American Flag Coffee Table

This is a makeover that was pretty time consuming but at the end it was totally worth it.  I got this table about a month ago and it was in excellent condition and sturdy.  I had it just hang out and wasn't sure what to do with it.  I was thinking turquoise but that was so predictable, then I was thinking dark top and light bottom but then I've done that before. I let it sit around for about a week before I actually decided to do the American Flag, I have thought about the Union Jack but that's been popping up all over blog town everywhere and plus I'm American :)

I work pretty slow and I'm pretty meticulous but at the end it was all worth it...Here's what I had to work with.

It was in pretty good shape as you can see.  Then I took out my tape, ruler, and calculator and started measuring and dividing (that was fun for a math teacher like me).
Here I had already painted the blue box and started on the white stripes.  Don't you love my little mint plant hanging out by the patio door? Nothing like some middle eastern mint tea after dinner :)

Then I was busy busy busy for a few days and didn't take any further pictures till I was finished.  I mean seriously do you expect me to photograph each step? Once I'm into it I'm really into it and the camera is the last thing on my mind.....

I ended up giving it a rub down with some clear wax mixed with a gel stain.
So here's the after shots!

I didn't have any star stencils so I traced a star off the computer screen from google images.  I then transferred the star on card stock paper and cut it out with an exacto knife.  That's it I had my own homemade stencil :)

I really like how it turned out! I'll probably go ahead and give the top a poly coat for extra protection.

I love how the American flag and just country flags in general really go with any decor style.  Flags are truly timeless additions to any decor.

Please show some love and let me know what you think.... Any Americana projects on your to do list?

xoxo,

May

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