McKenzie Childs - Library Table

Since many years,  this old library table was screaming for help . Overcome by the intricate design, it became obvious to me,  that there was a lot of work involved, thus the ever so familiar thought ... tomorrow, tomorrow lasted for several years. Finally guilt took over and I committed to do something with this sad looking " thing". McKenzie Childs furniture came to mind.


 I love each and every piece of this  truly artistic, handcrafted collection. Every household should have a piece.However, since I want to scale down I decided to use what I have giving new life to my sad looking table. I decided to make this table "happy" and fun.


I have been working for many hours and I finally can see an "end" of this long road to a McKenzie Childs table, and here is a sneak preview of what is to come when finished.  

I am proud to have come this far; once completed I have also an emotional mile stone accomplished. The intricate design forced me focus, be patient and show me how much we can better ourselves and improve our art work. I am blessed.

All my best,

Decorative Painting - Diary of a MacKenzie - Childs Library Table

Day three..... 



 I  am making progress. I never imagined, that I would have such a long road ahead of me. I am refusing to use any tape, painting each and every element free hand.  The trademark, the white and black checker board, is tricky and requires a lot of practice. I am getting better; however, I still need lots of practice.

Now I realize that the price tags on these wares are well worth it; after all, it's very intricate work.  Each of the fun elements are painted free hand, letting the brush doing all the work. Handling the brush is the most important part... it takes a lot..... I mean a lot of practice. One piece just will not give me enough practice. So, I decided to do another piece when this table is done.


In the meantime I am working  on a commissioned  master bedroom and I will have to take it easy, because I  am extremely tired and exhausted when I come home from faux finishing this monster of a room. But my good friend, Aleve, is helping out a lot. 

Until next time, happy painting

 

Decorative Painting - Diary of a MacKenzie - Childs Library Table

Day 2 - Today I went and bought BM exterior, flat acrylic paint. This paint is wonderful to work with on murals and furniture. $210.00 later,I went home, and painted the table with three coats of black. Don't forget to lightly sand in between. Yeah, I know we are excited and want to omit some steps to get faster through with our goal. But, no cheating here!!! We all know that this will be a tedious undertaking.

After base coating, I actually started to work on some of the components. I was just going to do one table leg at a time, but decided differently. Here is what I did; so far....

It looks better already

You see I have a tough job ahead of me. Wondering what I am doing next.


Until then take care of yourselves,

Decorative Painting - Diary of a MacKenzie - Childs Library Table

Sometimes I really get mad at myself; especially buying "things" with the re-do, decorative painting and faux painting  thought behind it. Of course,  I could have a big sale offering my hand painted wares. Never happens!!! Well, I am going to change this now!

I love MacKenzie - Childs furniture. I am sure that you have seen these fun pieces, intricately hand painted. I am also sure, that many of us can't afford them. Although, they are worth every penny.

Since many moons ago, I wanted to create a piece like it; just to have one. I always wondered, if I could do such fun and intricate work. I finally made up my mind. I will be doing a piece, risking that terrible thought of "failure". I am going to jump over my own shadow.

I selected a nice, small table, which I stole for $5.00 at a local flea market. An intricate style  in itself, thus it will make the painting very hard. But I am trusting on your support, cheering me on, doing one table leg at a time

My library Table ... Ah, so pitiful

First things first: I have lightly sanded the table followed by a light wash with lacquer thinner. You must wear a mask, or better yet a respirator and protective glasses. 


That being done,  I gave one leg 2 coats of black paint. That's something, don't you think? A step in the right direction. Gee, it's hard to be scared and not knowing what to do. But, with help from above, I am determined to complete such utterly scaring project. Stay tune and be safe.