Pages

▼

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Living With Imperfection

I’m sure many of you can relate that sometimes your projects do not come out perfect.  Or at least what you consider perfect.  My most recent imperfect project was this table I had and moved into my living room.  I already had everything on hand to complete this project so it cost me nada!

DSC01169_0845_thumb5[2]

A plain and non-descript table.  Nothing fancy, inexpensive but it’s wood and it’s a good size for a side table.

DSC01170_0846_thumb5_thumb

I decided to paint it and went with Heirloom White {no surprise there!}. 

DSC01488_1103

It turned out smooth, lovely, perfect.  Too perfect!  It needed something else and I decided to try something I’d been wanting to for awhile now.  A harlequin pattern!   I had a very large harlequin stencil {the package said “wall stencil”} and put this on the top of the table.

DSC01567_1158

Some paint got underneath the stencil  and I had to come back in and touch up with some Heirloom White.  I think my 20 year old stencil brush had something to do with that.  I figured since I screwed it up pretty well already, I  might as well go ahead and add some black checks around the table top rim.  Freehand.  Yes, me, shaky did freehand.

DSC01568_1159

I also put a fleur de lis stencil on the bottom portion and did black checks around that edge, too.   

DSC01569_1160

And then, I let it go.  I realized I was never going to get it absolutely perfect and remembered seeing some harlequin pieces in stores that didn’t have super straight edges and how I liked them just fine that way.   So I took it outside and gave the top a spray of polyurethane.

DSC01570_1161

Here it is with a few little things I put on it for now. 

DSC01650_1228

My thrift store mini-tureen filled with small moss balls and the pedestal I got from Willow House, holding a couple of paperbacks tied together with a stamped muslin ribbon.

DSC01649_1227

DSC01643_1221

DSC01646_1224

It sits next to my black and white chair in my living room looking perfectly imperfect and I love it!

My Cottage Charm Giveaway runs through to May 29th!  One person will win one of my triple ruffled table runners along with one of my “clip its”!

Linking up to

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

All Things Inspired at All Things Heart and Home

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous

Weekend Wrap Up at Tatertots and Jello

Kathy

at

59 comments:

  1. Red Door HomeMay 15, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    I like the way your table turned out. The extra touches of black on the sides look great!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Marsha @ Tattered ChickMay 15, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    I think it looks fab, Kathy!!!! I can't even cut a straight line, LOL, so I know I would never even have attempted this!! Great job!!!

    xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMay 15, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Hi Kathy, I think your table turned out adorable and it looks great with the fabric on the chair.
    xo,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  4. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeMay 15, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Oh I am so impressed. I don't paint furniture and I sure wouldn't attempt checks or any other pattern. You did a fabulous job and I love the vignette. Hugs, marty

    ReplyDelete
  5. ℳartina @ Northern NestingMay 15, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Kathy I LOVE the way your table turned out!! Great Job, Martina

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bonnie@Creative DecoratingMay 15, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    I love it Kathy! It caught my eye right away and looks fabulous next to that chair. I understand what you mean as I come to terms with things not turning out quite as I wanted but still look good. I have to adjust!

    ReplyDelete
  7. DebbiedoosMay 15, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    I get it! But I do think it turned out cute regardless.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rita's RecipesMay 15, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    I like it a lot! Great job! Gotto now and cover some paperbacks with brown (lunch bags) paper. Cute idea there!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Inspired NestMay 15, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    I love it and the imperfections make it perfect! I love the accessories with it!
    Lacy

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart)May 15, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Kathy, it is wonderful. You had a vision, man alive it is awesome. Love it girl. hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  11. Handy Man, Crafty WomanMay 15, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    It looks great! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeMay 15, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    I love your table and the acccessories are perfect!
    Hope your week is wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  13. MarianneMay 15, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    I think that it turned out great. I just love the harlequin look and the table looks great with the wing chair!
    Marianne :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousMay 15, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Hi Kathy, thanks so much for stopping by to visit with me and my paper bag pretties! I enjoyed my stroll along your blog. Your table is fabulous, it reminds me of Mackenzie Childs furnishings.

    xo,

    Abby

    ReplyDelete
  15. Kim@ChattafabulousMay 15, 2011 at 10:00 PM

    Looks great Kathy! Also love that fabric on the wing chair!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sue@Uniquely ChicMay 15, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    That table is super cute...love the harlequin!

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousMay 15, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    Are you kidding? I'm in love with your table! Love love love what you did with it - perfect beside that chair!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorMay 15, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    Kathy, I think it turned out adorable! Often it's so hard to get passed a perfectionist attitude when painting or doing a project. If you keep at it too much you end up ruining it when you should have left well enough alone! Speaking to myself here. LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  19. ErinMay 16, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    Love that table makeover and I love the vignette you put on it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. KathyMay 16, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    I too have dabbled in hand painted furniture. I love the imperfections as much as the design. It tells me it was painted with love not a machine. It gives it a folksy look that is so like our homes.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ms. Bake-itMay 16, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    Kathy, I think you did a great job on your table! I love the design you created. I can certainly relate to the shaky hands...

    ReplyDelete
  22. Recaptured CharmMay 16, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Nothing handmade is ever perfect, and in my opinion, it shouldn't be. Every piece needs it's own character. It's fabulous just as it is. Looks terrific next to that chair too.
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  23. StitchforkMay 16, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Absolutely NOTHING imperfect about this gem!!
    xo Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  24. JenMay 16, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    Great idea for the table :) Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am your newest Google friend.

    ReplyDelete
  25. One Cheap B*tchMay 16, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    I think it came out great! Sometimes the imperfections add to the charm!

    Jeanine

    ReplyDelete
  26. foreverdecoratingMay 16, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    Just my style. I am loving this table.

    ReplyDelete
  27. DIYbyDesignMay 16, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    I love the way the table came out. Us perfectionists have a hard time letting go. The imperfections are what make it one of a kind. Beautiful job.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Deborah MarchMay 16, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Perfectly "imperfectly" GORGEOUS is what it is!

    ReplyDelete
  29. GailMay 16, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Your imperfection comments are kind of "wabi sabi" philosophy - all life is an imperfect transition . But the table is adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Alison @ The PolohouseMay 16, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Hi Kathy!

    FANtastic!
    This is so darn cute. Love MacKensie Childs and her B&W checks too....always have.

    Now I think you need you need to find a demilune cabinet like the one on your sidebar and tackle that. You can do it!
    :)
    Lovely!
    xx
    Alison

    ReplyDelete
  31. OliveMay 16, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    I think it's fabulous. We embrace imperfection here as we live in a very very old house.

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousMay 16, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    Wonderful table transformation Kathy!

    ReplyDelete
  33. KarieMay 16, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    Oh how adorable. Love it. Thanks for sharing. Karie

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEMay 16, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    It is wonderful. I just love the harlequin! Good job!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Chari at Happy To DesignMay 16, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Hi Kathy...

    Oooh...I think your little side table turned out sooo pretty, my friend! I love the black and white harlequin pattern...ooh...and that pretty fleur de lis! You did such a great job painting this table...and I bet you had lots of fun doing it too! Thanks for sharing it with us!

    Also wanted to thank you for stopping by for a visit today! Loved your sweet note, my friend! Thank you!!!

    Have a wonderful week..
    Chari

    ReplyDelete
  36. Grandma Yellow HairMay 16, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    Honey you always make the neatest pieces. There is no way I could of done this to that table. It turned out really pretty.
    I appreciate the heads up about the site to write my post on. Sounds prefect and I appreciate you giving it to me.
    Also for the birthday wishes. I love it when someone tells me that they have a family memeber born on the same day....neat.
    I am so proud of Kaci and I appreciate your comment. I would give anything in the world if they would find the cure for diabetes.
    Kathy honey hope your well and having a great week.
    Love ya
    Maggie

    ReplyDelete
  37. abeachcottageMay 17, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    Love how your side table turned out. The harlequin pattern is just perfect. It goes with your sofa too!

    ReplyDelete
  38. LizabethMay 17, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Hello Kathy- thanks for commenting on my blog! I love your table! You did a great job on it- you turned a rather ordinary table into a custom piece! I love it! I'd go ahead and give the pedestal piece with the books on it a paint job too! Maybe in a color that will pop! I love the fabric on the chair or sofa next to it too! I'll have to explore some of your other postings! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Kristens CreationsMay 17, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Hi Kathy, thanks for your nice comments on my bookcases...sometimes I think they are a little cluttered, but I've taken things out here and there and then they look empty!lol...I always end up putting everything right back in.

    I just love the way your little table turned out! My island is one example that did not turn out how I had planned, but it actually turned out a little better. Ha! I had planned on painting it green and adding the stain. Instead I ended up distressing it, and adding another shade of green to give it more interest. That's just one example...lol. Your little table looks so good with that chair. I love black and white together. Have a great day! Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousMay 17, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    Hi Kathy! Oh, I just love your little table and all the extra touches of blackness you've added made it all the more curer! You did great and I love your bowl with the little moss balls.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  41. High Street CottageMay 17, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Kathy, I got a wee sidetracked admiring that amazing chair! The black and white Wing Back is just stunning, and now to say, the transformation you made on the table is wonderfulllll! Hand painted looks should not be perfect, otherwise it will look screen printed, and in cottage decor we don't want that. You pulled off the look, and gave that little table a lot of charm. Well done, tami

    ReplyDelete
  42. xinexMay 17, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    The table turned out really cute, Kathy! Love the vignette too..Christine

    ReplyDelete
  43. Patti @ Pandoras BoxMay 17, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    I love how this turned out...I have the same stencil - now my "wheels are turning"...!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. AtticmagMay 17, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    I mixed metaphor stencil-wise but it really turned out well and looks great with the chair. Clever! Imperfection is perfection for me. Hope you'll stop by and see our kitchen faucets. Jane

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownMay 17, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    You are AH mazing! Sorry I havent been over here in what feels like FOREVER! I have been slammed at work and I tried logging onto several blogs on Friday and the stupid Blogger program kept failing. ARG!

    ReplyDelete
  46. KimMay 17, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Wow! Looks great Kath. Nice job girl!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Cindy AdkinsMay 17, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    Oh my gosh, Kathy--it's brilliant AND adorable--and alot of work--but, so worth it--I LOVE it!!!
    XO
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  48. KKMay 17, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    I really like the black and white. The accessories look great and compliment the table well. Great job Kathy.

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownMay 17, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    do I adore what you did with your table- what a transformation.
    great blog...

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  50. Katherines CornerMay 17, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    I Love it! xo

    ReplyDelete
  51. SueMay 17, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    I think it is darling! I'm not good with arts and crafts, so all of my projects turn out imperfect:) I have a giveaway going on now too...please go sign up!

    ReplyDelete
  52. HomeroadMay 17, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Love the table! It looks beautiful!
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  53. K&B by the SeaMay 17, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Your harlequin side table is so charming :-) The beauty of imperfections is that they're evidence that a piece isn't a production line item, but a one-of-a-kind piece :-) Plus, perfection is boring!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Inspired by youMay 17, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Your table turned out great! Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my white table.

    ReplyDelete
  55. KHSMay 17, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    What a darling accent table!!! You did a wonderful job. I have been wanting to do something to a little desk on my porch and now you have given me an idea. I will have to look for one of those stencils. Thanks for sharing this great project.
    Hugs,
    Katherine S.

    ReplyDelete
  56. UnknownMay 18, 2011 at 12:26 AM

    Very MacKenzie-Childs! And they would have gotten several hundred dollars for the same thing. LOVE it. Especially next to that chair.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMay 18, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    Kathy, I wanted to drop by again to thank you for sharing your darling table at my party.
    xo,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  58. Ashh10May 19, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    I Did the diamond Design on my desk and had such a hard time getting it straight too!

    http://ashtonscraftycreations.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  59. WiiZiiMarch 22, 2014 at 8:00 PM

    Perfection is so overrated! Very cute little table.

    ReplyDelete

I always enjoy reading your comments! Kathy