Now that the weather is getting "warmer", I've been able to do more work in the garage! Yayy! My favorite thing to do...Just grabbing some wood and seeing what I can make from it. I love it:)
I thought it could use a little more...awesome qualities. I've been obsessing with the chevron wood art (as I like to call it) lately, and I thought this little guy would be perfect for it! So here's how I did it!
I started off in the garage by getting the measurements and the pattern I wanted. I think it's fun when they go different directions so I had some going vertically and the rest in the "v" pattern. For the vertical cuts, I simply measured where the edges met flush and cut with my electric saw. Then drew a line down the center for where my "v" would meet.
To make the "v" flush with the vertical wood strips, I cut them at a 45 degree angle. I saved the corners of those cuts to fill in the little spots. I used 4 ft wood laths from menards. You get a bundle of 50 for $13.00! I use them up right away on all my projects:)
Once I got my angles cut, it was time to start making the pattern. I took the 4 ft wood laths and cut them at 16 in and alternated them to each side following the line I drew down the middle.
After I got to the other end of the table, I just measured where there was an over hang and cut. From here you can get a pretty good sense as to what the finished piece will look like!
Time for the happy dance!
Next, its time to nail it in place! I used 5/8 gauge brad nails with the nail gun. Before I nailed them down I put some wood glue on them just to secure it more. This was my first time using the gorilla brand wood glue. My only complaint is it's really hard to squeeze. But it got the job done!
So this was the point in time where I run to annoy my Dad to get the air compressor filled with air! The whole aspect of a tank filled with air that could(but probably never will) blow up makes me nervous! Thanks Dad!
But once I get over that fear...I LOVE the nail gun! Its so much fun. Load up the nails, and glue as you go!
Now that it's all nailed down, it's time to cut off the edges that are hanging over!
This calls for the jig saw! I drew a line so I didn't cut too close to the actual edge.
After I got all the ends cut off, I went through and sanded down the perimeter and the top so everything was smooth!
Time for paint! I'm a fan of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, but the price is a little too pricey for me so I make my own version. I painted it in Grand Distinctions "Gravel".
By this time in the day the sun was shinning and it was so nice out! So of course I took off the winter jacket and brought my project outside and waved to all the neighbors that walked by:)
After I painted it, it was time for stain! I like the look of different shades so I went with 4 different Minwax stains.
1) Driftwood (which really doesn't look like driftwood. It turns out to be more of a blonde wood)
2)Special Walnut
3)Early American
4)Provincial
I randomly stained each one from lightest stain to darkest stain. I just didn't want the same shade next to each other but its ok if it is. Now step back and take it all in! Show off your awesome work to all the neighbors!
Now for the drawers. I wanted to stain them so I took off the nobs and sanded them down with the cat sander.
Viola! Gorg! Time for some tain!
I stained them in Minwax special "Walnut":)
Since the chalk paint I made has plaster in it, it leaves a rough feeling after it dries. I like everything to be smooth and polished so I went through a lightly sanded it down.
I also scuffed up the stained wood a little. Just to give it some extra character!
And Ta-Da! Here it is! Now all that's left to do is seal it up and bring it to the flea market!
I'm not going to lie, I'll be sad to see the beauty go! But off to the next project! Flea Market here we come!
-Katie
