Thelma & Louise

Thelma & Louise

I cannot tell a lie, I have not seen the movie Thelma & Louise. This image, however, sticks in my head vividly from the movie previews - That's going WAY back, I know. 

Anyways, I'm not really sure why, but these tables and this image seem to go together, in my head at least... so I'm naming these rustic, yet chic gals Thelma & Louise.

They aren't marked with a manufacturer, but they are both good quality, solid wood. When I bought them, one had drywall mesh stuck to it and the other had some deep nasty scratches. No structural issues though, only cosmetic - Excellent thrift store find! I love me some thrift store! Does anyone else get that high feeling when they walk into the thrift store and smell that thrift store stank smell, just knowing that some super awesome bargain is waiting to be taken home?? Probably not. I'm pretty sure I stand alone on this one....

Alrighty then. Inserting super awkward moment. ...Aaannnndddd let's get back to the tables.

So. I'm constantly searching for inspiration and trends, whether its color or style or staging. I love the look of painted furniture with stained natural wood tabletops. I've also come across stenciled wood tops. Such is the inspiration for these tables. I love LOTS of color, but I really toned it down on these, using a chalk paint in a neutral, off white shade.

Let me tell you this stenciling project was a disaster. Stenciling onto bare unpainted wood...NOT my friend. The paint was smearing and bleeding through the stencil...etc., etc., So after a smeary, bleeding stenciled mess, I decided to sand the stencil off and try again. And let me tell you - sometimes the most awesome stuff comes out of a complete hot mess disaster! The more I sanded the cooler these tables got. The smearing went away and the sanding left them with this rustic shabby chic feel. I couldn't have planned it any better if I tried. I added some "new" old vintage drawer pulls, a coat of polyurethane on the table tops for added protection, some dark wax for depth and color, and these girls are ready to make a getaway. The dark wax really enhanced the rustic feel and deepened the color. Here's the finished product. 

 

 

 

 Despite heavy sanding one of the table tops still has some minor scratches on the top. That's to be expected with "pre-loved" furniture, but since it adds to the rustic character, I'm ok with that. Because of the scratches I'm only charging $300.00 for the pair, which is a pretty decent deal. You can see them in detail on my Etsy store.

They would make great nightstands, or end tables, or would even look amazing in shabby chic living room or porch. The possibilities are endless really! Visit my Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shabbychicfrenchprovincialtable and help these ladies make a getaway to their new home!

~Happy Shopping!