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Thursday, June 2, 2011

WHEW....

I FINISHED MY TABLE !
Mr. Sweet and I are still married...
I found just the right spot to put the table...
and
I DOUBT IF I'LL EVER WANT TO STENCIL ANYTHING
FOR THE REST OF MY NATURAL LIFE.
*
...but...I am truly HAPPY with the little devil table !

The sweet thing about this table is that it tells a little story of my beginnings...and even Mr. Sweet's.
My SIGN/STORY table....
JACKSON
was my mother's maiden name.
 This was her grandfather and my Great Grandfather Jackson...

he had a  SALOON
in Corly, Texas during the late 1800's and early 1900's
This little brick building housed
THE
JACKSON SALOON.
In later years, it housed a grocery store owned by
my Great Aunt Betti (namesake), daughter of  JOHN MARSHALL
and her husband, E. B. ROGERS.
The little brick saloon is still standing in Corly.
 That pretty little STAR....
THE LONE STAR OF TEXAS
where I was born, raised and lived all my life.
TEXAS.....my TEXAS !
And, last but not least..
I wanted a part of MR. SWEET on this heirloom table, too.
His mother, LAVANA DICIE KOSSEY CONKLIN,
was born in 
1906.
 This table is something that all of you that like this kind of thing, can make.
Using dates, signs, words, symbols that are a part of your life can truly make this an
HEIRLOOM TABLE
to be passed along to generations that follow.
I LOVE IT...
It's such a fun table..
I had a blast, working with MR. SWEET on it.
Being a *manly man*, he just HAD to try HIS hand at decorating with his MANLY stuff...
I think he did a fine job but I told him NOOO on the gun, knife and...
well.........all that other stuff.
:))  he just grinned.
The beautiful inspiration from  
FUNKY JUNK INTERIORS  
"Thanks so much, Donna, for your help in stepping me thru this creation."  
I LOVE the different fonts used on these tables..
and how things are lined up to resemble an olden sign,
jerked down off the wall to be made into a tabletop..
DONNA took it all a step further when she decided to make her table
into something really special by adding things that MEANT SOMETHING to her...
thus turning it into a STORY TABLE, too.
*

 This kind of thing is what memories are about...
Start making you one today, if you like...and remember...
IF you've never stenciled before,
learn a bit about it before jumping in with both feet...
LIKE I DID !!
I was just blessed that I had MR. SWEET to throw me a life preserver.....
:)
I think it will be fun changing up the different things I want to sit on it..
never focusing on WHAT is on it...but the little table  itself.
...gotta have a little prettiness on it at times...
I can even serve you tea on my
SALOON TABLE. ;))
*
Thanks so much for all your encouraging words while I stumbled and FELL quite a lot.
This kind of thing is VERY hard for me but I sure learned a lot while going thru the process of:
Taking  ONE UGLY TABLE...
EDITED TO ADD:
Go HERE to see another
bloggers STORY TABLE.
Please tell her bj said hey.:)
at

86 comments:

  1. RitaJune 2, 2011 at 5:20 AM

    It's is really special and beautfiful; especially witht that story. i laughed when you said Mr. Sweet and I are still married. i know what you mean. It's not easy to be a woman. Love your post Bj,
    Rita

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  2. On Crooked CreekJune 2, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    BJ,
    How adorable!!! You know, that "Mr. Sweet" may be on to something...I like how he accessorized the table with manly things. I admire all the meaning behind your table...an heirloom in the making! Thanks for sharing what working as a team can accomplish! I loved that part!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  3. Sissie's Shabby CottageJune 2, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    Hi BJ,
    Congratulations girl on doing such a wonderful job. I'm sure Donna is grinning all over the place!

    I love that you have used symbols and words that reflect your family heritage. You have outdone yourself and I love it!

    hugs
    Sissie

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  4. GratefulPrayerThankfulHeartJune 2, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    I knew when you set out it was going to be great! All of that elbow grease and re-do's resulted in a treasured piece with precious story. Well done! I am sure it will be enjoyed for ages!

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  5. HomeroadJune 2, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    Hi, I was watching from the sidelines to see just how this would turn out... and it is great! I love Donna's table too and you did it justice! I like that you added things from your life on the top.
    Great job! And funny too :)
    Susan

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  6. SusanJune 2, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    Your table is very nice! What a beautiful story!

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  7. Kathleen GraceJune 2, 2011 at 5:55 AM

    I think it's awesome BJ! Love the story behind it, and although you hit a few bumps in the making of it, it looks just as good as Donnas! Fabulous!

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  8. LynnJune 2, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    It turned out great BJ! Love the stories behind it too! My favorite pic is your pretty tea setting... now why would my favorite pic have food in it??? Congrats:@)

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  9. BevJune 2, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    I love it! You did a fabulous job. And congratulations on your marriage surviving!

    Thanks for sharing the process too. It was quite entertaining, as well as informative. :)

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  10. TheresaJune 2, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    Oh dear BJ, GREAT JOB! I love the finished table but also enjoyed watching you go thru the process to get it to this point! Never once did you give up and I am proud of you! It is gorgeous and I love the story behind the saloon! Have a blessed day, enjoy your new addition to your home! HUGS!

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  11. AmeliaJune 2, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    I love it...you and your honey put lots of labor into the making of it...and certainly did not let any problems stop you in - may be slowed you down...but you trudged on ahead.

    I am sure in the future we will see the different ways you are using it in your Texas home.

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  12. NanaDianaJune 2, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    Well- You DID it!!! YAYYYY! I love the "history" you have manufactured for that table. You Texans have a wonderful sense of heritage to begin with...and now you have taken it one step further.
    However, it is hard to believe you come from a long line of heavy drinkers!;>)

    I LOVE your hubby's mother's name, too & working the year in was a good idea! Great job, BJ...I'll bet once you forget how much work it was you will be stenciling everything in sight! Hugs-Diana

    ps..gotta LOVE the hubster's decorating attempts, doncha?

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  13. Patti @ Pandoras BoxJune 2, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    Wonderful, I love how it tells a family story - I knew this would come out great - I enjoyed the suspense! well done!

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  14. AnonymousJune 2, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    You know what Mrs. BJ?! That table is awesome but YOU are one amazing lady! I would expect nothing but the loveliest from you...filled with personality and so unique! Donna will feel SO proud, I am sure! It is HARD working with our sweet hubbies sometimes, lol...I understand! I enjoyed this whole process of watching each step as well as the struggles, REAL LIFE! I wonder which of your kiddos will CLAIM this one for passing down! You have inspired us all!

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  15. LaJune 2, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    I LOVE IT!

    Not only is it beautiful and functional, but you have a great story to tell. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, BJ.

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  16. weissbuntJune 2, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    Wow, what a beautiful job you did with this table! I love that it tells your 'personal' story. It absolutely compliments the original, as you intended. It looks perfect the way it is, but should you want a more "made from individual planks look" you could use some dark color on the routed parts to give it more depth. Just a suggestion from a dedicated crafter ;-). But as I said I love it :-) - maks :-)

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  17. Ricki TreleavenJune 2, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    Aw, BJ, you are so sweet! Your table looks great, and I like that it is truly a conversation piece. It tells family stories! I love it :D

    SUPER JOB ON THE TABLE AND A FANTASTIC POST!!!

    (even though you have been a tease, I have enjoyed following the process of your table)

    Funky Junk should be proud of your efforts, too :D

    (((hugs))),
    Ricki Jill

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  18. Barbara F.June 2, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    Great job, BJ, and it would be a huge undertaking for me, but you did it! A conversation piece and a family heirloom. Worth all the effort. xo,

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  19. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleJune 2, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    BJ, you really did an awesome job on this table. My husband's late father was born in 1906. You need to link this to my party. This just may get featured!

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  20. StaceyJune 2, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Look at you! I knew y'all could do it. :) The table is absolutely perfect.

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  21. TracyJune 2, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    BJ-what a special table you created. I am very impressed! Seriously...
    I like how Mr. Sweet had his 'hand' in your work as well.

    take good care...

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  22. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJune 2, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    BJ!!!!! It turned out so wonderully fabulously specatcular!!!

    I love that you and Mr Sweet worked on it together and love the story of the meanings of the words and star on the table.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  23. VeeJune 2, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Just as we all suspected, it's turned out beautifully! Love your story table. (I suggested that hubby might want to help me with one and he says to tell you, "Thanks a lot." ;D ) I am finding the tea pot and the saloon story a fun juxtaposition...

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  24. Linda @ A La CarteJune 2, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    It turned out so cute and I love that it has meaning to you. A story table indeed. Enjoy it and Mr. Sweet...he seems like a really good guy!

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  25. MarlisJune 2, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    This turned out wonderful. I love your story and how you incorporated it into the table. Great, great table!

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  26. Kathy@ Gone NorthJune 2, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    Just Fabulous, BJ!!!
    And now you have created a new heirloom... LOVE the story line...
    (& the slice of pie looks yummy : )

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  27. Beth McDonaldJune 2, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    Love-love-love your fabulous table!!

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  28. Julie HarwardJune 2, 2011 at 8:58 AM

    It turned out great! I love it bj and I am amazed at how many different ways it can be decorated! Truly a great thing to have especially since you did it yourselves! :D

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  29. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereJune 2, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    BJ, Your table turned out fabulous and I love the story behind it! What a wonderful job both of you did. Love it!
    xo,
    Sherry

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  30. Debra@CommonGroundJune 2, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    BJ, this is wonderful! you two really pulled it off. Loved hearing the story of the names you used. Such a perfect "family" piece. Thanks so much for linking up with VIF! xoxo Debra

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  31. Annie LouiseJune 2, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Your table turned out wonderful!! I love how it tells a story. Good job and thanks for sharing your beautiful table transformation with us.
    Jeanette

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  32. Sandi @ The Primitive SkateJune 2, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    What an awesome story and I LOVE how your table turned out.
    Thanks for sharing the process to get to this beautiful table....

    Sandi

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  33. Madeline's AlbumJune 2, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Your table turned out really nice. I know you are going to enjoy it. Have a blessed day. Madeline

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  34. Auntie sezzzzzz...June 2, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    WONDERFUL project!!!

    Such marvelous results...

    From all, all, all that work.

    You rock!

    And Mr. Sweet rocks too, of course. :-)

    ~♥~

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  35. MargueriteJune 2, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    You really outdid yourself on this table, B.J.! Love the table and the story behind it too! Kudos for a job well done!

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  36. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to CookJune 2, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    You did a fantastic job! It looks amazing.

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  37. Screaming SardineJune 2, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    This is gorgeous, BJ. I love it. Sorry it was such a pain to stencil. I haven't tried stenciling yet and have always wanted to. Maybe I should rethink that - lol!

    Cheers,
    Tracy Screaming Sardine

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  38. AvaJune 2, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Bj this is gorgeous, I envy your talent xx

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  39. Beth in NCJune 2, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    You did a great job BJ! It looks great! I know you're proud of yourself. :o)

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  40. Vickie WilesJune 2, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    Absolutely wonderful! All your hard work and even frustration at times really paid off. This is a table you will truly enjoy for years to come and be able to pass along to other generations. Good job!

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  41. Tanya June 2, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    I absolutely ADORE this table. It's KILLER, and the special meanings ROCK! Happt Thursday, gal! Tanya

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  42. KathleenJune 2, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    Great job! Ta dah!

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  43. AnonymousJune 2, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Oh BJ,

    I love your table! How nice that you and Mr. Sweet worked on it together. What a nice heirloom! I had to sign in as annoymous, because my blogger won't let me sign in. :( Pink Roses and Teacups

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  44. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJune 2, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    You did a fabulous job, BJ! I love everything behind your table. Love your different accessories and maybe if you put a rose coming out of that gun barrel, it might work. ; ) I think your hubby is cute to accessorize it as he saw it.

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  45. ShereeJune 2, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    WOW BJ~ It looks great!! Mr. Sweets is such a "do it all"!!!
    And YOU too!!

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  46. DonnieJune 2, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    You guys did a great job and I love all the personal stuff that you stenciled on it.

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  47. UnknownJune 2, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    I looooove your table! You did a fabulous job on it. I love things that have a family story behind it. And all your posts showing the different stages you went through to get it looking so good was wonderful reading. Thanks so much for sharing. And now I have the taste for biscuits!

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  48. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.June 2, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Your table turned out beautifully! And it has a great little story to go with it!

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  49. Debbie@Mountain BreathsJune 2, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    I knew you could do it!! It is perfect!

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  50. Shari @ My Cottage of BlissJune 2, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    No more stenciling projects for you? Ohhhhh, now I was just so darn sure that by the end of this project you were going to end up LOVING stenciling so much you would be stenciling everything in your house! ;)

    The table looks great despite the problems you encountered and the meaning behind the words you chose is the frosting on the cake.

    And speaking of cake...what is that yummy looking pink confection (pie?) in your tea table photos??? Have you posted a recipe for that?

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  51. DiannJune 2, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    Well I am totally impressed! What a wonderful job you did with this table! I love that all the words and numbers have meaning behind them. Now you got me thinking. And, nope I have never stenciled either. thank you for sharing at TTF and I hope you have a great day!

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  52. AnonymousJune 2, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    How exciting! The reveal!! You did a marvelous job on turning a not so pretty table into something really special. I love how each piece has a memory attached to it. Great transformation, BJ!
    Tammy

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  53. Fishtail CottageJune 2, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    Popping over from Show & Tell Friday....that table is fabulous! xoox, tracie

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  54. KarenJune 2, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    BJ I love your table and the story that goes with it. You did an amazing job.

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  55. Honey at 2805June 3, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    Cute table, sweet story. And you have kept us on pins and needles all week!

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  56. jeanneJune 3, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Wow, bj I love your table. I have missed the process (I shouldn't know how hard it was)because I WANT ONE!!! I want to make one for our deck. I love the history behind your words ad I already know stenciling is HARD to do. I once attempted to stencil roses in my bedroom on the wall around the window. The result...I painted over it. HA! Seriously, all I can say is WELL DONE!!! and I am impressed!!!
    Love you, Jeanne

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  57. UnknownJune 3, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Turned out great...even with all the hard work.

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  58. SusanJune 3, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    What a great way to take that table from Funky Junk and make it your own! That is such a sweet story and cool finished piece! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving that sweet comment. I appreciate it so much. I'm a new follower here, too!

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  59. Sandi~A Cottage MuseJune 3, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    What a wonderful story and I just love the way your table came out!!

    Have a nice weekend!

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  60. Sarah @ Modern Country StyleJune 3, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Hi lovely,

    It looks simply BEAUTIFUL! And I just love the meaning behind it - that makes it even more special.

    Sarahx

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  61. Tamara JansenJune 3, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    What a beautiful and meaningful project! I love it! Maybe I can get my kids to make me one for my BIRTHDAY :)

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  62. Tina@WhatWeKeepJune 3, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Hi BJ,

    This is so special. I can see the hard work and extra love that went into creating this piece.
    It's just wonderful!
    Thanks for sharing!

    Tina

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  63. DenaJune 3, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    Jeez Loiz BJ, that is astounding!!!!!!! I'm lurking but this brought me out. I'm in love with that table!!!!

    Hugs,
    Dena

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  64. xinexJune 3, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Wow! You are good, BJ! It turned out so beautiful...Christine

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  65. Cindi @ Rustique ArtJune 3, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    It's fantabulous! You did and excellent job. That Donna sure does inspire us to make lovely things...don't ya think?

    I'm a Texan too! Yeehaw :)

    Love the history and back story of this table, fun tales to share with your friends and family when they visit.

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  66. janisJune 3, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  67. Love Of QuiltsJune 3, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    She's a beauty. Trish

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  68. UnknownJune 4, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Hi BJ
    It turned out GREAT! You did a really good job. How fun.


    Have a great weekend!
    ~Liz

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  69. Korrie@RedHenHomeJune 4, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Oh, delightful! Ms. Funky Junk would be proud!

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  70. SueJune 6, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    BJ- loved how you incorporated all those meaningful things into your tabletop. It turned out so fun! See- all that worrying was for naught! hugs, Sue

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  71. PondsideJune 6, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    It turned out so well - and I love the little bits of family history in it. It's inspiring!

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  72. TardevilJune 7, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    You and Mr. Sweet are just so sweet! Ya'll rock down there in Texas! (((HUGS)))!!! Looks great!

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  73. BeverlyJune 7, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Girl, you are amazing. And, your table is amazing.♥♥♥

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  74. DebbiedoosJune 7, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Look at this BJ! I got to see all your other sweet posts before I found this one. You did a fantastic job and must be so proud. It really turned out awesome!

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  75. DixieJune 7, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    BJ... your table turned out great! Now you've inspired me!!! hugs. Dixie

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  76. SarahJune 8, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    BJ, this is truly a wonderful accomplishment. You and Mr. Sweet did an amazing job. Love that it tells a personal story. I know you are going to enjoy this new piece at Sweet Nothings. ~ sarah

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  77. Funky Junk InteriorsJune 9, 2011 at 1:47 AM

    I'm so impressed I could... paint another table! :) You did a fabulous job! And I know exactly what you mean about doing things for the first time. You will learn so much but I promise you, the next time will be a breeze in comparison!

    Off to go add your beautiful creation in with my own post and facebook this one. You're awesome. :)

    Donna

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  78. CarolJune 9, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    Love the new table!!!!

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  79. Restore and RenewJune 9, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    I love this table. I always like the back story of any piece and the history behind this one truly does make it a family treasure. When I saw the gun I thought, "hope that wasn't used while making the table." :)

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  80. AnneJune 9, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    WOW - impressive! I love the way you worked your history into your project & I'm coming to your house for some of that yummy looking pie!!!

    Cheers!

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  81. Mikey FullerJune 9, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    This is great! Try stenciling again! It won't be as hard! I must know, did you use any adhesive to attach your stencil? I know using temporary adhesive has saved me from hassles and mess ups many times!

    ~Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage
    www.shabbyfrenchcottage.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. JeriJune 9, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    I love this table so much!! You and Mr. Sweet did a wonderful job! I loved the story too, started off my day with a cop of coffee and a chuckle!
    xoxo
    Jeri

    ReplyDelete
  83. Diann @ The Thrifty GrooveJune 9, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Hi BJ! I know you have been featured for this table at other blog parties but, I just thought I would pop back by and let you know that this post is also being featured in this week's TTF party! It is just fantastic! This week's Thrifty Things Friday party is posted. I hope you are having a great day!

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  84. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageJune 9, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    See!!! I told you it would turn out every bit as wonderful as Donna's, and it did. ;)

    How cute that Mr. Sweet tried his hand out at decorating. You know, he really needs a "mancave" to decorate - or at least a little nook. lol

    Hugs,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  85. Funky Junk InteriorsNovember 6, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    Congrats on your feature at Roadside Roadkill on this one BJ! Well deserved!

    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  86. Karen Sabrsula January 6, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    Just saw this table!! Awesome job!! Don't give up on stenciling! It gets easier! I promise!!

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Thanks SO much for commenting. I am blessed for knowing you.