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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Sheet Music Side Table

I picked up this little side table at a yard sale last summer for $5. I thought the shape was cute. And except for a few veneer issues on the bottom shelf, it was in good condition.

I painted it white, did a light distress and used a black glaze.



It was quick, easy and totally boring. As much as I love white furniture, I never seem to be thrilled with the results when I do it.



I kept looking at the tray top, thinking it needed something.


I finally scored some vintage sheet music and there was my answer. We've all seen it done before, but I'd never tried it. Time to break out the Mod Podge. Now let me just say that I have successfully used Mod Podge before. I often line the drawers of small pieces of furniture with a coordinating paper, usually scrapbook paper. I also lined the drawer of an end table for my son with a map of Baltimore. He lives in Baltimore, so that was very cool. No problems with Mod Podge. ..... Ok, back to the sheet music.



I started with the two side pieces.


Then layered the sheet with the title on the top. I wanted it to look like the sheets were just casually placed on the table.
Cute, don't you think?
Ok, now for the real story. (My husband says I'm very honest.) It was a total disaster! The sheet music was old and thin. When I tried to smooth out the bubbles, the paper pretty much just disintegrated in my fingers. Ugh!!! Now, I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so even a few bubbles would annoy me, but this was way beyond bubbles. I had to scrape it all off. And yes, it was a big, sticky mess! I should have taken pictures, but my fingers were covered in Mod Podge and tiny bits of paper. ..... Well, needless to say, I headed straight to google and found my answer. PUT A SEALER ON THE PAPER FIRST!!! Mod Podge makes a sealer just for this purpose. They didn't have it at my local Michael's, so I picked up another brand. I spread the paper on a sheet outside and lightly sprayed both sides a few times, allowing it to dry between coats. ... And guess what, it worked beautifully!
I did the top again and added two more sheets to the bottom shelf.







Now I've done the sheet music thing. My table is cute. And I've learned a new trick.



It was all good in the end! Whew!!!

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55 comments:

  1. Mary Ann PickettMarch 15, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    This looks fabulous! It was worth it. I would have a piece of glass cut for the top to protect it. Love it.

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  2. ChrissieMarch 15, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    I love it! The sheet music was the perfect touch!

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  3. Christa @ Stories of a HouseMarch 15, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    Phew is right! I can't believe you stripped that gooey mess off. You are a patient girl! Thank you for the tip on the sealer, that is great to know. I've always hesitated Mod Podging with paper because I can never get the bubbles out, but now I won't hesitate to use it again.

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  4. Aaron {the girl with the boy's name}March 15, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    Thanks for sharing. It is VERY cute and now I know to go buy sealer because I have had that problem before too.
    -Aaron {the girl with the boy's name}

    www.mudpiesandmarigolds.blogspot.com

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  5. Sue@Uniquely ChicMarch 15, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Great tip on the sealer. I love the sheet music...I have yet to do that myself but will remember the sealer, thanks!

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  6. LibbyMarch 15, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Very good to know. Thank you for sharing about the sealer! I have never tried the sheet music furniture thing but hope to someday!

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  7. foreverdecoratingMarch 15, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    I adore this look and you did a fabulous job.

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  8. Cassie BustamanteMarch 15, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    it turned out adorably! i am with you- when i paint something white i sit there and think, "hmmm is that it?"

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  9. Allison@FabRehabMarch 15, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    I thought I was the only one in blogland who hadn't done the sheet music thing. And I have a table I'm prepping to do it with...but I would've messed it up without your tip on sealer!! Beautiful table!

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  10. Kindra-At Home With KMarch 15, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    I think the sheet music added just the right touch to your white end table. Great price by the way!! Thanks so much for linking up to Terrific Under Ten!

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  11. CharoMarch 15, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    Oh Yes, is so cute!!!

    Hugs
    Charo

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  12. Joy@aVintageGreenMarch 15, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Thanks for writing about using a 'sealer' first. I didn't know about that. You've saved me some gooey mess. Great table.
    - Joy

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  13. MargaretMarch 15, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    great idea! I just bought a book of old sheet music for a project to will be investing in some sealer to start off my project right. Thanks for the tip!

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  14. Kristy CarberryMarch 15, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Cute! Thanks for sharing your "true" experience.

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  15. UnknownMarch 15, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    I have read and heard many times that it is the details that really count..I would say you hit the nail on the head with this project..
    ~Shirley

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  16. Chris at Red Gate FarmMarch 15, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    Thanks for the great tips on using mod podge! I wouldn't have know to use a sealer. I've been toying with the idea of using sheet music or an old dictionary as the backing for my old 80's shelf that I painted to cover up the ugly 80's golden oak! Now I think I'm really inspired to do it!

    ~Chris

    PS I also love the idea that you line drawers this way... I'll be keeping that one in mind too :)

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  17. OrganizingMadeFunMarch 15, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    I love your music table! I made one with music too - and had a hard time with that vintage music. Great tip with the sealer first. Here is mine, if you have chance to look at it:

    http://organizingmadefun.blogspot.com/2010/11/problem-area-solved.html

    Becky B.
    www.organizingmadefun.blogspot.com
    Organizing Made Fun

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  18. Kelli@Restore InteriorsMarch 15, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    LOVE IT! I think it looks marvelous! AND I had no idea about the sealer. Thanks for the tip!

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  19. Fishtail CottageMarch 15, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    This table turned out adorable! Thanks for the idea on sealing the furniture first (if i get that bold?)...lol This is just so cute! oxox

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  20. CristieMarch 16, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    What a fun piece! The sheet music is so cool, I love it. Thanks for sharing.

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  21. Kim @ A Brush of WhimsyMarch 16, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    This is so sweet, Sharon! Some music lover is going to snatch it right up! Great tip on the sealer spray! :)

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  22. SarahMarch 16, 2011 at 3:04 AM

    Really cute!

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  23. UnknownMarch 16, 2011 at 3:50 AM

    Just beautiful!

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  24. hilary@oldhousetrueloveMarch 16, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    SO COOL!

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  25. AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Love it! And thanks for the tip about the sealer, I'd like to try this when I find the right piece of furniture.

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  26. DIYbyDesignMarch 16, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    That came out great. Thanks for the tip about the sealer and thank for sharing at my Swing into Spring party.

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  27. AnnMarch 16, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Thanks for the tip about the sealer. I have had similar problems. Your table turned out beautiful!

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  28. AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    What a great job you did on this little table! I love the sheet music idea! It's a darling table.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  29. Miss CharMarch 16, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    What a great outcome to a possible disaster. I love the look and thanks for the tip about the sealer.

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  30. AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    I work with sheet music all the time but haven't modge podged it yet and am about to do it with some candlesticks so your hint of using the sealer probably saved me from pulling out my hair. :) Thank you for a great post and your table is adorable. :) Lynn @thevintagnest

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  31. AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    How sweet would that look in a music room, adds such vintage charm to your side table.

    Melissa

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  32. decorating diva {aka deanna}March 16, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    very cute! love it!

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  33. PamelaMarch 16, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    I love this and want to do this to my table too!!
    Thanks for the tips!

    Pamela :)

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  34. A Little Bit of City LifeMarch 16, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    Hi! I'm a new follower and I absolutely LOVE your blog! Come on over when you chance! In the meantime, I'll be snooping around here for a bit!

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  35. CristieMarch 16, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    I passed on the Stylish Blog Award to you. I really enjoy it.

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  36. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresMarch 16, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    I love this. Thanks for the tip about spraying the paper first. I've experienced the same problem and didn't know what to do about it. I like the way you layed out the sheet music at an angle...great look and a perfect canvas.

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  37. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageMarch 16, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    The sheet music was just what the "furniture" doctor ordered, Sharon. And I'm with you; plain white furniture can be rather boring. But your musical details took care of that problem.

    Thanks for linking to the party. I love having you join me each week.

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

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  38. UnknownMarch 16, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    That looks really great!

    Miranda
    www.justdrinkacoke.blogspot.com

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  39. Michelle L.March 17, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    The table is gorgeous! And thanks so much for the tips, because I was just about to Mod Podge something old and fragile and rare - serisouly, you have saved me some grief, my dear!

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  40. ~Lavender Dreamer~March 17, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    I love it! What a beautiful change! ♥

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  41. Sandi~A Cottage MuseMarch 17, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    What a beautiful, unique piece...I love it!!

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  42. very merry vintage styleMarch 17, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    Looks great! So unique. I love to see all the different glazes you use. Thanks for linking up to my Share the Love Link Party!
    Mary

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  43. Allison ShopsMarch 17, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Looks great. I love sheet music.
    Dropping by from Furniture Feature Friday. Hope you'll drop by to see my chairs.

    Allison
    Atticmag

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  44. SommerMarch 18, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Tracy I love it! Thanks for the great tip on the sealer. I have tons of old music I haven't tried to mod podge yet and now I will know what to use! You are so talented! Thanks for linking this up to the party this week.

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  45. Megan @ Cut the Craft!March 18, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    SO cute!

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  46. Cheryl ~ ZanyMaydMarch 18, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    Love It! Thanks for sharing the wonderful Transformation.....
    Cheryl

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  47. At The Picket FenceMarch 18, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    It turned out just fabulous Sharon and I'm glad you were honest about the process! We all need to make sure we keep it real when it comes to sharing our projects. :-) Thanks so much for linking this up to Inspiration Friday~you are always such a welcomed addition to the party with your wonderful creations!
    Vanessa

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  48. Courtney ~ French Country CottageMarch 18, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    THis came out just darling! I love how you placed the sheets just so and made the table look like such a piece of art! Lovely!! Thanks so much for sharing at FNF! :)

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  49. Debra@CommonGroundMarch 18, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    The sealer is new to me. The table turned out great with lots of personality! And I love that end table for your son with the map. really cool. bet he loved it. Thanks for linking up with VIF!
    hugs,
    Debra

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  50. LisascraftiquesMarch 18, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    Nice job! Thanks so much for the tip. I just did a lampshade in sheet music and was upset about the bumps I kept getting. Still looks cute but I am a perfectionist. I have been tinkering with an idea of putting it on a piece of furniture. I am glad I know about the sealer!

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  51. Allison {A Glimpse Inside}March 18, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Very pretty! Love it! And I didn't know about the sealer either and I use Mod Podge all the time! Thanks for the tips! Also, thanks for linking up!

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  52. Megan GunyanMarch 19, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Oh, what a story! I need all the tips I can get. The sheet music is a wonderful way to make an ordinary table extraordinary! You did a great job!

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  53. kara@elements-interiors.netMarch 20, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    I am CRAZY about this Table!! Thank you for linking up at Whassup!! Hope to see you again Wednesday!

    xoxokara

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  54. Suzanne@thriftstoredecorjunkyMarch 20, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    This looks great!And thanks for the great tip about the sealer...I am going to try it.

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  55. Serendipity Chic DesignApril 22, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Great fix Sharon....It looks so eclectic chic....

    Take care,
    Lisa

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