DIY Farmhouse Live Edge Table Charger
It’s pretty hit or miss when I pick up a new junking finds, as to whether I’ll jump right in and get them scrubbed up or otherwise made presentable enough to allow them in the house… or, if they will languish in the shop for weeks, or possibly months, before I circle back to them and give them some attention.
Late last Summer, Jim and I were out junking around when we saw a sign for a Barn Sale. We love exploring new roads and it was a really beautiful day, so we decided to attend. I remember sharing the view down into the valley on Instagram like it was yesterday. It’s nothing if not green and lush here in the Pacific Northwest. The trade off is a lot of the wet stuff. It’s currently pouring outside my office window as I type this… and debate continuing on, or taking a nap? Dark skies and the rain on the roof really lull you like nothing else… plus I swear I’m part cat. I love a good nap!
But for you. I’ll stick with it, and share my $3 barn sale treasure.
The barn belonged to an old clapboard farmhouse set up in the hills, it was a traditional red barn, with white trim. Not overly large, with a small workshop inside. The ladies running the sale had a few odds & ends laid out in the area in front of it.
That is where I spied a dried on, dirt-caked slab of wood leaning against the barn door. It was a pretty substantial size, and still retained it’s live edge. Sadly, there wasn’t much available to make the drive out and the dirt road travel much worth our time, except the chunk of wood… and the scenery. They looked at me a little oddly when I inquired about it. I think it was probably destined for the burn pile, fireplace or wood stove. But I thought it had possibilities, and when they called out $3 as the price, it was worth taking a chance on.
Now here is where I should be fired as a blogger.
No Before Photo.
No ugly, bland, dirt-covered piece of wood… and then a dramatic transformation.
I did take a cell phone picture of it half waxed. Does that count?
But… life is busy. I will confess, If I had know just how lustrous and beautiful it was going to be, I sure would have made a before photo a priority.
I also would have taken a quick video of how mesmerizing it was to watch it be feed through the flap sander out in the workshop! But, I the night I ran out the the shop to shoo Jimmy in for a very late dinner, I did so without my phone, and missed the opportunity.
I tell you, I really have to give credit to those that are able to document every step of a journey. It’s admirable. As long as I’ve been blogging, there are still times I just dive into something, get in work mode or really focused, and it’s hard to break my rhythm or concentration and make sure I get photos and/or video.
Heck, I’m guilty of decorating and doing projects, and changing them before you ever see them. I just know I can’t be the only one. I’ll recap this one for you.
DIY Farmhouse Style Live Edge Wood Slab Charger:
- Find a big ole slab-O-wood
- Remove any loose dirt (scrap and whisk broom)
- Sand: I suggest an orbital or belt sander. Work towards a finer grit as you go.
- Sand faster: (we fed ours through a flap sander a kajillion times)
- Protect & finish: I wanted a soft sheen and used Maison Blanche O Wax.
- Admire natures (enhanced) beauty.
I’m sure you’ll see this travel around the house in the future, and perhaps it’ll even make it down the The Little Cottage in the future. I love to layer and often put my white pallet wood chargers on my counter and dining table. For now, it’s perfect on the coffee table.
The candles, Cupid and XO garland are just a super-quick little something I came up with to share it decorated. I had my Valentine’s tote open, so it sort of happened.
So – would you decorate with a giant slab of wood at your place, or is this a little rustic and raw for your taste?
I really like having a pretty fluid taste, and that I can add and delete things on a whim, and it all still kind of goes together. For me, that is the beauty of not committing too much to one particular style. I sure like variety!
Thanks for stopping into the hollow today! xo Shannon
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I love the wood slab it’s beautiful… this past Christmas I used slabs of mesquite as chargers for my Christmas table it was stunning… love your blog
OH my gosh I bet that was!! I tried to get wood chargers but could only find one. So I used it as an accent 😉
I love a cozy natural Christmas. Happy 2017!
I love that wood slab!!! I would definitely decorate with one.
I know the wood chargers for dinner tables are available, bet these will be soon. I see lots of live edge tables now.
Love your slab of wood!! Gave me lots of ideas, too!! Like when I go to the farm in MI next time, I know where I’ll find some of the same thing!! Now, I can’t wait!! But then, it’s cold in MI right now, and, I’m comfy right here in Texas. So, it’ll wait a while!!!!
Sara
Oh yes. Wait for better weather 😉 Lucky you though!
That is a neat story about the $3 piece of wood slab that you found. Driving down the road and all. It sounds like something I would enjoy doing. I like the Cherub also. Does she have a story as well?
I think I picked her up at HomeGoods for a couple bucks a few years ago. Not a very exciting story there 😉
I love that slab. Great deal and I love how you styled it. You are so gifted. I try and I work on my decorating skills but it takes effort. 🙂 But I guess that’s okay. It’s still fun for me.
I’m a follower on Instagram. Your pictures are always beautiful and inspiring.
I’m really not in comparison to so many, but like you, I enjoy it. I’ll tell you, in the years I’ve been blogging I have gotten better. When I look back at things I shared in the early days… oh my. Not pretty. hahaha. So we all improve with practice 🙂
I love it!! What a find and what insight you had to transform it to the beauty it is today.
Thanks Joyce! Wood is so inherently beautiful. And my husband did all the sanding. I got the easy part.
Wax and fluff 😉 Have a great day!
Hi Shannon, I just LOVE your wood charger- you are soo talented and what an eye you have for decorating your cute home! I Love your blog; keep up the good work!!! Sanedd- Fairfax Va.
Me too! I tell ya, that wax just put the prettiest glow on it. Thank you so much Sandee for your sweet comment and kind words.
I’m so happy to hear you enjoy visiting. Best, Shannon
I love the charger! I would definitely use it in my cottage. Like you, I enjoy the versatility of pieces like that. I’m forever moving things around to experience them to the fullest. Love your blog!
Just visited your blog! Look forward to sharing your custom table and story on my Facebook page soon!
I love things like that! Looks great.
It’s fun – I’m enjoying it 🙂 Thanks Terry!
Love live edge pieces. I have one I use on the kitchen table, holds anything from antlers and lanterns in winter to bunny and greenery with berries in spring. Saved from the firwood burn pile ! Waxed mine , placed on table only to have my husband as, “where did you find that?” …. really enjoy your blog !!!
I do too, and this is perfect for me. I get to appreciate it, without committing to a full size furniture piece. Rescue is always fun! Burn piles… trash piles… 😉 hahaha on the hubby comment!! Have a great day Mary.
LOVE that charger! So beautiful!
Thanks a bunch Jill!!
I’m loving the raw wood look! I have a slab (round) of cherry wood on my dining room table. I am planning to perhaps put some felt on one side to protect my wood table or I’ll have to always remember to use a doily or cloth under it. I have several “slabs” – cut from the trunk of oak trees. I can use them on end tables, etc. as they are smaller than the cherry slab. I love the “gold tone” Xs and Os on the garland and it highlights the rustic piece of wood – simple, country, yet refined and glamorous!
That is a good plan for fine furniture. Since mine is laying on a DIY Fence Board coffee table… I don’t have to be as concerned. LOL. Sounds like you ahve some great treasures of your own to get creative with – I bet the Oak is incredible!!
I love it and yes, would definitely use it …..and my house is old (nearly 100 years) but we have re done it but kept the “old” feel to it….something like this would be perfect.
Ours is getting close too! But it was a very, very simple home so it doesn’t really show it’s age in a way that one could appreciate. With millwork and the like… We’ve tried to introduce some of that as we go.
It is gorgeous! What a find .
Thank you Peggy!
I would definitely use it, especially with the beautiful edge. If you want to see the ugly before pictures, come on over and take a look around my blog…there’s plenty of that lately! You got a great find anyway! Have a delightful day!
I think we all have those. I’ve got some real corker from when we first got this pace. Oh my! haha