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Step by Step I show and tell how I turned an ugly duckling table into a swan. I show Before and After Photos, share my secrets and tell why I do the things I do. Maybe you have a piece you want to transform, if so, you might want to read this first. If I can do it, YOU can do it!!! One step at a time. Directions Follow:

Above: This is now a perfect small entry piece to  make that great first impression when you are entertaining.




Here's How: I started with a nice, sturdy antique/vintage half-moon table with good lines. I was immediately taken with the details on the legs - and the curvy, feminine shape. Still it wasn't a table that worked everywhere or that lended itself to many uses.
(Click on Photos to Enlarge)
After basecoating it with a very neutral sage, it looked like the above photo. Ok, but lacking strong eye-appeal. Truth: This table was a wall flower. My husband notched the back of the table in order to create a great backsplash to the table. (He's soooo handy!) Instantly the table has more significance and possibilities for it's use began to expand.

The backsplash is painted in a matching sage green
and I think you might agree, it's much better, but...(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

Alas, although the sage green is nice, all of the wonderful details of the intricate carving just fade away. These details scream for antiquing. Antiquing glazes are available for retail, but I mix my own because I can't tell what colors are in those cans. For this piece, I mix a tapioca brown with a grey blue and I lavish it on, wipe it away, leaving much of the glaze in the recessed areas and softly shading the rest of the surfaces.(Click on Photos to Enlarge)
What a difference! Now those details show! But still....
I add a handpainted floral spray on the backdrop, and two matching floral motifs on the apron. The designs are lovely and practical because they don't interfere with using the surfaces. Not quite satisfied because the design stands out as new against the antiqued background, I first antique the designs, then as a finishing touch, I thin and darken my antiquing glaze, dip an old tooth brush in it and add delicate splattering over the entire table, designs, legs, surfaces, all of it.(Click on Photos to Enlarge)


Not quite finished, I distress the paint by lightly sanding to allow the wood to peek through. Then I seal it all with a matte sealer. The LAST STEP, I delicately accent all of the edges with 18 K gold. I'm sorry the gold doesn't show so well, but it really does add elegance.(Click on above photo to Enlarge - you need to see this up close and personal.)


(Click on Photos to Enlarge) Now I feel the table offers so much more potential for decor and versatile use than before. It could serve as a small vanity in a bath to hold soaps, fragrances, sea sponges, bottles, etc., or as a credenza for a small entrance to catch the mail and keys in a tray and a welcoming bouquet, ( A mirror and coat hangers could go nicely with it and it might be flanked with two chairs ) or as an accent table anywhere.

Disclaimer: Results May Differ According To Skill Level
Thanks for peeking in. View all "Shabby Projects", by Devonia by clicking here -and scrolling down, including the one about French Finishes shown in the photo above..
Also: Check out this project by Many Shades of Shabby on Shine - This  ePacket  is full of patterns fit for royalty - 3 easy projects for make-ahead gifts or personal use - includes a game tote with a crown on one side & a checker game on the other. Imagine! 
Thank you for peeking in. For more SHINE Yahoo decorative projects by Many Shades of Shabby, Click here.

About the author Keep up with Devonia's personal blog by clicking here.

Devonia is an artist, designer whose art and paintings
are available under the eBay id - many*shades*of*shabby