Thinking Outside the Box: Stencils [or not, actually]

Do you like my newly salvage savvy-ed tables??


I found these stacking tables for only $20 at a local thrift store. Cute and functional, yes. But just not the right color/look for my room. Sooooo, I changed them... and it only took couple hours for the whole project!


How did I do it so fast? Am I a super-hero stencil gal? No. [It would have taken me approximately 5 weeks to stencil them... yes, I'm that good at stencilling!] I just got creative, that's all. You see, I stumbled upon these placemats @ TJ Maxx [4 for $8].

However, when I saw them I didn't see placemats at all... I saw a perfect [and easy] way to dress-up my stacking tables! [On a side note: can you even imagine trying to clean these placemats after eating a real meal with real children? I'm seeing gunk in each and every crevasse... not kid friendly.] Ok. Now back to the business of savvy'n.

I simply measured-out my table tops & trimmed the placemats to fit.

Then I painted the tables white [see my Zebra Striped Table to learn tips for using spray paint on furniture]. Next, I spray painted the placemats [I really do like the green, but it didn't work in the room]. Finally, I had to wait for it all to dry completely [which is the hardest part for me], put the placemats on... and voila!! So easy. I thought outside the box and created a really fun look for very little $$ and very little time!