French Script Two Toned End Tables

Date
Oct, 23, 2014

It’s Themed Furniture Makeover Day again! I get so excited for this day every month and always look forward to what this super talented bunch of ladies have created. This month’s theme was Words/Letters and it challenged me to do something I’ve never done before, which was fun 🙂

FRENCH SCRIPT TWO TONED END TABLES

Two Toned End Tables

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These were picked up by my parents for me at an antique show this summer and I was super excited to work on some matching tables again!

End Tables Before

Top of Tables Before

As you can see, the tops were covered in some worn out leather that needed to go. I tackled this first by sanding it off with my orbital sander. Unfortunately, the edges, where there was a lot of glue, were being quite stubborn and didn’t want to come off as easily as the rest of it. Grrr.

Sanded Down Top of Table

I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do with it so I avoided it and worked on the rest first 🙂 I used some Gel Stain on the top edge and the drawers.

Gel Stain

After that, I needed to fill in some deep holes in the legs. If you remember in the “before” image, these tables had a shelf on the bottom. No more! I just wasn’t feeling it, so away it went 🙂 These actually weren’t as big of a pain as I thought they were going to be.

Shelf Removal on Table

I used this awesome new wood filler I found that starts purple and turns white when it dries. Stuff’s awesome. It only took me two cycles of applying and sanding before I got a smooth surface. Definitely recommend it!

Wood Filler

Once that was done, I painted the table in Annie Sloan Decorative Paint® in Graphite and then applied my stencil.

French Script Stencil

My stencil is from this Etsy shop and the translation is:

“I love you with all my heart. You’re the love of my life. My love for you is eternal. Let my kisses be words of love that I don’t say.”

Five years of French and all I could make out was I love you. Guess I should have paid more attention in class hehe.

French Script Stencil

Now for those edges…I decided to just paint over them and see how it would look.

Script Stencil Table Top

I don’t know if it was just because there was still some residue left over or what, but it was a slightly different shade then the rest of the table. To be honest, I probably could have left it as is and it would have just looked like an affect around the words but it really bothered me.

Painted Plywood

I picked up some strips of plywood from Hobby Lobby, cut them to size and painted them in the Graphite to use as a frame around the words. Problem solved!

Table Leg

Final touch was spray painting the ends of the legs gold. There were originally wheels on them, but one leg was missing a wheel so I decided to just take them all off.

I think this is the first piece that I’ve left the original hardware on. I gave it a fresh coat of gold spray paint but they just fit so well with the tables I couldn’t bare replacing them.

The tables are sealed with clear wax where they were painted, and a flat top coat where I used the gel stain.

Two Toned Script Tables

Two Toned End Tables

French Script

French Script Stencil Chalk Painted Tables

French Script Top Tables

Two Toned End Tables

I’m also really excited about some recent additions to my staging accessories 🙂 I got those pheasant feathers at an antique show when I was home a couple weekends ago. I’m obsessed. And that fan! I’ve been hunting for one for a while now and was PUMPED when I finally spotted one. #happygirl

This was my first time using words on a piece of furniture like this. What do you think?! Have you used stencils or words/letters before? Where are some good places to buy your favorite stencils?

Be sure to check out all the other fabulous projects below! Have a wonderful day my friends!

[inlinkz_linkup id=457245 mode=1]

French Script Tables

brepurposed

118 Comments

  1. Reply

    Charlene

    May 10, 2015

    Could you share where to purchase the French Script? Absolutely love the tables!

  2. Reply

    Kammy's Korner

    April 13, 2015

    Wow! I found you a round about way from Tami at Curbside Alert and I gotta say you did a fantastic job with your first furniture with typography project!! If you ever feel the urge to join another link party, I host Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday every week! 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      April 13, 2015

      Thank you so much Kammy! I’m so glad you found your way over here and I would love to link up with you 🙂 Have a great night!

  3. Reply

    Michelle from Weekend Craft

    November 5, 2014

    Bre your projects never cease to amaze me! This is so unique and gorgeous. I just had to feature it this week on Creative Spark Link Party. Hope you stop by and link up again today! http://bit.ly/10uAB5J

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 5, 2014

      Thank you SO much Michelle 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful day!

  4. Reply

    JaneEllen

    November 4, 2014

    Talk about inspiring somebody, you’ve sure done that for me. Been seeing your tables and wanted to know how you did them, love results of your hard work. Do you find people like tables with little casters on legs? Might be more a regional preference?
    We live west of Grand Junction, CO and have found people aren’t too crazy about any distressing, let alone just a little. Its hard to know what to do and how. Your tables are so incredible, love the color and stain you used on them, then there’s French wording you applied. Do people like the French topography? where you live?
    I’m still in learning phase as to painting, staining pieces. Need to know what’s best to use for keeping finish good on a piece?
    Forgive me for picking your knowledge base. Any advice you can give would be so appreciated. Hope you’re having great week. Happy days and seaon
    If you decide to reply please do so to my email address.

  5. Reply

    jenny

    November 4, 2014

    Bre,
    Love the tables and how you used the wood around the corners…what an awesome fix!

    Jenny
    renovardesign.com

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 5, 2014

      Thank you Jenny!! 🙂

  6. Reply

    Aniko@PlaceOfMyTaste

    November 4, 2014

    Absolutely fabulous!Featuring you tomorrow at our Work It Wednesday Party..see you there:-)

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 4, 2014

      Yay! Thanks Aniko 🙂 Have a great day!

  7. Reply

    Mandee Thomas

    November 3, 2014

    Wow, these turned out beautiful! Great work (as always). Thanks so much for sharing at the Create & Share Link Party. Hope to see you again tomorrow night (7:00 PM MST)! http://www.designsbymissmandee.com/

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 5, 2014

      Thank you so much Mandee! 🙂

  8. Reply

    Kathryn Griffin @TheDedicatedHouse

    November 3, 2014

    Bre, you are so flippin’ talented! Those tables are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. You are one of the features today at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to this week’s party. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/11/make-it-pretty-monday-week-119.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 5, 2014

      Aw thank you Kathryn, you’re so sweet! Have a great day!

  9. Reply

    Gwen

    November 3, 2014

    Hi Bre,
    I have a question. I used the Elmers Contractors color changing wood filler on a chest I was painting with white milk paint. It dried overnight and turned white as described. But when I applied the milk paint, it turned bright pink again and smeared the color into the surrounding painted area. I am at a loss for why this happened. I am thinking of applying shellac to the treated areas as I’ve heard this prevents bleed-through. Any ideas or suggestions?
    Thanks, Gwen

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 5, 2014

      Hey Gwen! Hmm that’s weird. This was my first time using it and I didn’t have any problems. I used Chalk Paint, maybe the Milk Paint had a funny reaction? Either way I think using some shellac or primer should help. Let me know if that works!

  10. Reply

    Megan

    November 3, 2014

    Those are beautiful end tables! Love the quote as well! Beautiful combination! Found your blog through Outside [The] Box Link Party and so glad I did! Thank you for linking up and cannot wait to feature your project next Tuesday!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 5, 2014

      Thank you so much Megan!!

  11. Reply

    jessica bures

    November 1, 2014

    I love the color combo! Totally awesome the way they turned out! Congrats on being featured on Pink When!! I love redoing furniture!!
    Have a great weekend
    Jess

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 2, 2014

      Thank you so much, Jessica! Hope you’re weekend is great!

  12. Reply

    Sue@CountryDesignHome

    November 1, 2014

    These are gorgeous! Going to have to go dumpster diving and find a couple to do myself!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 2, 2014

      Thank you!! And good luck 😉

  13. Reply

    J @ Bless Her Heart Y'all

    October 31, 2014

    Wow! You are good! I would have never seen these two tables potential! These tables look so good! Wow! Just wow! Thanks for joining Celebrate Southern link up this week my dear! I hope to see you back again on Tuesday! Happy Halloween!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 2, 2014

      You are too sweet! Thank you for all the kind words! <3

  14. Reply

    Ginger

    October 30, 2014

    Beautiful end tables! You did a fantastic job with them. Thanks for linking up to Show Me Saturday! Hope to see you there again this week.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      November 2, 2014

      Thank you so much Ginger!!

  15. Reply

    Susan @ 2 cats & chloe

    October 28, 2014

    WOW what a great job! These look awesome! I just found your blog and adore your style! You should join me on Tuesdays for the Celebrate Southern link up I host over at http://www.2catsandchloe.com for some southern-inspired posts. It’s still live today! You don’t have to be a southern blogger to join, this post would be a perfect fit! 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 29, 2014

      Thank you so much Susan! I’m so glad you stopped by and are a fan 🙂 I just linked up and look forward to reading more of your blog!

      • Reply

        Susan @ 2 cats & chloe

        October 29, 2014

        I’m so glad you joined our linkup! Thanks girl! Again, I love this project, you did an excellent job! I’m pinning this to our official pin board now! 🙂

        • Reply

          brepurposed

          November 2, 2014

          Awesome! Thank you so much again for inviting me and thanks for the pin!

  16. Reply

    Kristina @ My Own Home Blog

    October 28, 2014

    These are absolutely gorgeous! Love love love them!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 28, 2014

      Thank you so much Kristina!!

  17. Reply

    Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

    October 28, 2014

    LOVE this makeover! Life to the full! Melissa

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 28, 2014

      Thank you so much Melissa!!

  18. Reply

    Tami @ Curb Alert!

    October 27, 2014

    Your tables turned out stunning and LOVE the stencil wording. I KNOW you worked hard on that leather as mine was such a bear to work with. Fabulous staging by the way!
    ~Tami

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 28, 2014

      Thank you so much! The leather was definitely a bit of a pain to get off but so worth it in the end 🙂

  19. Reply

    Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule

    October 27, 2014

    Those tables are beautiful! I am loving the gel stains!! Oh and that stencil is gorgeous too…so very nice! 🙂
    Nancy

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 27, 2014

      Thank you Nancy! I’m becoming a big fan of the gel stains 🙂

  20. Reply

    Jamie | anderson + grant

    October 27, 2014

    Really creative idea, Bre! I’m really excited to try the new color changing wood filler. Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 27, 2014

      Thanks Jamie!! Definitely do, it’s so fun to see the color change 🙂

  21. Reply

    Heather

    October 27, 2014

    These are absolutely stunning! I love what you did to them and the fan (great find by the way) Looks perfect right there on top! What a great project. Thanks so much for sharing

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 27, 2014

      Thanks Heather! I was so excited I finally found a fan like that, I’ve been on the hunt for a while!

  22. Reply

    Amy | Canary Street Crafts

    October 25, 2014

    Gorgeous, as usual!! I love seeing your before and afters pictures. And I totally agree, the original hardware is perfect!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 27, 2014

      Thank you Amy!! It was just too perfect to replace 🙂

  23. Reply

    Wendi @ H2OBungalow

    October 25, 2014

    Bre, These are stunning! I love what you did with them and the french words are fantastic…I love the translation!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 27, 2014

      Thank you Wendi! I love the translation too, it’s so beautiful!

  24. Reply

    Trish

    October 25, 2014

    The tables look fabulous. Added those plywood strips really did make all the difference.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 27, 2014

      Thank you so much, Trish!!

  25. Reply

    Jen @ Girl in the Garage

    October 24, 2014

    Your tables turned out amazing, Bre! I love the stain and Graphite together. Oh, and I took 5 years of French too! 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 27, 2014

      Thanks Jen!! Hopefully you remember more than me 🙂

  26. Reply

    Gwen

    October 24, 2014

    Bre, I have seen many leather top side tables and have been at a loss for what to do with the leather. You are truly inspired. I forgive you for not knowing anything but I Love You in French. What you do know and how you accomplish it are awesome. Love your painted color and the wood combo. Just the right amount of each. And the stenciling… OOH LA LA.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 27, 2014

      Thank you so much Gwen! I really need to brush up on my francais 🙂

  27. Reply

    Christy@Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

    October 24, 2014

    Beautiful transformation as usual, Bre! I usually paint right over the leather because I never thought to remove it. Great job, girl! XO

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 24, 2014

      I thought about doing that but their were some rough patches that I didn’t want showing through the paint! Good to know that I can paint right over it though! Thanks Christy!!

  28. Reply

    Bre @ Average But Inspired

    October 24, 2014

    I feel like I say the same thing every time I comment. It is starting to sound artificial. But I don’t know how else to say that you have such a GIFT! Each of your pieces is a work of art. Great job, Bre! (Maybe take some Rosetta Stone classes in your spare time to brush up on that French. ;-P )

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 24, 2014

      haha don’t worry I know you’re being sincere 🙂 I appreciate the kind words! It’s what makes me keep doing what I’m doing! And yes, I probably should brush up on my French 😉 Have a great weekend!

  29. Reply

    Audrey Bretz

    October 24, 2014

    What a difference with the before and after pictures. These look so nice now!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 24, 2014

      Thanks Audrey! I’m super happy with the way they turned out!

  30. Reply

    Kelsey @ Vintage Storehouse

    October 24, 2014

    I love these tables – the script on the top is absolutely perfect! Thanks for hosting such an awesome collection of furniture re-dos!

    Kelsey @ the Vintage Storehouse & Co.

    PS- As always, would love to have you share & link up at ReLoved Fridays!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 24, 2014

      Thank you! It was my first time using words on furniture like this and I was a bit nervous but so glad it worked out! I’m all linked up, thanks for the party!

  31. Reply

    Erica

    October 24, 2014

    I absolutely adore these! Love the french script on the top and the pop of gold with the knob. Divine!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 24, 2014

      Thank you so much, Erica!!

  32. Reply

    Shelly

    October 24, 2014

    Simply lovely! Very well done! I am working on a French -themed dresser remodel right now, so I’m loving the inspiration!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 24, 2014

      Thank you! Glad I could inspire 🙂 Can’t wait to see how yours comes out!

  33. Reply

    Meegan

    October 23, 2014

    Beautiful transformation Bre. I love the care and detail you take into everything you do. You certainly can tell, by the end result.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Make it a great weekend.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 24, 2014

      Aw thank you so much, Meegan! Have a great weekend 🙂

  34. Reply

    Jeanette

    October 23, 2014

    I love the tables. You did a lot of work and the tables are stunning in their new life. Jeanette

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 24, 2014

      Thank you so much Jeanette!!

  35. Reply

    Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness

    October 23, 2014

    Such a transformation these pieces has! The french script looks great on top, and the two colors look fab! As always! 🙂

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Thank you Amanda!!

  36. Reply

    Therese @ Fresh Idea Studio

    October 23, 2014

    Bre, your tables are fantastic! Love the rich dark colors, sexy script and the gold on those adorable little feet! amazing transformation!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Thank you Therese!! This is definitely one of my fav color combos 🙂

  37. Reply

    Laura @ The Unique Nest

    October 23, 2014

    You – Are – AWESOME! These look incredible…well done my friend!!!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Dahh shucks 🙂 Thank you Laura!

  38. Reply

    Paula@SweetPea

    October 23, 2014

    What a lovely makeover! I love the color combination that you used and the added addition of the french script. If you sell these, I’ll bet that they’ll grow fast.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Thank you Paula! I will be selling them so hopefully there is some interest!

  39. Reply

    Cat @ the rustic willow

    October 23, 2014

    Whoa, Bre! These are gorgeous. Your patience when it comes to furniture projects always amazes me–you put so much detail in your work. Lovely!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Aw thank you so much Cat, I appreciate that!

  40. Reply

    Kelly

    October 23, 2014

    Well done! You gave them a timeless, classy look! ( ps–you have a new follower here!)

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Thank you so much Kelly! And yay, so glad to have you here 🙂

  41. Reply

    Amy @ Homey Oh My!

    October 23, 2014

    These pieces were already stunning, and script is such a perfect fit for them. Of course, love the two-toned makeover 😉 LOVE the matte finish of the Graphite paint!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Yes they were already so beautiful! I almost (for the first time) felt bad painting them but the veneer was chipping so I didn’t feel too bad 🙂 Thanks Amy!

  42. Reply

    Holly

    October 23, 2014

    These are gorgeous! I love the black and dark stained wood. It’s beautiful and looks right out of a magazine!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Wow what a great compliment! Thank you so much, Holly 🙂

  43. Reply

    Jillian

    October 23, 2014

    These look gorgeous Bre!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Thank you so much Jillian!

  44. Reply

    Tara @ Anything & Everything

    October 23, 2014

    Bre, these turned out fabulous! Love the colors you chose and the stencil on the top! LOVE!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Thanks Tara!!

  45. Reply

    Marie@The Interior Frugalista

    October 23, 2014

    Beautiful makeover Bre, as always! I love the graphite and gel stain combination and those gold dipped feet are perfect. I need to go check out your Etsy source for stencils – that one’s a beaut!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Thank you Marie! You definitely should, she’s got a great collection. I bought another one I can’t wait to use as well 🙂

  46. Reply

    Katie @ View From The Fridge

    October 23, 2014

    Absolutely gorgeous … As always!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Thank you Katie!!

  47. Reply

    Kristi

    October 23, 2014

    Oh Bre! I’m in LOVE! The tables are so dark and rich – it gives them such a sophisticated feel. The french script really balances that so perfectly!!! Just gorgeous!!!

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      This might be my favorite color palette haha. “Rich” is the perfect description! Thanks Kristi!

  48. Reply

    Sarah @ Little Red Brick House

    October 23, 2014

    These tables are phenomenal, Bre! The detail that you put into them is insane! I love the gold accents and the French script. And you balanced the painted parts with the unpainted perfectly.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Aw thank you so much Sarah! It was my first time using a stencil and I was a little nervous but I’m so happy with the way they turned out 🙂

  49. Reply

    Beth

    October 23, 2014

    Bre these look fantastic. I love the colors you chose so classy. And the script is beautiful. Great job!

    Blessings,
    Beth

  50. Reply

    Sonya ~At Home with The Barkers

    October 23, 2014

    Love these Bre! Perfect fix on the edges. ~Sonya

  51. Reply

    Lindsay Eidahl

    October 23, 2014

    Nice job! I need to set up a “picture taking station” like you have. I love the wall you put together. I actually want to cover a wall in our bedroom like that. Love it.

    • Reply

      brepurposed

      October 23, 2014

      Thank you! And you should, it was so easy to make. I bet it would look awesome in your room 🙂

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Hi, I’m Bre! Follow along as we renovate our current home and share modern DIY ideas.
 

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