Sunday, June 19, 2011

A Place for Tea


I've been watching all the talented, creative, and extremely industrious individuals who seem to paint something every week. When I was much younger, I too, would refinish a piece of furniture every now and again. But it's been years since I actually took on a painting project!



Summer before last I came across this little thrifty treasure of a child's set of a table and four chairs. You can see it was rusty and in need of being rescued. As I said, it's been years since I've taken on a project to refinish something, but I was totally charmed by the detail of the rooster and leaves and the fact that both the chairs and table fold up flat. So this little set came home with me with the intention of a make-over.



It wasn't long before Cleo and Mr. Barnaby claimed it for their own. They didn't seem to mind the rust and the fact that I hadn't actually gotten around to spiffing up this little set. You see they enjoy an afternoon tea and were happy to have their own little spot on the terrace. If you like, click here to join them.



It also didn't seem to matter when the

animals gathered for tea on a sunny morning.



But when a sweet little girl was coming to visit her Nana who is one of my dearest friends, I decided it was time to get out the wire brush, clean off the rust, and give the set a fresh coat of paint.



To prevent the rust again,

I used a gray primer as an undercoat.



Using a spray paint made it an easy project,

but it took several sweeps to get at all the angles.



Once each piece was primed . . .



I painted them with Rust-Oleum Strawflower, a soft yellow as close to the original color as I could find. My initial idea was to highlight and enhance the rooster and leaves with a bit of color, but I haven't done that.



So what do you think?

Shall I leave it as it was originally painted,
all yellow, or give the rooster and leaves a hint of color?

What would you do?




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Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

69 comments:

  1. DebbiedoosJune 19, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Hi Sarah! I am impressed to say the least. You need to try your hand at this more often. Love that color. I have never seen it believe it or not. It looks so fun and fresh. My link will be up around 6pm eastern time. see you in a bit, and thank you for joining.

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  2. UnknownJune 19, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    wonderful, wonderful, wonderful
    KAT

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  3. Brenda PruittJune 19, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    I would totally mess it up if I went anywhere near that detail with paint! So for ME, I'd leave it alone. So cute!
    Brenda

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  4. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJune 19, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    It turned out great!! I love it.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  5. BernideenJune 19, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Oh what a lovely post and darling posing dolls! I hope you fed them well!

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  6. Barbara F.June 19, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    I love the yellow, Sarah. Good job! I am trying my hand at spray painting a yardsale find this week. :) Thanks for your visit and nice comments, too. (My dad was 59 :( ) xo,

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  7. Johanna GehrleinJune 19, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    Hello Sarah,
    your chairs and table turned out so beautiful. I wouldn't paint the details. But maybe you make matching cushions with cross-stich, if you want and have time, but the little lady would love it.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  8. DianneJune 19, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    I love it the way it is. What a sweet find. Dianne

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  9. LynnJune 19, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    Your table and chairs turned out great Sarah! I'll bet that little cutie loved her tea:@)

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  10. AnonymousJune 19, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    :)

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  11. BabsJune 19, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Sarah, I'm like you in that I haven't done a paint project in a long time with the exception of a flower pot or two.
    Your little table and chairs turned out beautifully. I love the color and wouldn't change a thing...of course you could try highlighting it and if you didn't like it you could paint it again. lol. I was just looking at the sweet face of the little girl and how she's enjoying the table and chairs. Too sweet.
    Hope you had a great weekend,
    Babs

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  12. StitchforkJune 19, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Sarah you have not lost your touch as the set looks wonderful! I like it all yellow. And it looks like its being well used!
    xo Cathy

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  13. Honey at 2805June 19, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Your little tea party set looks so pretty and refreshing!

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  14. DebbieJune 19, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    I am writing down that color name. I love the warm and not bright shade of yellow. It looks just perfect to me right now, but if you wanted to highlight the roosters, I would do it subtly and not with great contrast. I really do think it looks great.

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  15. Pat@Back Porch MusingsJune 19, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Looks beautiful Sarah!

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  16. Ricki TreleavenJune 19, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    Sarah, I love the color. I think you will enjoy many tea parties using the adorable little cafe set!

    Great job!

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  17. SnapJune 19, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    Great color and great set for tea!!! Well done!

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  18. StephJune 19, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    I think it is absolutely wonderful as it is. What a beautiful colour to use. Great facelift!

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  19. ellen bJune 19, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Beautiful job! I think I'd leave it like the original...

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  20. eileeninmdJune 19, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    I think you did a wonderful job. the table and chairs look great. And I am sure your granddaughter would love to have tea there. Great photos, have a wonderful week!

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  21. eileeninmdJune 19, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    I think you did a wonderful job. the table and chairs look great. And I am sure your granddaughter would love to have tea there. Great photos, have a wonderful week!

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  22. MaryJune 19, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Omigosh, that is an adorable set! And I think it looks wonderful just as it is, especially with your sweet grand-daughter enjoying it! xoxo

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  23. Gardening in a SandboxJune 19, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    By your granddaughters happy face I think the painting was appreciated. V

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  24. PondsideJune 19, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    I love it just as it is, Sarah. I think that the rooster and leaves painted in contrast would be a bit 'busy' for my taste. What a sweet set!

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  25. Sonya BadgleyJune 19, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    I think the set is perfect the way it is. Such an adorable set. I love how you show us different ways of decorating it.
    Have a great day.
    Hugs,
    Sonya

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  26. Pam - @diy Design FanaticJune 19, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    Looks great the way it is!

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  27. Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed.June 19, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Adorable subject for your mosaic!

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  28. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to CookJune 19, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Looks beautiful!

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  29. Allison ShopsJune 19, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    I would leave it the way it is - pretty set.
    Dropping by from Met Monday. I hope you'll come see the safari nursery.

    Allison
    Atticmag

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  30. Paula@SweetPeaJune 19, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    What a cute set! The yellow paint looks great. I think your granddaughter will have many happy tea parties here.

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  31. A Garden of ThreadsJune 19, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    You have an adorable granddaughter and the perfect table for tea parties. I love the table and chairs as they are. Take care:)

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  32. Art of RetroCollageJune 19, 2011 at 9:31 PM

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    http://blog.retrocollage.com//fathers-day-gift-retrocollage

    ReplyDelete
  33. Nancy's Daily DishJune 19, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    This is precious! I think I'm agreeing with everyone and loving that yellow color. If you do decide to add a little more color, I'd do it almost as a wash and keep it subtle. Just my opinion. I think it's just adorable as it is. I bet that sweet girl thinks so too!

    Nancy

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  34. Natasha in OzJune 20, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    Wow, you are so talented! I always admire the wonderful decorating jobs that bloggers do as I have never been able to do things like that myself! You did a magnificent job and I wouldn't change a thing about anything! The colour is so fresh and matches everything else perfectly.

    Best wishes and happy week,
    Natasha.

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  35. MaggieJune 20, 2011 at 4:56 AM

    This may have been your first refurb for a while but it's obvious that you haven't lost your artistic touch, my dear!
    Personally I wouldn't paint the leaves & rooster, I think the set looks perfect now with it's delightful new coat of paint.

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  36. LindaJune 20, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    What an adorable little table and chairs, just right for little tea parties.

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  37. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)June 20, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Hi Sarah,
    Honestly, that is just perfect the way you have it now! What a charming and adorable make-over, I just love it!
    I need to find one for little Addison!
    Hugs to you,
    Cindy

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  38. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJune 20, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    I think it's charming the way it is, Sarah, but if you have colors that would work with the highlighting of the rooster and leaves, I'd say go for it! It's got a very soft, cottage look right now.

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  39. AnonymousJune 20, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    I had hoped to put painting on the Sunday agenda but then the rains came. It was pouring hard! And this morning is still overcast and has that don't start a big project feel to the air.

    I would add some highlights to the rooster tails.

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  40. black eyed susans kitchenJune 20, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Really sweet ...I especially love the Halloween table setting with the little witches.

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  41. Samantha from Colonial Curve CottageJune 20, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    You've inspired me to spray my set! It turned out great!

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  42. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️June 20, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    This is the cutest post I've seen today.

    Dee
    Your new follower

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  43. CRICKETJune 20, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    I think it is darling! I would leave it "as is".

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  44. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasJune 20, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    I love them just the way they are!! They are so pretty and just perfect for your Grand daughter!!

    Great job!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  45. Live Better For LessJune 20, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Your table and chairs are lovely just the way they are....I love the color you have chosen....perfect!

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  46. SueJune 20, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Sarah, I love the color you painted the little set! I think that highlighting the rooster and leaves would be the icing on the cake for the chairs. But if you decide not to, it looks wonderful just the way it is! I need to paint a few things. So much to do and so little time! I need to buy some primer, though. Didn't do that the last time and my tables that I painted continued to rust. I'll have to use the wire brush, too.
    :-) Sue

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  47. The French HutchJune 20, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    hi Sarah, I love the little set like it is but I might be tempted to give the little rooster a little touch of color to set him a part. Its an easy fix if your not pleased with the results. I love the creamy yellow color too. This is an adorable little set, your lucky day when your found it

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  48. bjJune 20, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    That is so precious. I know that pretty young lady LOVED having tea at such a pretty table.
    I would leave it just like it is..it's so classy right now...

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  49. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEJune 20, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Hi Sarah...your set is adorable. If it were mine I would hit the rooster and leaves with some Rub and Buff...just a little to sorta antique and highlight...just a thought!

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  50. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJune 20, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    This set is so darling, Sarah! I would have had to buy it if I saw it for sale. I love the buttery yellow color you spray painted it. I don't think you have to add anymore color but it would be fun to try it and see how it looks.

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  51. MaryJune 20, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    So glad you decided to take on a paint project Sarah - and what a fabulous job you did! It looks perfect just the way it is - however, I have to agree with others who say why not add a little color to bring out that sweet rooster feature.

    Painting is so much fun, once you get started, ha! ha!

    Hugs - Mary

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  52. KathleenJune 20, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    What a darling set, and I love your displays! I think it looks great the way it is, but I am a plain Jane!

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  53. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJune 20, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    Hi, popped over from the Blog Party. What a darling set! It was just perfect for your Halloween decor. I think the paint looks great! Might be fun to slightly glaze the rooster to make it stand out. Either way it's precious, and so is that cute little grandie!

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  54. Linda@Coastal CharmJune 21, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    I vote to leave them all one color!!! Thanks so much for sharing this cute makeover at my NTT party!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  55. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)June 21, 2011 at 4:09 AM

    What a cute post! The little table and chairs turned beautifully :) You are so very creative! Thanks for sharing:)
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

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  56. UnknownJune 21, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    I love it. I hope one day that I have a sweet Granddaughter that I can have a tea party with! :) That little set is so cute!

    ~Liz

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  57. RettabugJune 21, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    I'm like you, Sarah...haven't tackled any major painting jobs in years. I pay good money for my manicures & I hate to ruin them! LOL

    You did a WONDERFUL job on this little set! I love the soft buttery color & how wonderful that a little sweetheart got to enjoy them. Well done, my friend!!!

    Hugs,
    Rett

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  58. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJune 21, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    How cute is this. I love the settings and the dolls are so precious. Your granddaughter is gorgeous and looks like she is having such a wonderful time. Great memories. Thanks so much for joining to TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  59. All That GlittersJune 21, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Too cute!!! Really love the halloween table too!

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  60. MaryJune 22, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    How adorable is your little bistro set! I would be charmed by the roosters & vines too! It looks great with your straw color paint, but if you were ambitious, you could dry brush an antiquing medium over the details to make them pop :-)

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  61. Confessions of a Plate AddictJune 22, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    I love this, Sarah! It's so charming! And you know I love the new color! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  62. PamelaJune 22, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Too too cute!

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  63. ColoradoladyJune 23, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    So precious.....what little girl, or big girl for that matter would not love this!!!

    Happy VTT!

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  64. LVJune 23, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    What a neat vintage find. I am glad you refinished it as now it makes so many others happy.

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  65. PatJune 23, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    Too cute! I love the color you used too. I will have to remember the name. The doll displays at your little table are so sweet. Lucky little girl!

    Pat

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  66. Blue Creek HomeJune 23, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    What a cutie pie sitting at the newly painted tea table! Love the soft yellow color. Thanks for coming to the party.
    Rhonda

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  67. JudyBugJune 24, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    I like it just the way it is. It has such a clean look with the straw color. So so cute!

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  68. The Joyful ThrifterJune 28, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    wonderful redo!!! you did a fantastic job!

    Smiles,
    The Joyful thrifter

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  69. SueJuly 1, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    I would dry brush the details with my color of choice. It adds a little contrast without being so tedious as to have to paint the rooster and leaves in detail. Try it on the backside in a small spot to see if you like the effect. If not, just spray paint over it :)

    For greater contrast, dry brush different areas in different colors ( the rooster in red, leaves in green, for example ) Just tape off wherever you don't want your contrasting colors. Have fun! It looks great as is, too.

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.

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