Restored Table Top

  

This table was a pre-existing table I had at work. Originally painted black when I first bought the salon, I decided to paint the legs grey to match the new salon theme. However after added so many wooden pieces of furniture to the salon, I felt that the top should also show though its beautiful wooden feel. After sanding the endless amounts of paint of the top, I used the Feast Watson Teak Brown Stain. I only applied 1 coat, but remember your gloves; this will stain your hands quite a lot. I like to use the Feast Watson products, as I always find I get a great result, followed by 3 coats of Feast Watson Clear Vanish. The coats of Varnish seamed to lighten the stain and brought out the beautiful golden wooden grain.

Reception Desk (Cabinet)

I fell in love with this cabinet the minute I found it; A cheap EBay purchase. I knew that it was going to make the perfect reception desk in our salon. From the description on EBay I knew it was going to need a lot of love and attention. I promised myself that I would only work on this piece when I was truly motivated. I always find that once I’m half way through, I get bored and want it finished to I tend to rush.. but not with this piece, although I think I was over motivated, I still took about 2 weeks from start to finish (could only work on weekends). I took apart every door hinge and handle to make sure I removed all the old varnish. Because the cabinet was so old I didn’t want to use any paint stripper just encase it marked the wood. After what seemed like forever, I had sanded the wood back to its raw state, and now it was time for the fun! I decided that anything that I added to the salon would all be the same stain and colour, and although it varies on every piece slightly, I’m happy with my choice, Teak Brown by Feast Watson was my stain. I didn’t use a colour reducer, I was happy for the desk to come out on the darker side. After I stained every piece, I begin to lacquer, the Feast Watson Clear Varnish in High Gloss. I found that the wood was quiet dry, and my first 2 coats soaked right in, so I waited 24 hours before applying a 3rd. After the 3rd coat I was confident that I could give the cabinet a light sand without disrupting the stain or wood. I used a very fine grit to remove any imperfection followed by a clean with a dry soft cloth. After I was happy with the sanding and that every bit of dust in our shed was removed (yes I vacuumed the entire shed) I began my 4th and final coat of lacquer, for this coat I used the best quality brush (on a budget of course) to unsure I got a nice smooth finish. I must admit, I hate cleaning brushes, so I tend to use cheaper ones that I can throw away when I finish, so for the first 3 coats I used the cheaper ones, but I away use a good brush for the final coat of anything.Because I am using this as a business reception desk, I installed a lock from Bunnings just to hideaway any money and valuables. I also cut a circular hole in the back panels so I can run leads through.I’m loving this piece. I have had so many offers from clients to buy it. But this is its home.

Rope Floor Rug

The DIY things we find on Pinterest. If you haven’t discovered Pinterest yet, I suggest you do now! Everything you have every though about is there!! I had seen a DIY Rope Mat that I thought would be great in the salon. Off I went to Bunnings to get what I needed: Natural Sisal Twisted Rope, this isn't the exact one I purchased, but the thickness is correct, extra Hot Glue Gun Sticks, I knew I would probably need extras, and I purchased some Non-Slip Mat to glue the rope too! I figured this was going to be a cheap and easy way to fix an ugly from problem. Although making the mat was easy, it cost way more than I like to admit. I think I used 100m-150m of rope, 2-3 packets of glue gun sticks, burnt my fingers several times, and after 3 months it fell to pieces!! :( I have decided that i will defiantly try this again. But this time I'm going to use a finer rope, and smaller pieces attached together! I really like combining the both ideas of weaving and sewing.