The new "Old Kitchen Table"

This is my new "Old Kitchen Table".

This very old table came into the "Wall" family about 20 years ago. Robin and I bought it in Niwott Colorado, at an antique store. At the time I was in love with antiques and we had bought several beautiful pieces to go in our "country kitchen".

We've loved that table over the years, and over those years, the table top has taken on many battle scars that represent memories of days gone by. For some time this old kitchen table has been in need of some TLC in a very big way, so for the past several years I have had a plan in the back of my head to sand down the top and re-finish it. Last summer I said to myself, "I"ll do it this fall, when it cools down. . . . . ." Then during the chilly days of winter I would think, " I'll do it next spring when it warms up. . . . . . " And now summer is coming to a close and I'm thinking. . . "Maybe this fall, if I can just find the time."

As the styles have changed, and black has become popular, I've been tempted to paint the bottom black, leaving the top woodgrain. Robin thought I was nuts. Any antique collector would have my hide for even considering such a slaughter to a beautiful table. But. . . . I could see it in my mind's eye, and really wanted a new look. I hated the thought of getting rid of the table for a new look, and I hated the idea of spending thousands of dollars on a new table.

So here's the scoop!

Jared, my son-in-law, works for a cabinet company. They build beautiful cabinets for homes. He's incredibly talented. . . .If you scroll down further you will see the kitchen set he made for my grandbaby, Ali.

Because things have really slowed down at work, Jared has had tons of time on his hands so. . . .I said, "Hey, I'll hire you to re-do my kitchen table." We spent the next hour un-assemblying it. It is truly an old antique table. (By the way, . . . . .there's a REALLY famous song about it! :-) Anyway, Robin wasn't so sure I was doing the right thing. . . . but true to form, he let me have my own way. "What ever makes you happy, makes me happy!" (What a Man!)

After Jared loaded the table up and away, I looked at my sad, sad, very sad kitchen.

I had started removing the wall paper several months ago, with anticipation of re-painting. The kitchen was empty and the walls were bare. . . . very very bare, with yellow glue and a few small sections of paper the refused to budge were still evident. . . .

Now that the table was gone, there was plenty of room to get out the ladders, the paint cans etc. . . .and finish doing the walls. I figured Jared would be a couple of days at least with the table, so I started pulling off the rest of the paper, and scrubbing the glue off the walls. . . . . I worked my fanny off. . . (my wrist, elbow and shoulder will vouch for that. . . .I'm still re-cooperating!) I had my dear friend Kris Webster come and help me pick out the paint and the next morning I had my kitchen ready for a finished table! (Jared ended up doing it that very evening and delivering it the next morning. . . . less than 24 hours later!)

I wish I had done a before picture so you can see the transformation of the table (and the walls)

But alas. . . . . I forgot! So there you have it - the new "Old Kitchen Table"!