March 09, 2010

The Ugly Truth

The picture below is what my kitchen table has looked like for years. I know. You're embarrassed for me, aren't you? This is the painting, playdoh, coloring station. Plus it's where we eat a large percentage of our meals. It's one thing to have family and friends that love you see something like this. They won't judge you. Well, probably not to your face, anyway. Since soon strangers will be parading through my house, poking through my things, I decided to do finally do something about it.

I got the idea from my fave Farm Chick Serena who inspired me with her project. I got the oilcloth from here. I'm not ruling out the possibility of painting this table one day but right now if someone tried to make me pick up another paint brush, I'd probably beat them with it.


From the perspective of someone who just finished every project on her to do list from the last 5 years, let me say this, stop lollygagging and get moving. What are you waiting for? What are you afraid of? Maybe your vision won't pan out. So what? Instead of being iritated every time you see that unfinished project, you will feel satisfied, proud and content after you have tackled it. I promise it's not as hard as you think it is. Now go get off your kiester and get started and when you've finished come back and tell me about it.

26 comments:

  1. Your table looks great. I love it. What a clever idea.

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  2. This looks terrific, functional, and oh so fun!

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  3. I love the oilcloth, so Cath Kidston!

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  4. i love it. i had done an attempt around christmas using a vinyl tablecloth from target. now i'm ready for the bigtiime: oilcloth!

    xo
    elyse

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  5. me again!

    i love that you posted the link to where you bought the oilcloth. i had been looking at cath kidston and even i could justify that, even with all of my powers of justification!

    did you need about 2 yards? i'm guessing that's what i'll need. you definitely have motivated me back into this idea.

    xo
    elyse

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  6. You are so right. Why do we wait until someone else is going to live in our houses to spiff them up? I mostly try to live by this creed, but now and again I get lazy. Your little speech was what I needed to hear.

    Congratulations on finishing all of your projects. I am in awe. Hope your house sells quickly so you can move to your little village ASAP.

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  7. Oh Jenny, it looks good. Love it. I have SO many unfinished projects to do....is it really better on the other side? Having them all done? LOL....

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  8. I know it will look amazing! Crossing my fingers for you guys that a sale comes quickly!!!

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  9. Jen, if you had any idea how many times you have kicked me into gear with your "just do it" posts. I hope it works this time, too!
    I absolutely love how your table turned out. I cannot believe all that you have accomplished.
    Good job, cottage friend.

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  10. I love how your tablecloth turned out! I agree with you about the to do list too, we recently put our house on the market which meant cramming a couple years project into a month and although it was alot of work when it was done I thought why didn't we do this sooner so we could of enjoyed it more?

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  11. Wow, That's so funny. I just picked up this identical table and chair set off craigslist last night!! I mean, it is the exact same one with the table top looking just like yours before you covered it. I've been contemplating what to do with it and dreading painting it, but thanks to you, I know what to do now!

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  12. Hey I like your "get it done" attitude! I finally got off my huff and started working on my studio yesterday (it has been the official "junke room" someday studio). Right now I am winging it with my crafting, etc., in the dining room, with stuff all over. Can't hardly stand it anymore.
    Thanks for the inspiration, will help me right on to the finish line!
    Your table looks great!
    God Bless

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  13. What a great idea, it looks adorable! And now I better go get off my bottom and get some things done! Thanks for the motivation and the kick in the pants!

    Kat :)

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  14. Well you got me thinking...
    I need to finish a few unfinished projects, all of them include a paint brush.
    Got to go...
    (left the room to go get started).

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  15. I feel the same way....just get off your booty and do it.

    I painted our office on Sat. & Sun. and yesterday I started the laundry rooom. I painted half yesterday and will work on getting the pantry back together and when my husband comes home from work he will move the w&d and I will finish up. I like getting stuff marked off my list.

    That is a great idea for the table!

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  16. what a fun makeover.
    love it.

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  17. Jen - It is SO dreamy! I'm in amor. You're my hero.

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  18. you're funny!!!
    the table is cute to boot.
    i'm always so inspired by your "to-do" lists and love it when you have DONE marked by them.
    I'm threatening myself to make my lists public, maybe i would follow-through????
    well company from CA is coming end of May.....this will make me get stuff done!!
    Your house looks lovely and sure it will be snapped up this spring-y spring!
    k

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  19. I love the oil cloth on top idea! We (meaning Hubby) :-D are in the process of taking down all the ugly popcorn ceilings in our home!! It's something we've been wanting to do for years!

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  20. Better keep an eye on that table; those house lookers will have it in their cars. I love it.

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  21. wow! it looks great! oilcloth is making a comeback with the new fresher colors (like yours).

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  22. Love it. So fun and cheery! I just re-waxed our farm table. Um....not so well, apparently!

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  23. Well, thanks for the motivation! You're right...Sometimes it's so much easier to sit and complain about the things we don't like, but we will feel so much more accomplished when we actually do something about it! It's time to get off my rear!

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  24. Yay! You go, girl!

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  25. Love it! Seen Serena's, you did it great! Lori

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