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September 23, 2013

How To Make A Memory Table

I love when I find a table with a lip around the edge.  I get some glass cut and then put old photo's or post cards under it and I have a "Memory Table"


Here's what I started with, a sweet vintage side table


I painted the table with a grey paint that I mixed up and then had colored matched at Ace.  I then made it into chalk paint, I added a little plaster of paris and water


After I got the outside of table painted I painted the table top white....I was not able to get a nice clean line between the white and grey so I pulled out some Frog Tape (These people don't know I exist) I had picked up at the thrift store...I thought I would give it a try!


I had heard bloggers talk about it, but did not quite understand why it was so great.  Oh my gosh it's wonderful, here's the deal....If I had put blue painters tape on a freshly painted surface, I would have torn the white paint off when I removed the tape.  I waited about 12 hours for the paint to dry and then used the frog tape and ...Amazing, it did not take the white paint off when I lifted the tape up and I had a nice crisp line between the grey and white paint.  

Frog tape is thinner than blue painters tape.  It stays in place, the paint does not bleed, and when pulled up it does not tear the paint off...Amazing


I'm just passing this on since I know so many of you are like me....No patience to sit and wait for paint to dry!


I then brought the table to a glass cutting store and for $5.00 I had glass for the table.  


Now it was ready for postcards or pictures


I put the table in my booth at Orange Tree Antiques and priced it at $58


A little love, a piece of glass, and now someone can enjoy displaying their memories!
  
Happy Creating!
Carol

Partying with Miss Mustard Seed

42 comments:

  1. That is such a great idea. I would love to make one for Christmas to put all the cards I have saved over the years. I will be on the lookout for a table now. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  2. This is so cute! I love the color of paint you created, it is perfect!

    ~Trisha

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  3. I love the finished piece. It would look great in a coastal home!

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  4. I love the finished piece. It would look great in a coastal home!

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  5. Another beautiful project.
    This table is so pretty, if I were ever to retire in Floria, I would come to your shop first to purchase things for my home. Everything is just lovely :)

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  6. its beautiful, I love the color, I would buy this if I saw it!

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  7. Love the glass on the table top.♥♫

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  8. That turned out great! Love the glass and memory items you included.

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  9. Beautiful table

    and such a great idea, Carol!! There was such a (before) table in my childhood home. I ruined it by repeatedly using pledge on it as I played "Pledge commercial". I soaked the poor thing! :)

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  10. Love the little table and thank you for the tip on the tape. I know exactly what you mean about the blue tape and have never had much luck using it.

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  11. So pretty! I remember having old tables like the original when I was growing up, from grandparents' attics! Love what you did with it.

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  12. What a great idea. Love it. You are so very talented.

    Hugs from here

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  13. That is so cute & such a great idea!

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  14. You so so much work and a good job creating treasures for other people!

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  15. Wow! The difference between your before and after pictures is amazing. The table is so pretty now. Love the addition of the glass. Genius!!!

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  16. Love the color and the idea of using glass on top. Thanks for the Frog Tape tip. Haven't used it before, but it's on my list now.

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  17. What a cute idea! I love the color you chose also.

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  18. I love the color you chose! I will have to keep the frog tape in mind. I never have great success with the blue tape.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  19. Hi Carol, this is awesome done on a table with glass over top. Love it. I just created the similar idea on a tray using French postcards. Cut acrylic to cover over it from Home Depot.
    I love frog tape. Great color for the table.
    Hugs!

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  20. Really amazing transformation ! when I saw the pricture of your brown table i thought "berk" (In France we don't have this kind of furniture. But ! When I see the result i say oh yes !!
    to answer your question about people who come to my shabby home I have to say that everybody seem to love, and get inspired and I like it !

    xoxo

    Joëlle

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  21. Carol, this is a fantastic transformation and I love the added glass and images. I am going to try frog tape when I start doing projects in the new house. Everyone loves it!!

    Cynthia

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  22. This is fabulous. I love it! What a great table now and conversation piece. Memories...
    Brilliant Dear!

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  23. Carol, this is a great find, I remember those step tables.My first end tables were similar. Fabulous idea for preserving memories.
    have a blessed week, Ginger

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  24. Carol, My daughter has one of these Tables, I can't wait to show her what to do with it!! Thanks for showing us another Genius Idea!! ;)

    Huggs,Nancy

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  25. I will make the mental note of the frog tape.

    I love the table. That is the best use of that particular style of table that I've seen yet. My mom had some like that when I was a kid.

    On a side note: Wanted you to know that I took the plunge and painted my kitchen chairs (not the dining room ones, some different ones.) with homemade chalk paint and couldn't be happier with the result. Thanks for the head's up that you make your own. I would have been too cheap to try it with the real stuff.

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  26. What a creative idea. I love that gray color with the white interior.
    Who'd a thought something as "ugly" as that table could turn into something so wonderful??? Only you!

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  27. Wow!! What a joy it is to visit here ... your table is beautiful!

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  28. Carol,

    I love this idea! It would be fun to change it out with the seasons or as often as I change my decor, this would be easy to customize.

    Sue

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  29. It's adorable! Thank you for all your amazing creativity that you share! Mimi

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  30. It's darling!! I have an end table that was my Nana's and I switch out the "memories" as the seasons change! A great deal on the glass, here in Silicon Valley a piece of glass like that....$35.00-$40.00!

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  31. What a great idea. It made such a difference too! I need to do this with my trip pictures.

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  32. Hi Carol, haven't been around for a while and happy to read through your posts and see what creative inspiration you have. You sure always please me with that :) Love the pretty display case, hands, flower pins, this pretty table, etc. Thanks for so many wonderful tips.
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  33. Beautiful transformation as usual, Carol! Great turnaround too, at 58 dollars.

    You have such an eye! Keep up the great work.

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  34. An adorable little table!! I'm sure it will sell quickly. ;)

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  35. Magnif! :) Love it! LOVVVEEEE IT!

    xoRebecca

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  36. Very cute as usual. You got a great deal on the piece of glass. I usually stay away from glass because it is so expensive.

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  37. I really like the blue color of the table
    isn't it fun playing with paint?

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  38. Hi! I just found you, your blog and I've been reading and reading for hours. I originally found "what sells" posts because I just began a booth here in Texas. I'm looking for more research as to how to make things move more quickly and I think I've got it nailed down...we have too many dishes. However, after reading your posts, I feel better about everything and will regroup tomorrow. I too make my own chalk paint but don't like using Miniwax due to the horrible smell. I have CeCe Caldwell's wax and it's much better. I'm going to pick up the dark wax and finish a few projects around here and they'll be ready for the booth.
    All this to say, WOW, you are amazing and your things are so pretty! I truly appreciate all your tips and tutorials. I've learned so much this evening...my eyes are just about crossed! But I'll be back tomorrow and continue my reading. You are so very inspirational! Thank you!
    Sharlotte

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  39. you have a talent for taking old furniture and giving them a charming new life, carol! how did you see this table and think adorable photo display?--love it:)

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