Tree Stump to Layla Grace Side Table

Today I’m sharing my paint project originally posted at East Coast Creative for CWTS, if you missed the post there, read on!

 I LOVE paint – the possibilities are endless! I’m always amazed at the power of just painting something – it is probably the easiest way to create a dramatic change. Plus, it’s easy to paint over, if you change your mind!

When I first saw Layla Grace’s Bliss Studio Z accent table, I knew it would be the perfect project for a tree that had fallen down around Thanksgiving. David cut a section off with the chain saw then, and it’s been drying out in our garage over the past few months. Thankfully David was on board, because this stump is HEAVY, this project would have been nearly impossible without him.

Here’s the Layla Grace version.

 Here’s our version!

The beauty of this project is that it doesn’t need to be perfect! I love the hand carved look. Here’s how we did it!

1. The bark was removed with a chisel and mallet.

2. Then a circle was drawn around the top as a guide. The excess was trimmed with a chisel and mallet.

 3.  The entire height was 18″, we divided it into 4 sections and drew guide lines with a pencil. Then, using a circular saw the guide lines were cut. (Bricks help it from rolling away!)

 4.  Next, the angles were cut with reciprocating saw. Making small cuts helps it stay fairly even.

 5. To give it a hand chiseled look, a chisel and mallet were used. Then, an orbital sander with coarse (60 grit) sandpaper was used to smooth the top.

 6.  Finally, paint! Rustoelum metallic nickel was applied in three thin coats (it took almost a full can) We made sure to use an indoor/outdoor variety so that we can use it outside too.

 7. It looked a little flat, so to bring out the details we applied a dark glaze, mixing black stain, brown stain, and wax together in a small dish and then applying with a rag and a foam brush to get into the crevices. The excess was wiped away with the rag.

I love how the glaze brings out the detail!

Also, one of my favorite tricks is to buy cheap artwork from second hand stores and transform it with paint. Would you believe that the total cost for this was only $3!? I spray painted the frame (left the corners as is) and mat board white. Then, I cut a piece of canvas and painted an abstract black and white dot painting.

Ranunculus are one of my favorite flowers, so glad that it’s finally spring!

The baskets, glossy yellow console table and rug were Home Goods finds.

We’re planning on using it outside on our future patio, but I love it inside too!

Carving the detail took a little extra time, but I love the look – so worth it!