Cardboard Table ~ Why Not?

Awhile back, I was at a shop waiting for some guys to load a purchase into the back of my truck.  I noticed an empty cardboard tube sitting off to one side.  Curiosity got the best of me, so I asked them what was going to happen to it.  As expected, they were going to throw it out.  So without hesitation, I asked them if I could have it.  "Sure," they said as they let out a little chuckle and loaded it into the back of my truck.

I know for most, this humble piece of cardboard would be headed straight for the recycle bin.  But I just couldn't let it go.  It was strong and durable and I had visions of a side table in my head.  I'm not sure what Penny saw but she seemed quite curious...

She kept hanging around so I had to snap these cute pictures of her. 

I can only imagine what was going through her mind.  Probably something like ~ "Ya know you could be playing fetch with me" ~ and I did ~ some.
 

After awhile she grew bored, but faithfully continued to hang around as I got back to my project. 

On my last post, I experimented with some stencils ~ specifically for use on this table.  I don't want to overdo the use of letters/numbers ~ but I do have a fascination with them.

For this project, I positioned the stencils ~ wrapping them around the cylinder so they are seen from one vantage point.  I taped them into place with blue painter's tape.  Next, I put tick marks on the edges of each stencil so I would know where to reposition them after the following step. 

 

I coated the back of each stencil with several light coats of adhesive spray ~ allowing it to dry so it would be tacky to the touch.



I repositioned the stencils on the tube and taped off areas I wanted to protect from overspray.  Then I lightly sprayed each stencil with several coats of black paint.  I allowed it to dry for several minutes and then carefully removed the stencils, tape and newspaper. 



I think at this point, I was pretty excited about the way the table was going to turn out. 



Done ~ that was it.  I topped the cylinder with a piece of glass and placed it next to a chair in my living room.  



The diameter and height of the cardboard was the perfect size for a table.  I think it turned out pretty cool ~ what do you think?  Now I'm off to grocery shop for the Thanksgiving meal ~ I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Linking up today: 

Yellow + Black + Metal

A favorite vignette of mine is pictured above.  It includes random treasured finds which are unified by color and texture.  I'm choosing to use the large "&" sign as the number "3" instead ~ meaningful to me because of my three sons.  An aged chicken feeder stands ~ propped on its end. 

The weathered Texas license plate is elevated to new heights atop this vintage store price display stand.  I think this is the easiest "project" I've ever done.  Luckily, the tag and the stand had the same dimensions.  So all I had to do was wire the tag to the opening of the stand.  How's that for the world's easiest DIY project?

 I consider the Remington Portable a work of art in itself.

Don't you think the typewriter keys are exquisite?  I also have a treasured necklace made from an old typewriter key ~ but I don't think I could ever bring myself to dismantle this tired old machine.  If you would like, you can read more about the metal 2 and 6 here.

As with most things, I acquired these pieces over time.  It's always fun to see how they will all eventually come together.  I think this grouping of industrial items works ~ they are all tied by color and texture. Yellow + Black + Metal = that's all for today!  I would love to hear about a favorite vignette in your home ~ have a wonderful weekend!

Clever Gifting

When I visit various antique stores, flea markets or thrift stores I try to make mental note of any upcoming special occasions that I may need to be buying for.  Gifting, for me, is an opportunity to search out something unique to convey my love or appreciation to the receiver. Presents don't have to be expensive to express a sentiment.  Some of the most treasured gifts I've received are ones that have very little monetary value ~ but indeed are some of the most meaningful.  And might I add ~ it doesn't hurt one little bit that I enjoy the adventure and challenge of finding that special something to give.  

A few months ago, when I was on an excursion to The Red Shed, I stumbled across these old metal plates with numbers on them.  They sparked some interest with me because the numbers represented Nate's birth date.  I snatched them up and tucked them away.  This past Sunday, I pulled them out and packaged them up as a small token of affection for my hubby on his birthday.

I also like to collect random little boxes or containers to package the gifts in.  This worn wooden box was gingerly decoupaged by someone many years ago.

I nestled the metal plates on a pile of crinkle cut shredded paper.  

The box itself was already wrapped in wonderful old paper.  So all I needed to add was some faded old seam binding I used as ribbon.  I then added a miniature shipping label ~ that serves as a gift tag. Through the years these little tags have been a mainstay for me ~ I use them to adorn any and everything.  Package complete! :)

Oh ~ and just to ease any concern, Nate was properly honored on his special day and it played out just as he had hoped.  He began the day enjoying a good cup of Joe while devouring every section of the newspaper ~ uninterrupted.  Golfing and lunch with some buddies was next on his agenda and finally we ended the day with a nice dinner at the restaurant of his choice.  He also appreciated the numbers ~ 26 ~ that I gave him.  They will most likely be used for paperweights or they may just sit on a shelf in his office.