Sunday, August 30, 2009

Typewriter Table Makeover


You may remember the typewriter table that I got for FREE last week at a sale. I wasn't sure what to do with it, but I knew that I wanted to use it. Possibly as a side table. A fellow blogger suggested a game table. That sounded like fun.

When I cleaned the pantry last week, I just couldn't throw away this tin. I had no use for it, and it's pretty "holidayish". So, it sat on the counter for a few days...waiting for inspiration to hit.

I got started on the table. I sprayed painted the whole table a nice flat black. Then, I marked off the checkerboard pattern on the top. I used a ruler to center the grid pattern. By making a giant X from corner to corner, I found center, and worked from there. I also used the width of the ruler as the width of each square (because it was easy and worked well).

I used painters tape to mark off each square that I wanted to paint. (Make sure to press down on the edges of the tape so that the paint doesn't seep under the tape and ruin your straight line..does it sound like I know this from experience?) I used a nice caramel brown latex paint for my game board. I also taped off a nice thin line as a border for the entire game board. The painting must be done in steps, allowing for some drying time before you can move on to the next area that needs painted.

Look at my sweet game table!

And did you notice the tin? I spray painted that black too and hand painted "Checkers" across the top so that I have a nice handy place to keep the game pieces. I used some Magnetic game pieces from the Dollar store, they worked especially well on the metal table. I couldn't be more thrilled with the results.

45 comments:

Its So Very Cheri said...

Oh I love it-you should post it on my Knock off party for a chekers/chess game board Knock off
I also wantes to let you know all questions about me where answers in the same post for everyone to see.
Cheri

Clean and Classic Interiors said...

No way! What a clever and classic idea!

Unknown said...

This is great. I think this is one of the best ideas I have seen in a long time. Well done and thanks for sharing!!

randee said...

sweet is right! i love it.

Infarrantly Creative said...

Holy heck that is amazing Marjorie. I loves it! Seriously you did an amazing job. You should be so proud! Way to tackle it! Wowsers. Thanks for linking up!

Its So Very Cheri said...

Thank you for posting it to the Knock Off Knock Out party -I love this piece.
Cheri

Amy Jo said...

oh my! You did a great job with this in just a week. I can't belive how great it looks!

Tarva said...

What a great idea. Love the typewriter table.

Lo said...

I LOVE that!!! fabulous!

Leanne said...

Awesome table. My kids would love it. I guess I'll have to keep my eye out for an old type writer table now. Great job!

Jen said...

You hand painted those letters?!!!? I now hate you. The table looks great and once again, I am inspired to do something creative!
:o)
Jen

Jennifer Juniper said...

It turned out so great! I'm so glad you hung onto it until inspiration hit, it's perfect!

Unknown said...

That's great! And I can't believe you hand painted those letters! Wow!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Well, that was one smart idea! LOVE IT!!
Janell

Marie said...

This is an amazing transformation- I am so jealous! I want one!

The Fiskeaux Family said...

Amazing! If only I could convince my husband we need one AND magically create some floor space to put it on...

Nicole said...

genius! Now I need to look for one of those tables!

Amanda said...

omgosh love it! What an awesome idea

Jane said...

This is a great project. I have one of those metal typewriter tables sitting upstairs in my studio.....looks like it just might get a redo. Thanks for the inspiration.

Unknown said...

Omg, WOW, it looks like you could've paid ALOT of money for that, and I LOVE the checkers tin!

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

This is so great! Love it. You painted the "checkers" by hand? You have some mad skills and some beautiful handwriting. Nicely done!

the treat girl said...

Oh Miss!!!!! What talented sisters I have!!!!! I loooove it for you!!! I'm sure Kimba will love it on Thursday too!!!! :)

suzspeaks said...

how cool!!

Nori said...

I love your makeover! It is so professionally done! Great job.

Ally's Corner said...

Amazing!!!! I always wanted to add an area in my house to play checkers like that.

Wondeful!!!

Ally

Jan said...

What a GREAT redo! I have a typewriter table and you've just inspired me!

Its So Very Cheri said...

You were featured TODAY as one of my Favorites of the Knock Off Knock Out par-tah!!! Go grab your I've been featured button and read what I had to say about YOU.
Cheri
Its So Very Cheri

Marie said...

Hello! Love, love the table make-over. You are so creative to turn it into a game table! So clever. Looks fabulous. Thank you for sharing!

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine State said...

That is so cute! What a great idea!

jaime @ a place out west said...

Love this! What a great project.

Sarah { abeachcottage } said...

this is such a great idea and it turned out so beautifully

one of the best DIY's I've seen at Kimba's today...

Southern Fried Gal said...

Wow - great idea for the table AND tin!

Jodi Nelson said...

For FREE! Wowsa! Very cool. And what an awesome project! I'm here from Kimba's and so glad!

Debbie said...

Perfect! Love it! Would have NEVER thought to do that!!

Richella Parham said...

That's a great transformation! A wonderful idea--and you carried it out brilliantly!

Richella Parham said...

That's a great transformation! A wonderful idea--and you carried it out brilliantly!

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

Totally cute! I love the checkerboard on top!!!

a woman who is said...

This is a most impressive transformation. I especially love the use of the tin box as a wonderful finishing touch. You did a great job.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

That is just totally adorable! What a huge change in that old table.

Kate Kubler said...

This is SUCH a creative transformation! I would have NEVER thought to do that! Be sure to LINK it up to my Trash To Treasures Party & adding my button! It will get you an additional entry in an UPCOMING GIVEAWAY i'll be doing! Following my blog will get you another one TOO! Happy Blogging & hope you join the party!

june@craftyniche said...

Awesome idea! I love how you did that!

Anonymous said...

I love the fact that you created something useful out of it but it still creates a design statement. Very creative!

Kate Kubler said...

please post my button on this post so others know you've joined in on the fuN!

Kristy @ Isn't It Just Darling? said...

I love this idea! My boyfriend would be so happy if I did something like this for him so he could play chess on it.

I just wanted to let you know that I mentioned your blog and this idea in my DIY post on Isn't It Just Darling?

Hopefully you will be able to stop by for a visit :)

Linda Miller said...

This is awesome! I thought I had decided what I wanted to do with my $2.50 table, then I saw yours and I'm rethinking it! Dollar store magnet checkers--inspired! I'm your newest follower!