Before & After: Nautical Side Table

There's a particular thrift store around here that, well, scares me a little. Let's just say I don't think they're actually in the business of thrifting, and they come up with outrageous prices off the top of their foggy heads. (Am I being mean? Not naming any names!) I finally went in there because I could see some wooden gems in their lot, and thankfully walked away with this cute side table:

It's most recent stain/varnish/glue (who knows) was warped from the sun, so this was definitely going to have to be on the shabby chic side of the spectrum, which is not my frequent style. After sanding my brains out I realized the rippled varnish was not going to give in, so I whipped out my Long Island Sound maps. (Remember when I got them here?) 

I got Americana Decor Chalky Finish paint from Home Depot in the color "vintage" and painted the whole outside in that. 

Then I did the inside in black chalk paint (drawer inside also). 

I modge podged the maps on the 3 horizontal surfaces. The bubbling was a little tricky (sorry, no tips on that issue) but I pushed them out as best as I could. I modge podged over the maps, then waxed the whole thing with clear wax. Remember - Measure twice, cut once! I wasted a square of this precious map :(

Oh yes, and it got a new knob. Faux crystal. 

Kit wants it next to his side of the bed, but sorry hubs, it's for sale. 

(Comment or email me if you're interested: ivyandco@icloud.com). 

I must say, I'm really enjoying buying, rehabbing and selling from the Garden Isle! 

Aloha, Rebecca