Sweet Cakes, Sparkly Things, and Cheap Thrills: Cheap Thrill- Trash to Treasure

Base of the table - before

Oak Table- Note the Fire Damage

Yesterday, one of you ( the one in witness protection), asked me if I could blog some about one of my favorite ways to save money; restoring antiques. So this is for you- read on to see how it all turns out!

I love to take antiques and refurbish them or if they can not be restored I change them into new " treasures". I will admit, refurbishing furniture is what I would do all day if I could make a living at it. Restoration combines artwork with a good eye for a bargain. I am always looking for pieces that will fit in my home or the homes of those I love, I also keep a sharp eye out for things I can redo and resell at a profit. The table I have pictured here was one I did a couple of years ago. I purchased it from the antique mall in pieces as they were unloading their auction truck. When I asked the price, I was told they were going to label it $29.00. Of course, everything is negotiable---- so I purchased all the pieces for $15.00 and carted the whole thing home in a box!

As you can see, the table had been in a fire but, I could see what was under the char; a quarter sawn Oak Farm Table from the 1890's or so. Those of you who know me well, know that I dragged the whole thing on to my wrap around porch and got to work. Refinishing it was easy, I was able to sand off all the charring with my palm sander and Dremmel Rotary Tool . Since the table was oak all the way through I was able to sand until it looked good, then add a coat of Minwax Red Oak and a coat of Minwax clear.

It took me about 3-4 hours to complete the whole thing ( if you don't count drying time). I had leftover stain and clear seal from another project so the cost to redo this table was about $20.00. After I finished it, I put it on Craig's List and sold it. It now resides in a Bed and Breakfast down in Bishopville, SC.