A few months ago, I found some great chairs in Atlanta. I knew that was the beginning of a new breakfast area…. I just had to be patient enough to wait for the perfect table. This week, I found the perfect table – well it was almost perfect. All it needed was a little paint to make it the perfect addition to our home.
Since I’ve tried about 8 different style tables in this breakfast area in the past, I knew that it was going to be hard to find a good option. I’ve tried square, round, oval, large, small, rectangle, pretty much anything that I could find that I thought would fit, I lugged it home and gave it a whirl. I was wrong every ding dang time. The tiny little 8 ft. square spot has 3 different doors or halls that leads right through it, so it had to be a table that wouldn’t take up too much room. When I found this drop leaf table at Goodwill for a mere $15, it was a light bulb moment. for 9 years I’ve been looking for the best solution, and I never even thought of it. So I scooped it up and brought it home.
I also knew that I wanted a painted table, but it took me quite a while to figure out what to put on it. I wanted something with meaning. I thought about a clock face, or a crate style sign, but something kept telling me to dig a little deeper. Then I found this image of an old cotton seed sack from a gin in Nashville (hellooo… south of Nashville girl, here!). Eureka! Since my granddaddy was a share cropper that grew cotton, I thought it would be the perfect way to add a little family history to my own farmhouse style home.
Even though the graphic wasn’t round, I took the information and found a similar font and printed out the words that I wanted to use from it. I didn’t even change the name of the company or the street address.
I used clear wrapping tape to piece them to each other, then used painters tape to randomly tack the whole strip of letters to the table top. I also used painters tape to keep the line detail in the middle of the original logo.
Using bamboo skewers, I traced the outlines of each letter. I used a new skewer for almost every word, so that my tip stayed sharp & fresh.
A ruler comes in handy to keep the straight lines straight (and it goes much faster than free hand, too!)
I carefully checked each section before moving on to the next, just to make sure that each letter was completely traced out.
Every now and then, I’d get off just a little. No worries, though, just a dab of rubbing alcohol on a q-tip will erase the mistakes. Don’t rub too long or you’ll mess up the paint, though.
Then I filled in each of the letters, just like I do painting my signs or any other decorative painting.
It took me a total of about 5 hours of hands on work between painting, lettering, distressing and glazing the table, but now I have a one of a kind piece that gives a nod to my family’s history.
Between the cotton seed sack table, the barn star, and even a real old barn door on my wall, I’d say that’s a wrap on my breakfast area.
Carlene @ Organized Clutter says
You make it look easy, but I’m afraid to try a big job like that. Very cute!
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Carlene! It is easy, it just takes a lot of patience. The slower you go, the better it looks. Try it on a small piece, even a scrap of wood to start – that’s what I did!
Ms. Redo says
You’re amazing, can I just say it again, you are amazing. Your table is an absolute keeper, love the connection to your grandpa (my grandpa was a tobacco sharecropper). Just fabulous, your whole room is awesome. Mary
Gina Luker says
Thank you! Don’t ya just love those farmin’ grandpas? Mine was strong as nails but sweet as molasses. I miss him so much!
Laura @ House Of Joyful Noise says
Gina, that is possibly the most awesome little round table I have ever seen, now! I love anything farm-ish themed anyway, but your execution of this is beautiful. It’s adorable with the sides down as well.
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Laura! I struggled with finding just the right image, so that it could be that way. Most days the sides are down – and it’s at the end of your line of sight when you walk into our house.
Barb @ The Everyday Home (formerly Grits and Glamour) says
Wow, very detailed oriented work, but I just love the finished result. Those chairs look great with the table.
Patience paid off. By the way, both my Granddad and my dad were tobacco farmers. My grandpa dies at 98 yrs old and my dad still goes like a 40 yr old man at 80.
Gina Luker says
There’s just something about farmers that I just adore. Maybe because my family is full of them… I’m just sayin’ 🙂
Thanks so much for your sweet comment!
Dawn says
Gosh! a barn door on the wall! the table is awesome as well love that you shared this. xx
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Dawn! The barn door was a freebie from a friend – don’t ya just love those 🙂
Libby says
Wow, this is an amazing table makeover. I love it to pieces. 🙂
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Libby!
Anne says
Gina,
LOVE your table!Great transformation!
xx
Anne
Gina Luker says
Aww… thanks, Anne! So glad you love it!
CapeBretonLiving says
Love the idea of a design of printed letters on a breakfast table. Digging deeper to find just the right graphic or letters definitely paid off, it looks fantastic and gives it a personal feel to the whole look! Amazing job!
Gina Luker says
Thank you so much! It took almost as long to find my direction as it did to paint it – but yes, it was well worth the time spent! 🙂
Blossom says
This is just fantastic and I love this table!
Gina Luker says
Thank you, Blossom!
Jamie says
This is fabulous, I love it! I think I need one;)
Gina Luker says
Yes, you do! 😉
Lisa says
Love It!!
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Lisa!
Bethany Kline says
Wow! This is just off the charts awesome! How freakin creative! I love it! Now I’ve gotta go out and find a table to do this to!
I would love it if you would check out my new blog!
thesepiapuppy.blogspot.com
<3 Bethany
Carrie says
Absolutely perfect, Gina! Love it! How did you get the ink to transfer through? Is it special paper? I have an end table I’m going to transfer words onto, so I’d love to know. Thanks!
Melissa says
Thank you for asking! I was wondering this, too! 🙂
Gina Luker says
Ah! I forgot to share that step! I used carbon paper, ya know… the old school stuff. Works every time!
Jagoda says
The whole room is so special, it has a special old charm, I love everything!
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Jagoda! That’s exactly what I was going for.
Dewdrop Gardens says
Wow, it’s perfect!! Love the way it turned out.
I keep looking for a new table for my tiny breakfast nook, right now I’m using an old drop leaf table. I had pretty much talked myself into taking the tablecloth off and painting it…and after seeing this post I am definitely going to! Some people will hate me for it (an antique Duncan Phyfe table) but it has bad water-marks & stains.
Thanks for the inspiration Gina!
Debbie 🙂
Jacqui says
Love that table!! Carrie wants to know how you got the words on the table…. I think we all want to know that!!!
Gina Luker says
Keep your eyes peeled for a tutorial coming soon!
Sylvia says
Great job. I have a drop leaf table. Now, I know how to paint it. I have thought of painting but not lettering on top. Too cute.
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Sylvia! It makes a big impact, no?
Heaven's Walk says
What a beautifully creative idea, Gina – with so much meaning! I love it! 🙂
xoxo laurie
Gina Luker says
Thank you, Laurie! ♥
Marilyn Holeman says
Fabulous! What a great job, and a beautiful home!
Gina Luker says
Thank you, Marilyn!
NanaDiana says
Gina- You did such a great job on this. I have a pair of matched drop leaf side tables. This would be cute on those, wouldn’t it? xo Diana
Gina Luker says
I think it would look gorgeous, dahling!
Maureen Hayes says
Gina,
This is GORGEOUS! I have wanted a drop leaf table like this forever and I can’t ever find one that I can afford. I am so happy for you that you not only fund this, but also that you were able to refinish it in such a beautiful and meaningful way. Your breakfast area is simply stunning.
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Maureen! Furniture finds are kinda iffy in my area – but every now and then you hit the jackpot!
calamitypam says
Hi. Gina. I live in Donelson. Love the table and especially the Nashville connection!!! Fabulous!!
Gina Luker says
High five to the Nashville chicks!
One More Time says
This is so cute….love it. Your work is amazing.
Gina Luker says
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
Jeannie-JB says
Hello Gina, You won’t believe this but I have almost the same table waiting for me in AZ {another great thrift store find}. I’ve had it for a few months and haven’t been motivated to paint her yet. You’ve given me the inspiration I needed! Thanks so much. You rocked your table and I love the star and barn door too.
Gina Luker says
Go forth, and rock your table, too! 🙂
Sherrie says
wow that looks just so fantastic…you are one clever girl…
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Sherrie!
daiseyjayne says
I love it, you’ve created an heirloom 🙂
Gina Luker says
Yeah… I guess I kinda did! I didn’t really think of it like that! Thanks so much!
Shabbygal says
How adorable! I love your blog for all your wise tips you give us! Traci
Gina Luker says
Thanks, Traci! So glad you love it ♥
Shelly Andrade says
Gina, you totally ROCKED this one! LOVE it!!!!! Thanx for sharing, Shelly
Gina Luker says
Well thank you, thank you very much (with my best Elvis snarl) – teehee!
Nelly @ Brown Girl Decorating says
I love this transformation. Thanks for the inspiration!
Bliss says
Awesome and pinned!
~Bliss~
TracyMB @ Crows Feet Chic says
I love how you chose something personal for your table… fantastic job! 🙂
Deneen@dreaming-n-color says
ok Gina I want that star barn door! I hope you get tired of it and it ends up at the store. Hint..hint 🙂
CyndyB says
A gal after my own heart! I do the same type of sign stencils and finally got brave recently and did a couple of small furniture pieces. Ready to tackle a round table today and was perusing Pinterest for ideas. LOVE yours! The drop down leaf is perfect!! Wishing I had a little spot like that to try this….maybe in my future potting shed. Wonderful look and background story, hope you’re still enjoying it.
Mark Hardison says
Hardison Seed Company was my grandfather and great grandfather’s business! I am glad you are finding good use for the seed sack image. Mark Hardison, Nashville, TN
Linda says
Beautiful! I’m new to your page so maybe I missed more details, but how do you get the letters to transfer?? Is there special paper that transfers onto the wood?
And do you have to print the original letters off a special printer to begin with?
Thanks Linda
Janice says
I have been following you for a while. Didn’t know you were from south Nashville, I did as well. I use to go to Ernest Hardison’s seed store when I was a kid. Thought you would find it interesting that it was located to what now is the ACME Building on 1st and Broad. Haven’t been there myself, but heard that a really nice venue.
You did a great job on the table!!
Chris H says
I have that EXACT table in my lake house painted Aqua. It’s a great little table.
Tonita says
Your table and home are so charming. I really like how your table turned out. Just perfect under that barn door and star. Ok,, more explanation for a DYI dummy here. Can you share a bit more detail about the carbon step? If you lay the carbon paper, carbon side down on the table wouldn’t it mess up the white paint? Ikes, this is why I don’t do too many crafty projects. I would love to try this project after you clue me in. Thanks so much.
Jeanne says
GREAT JOB. I love,love,love the looks of this table.
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Jeanne!