hen’s Nest

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:10 pm
  
  Thanks so much… I think you are right about them having to share (with me that is)!
  
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Mawsiepaws, Melbourne Australia | January 1, 2013 at 5:59 pm

Never too early to teach your kids they deserve nice stuff that can be used every day! What a great job you have done, simple, beautiful and functional.

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:11 pm
  
  You are absolutely correct.. And I am going to think about it that way for sure!
  
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Betty | January 1, 2013 at 10:55 pm

Fabulous – it would also be a terrific cutting table for my sewing room. You did an awesome job, and the kids are very lucky.

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:12 pm
  
  I know, it’s nice and long… Hmm… May have to rethink where it is now
  
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Ugly Duckling | January 1, 2013 at 11:01 pm

Stunning! Love it and love that the stencil mimics the base. I’m not sure I’d want to share it with my kids!!

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 2, 2013 at 1:12 pm
  
  Thanks Kathyrn! I read your to do list for 2013… I know you can do it!
  
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Suzanne | January 3, 2013 at 5:08 pm

Awesome table! I would have never thought to do that! Very crafty!

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 5, 2013 at 7:10 am
  
  Thanks Suzanne! I wish I had the skills to have only used one… Maybe one day
  
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Betsy | January 3, 2013 at 6:21 pm

Wow, I love this!! What a great use for those old sewing machine stands. I’ve never seen this done with one on each end. Love what you did to the top too:-)

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 5, 2013 at 7:11 am
  
  Thanks Betsy! It was a great project for me to do with my hubby
  
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laura@Top This Top That | January 4, 2013 at 8:17 pm

gorgeous table- unfortunately my kids would have it destroyed if I placed it in their play room. Good luck in your’s.

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 5, 2013 at 7:14 am
  
  Thanks Laura… My youngest is 10 so she should be able to play nice…
  
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Line | January 6, 2013 at 3:10 pm

What a great idea, your table looks gorgeous.

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 7, 2013 at 6:45 am
  
  Thanks Line! I loved making it and hopefully will have it around for a long time!
  
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karen@somewhatquirky | January 7, 2013 at 1:52 pm

I love the bases. I have thought of doing that before, just haven’t had the need yet. BTW, did you know you can use the Briwax straight on the wood and it will stain it beautifully. I’ve never used it on a pine plank, but on two different pieces of furniture – one of which I used a dark stain then the Briwax for wax and the other I just sanded and used the Briwax straight on the wood – it worked identically. The depth of color was just as good on the Briwax only piece. I LOVE BRIWAX!!!

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 8, 2013 at 6:46 am
  
  Ooh… Karen! I’m excited to try Briwax on raw wood what a great tip! Thanks so much!
  
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Zuni\ | January 8, 2013 at 1:25 am

I am soooo glad to have found your post! I have the two bases/legs but keep wondering how I’m going to make the table, and here it is!! Thanks so much! Yours turned out beautifully! ~Zuni

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 8, 2013 at 6:48 am
  
  You’re welcome Zuni! I hope you have a fun time making your table!
  
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Sandi | January 8, 2013 at 1:31 pm

That is awesome! I think I’m going to have to make something similar for my craft table!

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 9, 2013 at 10:57 am
  
  Oh you totally should try doing that for your craftf table… seriously easy!
  
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Kathryn Griffin | January 8, 2013 at 4:35 pm

Well, Good Lord!! That is fantastic!! You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for sharing this at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 9, 2013 at 10:57 am
  
  What! You’re too kind Thanks so much Kathryn!
  
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Marty@A Stroll Thru Life | January 9, 2013 at 9:00 am

Amazing, I love it. What a creative idea. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 9, 2013 at 10:58 am
  
  Thanks Marty.. and thnak you for always hosting such awesome parties!
  
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Jenn | January 10, 2013 at 2:04 pm

What a great project! I have one of those treadle machines in my basement – now to find a match! I would love for you to come link up at my weekly linky party Thrifty to Nifty Thursdays at A Jennuine Life. I’m working with a couple of bigger bloggers to feature great projects, so I’m hoping to bring fabulous exposure for participants! http://ajennuinelife.blogspot.com/2013/01/thrifty-to-nifty-thursdays-2.html

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suzan | January 11, 2013 at 1:52 am

WOW – this turned out simply gorgeous – love the stencilling – great great job!

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 11, 2013 at 6:50 pm
  
  Thanks Suzan… I love the stenciling too… Super easy a plus!
  
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Kathryn Griffin | January 14, 2013 at 1:12 pm

Susan, you will be one of the features at Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see you again at the bash…once I get the post live. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | January 14, 2013 at 1:16 pm
  
  Thanks Kathryn! I hope you feel better soon… but I think I’m in the same boat as you
  
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Alonda | April 20, 2013 at 1:15 am

Love your site. I too used my bases for a kitchen table. However I made mine 4′ 1/2” long, put piano hinges on the sides with another 10” plank on each side. This did away with having to have a table to put leafs in, it fits 6 chairs. Painted lace runner down the center. hubby had no idea when I started, but loves it now.

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- Susan @ Uniquely Yours or Mine | April 20, 2013 at 6:42 am
  
  Thanks Alonda! Your table sounds awesome…great idea!
  
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