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
Shannon says
Shannon, that is a gorgeous slab o’ wood! Nice save and it makes a stylin’ tray!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thanks Shannon!! Turned out to be a worthwhile stop 😉