Hi! I hope you all have had a great weekend! It is once again Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch and I have decided to share the dining table I was inspired to make.
I started getting Country Living Magazine when I lived in Washington, D.C., in the mid-1990s. I loved learning about true primitive, colonial and country style. I loved these magazines so much that I kept several of them, especially Christmas issues that I frequently look back at. I clipped recipes, and even bought some back issues on ebay this fall.
I was inspired by a table I saw in the November 1997 issue. It was made from old boards and had antique iron fence pieces for the base. For years I looked for the perfect wrought iron fence pieces hoping to make this table. I never found them.
Finally a few years ago, I took down some wormy chestnut boards off my great grandmother's 100-year-old guest house on our property. FYI...the chestnut trees were all killed in the early 1900s from a blight. The wood is so beautiful and you can only find it on old buildings. My great grandfather's house was full of it with beautiful trim work and doors. It is truly a treasure, and one I wanted to use. So...I went to a local craftsman and had him make the base I designed from iron. I first put the boards together by fitting them like a puzzle then glueing and clamping. I then planed the boards with an electric planer, sanded, stained, and finished with polyurethane. I can tell you this is my pride and joy! Not only is it unique, it is just beautiful and we enjoy it every day!
The old guest house...
Underneath the siding is wormy chestnut.
My version...
The table is 7 feet long, 4 feet wide and can seat 8.
So there you have my "Country Living-inspired table. We really love it. But we love it because it has not only a sense of history, but it has part of my family and that is priceless:-)
Anita
Very nice. I'm glad you pointed out the table cause I am so focused on the tablescape {sorry} I never noticed. I love the wood, it's so warm and worn feeling.. great for a comfy country home.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!! You did a beautiful job~ and the leather chairs are a perfect compliment. What talent!
ReplyDeletebeautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt absolutely stunning. It looks as if it came from the magazine. I also love the room in general. Just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed. You table and entire dining room looks great. I like it with the bench also.
ReplyDeleteWow Anita, I didn't know you made the table yourself. I have always admired it and now I know how special it truly is. Such a great treasure!!
ReplyDeleteYour table is just gorgeous. I love it. Your dining room is beautiful too. Love the bench. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteAnita...I am in complete awe. What a gorgeous table. I love those old issues of CL magazine. I've saved some for inspiration too :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Gail
What a treasure for your family to have for years and years and years. One day ( I pray a long long time from now!) when my dad wants to give it up, I will get a cherry table that was made by my great grandfather in the late 1800's. He used the cherry trees on our farm. We have a Sears and Roebuck hutch that he bought for my great grandmother that goes with it. It was purchased in 1918. We still have the ladderback chairs that he made with the caning he did. They aren't in as good as shape, but what a treasure!
ReplyDeleteI am certain I left a comment, but I will leave it again! Love the table. It reminds me of a bench my husband made for me that we replicated from a rustic development not far from our home. So nice too that with three kids no worries for scratches, etc...it is rustic!
ReplyDeleteHi Anita. I love looking at your blog and therefore nominated you for a Kreative Blog award. Please go to my All Things Home blog and see the details. God bless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special table. I just love your story and what a story this table tells. I think you did a great job. I'm so glad you shared!
ReplyDeleteyour table is just so pretty and for sure one of a kind i love the history .Dont you just love wormwood
ReplyDeleteThanks Anita! I can't wait to see it! I know it is a crazy time of year. Our big tree is still up. Not decorated, but up because we haven't quite figured out where to store the monster! I am off to buy two big wardrobe boxes and shove it in them like the movers had them. That should be fun!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, that table is just beautiful! Well done!
ReplyDeleteAnita, what a nice memory from your family you been bless by God for keeping all the memories alive from your past great, if I were you I'd restore it and convert it into a craft house. Your home is so cozy and I've always enjoyed your decorations and your dinning room table.
ReplyDeleteSincerly,
Isora
Anita, I admire this table in every post that I've read so far (I am having fun catching up). Somehow I knew it was not a table that one would find in a furniture store. You are a very special lady, and you bring such beauty and grace to everything you do. Your family must be so proud. xo,
ReplyDeleteI remember that table from Country Living magazine years ago, too. I have been reading as long you have I guess. You did a fabulous job on your table; it is gorgeous! I just found your blog and look forward to your posts!
ReplyDelete