Sunday, August 16, 2009

Lady Caroline: a table's story from rags to riches




Going to garage sales and thrift stores is a little bit like a blind date. Most of the time you walk away with nothing to show for it. But every once in a while, you meet someone special and it is love at first sight. So it was with Caroline.

Caroline was sitting in a huge moving sale a few streets down from my house. She was a little dirty, and was starting to show her age. People obviously didn't think much of her, because she was only being sold for a dollar.



For me, however, it was love at first sight, and the price was right. For a dollar I knew I could transform little Caroline into quite the lady that would soon be sitting pretty on my front porch. I made a quick trip to the Walmarts for some spray paint in Hosta Green, and found a spare hour to work my magic.

One can of paint later, Caroline was transformed into Lady Caroline, the perfect companion to sit with me on the porch, providing a place to set my drink, and happily holding up a pretty violet. Here she is showing off her feminine curves. Isn't she a beauty?


Here's the step-by-step:


Take before picture :-)


Use wire brush to remove any flaking paint. This table is plastic, and some of the white paint had started to peel off, so I helped it along.


Outdoors, set the table on a dropcloth and start spraying with the paint. Do several light coats one minute apart, being careful to get really good coverage.


Let stand for 24 hours or until fully dry. Spray paint dries quickly, but it's always best to give the paint time to cure, and to allow the vapors to evaporate, especially if you will be using the item inside.

Take After picture!


I'm linking this little beauty up to Today's Thrifty Treasures, and Metamorphosis Monday. Make sure to check out all of the other great finds and transformations!

34 comments:

  1. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch)August 16, 2009 at 9:45 AM

    Jenny, Lady Caroline is just lovely...love her graceful features and she's just perfect on your porch! Happy Met Monday!
    Susan

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  2. Pretty! I just redid a table too, must be in the air. :)

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  3. Joan@anythinggoeshereAugust 16, 2009 at 10:49 AM

    She has been saved! She has a new green life. Yes!

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  4. That is charming! Love it! Linda

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  5. Enchanted Rose StudioAugust 16, 2009 at 11:42 AM

    Jenny, Lady Caraoline is so charming! I love the tray edge and the queen anne legs. The color is fabulous! Great transformation!

    Tina

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  6. Love the color of your new table! She is so cute. :-)

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  7. Great price and a very pretty redo.

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  8. Kendra @ Domestic Princess in TrainingAugust 16, 2009 at 12:35 PM

    Oh I just LOVE the lines of you new end table and what a steal! Good eye and an even better transformation.

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  9. Very nice, she is a beauty!

    Christi @ A Southern Life
    http://asouthernlife.com

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  10. Pam @ This Humble HouseAugust 16, 2009 at 12:57 PM

    Very pretty! I can't believe it's plastic!

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  11. Until a few months ago, I would've walked right on by Caroline withoput seeing any of the promise you saw! Great vision and she's lovely

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  12. Can't believe it's plastic either! Such pretty lines and wonderful for your porch!

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  13. What a fabulous find. I love it, and the green is such a pretty color. Hugs, Marty

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  14. Marsha's MpressionsAugust 16, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    Wow! This little table turned out great!

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  15. Michelle@Sweet SomethingAugust 16, 2009 at 2:38 PM

    She looks great! Love that green!

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  16. I love what you did with Lady Caroline! Very pretty.

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  17. Aubree @ The Weathered CottageAugust 16, 2009 at 3:39 PM

    so cute!

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  18. The Tattered CottageAugust 16, 2009 at 4:01 PM

    Love the redo!
    Toni

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  19. I do love the curves and the green. Thanks for the rescue.

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  20. What alovely transition!

    Love the legs on this baby.

    TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

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  21. Hi Jenny! I love how Lady Caroline is showing herself off! She looks great!! Also...the price was right!! Hugs!!

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  22. What a lovely lady! Very pretty makeover for Lady Caroline!

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  23. What a great redo ... that is an awesome table and I love your color choice!

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  24. Very nice transformation

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  25. How beautiful! Love the green color. :)

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  26. The green made all the difference in the world. And it fits so perfect on the porch.
    -Angela

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  27. Gina @ The Shabby Chic CottageAugust 17, 2009 at 7:39 AM

    You did a beautiful job! The etching on the top reminds me a lot of Florentine pieces that I have, that same pattern is found on a couple of different pieces that I have. It looks beautiful painted, though!

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  28. Jenny @ Words on WendhurstAugust 17, 2009 at 11:06 AM

    Everyone- thanks for all of the compliments! It was a super easy makeover and I am loving the results!

    Cheri - no separate tray, the top is just made to look like a tray on top of curvy legs. The legs are attached to the top via wing nuts underneath.

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  29. Lady Caroline is so lovely! You did a great job with her. You can really see she's loved now. And she's my favorite color too! Please stop by and say hello!

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  30. You have wonderful vision! I bet I wouldn't have even noticed her at the sale :(

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  31. She is indeed a beauty, worthy of such a name! That paint color was perfect.
    Brenda

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  32. Love the transformation! The top design is so pretty...great color!

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