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The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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Chunky End Table {how to create a raised stencil}

May 23, 2012 by Bethany Sy

Let me start by saying… one of our blog followers (hi Gina!) gave us an entire bedroom set that she wasn’t using and was just taking up room in her basement. We don’t have plans for the whole set yet, but I do know I don’t want them to go together. I think a bedroom should look like it’s acquired over time, not bought all together at once. Comprende?

Well anyhow, I decided to play around with the end table yesterday and try out some new things… are you excited?! Of COURSE you are!

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Because this piece is so chunky and plain, I took it upon myself to add some visual interest that would POP after glazing. I started by sanding everything down and filling the hardware holes with wood putty (this is the stuff we use)

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Then, using my ‘Make Your Own Stencil‘ techniques, I created my own stencil in about 30 minutes! I used a design borrowed from Brooke’s blog All Things Thrifty. If you follow us on facebook, you knew I had something up my sleeve with this design!

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Although you may think of painting with a stencil, but I had other plans! I decided to use joint compound (basic spackle) and blot it onto the stencil using my little round stenciling foam brush. I did this because I want this area to appear raised after I’m done painting and glazing! I’ve seen this technique done before, so it’s not an original idea… but it’s a first for me!

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And it totally worked! Next I primed everything with Kilz.

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In the next few weeks, we have a commissioned piece for a client who looooooves the finish used in the photo below (from Johnny In a Dress), and so I decided to take this opportunity to ‘practice’ and make sure it will turn out just right for said client.

Little buddy got painted using Rustoleum Gloss Fern.

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Then, using a few different colors of acrylic paints, I globbed together a mixture on a paper plate, and brushed it onto the end table, immediately wiping it off with a dry cloth.

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This was where I was supposed to stop (based on the inspiration photo) but I felt like it needed some dimension and rugged brown-ish-ness. So I whipped out my brown glaze and smeared it on here and there, making sure to get all the cracks and crevices, again… wiping away the bulk of the glaze with a dry cloth (using the same techniques from my glazing tutorial).

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I’m loving it very much.

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We haven’t decided if we’re selling this little chunky gem yet. I’ve grown very fond if it!  🙂 What do you think about this technique?!

~Bethany

Be sure to check out all the other unique furniture makeovers we’ve done!

TONS of amazing and unique furniture makeovers! SO much inspiration! {Reality Daydream}

Related:

  • Coffee Table / Lego Table

    We've been needing to update our coffee table situation in the living room for awhile…

About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 23

    Ari says

    November 30, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    Love this project! It looks like you distressed it towards the end. Did you sand it?

    Reply
    • 24

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      November 30, 2013 at 6:25 pm

      Nope no sanding! Just glaze and poly!

      Reply
  2. 25

    Ksuha says

    October 4, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    This gave inspiration to give some new life to an old WW2 military trunk. Thank you!

    Reply
    • 26

      Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      October 5, 2013 at 6:26 pm

      Sweet! Be sure to send us pictures when you’re done!

      Reply
  3. 27

    Anonymous says

    July 29, 2013 at 9:33 pm

    Would you try this technique with red paint base, turquoise & glaze? Thinking if this for a coffee table : )

    Reply
    • 28

      Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

      July 29, 2013 at 9:35 pm

      It will be bright and funky, and I say go for it! You be sure to send pics when you’re done. 🙂

      Reply
  4. 29

    Clara says

    October 14, 2012 at 2:48 am

    i am completely AMAZED! i love it! will be using if for my new room!

    Reply
  5. 30

    Gerri Sue says

    September 10, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    Got it! :O)

    Glaze = Effect
    Poly = Finish!

    Thank you so much for getting back to me- and yes – that helps a lot! I always think the poly looks better too…bare wood looks so vulnerable- all that hard work subject to ruin!!

    Thanks again – can’t wait to see your latest endeavor (s). :o)

    Reply
  6. 31

    Gerri Sue says

    September 10, 2012 at 4:07 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  7. 32

    Bethany says

    September 9, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    So the ‘glaze’ effect is what you’re speaking of with the brown in all the cracks and crevices. When we seal a piece, it’s called poly. And we do this with ALL of our furniture to make it super durable. Lots of people don’t do this, but it’s important to us to knock out quality stuff! You could just put it on the top surface of a piece of furniture, since that’s the part that will get the most wear and tear. Hope this helps!

    Reply
  8. 33

    Gerri Sue says

    September 8, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    You’ve inspired me to gear up my hobby-you and your hubby make beautiful furniture, and gorgeous babies together!!!

    OK, my question is:

    What makes you decide whether or not to glaze the piece (the clear /poly “finishing” process often done at the end…) Lovin’ my use of clearly infinite furniture stripin’ slang??

    I’m using the word glaze in two different ways….(out of ignorance) the “glaze process” you use with rubbing the brown for affect, and then, the glazing (?) process that is frequently used to seal wooden pieces when all done…OMG< I can’t shut UP!

    ** Lastly, did you “glaze” THIS piece, when you were done, or leave it “naked”?

    Sorry for the book!!!

    Reply
  9. 34

    Sweetbriar says

    June 3, 2012 at 3:57 am

    Wonderful technique. Thank you. (Colours are 1967 all over again, and I’d rather skip that, but you kids enjoy!)

    Reply
  10. 35

    Melinda says

    May 25, 2012 at 11:49 am

    Oh, this looks fantastic! Raise flower pattern is gorgeous. You were so right on with the brown glaze–it gives needed dimension and brings all the colors together. Lovely!!

    Reply
  11. 36

    Gina says

    May 24, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Yay! I am so glad you were able to use this piece. It looks awesome! I can’t wait to show my husband what you were able to do with it. (and to think I almost forgot to send it as part of the set!)
    – Gina

    Reply
  12. 37

    Anonymous says

    May 24, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Great idea and great job, love it. I dont’ know where you find the time! Mary in NY

    Reply
  13. 38

    Meagan B. says

    May 24, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    You’re nothing short of a miracle worker, Beth! 🙂 Sooooo cute! You are one talented momma!

    Reply
  14. 39

    Kristy says

    May 24, 2012 at 2:01 am

    makes me think “Spanish” …love, love, love it!

    Reply
  15. 40

    Melissa says

    May 24, 2012 at 1:30 am

    with the first couple pictures I thought it was ugly.. but I love it!! I would take it for my bedroom!!

    Reply
  16. 41

    Samantha {Moody Mama} says

    May 23, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    Love love love!!!!

    Reply
  17. 42

    Sharon says

    May 23, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    very cool idea!! Turned out great!
    Personally, I like it better than the inspiration photo.

    Reply
  18. 43

    Melissa says

    May 23, 2012 at 10:31 pm

    Looks awesome! Love the idea of having a raised pattern under the paint.

    Reply
  19. 44

    Marcy Snook says

    May 23, 2012 at 10:03 pm

    You are a genius.

    Reply
  20. 45

    Alyssa says

    May 23, 2012 at 9:50 pm

    Love it!! SUCH a cool piece! I’d love it for my living room! 😉

    Reply
  21. 46

    Nicole says

    May 23, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    I LOVE the raised flower idea, so cool!

    Reply

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!
Click here for lots of art projects using only wood stain on furniture!!
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Attention: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Reality Daydream has made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions of the plans on this website. Reality Daydream will not assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your project or in the use of the item you create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all commonly accepted safety precautions.

 

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