The Little Table That Was Stained

Note: A couple things before I start today's post. My apron and pants are finished. I just need a little model to pose for me. Second, I have begun responding to comments in the comments section of the post. It has been hard for me to respond to comments in both the comments section and through personal email. I want everyone to benefit from the comments or questions so please don't hesitate to come out and say hi, share what you are doing and introduce yourself to me! I love to see who is actually reading this anyway. On to the post...

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I have this cute square table. It isn't good for much because of its size, but it fits so well in the oddest places where nothing else will fit. Often times it doesn't have much of a home. It wanders around our house the first few months we move in looking for its permanent place.

In Santa Cruz this table lived in the bathroom. Which turned out to be not so good for the table. Hey, I am from the desert, we don't have to worry about things like mildew or even water spots. Water dries up so quickly that its not normally a problem. So the little table lived in that awkward space between the shower and toilet. The one nothing else can fit into.

Fast forward two years later, the little table is covered in water spots, rings from hot mugs of bathtime tea and a little mildew on the bottom of its legs from sitting on a wet floor.

After moving into our new house the little table was again hustled into an unused corner near the kitchen, a place where nothing else seemed to fit. Ignored, the little table settled into its new life as a clutter magnet.

There it sat for 6 months until one day I came across this series on refinishing furniture. Suddenly I remembered the little table, its water spots, mold and scratches. A perfect experiment. It couldn't get worse then it already was. The little table was taken to the garage, sanded within an inch of its life and restained.

The little table now sits in its new spot, a tiny space by the front door, where nothing else will fit. It holds a couple wooden bowls which catch keys and spare change as our family runs about its business. It has found its place and new beauty. I notice this little table everyday now. I love to run my fingers across the smooth wood savoring the silky feel on my fingertips. The stain brought new personality to the wood. Curves and knots I never noticed before were brought forth with a darker color and a little love.