I’ve been working on another table over the past few days…
totally different from the beachy one I did the other day.
I’ve named this one the Hymn Table..
Did I ever tell you I used to sing?
A lot.
Solos, duos, trios, quartets….pick a number.
I guess I sang for maybe 25 years or more.
I traded room stenciling, carpentry and floor tiling for voice lessons too.
I loved to sing.
I don’t sing anymore.
But I did the past few days and it was such a wonderful feeling!
Here is the table I’m working on
It’s very pretty but very old fashioned
It has this nice lyre base
And it was in almost perfect condition
except for this
So, then the inner talking
(or out loud talking….that’s a whole ‘nother post)
Begins
What does this table want to look like?
Strip the veneer?…..please say no
Repair the corner?…….better idea
It’s a musical table……..decoupage! YES!
I gave it a light sanding
and started placing some torn music pages using spray glue
I let them hang over the edge
Then trimmed them with a razor knife
I’ve struggled to keep my spirits up lately what with lots of commitments, defiant teenagers,
too many jobs staring me in the face, hot flashes, lack of sleep….etc.
But that morning, as I chose the hymns I wanted to use,
I found myself singing through each one!
Years of singing in a traditional church choir resulted in memorizing MANY hymns.
They all came back to me this morning
and I found myself feeling so much better than I had in weeks!
Maybe this table should be called the Blessing Table!
Because I was blessed as I worked on it.
Once all the paper was attached, I sanded with a downward motion
(so as not to lift any of the edges)
to soften the edge a bit….like this
Then, several light coats of mod podge
As you see….I haven’t even painted it yet.
I had to get the hymns on first so the table could speak to me again.
I only have one can of chalk paint left….Paris Gray.
I decided to try it and see how it looked…it can always be changed.
But I liked it!
I decided to leave some of the original wood showing along the edge.
I distressed it…
And then decided that the music pages were too strong.
So I gave them 3 coats of very thinned gesso to soften the effect.
Now the top and the bottom seemed to blend much better
I haven’t finished waxing the base yet but I’m using clear wax.
The top has a couple coats of a matte clear finish but will get some more.
Decoupaged surfaces need good protection from dampness so I like to do
many coats with some light sanding between until I have a very smooth
protected surface.
It fits beautifully between these two chairs in front of my bookcase!
And the before and after
What do you think?
Sharing with
I'm Lorraine. I have a love for home & design and I enjoy sharing that passion with others. I'm so glad you're here to join me.
email: missflibbertigibbet@gmail.com
What do I think?
I think it is beautiful.
I think it IS The Blessing Table – because singing for the Lord is prayer!
I love you sang while making, and love you sang for so long- that’s about how long I sang for church choir too and stopped. Why did you stop? I stopped because of illness but I sure would love to start up again, how about you?
Your table looks wonderful exactly where you put it – such the perfect size and shape!
Hang in there – better days are coming. But I truly do understand. Hugs from one who has been there.
I love this table! I Love you. Remember: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” This season will pass and the sky will open up and shower you with blessings for going through this season. If you decide to sell this piece, let me know.
I have wonderful memories of all those years you sang! You were a wonderful soloist! The song you sang at my wedding I sometimes will start to sing for no reason and I hear you in my head when I do. “In this very room”.
Know I love you and am happy there are projects that give you joy and help you through difficult days!
Love you!
This is such a beautiful table! I love that you decoupaged the top.
Oh I love this! I am a singer too!!! I have damaged my chords and can’t sing from A to C (above middle C) which really cramps your singing – so I mostly sing bad now. We should get together and have a hymn sing-off contest. I’m going to have to blog about my love of hymns someday. You know I use Deft Clear Wood finish on my decoupage furniture. It is very very good and cheap.
Lorraine, this is stunning. I also grew up in a very traditional church and memorize a zillion hymns. What you shared is a good reminder to me that when I feel overwhelmed, that’s when I need to focus on Truth and Gratitude! Hang in there, mama! Your investments WILL pay off.
Beautiful! I have a table that I bought several weeks ago and the top is in bad shape. I have been wondering what to do with it, but I think I found my answer! I am your newest follower! And, isn’t it amazing what singing can do for the soul?
I love the idea! I teach piano and would love to do something like this as a wall paper kind of thing. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks so much to everyone! I KNEW I would find some other musicians out there! Some of you have “no reply” in your address so I couldn’t reply via email as I usually do! I always answer everyone so you might want to check that email if you wonder why the bloggers don’t answer! LOL It’s not that we don’t want to….but we can’t!
Blessings to all…and keep singing!
Lorraine
It makes my heart sing. Beautiful job.
I love this table and will have to try something similar. I am sorry you are a little overwhelmed at the moment. I hope no-one has made negative comments to you. I think you are wonderful and love ready your blog. To show you how much I like you I won’t sing :O) I am tone deaf and no one should have to hear that.
Dido
Oh my gosh. I don’t know if you link up to Miss Mustard Seed’s Furniture Friday but you definitely should link this. Stunning. My dining room chairs have the lyre backs but my husband has forbidden me to paint them. :o) Well done dear! One last thing…you couldn’t lose me as a follower if you tried. I’d find you anywhere.
Oh my! How absolutely beautiful! I am so in love with this! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Your table turned out great with a more updated look. Love your idea of the old hymn pages on top. My husband is a lover of hymns. Sang to our children when they were babies every night. My mom loves to tell the story that when my boys were toddlers and sleeping over, she asked what they wanted to sing at bedtime, thinking they’d say Jesus Loves Me. Instead the one asked for Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise. 🙂
Mary Alice
If you were blessed with a great voice, keep singing! You see what it does for your spirits, and think about what it does for those who have the privilege of listening. Your table is beautiful, and I am so glad that the singing and the creation of something beautiful has lifted your spirits so. Thank you for sharing.
What do I think? I think you have more than your fair share of PURE Talent! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I can’t believe what a chord you struck in me today (pun intended). I spent at least six hours a week going to church when I was growing up. Even though I don’t attend now, I still cherish the music. When I’m working out I listen to hymns on my ipod. Sometimes they bring tears, and I’m not sure what that is about, but I know that the music stirs me in some way. Thank you for reminding me.
Turned out really nice Mrs. F.. And I am typing this as my daughter is playing piano. Seems appropriate.
Bliss
Whew! Just got over a hot flash myself!
Your table is definitely a keeper. I may have to try that technique on my least favorite waterfall vanity with chipped veneer on the drawers.
This came out great, Lorraine, and I’m so glad it lifted your spirits. I find when I work on projects, it is a form of meditation for me and I always feel better when I see the progress I’m making especially when the rest of life is going in circles.
Beautifully done, Lorraine! I love the table itself but you’ve really made it stand out. Love the music paper on top and the color you did on the base.
I think it looks wonderful – and I love the space you put it in. Great job!
Your table is beautiful! I love the combination of the music and the Paris Gray. This table can be a constant reminder of your musical gift.
Kathleen
It’s a beautiful table and now has a beautiful new life — your idea for hiding that torn veneer is perfect. I remember seeing a table like this as a kid, maybe at an Aunt’s house.
Thanks so much to all of you for your nice comments! Some of you are “no-reply” email addresses so I thought I’d thank you here in the hope you might see it! It was a real joy to work on this table!
Blessings, Lorraine
that was the perfect piece for this treatment- suits it to a tee! i love the lyre bases- so elegant!
I love this table how creative! It is so pretty you did a great job. Love it!!
Cynthia
Your did such a love and creative job on the table! I would love to have it!
Your participation at Potpourri Friday is appreciated!
Looks wonderful…the hymnal pages are the perfect choice 🙂 Laurel
Lovely table and post♥ I sing, too. I sound awful, but take comfort that God loves my singing to Him. Keep singing….don’t let anything stop you.
This is beautiful! I love that you enjoyed making it so much! Hope you are enjoying your Summer and staying cool!
Take care,
Trish
I think I totally love it!
Beautiful table and idea!!!
There is nothing like a good hymn to raise the spirit, soothe the soul and bless the singer.
Blessings to you from the Texas music minister…..
ummmmm that would be me…..do you have time to run over and do a few specials for us??? :^)
J
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