DIY Tree Stump Side Table

This is a little story about a tree...

I visited a retired couple in East Texas a little while ago.  They instantly became friends of mine. Creative people do that to me.... just MAKE me become friends with them!


Out of that friendship, blossomed this end table.

It started with Mr. Jack's 140+ acres and a dead tree. He took that dead tree and cut it into sections. Water blasted the pieces to clean them... and then he SLOWLY works magic out of the stumps. 

He graciously gave me one.... FOR FREE!

This is how I transformed that stump into a side table {sorry, the before pics have been lost}:

1. SAND

{Again... sorry, the during pics have been lost}

Oh, yes with A POWER SANDER! 

First, I sanded the top. It took a course paper and a lot of time. It was cut pretty rough and I wanted to create a smooth table top. But, this power sander made it SO much easier!

Then I sanded the sides. I used a fine paper for this step. The sides were already pretty smooth. I just wanted to take off  the little rough fuzzies.

2. SEAL WOOD

{Again... sorry, the during pics have been lost}

Then, I used Minway Polycrylic to protect the wood. I had to give it about 5-6 coats. The pine was thirsty and it just soaked right in.

That was it. Simple. QUICK. E-A-S-Y! My kind of project! 

Don't you just love that brass flower?!

I found it in an antique store. It is an antique ashtray. It is so cool! The petals are removable and is what is used as little individual ash trays. So cute! I won't be utilizing it for its intended purpose, but it is just GORGEOUS as a display piece.

I do really love this end table!

And having that natural element is just wonderful!

Not to mention... It beats spending $200 {here is one similar at West Elm}!

Imagine the type of life this tree lived.

And now it sits in my home.

Being a part of our lives.

Linked up and partying at Under the Table and Dreaming, Miss Mustard Seed, Five Days 5 Ways and The 36th Avenue.