Friday, June 2, 2017

A little red table ~ Happy PPF!

Hello!
I hope your week has gone well.
For my entry in this week's Paint Party Friday, I'm showing the story behind the little red table that we use daily for our coffee on the verandah (weather permitting at this time of year :D))


It came about after my dear hubby did some badly needed heavy pruning on the Calistemon (Bottle Brush) tree which is opposite our verandah:


He used some straight pieces of branches to make the legs for a coffee table,  and I decided to paint a design,  that I had found in a magazine, on the table top (*source details at the end of this post)


Here are some progress pics:

Undercoat, then topcoat

Tracing the pattern on to the table top



and then it was a matter of colouring in




Nearly finished.
I added gold acrylic edging at the completion, but it's hard to see in the photos.

Here is the source of the pattern.  A 1997 edition of Handmade Magazine that Mum had found for me in an Op (Charity) shop.  Not sure whether I'm infringeing any copyright here, but I include it to show where the original idea for the pattern came from:





Linking up with Paint Party Friday, where you'll always be made welcome whether you paint, craft or just like to have a look.

83 comments:

  1. BIG, HUGE WOW! What a fantastic creation - I want to sit on your verandah, too! Just wonderful. Happy PPF and have a great day, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Hi Valerie - aw, thank you so much... we love sitting out there and our table adds a lovely dash of colour. Happy PPF to you and enjoy your weekend :D)

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  2. that is so very cool that you made that yourself. I'm awestruck. I'm pretty darn sure any table I made wouldn't stand! Stunning. And it must make it even better to use it everyday. Visiting from PPF.

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    1. Hi Jenn, thanks so much... I loved painting it, hubby did the woodwork :D)
      It's a sturdy one and, yes, great to use everyday. Cheers!

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  3. Wonderful job on that coffee table Sue:)

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  4. That is a pretty table - well done! Happy weekend Sue!

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  5. Dear Sue, thank you so much for the supporting lovely comments in site ��
    What a lovely table you and your hubby created. It's great to see how you are interested of same things. So beautiful table you made. Thanks for links for more info! If I were nearby will come to have a cup with you ��
    Wishing you and yours a happy PPF and weekend ��

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    1. Hello Sirkkis, thank you very kindly.
      I was very happy at the lovely surprise when my hubby made the table... it inspired me straight away to paint it. I'm glad you like it!
      The coffee is brewing ;D) All the best to you too !

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  6. what a gorgeous table Sue!!! And so unique. I love it! Thanks for sharing the process and happy PPF!

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    1. Thanks very much Linda - always so lovely to read your comments. I didn't sayin my post, but it took such a long time for me to paint the table... (like, a couple of years ha ha), but it was really lovely to put the finishing touches and to actually use it!
      Cheers now and Happy PPF!

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  7. I love the bright red table. How clever to use the pieces of the bottle brush tree for the legs. We had bottle brush bushes in Houston, when I lived there many years ago.

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    1. Hello Faye, and thank you.
      It was wasn't it... I thought so too. Hubby has used timber from those trees for door handles too. I love that it's from our own garden. Lovely to see you here Faye, cheers now :D)

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  8. Whoaaaa!! I want that table. You did a fabulous job on this. It is perfect. I really love the colors.

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    1. heh heh, thanks Nicole - really glad you like it.
      Cheers :D)

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  9. I love your red table I want one!

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    1. heh heh, thanks Christine... perhaps we're starting a trend ;D)

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  10. Superb color and design!
    This little table is great!

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    1. Many thanks Duta - your thoughts are much appreciated :D)

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  11. Sue, how absolutely gorgeous!!! My goodness, what progress!

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  12. Hello, what a lovely table. You are so creative. Pretty color and design. Happy Friday, enjoy your day and weekend!

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    1. Thanks Eileen, for once I didn't have to think about what colours I'd use! Cheers and you too :D)

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  13. Oh, how beautiful table! Have a nice weekend;-)

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  14. Oh my goodness Sue, this table is terrific and I love that you both made it. It looks very solid with those legs. How good that they were made from your own tree. It's so much better than any purchased table.

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    1. Yes, that's right Sheila... coming from our own tree makes it a bit more special :D)
      Appreciate you popping over, cheers now!

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  15. How super cool that table is!! I love it!!

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  16. omg what a GORGEOUS table! I love it!! I love how you made the legs out of branches, and the bright orange of the top, and the pattern you painted. It's perfect! And those cappuccino's look yummy, hmmm. Wish I could sit there with you ... :-)

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    1. ... and it does such a good job too Denise - I put on about 4 coats of clear sealant at the end, ha ha even the possums crawling over it haven't hurt it. They've scratched a bit at the legs but it's a tough table that's for sure.
      Thanks for your visit, and the coffees are ready and we've a spare chair or two ;D)

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  17. Totally loving your table!!! Great idea for the legs too! Bravo!

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    1. That's so cool... thanks very much Peggy :D)

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  18. I love your little red table. It made me think of a similar table my mother had. But it was much darker.

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    1. Hi Monica, that's really nice its brought back that memory :D)

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  19. I just love your red table and what a great idea for its legs.
    It must be nice to sit and enjoy a cuppa.

    Happy June and Happy Weekend Wishes

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thanks Jan, it makes the table that much more special!
      Cheers and enjoy the rest of your weekend :D)

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  20. This is a gorgeous table!! I enjoyed seeing how you made it. What a nice table to use each morning. You did a wonderful job on it. Happy PPF!

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    1. so nice of you to say, thanks very much Laney :D)

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  21. Sue, what a beautiful table you and your hubby made... it's gorgeous!!!
    Lovely team effort!!!
    Big Hugs 💕

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    1. thanks Jan - there's another one needs painting too, so I must get going on it! Cheers now :D)

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  22. Absolutely STUNNING.... I LOVE IT!! Thanks for sharing this with us..love that you changed the colours in the pattern too...I prefer your version. What wonderful legs and to salvage what was pruned is amazing too!! Wow....love how the purple blanket on the chair compliments the purple on your pattern.. That table would bring me sooo much joy every day!! Excellent post!! Fabulous table!! Kudos to both of you putting that gem together!!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. Thanks Giggles, I was a little bit proud to share it :D) Glad you liked my version of the colours too, they kind of fell into place as they felt just right!
      Thanks too for your lovely comments - always beaut to see you here. Cheers now!

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  23. Loving your table. Very vibrant!!!

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  24. Your table is beautifully made and decorated. It also looks very sturdy with those unique legs made with the branches trimmed from the bottle brush bush. It must be a lovely big bush. I'm sure the side table brightens up your coffee time on the verandah with your hubby.

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    1. Hi Linda, thanks, it is sturdy... and tough too - the possums have used the legs as a scratching post :O) but it stood up to it fortunately.
      It was an older tree which really needed a prune and Calistemons love a good hard prune - their flowerings are so much better after it.
      Cheers now, lovely to catch up :D)

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  25. That is so neat and bright. Its so good that you can use it nearly everyday.

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    1. Thanks Diane, appreciate your thoughts and, yes, most days we're out there - it's a perfect vantage point to watch the birds... we even have rugs when the weather is a bit 'iffy'. Cheers now :D)

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  26. Sue...I love everything about this pretty table. The pattern, the color...it is so bright and cheerful. Good for that "older" magazine, sometime saving is a good thing!! Love the legs as well!!

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    1. Thanks Debbie, I had another clean out of my art cupboard but I've kept a couple of those old magazines still. Glad you loved the table. Cheers :D) xx

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  27. What a lovely little table!! Absolutely love the natural wooden legs & the bright red table top. Beautiful work Sue! Happy Sunday! xo

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    1. Thanks Pauline, very much - I too love the brightness of the table top - it makes for a happy feel :D)

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  28. How beautiful! You did a wonderful job!

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    1. Many thanks Jenn - lovely to see you, sorry I take so long to get around to everyone ... catch up with you soon :D)

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  29. Your table is adorable. I love that you used branches from trimming for the legs and the design on top is bright and fun. It is a super creative project and I think it is cool that you can enjoy it outdoors. Have a beautiful day. :)

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    1. It's standing up to the weather really well Courtney. I put quite a few coats of clear sealant on it and it's working out well.
      So glad you enjoyed seeing my post, lovely to meet you. Cheers now :D)

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  30. What a fantastic idea and project Sue. My son made a bird feeding table out of spare logs and roof tiles but I never thought to paint it!
    Your's looks delightful and cheery...perfect for the morning cuppa.
    Thanks for sharing and I wish you a great creative week ahead :D

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    1. Hi Neesie, my apologies for a late reply.
      I really love it when usable things are made out of things that otherwise might be thrown out! Good for your Son... perhaps you can paint it ;D)
      Glad you enjoyed ours. Cheers now !

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  31. Nice use of the wood - any such material ends up keeping us warm in winter in our house!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  32. The table is bright and cheerful and I particularly adore the legs. Totally inspired.

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    1. Hi Indira, and as I said previously... sorry to be so late in replying.
      Glad you liked the table - appreciate your comment :D)

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  33. Hi Sue, I loved the story behind this beautiful table, a family treasure indeed. Loved the design that you painted. The photo of the Bottle Brush is also super. You are very talented and how great to have your own art. Your header photo is also stunning. Do you have that on a wall somewhere? Pretty flower art to end your post too.

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    1. Hi Denise, thanks so much for your lovely visit.
      Thanks also re my header photo (which I've since changed ... sorry for late reply). No, it's a watercolour that I'd discarded and then fiddled digitally with. It was one of those that, after seeing it again after a long time, I liked. The (my!) brain works in mysterious ways :D) Cheers now Denise.

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  34. Dear Sue - your table is lovely. What a great creative endeavor and one that looks like you are enjoying daily. Thanks too for stopping to visit me. Have a great week friend. Hugs!

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    1. Thanks Debbie, we do enjoy using it... and I love the bright colour out there through the window too :D)

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  35. Absolutely gorgeous! Great inspiration and it turned out perfectly - great style!

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  36. So charming! what a great idea! and you will always have the tree among you.

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    1. Thanks very much Viola... and, yes, we will!

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  37. Oh, it is wonderful and a sweet reminder of the lovely tree, too! You did an amazing job - so bright and pretty! xx Karen

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    1. Thanks Karen - it is a lovely reminder - we're really happy with having done that little project :D)

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  38. It's funny how we get ideas from things we happen to see in pictures! What a beautiful table, Sue! And, the box in the magazine was a great inspiration piece. Sometimes I am able to see a picture or a few words, and write a pretty good blog post about it. Haha! I've been too busy lately to write, hoping to get something out there soon! Have a great weekend, Sue!

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    1. Hi Suzanne, yes, you're so right - that design really jumped out at me but it was never for a box... perfect for a table top.
      Your blog posts always have an amazing amount of research in them. I've learnt so many things from your writings.
      Yes, take things as they come - we can't do everything all the time. Got to relax and go slower, this life can sometimes hurry us along too much... that's the beauty of retirement isn't it! All the best and thanks for your visit :D) xx

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  39. Liebe Sue,
    welch ein gelungendes Werk! Die Tischplatte ist ganz großartig geworden. Und der ganze Tisch ist zudem so originell durch die Tischbeine vom Rückschnitt Eurer Baumes! Eine wunderbare Idee!!!
    Alles Liebe
    Heidi

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    1. Heidi's comment translated:
      "What a great work! The table top has become quite grand. And the whole table is also so original by the table legs from the back of your tree! A wonderful idea !!!
      All the best"


      Hello Heidi, thanks so much for your lovely comment and visit. I'm really happy you've enjoyed seeing our home grown table! Cheers and have a great weekend :D)

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  40. This is AWESOME, Sue!!! Loved to see the progression! Such a beautiful piece from your own garden...wonderful collaborative effort! Kudos to you both! You should make more of these!!! It's simply divine!

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    1. Many thanks Deepa... we are really pleased with the result and do appreciate you leaving your thoughts about it too. Cheers and have a really beautiful week :D)

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  41. Love it! Between you, you and hubby are a creative force to be reckoned with. What an inspiration you both are. xx

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