Friday, May 29, 2015

The Coffee Station Labor of Love

I knew the small-ish rustic workbench I found at a flea market last month would make a perfect side table as long as I kept focusing on the finished product.  My first thought was to replace the ugly top with vintage yardsticks, but I only had about half of what I needed.  Plan B was to paint the whole thing and dress it up with one of the Old Sign Stencils from Funky Junk Interiors.

Repurposed work bench coffee station
I'm pretty darn happy that I didn't have enough yardsticks to cover the top; I'll just save them for a smaller project.

Here's the mess I started with:
repurposed work bench coffee station
Don't lose your lunch. I know it's bad. Real bad.  Here it is in the parking lot at the flea market right where I found it. The plywood top was peeling and rippled, the legs were a mess, the top was screwed on from underneath with the screws poking out of the top in all four corners. Ouch!  Lots of grime, spider webs, and lots of chunky splinters. What the heck...for $8 it was worth a try. 

rustic homemade workbench DIY coffee station trash to treasure
Chunks of plywood were peeling off the top, so I decided to flip it over and use the other side. I love the slot that was originally used to hold hammers and other tools.

rustic homemade workbench DIY flea market trash to treasure
I wanted to keep the industrial look of the legs, but they were such a mess. I taped off the wood, then painted the legs with Rust-Oleum metallic aluminum spray paint. The wood was painted with two coats of AS chalk paint in Old Ochre. Then it was time to turn this old workbench into a coffee station. I used the Coffee stencil that Funky Junk Interiors sent to me to try out. It was just the extra character it needed!  Clear wax was applied to the wood surfaces.

DIY repurposed hardware vintage trash-to-treasure
I attached an old drawer pull to each end for hanging some extra stuff.  Almost everyone thought these were drawers. 

trash to treasure flea market finds
Keeping with the industrial vibe, I replaced the protruding screws with bolts and washers. 

jadeite coffee mugs vintage hooks
A couple of old hooks in front are perfect for hanging coffee mugs.

old sign stencils tea towel stencil
An inexpensive cotton tea towel was stenciled with the cup and coffee bean portion of the stencil, then heat set with an iron to make it washable. 

before after stencil Old Sign Stencils

MySalvagedTreasures repurpose upcycle DIY stencil
I brought it to the Pleasanton Antique Fair last Sunday, and I'm happy to say that this labor of love coffee station found a happy new home.

Sharing with:
My Repurposed Life for Catch as Catch Can
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday
Coastal Charm for Show and Share
Funky Junk Interiors for Party Junk
Life with Lorelai for Home Matters
Concord Cottage for Something to Talk About
Cozy Little House for Tweak It Tuesday

Don't forget to come back here every Tuesday at 5:00pm PST for our
 Vintage Inspiration Party.

I'd love for you to stay connected with My Salvaged Treasures.  I'm just one click away.


Posted by Labels: coffee station, DIY, flea market finds, Jadeite, My Salvaged Treasures, Old Sign Stencils, stencil, tea towel, trash to treasure, vintage, workbench

53 comments:

  1. Susan HomeroadMay 29, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    Wow!!! That looks awesome Betsy! Nice job. :)
    Susan

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  2. Carlene @ Organized ClutterMay 29, 2015 at 6:02 PM

    I love it! Sharing on fb and pinning!

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  3. Cozy Little HouseMay 29, 2015 at 6:28 PM

    Wow Betsy, you transformed it! Love all the extra touches. I didn't know about the heat setting stencilling so you could wash it. Thanks!
    Brenda

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  4. Tuula @ Thrifty RebelMay 29, 2015 at 8:25 PM

    That turned out absolutely beautiful! Love the tool slot as a towel holder, and those old hooks are fabulous. What a great makeover!

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  5. Art and SandMay 29, 2015 at 10:33 PM

    Heavens To Betsy, that piece was pretty ugly to start with. I love what you created.

    Sorry about the Heavens To Betsy - I had to say it.

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  6. Lorelai @ Life With LorelaiMay 29, 2015 at 11:51 PM

    What a cool project! Love that towel slot and the towel too. :) Please come share your blog posts over at the Home Matters Linky Party! We'd love to have you for a visit. The Door is OPEN. http://lifewithlorelai.com/2015/05/28/home-matters-linky-party-39/ :)

    ~Lorelai
    Life With Lorelai

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  7. Julia - Vintage with LacesMay 30, 2015 at 1:00 AM

    What a great makeover, Betsy!!! The old owner should see it now. No wonder this beautiful coffee station sold right away.
    Hugs,
    Julia

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  8. LizMay 30, 2015 at 5:21 AM

    Wow! Really nice

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  9. LizMay 30, 2015 at 5:22 AM

    Wow! Really nice

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  10. LizMay 30, 2015 at 5:22 AM

    Wow! Really nice

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  11. LisaMay 30, 2015 at 6:17 AM

    Absolutely love it! Good for you in finding a way to salvage all that uniqueness!

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  12. Marsha @ Tattered ChickMay 30, 2015 at 6:38 AM

    You can come over and finish my school desk anytime!!!! Great job!!! xoxo

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  13. Linda @ A La CarteMay 30, 2015 at 7:18 AM

    Betsy, I'm so glad you re-did this piece and I bet it flew off with a new owner quickly! It looks awesome. Love that stencil!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  14. DD's CottageMay 30, 2015 at 7:27 AM

    What a great rescue Betsy-such a cutie now!

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  15. MicheleMay 30, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    Your transformation of this piece is nothing short of amazing! It looks fantastic now.

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  16. KathyMay 30, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    Betsy, you know how much I love a good rescue and you knocked it out of the ballpark again. Love!

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  17. Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}May 30, 2015 at 10:07 AM

    Well can't say that I'm surprised it sold! I would have been very tempted to keep it! I have a similarly yukked up table that I got out of a neighbor's trash when they were moving. Other than hosing it down I haven't done anything with it because I'm not exactly sure what I want to do. I swear I need a bigger house for all the c---! Love it as usual!
    xoKathleen

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  18. AnnMay 30, 2015 at 10:15 AM

    Splendid re-do and I would have snatched up your transformation in a hurry. I LOVE the industrial look and those coffee cups.
    Ann

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  19. Vicky HuntMay 30, 2015 at 11:58 AM

    So cute and very creative use of that old piece. I'm sure the new owners are just thrilled with it. I love the industrial vibe as well. Have a splendid weekend!

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  20. Bonnie SchulteMay 30, 2015 at 2:26 PM

    Holy,holy Cow. Your work turned out fantastic. How awesome that you saw something that I believe not anybody else could see. Unreal and lovely!!!!!

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  21. Michelle L.May 30, 2015 at 5:57 PM

    Heart heart and more heart, every bit of it! Somehow, the green mugs are the perfect pop of color. What a triumph of taste and talent,my dear!

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  22. Glenda/MidSouthMay 30, 2015 at 6:15 PM

    Wow - What a transformation! I am not surprised that it sold. Someone went home with a prize.

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  23. Fox and Finch AntiquesMay 30, 2015 at 7:27 PM

    This shows what you can do with 8.00 and supplies + work. It makes me want to look at everything with new eyes and a creative mind. I, also, like the hooks and handles you used to make the table function in a useful way. The new owner will find it functional and handy to have the cups right near the coffee machine.

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  24. The Polka Dot ClosetMay 30, 2015 at 8:29 PM

    Wow, that was a labor of love!!! What a great vision!

    Carol

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  25. Deanies StashMay 30, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    Betsy you transferred an ugly duckling to a swan! I love the finished table. I am not surprised it sold.

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  26. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaMay 31, 2015 at 5:24 AM

    What an incredible transformation! Don't you just love when someone else loves your labor of love enough to take it home?! A happy ending to a sad beginning!

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  27. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesMay 31, 2015 at 7:12 PM

    You transformed that piece so beautifully, Betsy...LOVE it!

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  28. cynthia lee designsMay 31, 2015 at 7:26 PM

    Wow...what an awesome makeover!!
    ~Cindy

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  29. PamJune 1, 2015 at 6:04 AM

    Wow...I love that. Great job.

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  30. handmade by amaliaJune 1, 2015 at 7:29 AM

    Betsy, you are a woman of vision to see potential in that! And an artist to create this.
    Amalia
    xo

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  31. ReneJune 1, 2015 at 8:39 AM

    This is wonderful! What a clever way to repurpose this.

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  32. Rosemary@villabarnesJune 1, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    Fabulous, Betsy!

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  33. Funky Junk InteriorsJune 1, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    Seriously... the cutest outcome EVER! That piece of potential was waiting for the right touch and you totally delivered. LOVE this, Betsy!

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  34. Lisa HuffJune 1, 2015 at 1:04 PM

    Betsy, OMG this turned out AMAZING. I LOVE how rustic the before was and how you completely turned it into the best coffee station. Love those stencils too. Thank you so much for sharing today at our Something to Talk About Link Party. Will be sharing for sure. have a great week, Lisa

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  35. vickie morganJune 1, 2015 at 5:15 PM

    What a treasure you've made! Just so cute! You had such a great idea! Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty

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  36. JeanieJune 1, 2015 at 6:24 PM

    Unbelievable, Betsy. What vision you have!

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  37. DoreenJune 1, 2015 at 10:47 PM

    Hi Betsy
    I absolutely LOVE your transformation! I'm a huge coffee addict, and love to incorporate coffee themes to my projects. I'm sure the new owner is very happy.

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  38. Granny SueJune 2, 2015 at 5:51 AM

    Great job! And so imaginative :)

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  39. The Speckled Hen CottageJune 2, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    What a beautiful swan! Loved that you turned over the top and kept that wonderful slot ready for use, yard sticks would of been cute, but glad you went with the stencil (as a coffee station easier to clean). And using those bolts to reattach...pure genius !!! Have a lovely week ~ Mickie.

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  40. ShannonJune 2, 2015 at 2:07 PM

    This is so cute!!! I saw where Donna showcased it as well. Great job.

    Shannon @ Bohemian Junktion

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  41. MaureenJune 2, 2015 at 3:03 PM

    Wow! You really work magic Betsy! Awesome.

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  42. Suzan SweatmanJune 2, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    Oh this is just fabulous Betsy - I'm not surprised it sold right away !
    Wouldn't that slot be great for vintage whisks or other kitchen " tools " ?
    xoxo

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  43. Creations By CindyJune 4, 2015 at 6:56 AM

    Absolutely loved this transformation! WOW! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  44. Gail WilsonJune 4, 2015 at 1:29 PM

    wow! Betsy, this coffee station is beautiful! you did such a great job transforming this old piece!

    catching you!
    gail

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  45. LaurieJune 4, 2015 at 5:18 PM

    You're always doing something fabulous but this one takes the cake -- how gorgeous. I wondered if you'd painted the legs. Thanks for showing us all the details! I love it and I love it even more seeing the before!

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  46. ClaireJune 4, 2015 at 11:37 PM

    Wow I really like this . Especially the small detail of using the nuts and bolts.

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  47. Kristin CJune 5, 2015 at 5:40 AM

    That is amazing! :) I want one so bad!

    Kristin // thepeculiartreasureblog.com

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  48. Kristen CampbellJune 5, 2015 at 5:46 AM

    Hi, Betsy! I just wanted to come by and let you know that we loved this post SO MUCH when you linked it up at the #HomeMattersParty that we've featured it THIS week! Would love for you to come by and check it out! http://theroadtodomestication.com/2015/06/05/home-matters-linky-party-40/ Happy Friday!!!

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  49. Jamie TomkinsJune 5, 2015 at 4:54 PM

    That is adorable!!! Perfect for using outdoors, or just being able to have it in a small room and do double duty - I love it!

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  50. Have a DailyJune 7, 2015 at 7:07 PM

    Betsy, what a makeover! I love that slit in the top as well. The stencil is perfect and I love the industrial flair it has. I have some vintage hooks just like those that you used hanging on the top of bead board in my basement bath. They are so fun! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  51. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowJune 8, 2015 at 1:43 PM

    You are quite amazing. In my wildest dreams I couldn't look at that original piece and dream up what you did with it!! WOW! :)

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  52. Miss MerryJune 8, 2015 at 2:20 PM

    You are Wonder Woman! It takes a special talent to spot the gem that was buried in that parking lot. You have turned it into a work of art! I am sure it is so happy in it's new home. You are a miracle worker.

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  53. Mila MykJune 11, 2015 at 5:58 AM

    It's absolutely adorable! I love the cute, little towel :)
    Hope you will share it with our party:
    http://milaslittlethings.com/2015/06/idea-box-thursday-link-party-14.html

    Hugs,
    Mila

    ReplyDelete

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