Watch out, we’ve got a graphic! Things are official now 😉 If you’re new around here, me and my bloggy buds get together every second Wednesday of each month to bring you a project using the same theme or material. We’ve done things like crates, pumpkins and wood slices and this month our challenge was to use plumbing materials.
I’m gonna be honest with you, I don’t really like my project. And was really close to scrapping the whole thing. But, I wanted to show you that things don’t always go as planned around here and there’s nothing wrong with that!
You’re probably wondering why I don’t like it and why it was such a failure. Don’t let my photos fool you 😉 It’s entirely crooked and wobbly and I had to use a stack of free Moes burritos coupons under one of the legs to get it to look somewhat level for the photos. #photoshopmagic The decor helps disguise it’s lameness too. Want proof?
Let’s start at the beginning. I LOVE industrial pipe decor, so I was super pumped about this challenge. I just didn’t have any idea what I was going to make. I loved my Crate and Pipe Table I made for one of our previous challenges and I talked about this old wine barrel that we had from our wedding and all the awesome inspiration I found for it a while back, so I thought it would be cool to use the top and make a base out of pipes. Easy enough, right?
I googled some images to try and find some ideas for a structure, and headed to Home Depot. I really wanted to give it a tripod base, but that didn’t seem possible with pipes. Or at least it would have been a pain in the buns. So we went with something basic, using PVC pipes, thinking it would be cheaper. Not the case.
Although the actual PVC piping was cheaper than galvanized pipe, we still needed all the connectors, special glue, spray paint and the flanges. Damn flanges. Apparently they don’t sell plastic ones. WHY?! And the ones we needed were $12 a pop. I almost quit right there. But then our Home Depot helper friend showed us some for $7. Better. But still pricey for a table I was growing to hate.
Speaking of flanges…this is all I could think of every time I said the word.
Probably due to the excessive amount of Friends I’ve been watching on Netflix. Anyone else?
Ok, so now we’re checking out at the register and the hubs is giving me a look like “seriously? are we really spending this much on plumbing materials??”. I just smiled and reminded him of the great news; we have two wine barrel tops which means of course that we have to build a matching table 😉 He was not amused.
At least I got to use my new Christmas present from my Daddy 🙂 Too bad I forgot to attach the bag that collects all the particles. Oops.
At this point, I’m still feeling like the table will be ok, although I wish the base was more exciting. I put it all together before gluing it to make sure it looked alright. It’s even and balanced and looks pretty good right?
I used this glue, which comes with a primer and a cement. Stuff stinks. Be sure to use it outside!
Once the glue dried, I spray painted the base using this stuff which I LOVE. It totally transforms the PVC and makes it look like metal.
And somehow between gluing and spray painting, the base was just completely off and not even. But at this point there was no going back, and I just wanted to attach the top and be done with it. I didn’t have time to make anything else and the pipes weren’t coming apart.
We screwed in the flanges and brought the table over to a flat surface. Totally wobbly and crooked. We just looked at each other and laughed. What else can you do?
Of course I still prettied it up for some photos, and we can use it in our apartment. After all, it does still stand on it’s own 😉
Looking at the photos is actually making me like it more. And maybe I’m being a little dramatic and hard on myself, but this was definitely not the way I pictured this looking in my head. I just feel blah about it. What do you think?
I just wanted to show you that things don’t always go smoothly around here and I definitely run into my fair share of problems. I’ve still got another wine barrel top so maybe I’ll give it another try…or do something completely different 😉
Be sure to check out all the other projects from my friends below!
Have a fabulous day friends!
Check out FORMUFIT.COM they make furniture grade PVC in a variety of colors including black. Many more types of fittings than normal plumbing PVC too. Price is about the same as regular plumbing PVC.
I love your table! I think you did a great job, and it turned out wonderful!
I am definitely going to use that amazing paint on something! I would love if you would share this at Celebrate It! blog party. It is all about sharing how you celebrate the everyday!
http://thefreshmancook.blogspot.com/2015/02/celebrate-it-blog-party-32.html
Thank you Teri! I still can’t believe how realistic that paint makes the PVC look! I know I’ll be using it again 🙂 And I will definitely link up with you, thanks for the invite!
I’ve worked with that nickled bronze Rustoleum spray paint and it’s amazing! I was really surprised at how realistic it looked.
This post will be included in a roundup of features from the last Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop. Thanks so much for sharing this project with us!
Carrie This Home recently posted…Gallery Wall Inspiration {Frugal Crafty Home #116}
It’s like magic! I was so impressed with it! And thank you so much for the feature! Have a great weekend 🙂
Once again, you’ve got a beautiful project!!! I love the industrial look! Thanks so much for linking up with us at the Motivational Monday link party – I hope you’ll join us again next week!!
Danielle
SewMuchCrafting.com
Danielle recently posted…Friday Faves {{Etsy Edition}}
Thank you so much Danielle! Have a great weekend 🙂
Thank you for sharing at Shabbilicious Friday! We are excited to be featuring you this week! 🙂 Julie
Julie @ Restyle Relove recently posted…Shabbilicious Friday Link Party
I think the table looks so great, but I also love your honesty about the challenges! It happens to all of us!! Thanks for linking up at The Creative Circle! I hope you’ll join us again this week!
Angela, blue i style recently posted…{mom’s style} Winter Wonderland Bedroom in Breckenridge
OMG! I spit out my water at the phalanges! I did the same thing when I did my pipe shelf! HAHAHA! It turned out awesome girl!
Kyla @HouseofHipsters recently posted…Plus Sign Pattern
hahaha a sure sign of a Friends lover. Thanks Kyla!
I think it looks great! It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful – that’s part of the appeal 😉
Kirsten recently posted…DIY Barn Wood Kitchen Shelf
So true! Thank you Kristen 🙂
I think this is great…and would likely solve my sun room side table woes if you want to send up our way 😉 Also PHOEBE!! hahaha Love it.
Erin recently posted…Faucet Wall Hooks: February DIY Challenge
haha I would totally send it up your way! Thanks Erin 🙂
I really love this table, so I hope it grows on you more! We are often the most critical of our own work. That wood paired with the dark PVC really makes it look sophisticated – if you hadn’t told me it was PVC I would have thought the legs were metal!
Erica recently posted…To the Moon and Back Love Printable
Thanks Erica! I know I was probably way too hard on myself! And isn’t it amazing how well that spray paint transforms the PVC? I was totally impressed!
For reals?!? You are seriously and ridiculously talented and creative!! I am always SO impressed with what you come up with!! Of course I am featuring you again this week at Work it Wednesday – thanks for sharing your amazing projects with us!!
~Krista
Krista @ the happy housie recently posted…20 Fabulous Neutral Decor Ideas & Projects {DIY Challenge Features}
Aw thank you Krista, I really appreciate you saying that! You’re too sweet 🙂 And thanks for the feature! Hope you have a fab day!
This is way to cute! I love it…I even love the coupons! Hehehe! Thank you so much for sharing this incredible project! I also LOVE your decor! PINNED!
Michelle @ The Ribbon Retreat recently posted…How to Make Hair Bows with a Ribbon Mix
Thank you so much, Michelle! The coupons really bring the piece together don’t ya think? 😉
Bre I absolutely love this table and want it in my house!!! I wouldn’t even have known those legs were plastic! I wonder if you could pour sand or something into the legs to make it more sturdy?
haha thanks Nicole! And that’s not a bad idea!
I think it’s great! And I would’ve thought the pipes were actually metal! But, and I’m being totally selfish when I say this, I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s ideas don’t always turn out as planned! 🙂 How boring would it be though without a little trial and error!
Amanda recently posted…Entry Way Skinny Table
I think it’s great! And I would’ve thought the pipes were actually metal! But, am I’m being totally shellfish when I say this, I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s ideas don’t always turn out as planned! 🙂 How boring would it be though without a little trial and error!
Amanda recently posted…Entry Way Skinny Table
You’re absolutely right Amanda! If everything always went as planned we wouldn’t get to laugh at ourselves and learn from our mistakes!
This looks amazing Bre, you always astound me with your talent!!!!
Gilly @Colour Saturated Life recently posted…Valentines Themed Shoot + Tips on Styled Shoots
Aw thanks so much, Gilly!
I think this table looks great! The pipes look like real metal, awesome job! Thanks for sharing. I’ve included your tutorial in my Five on Friday post today. Have a great weekend 🙂
Emily recently posted…Five on Friday
Thank you so much, Emily! Hope you had a great weekend 🙂
Bre, you are so creative. That table is awesome! I’d love for you to come over and link up at Project Pin-it!
Have a wonderful Valentine weekend!!
Denyse
Thank you so much Denyse! I will definitely link up 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Wow Bre! Your creativity astounds me! I’m sorry it didn’t turn out quite like you were hoping…but it’s still freakin amazing.
Thank you so much Kristine! I guess it could have been a lot worse!
I think it looks great – you have a knack for styling photos, even when you don’t love what you’re photographing (I’ll remember the burrito coupons trick!). You are being way too hard on yourself, but kudos to you for sticking it out! Enjoy the new miter saw – my daddy gave me a saw for x-mas, too, and I was beyond excited. 🙂
Jenny @ Refresh Living recently posted…Safe and Easy DIY Homemade Air Fresheners
I appreciate that Jenny! The burrito coups def got the job done 😉 And yay for power tools! I still get nervous using them but feel so accomplished when I’m done! Have a great weekend!
I giggled the whole time I was reading this. I think the table works great but I definitely know how it feels when a DIY (especially one your excited about!) doesn’t go right… Can’t wait to see what next month’s diy is! Thanks for linking up to The Creative Circle!!
Kathy recently posted…The Creative Circle Week 2
Glad someone got a good laugh from my post 🙂 It definitely wasn’t a total failure and I appreciate your kind words! Hope you have a great weekend!
I think it turned out great, Bre! Great job!
Tara @ Anything @ Everything recently posted…How to Start a Blog in 10 Easy Steps!
Thanks my friend!
So clever and look perfect with the fan! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop! Hope you can visit me http://www.over50feeling40.com. Have a great weekend!
Pam@over50feeling40 recently posted…Surrounded by Women of Strength Because I MATTER….Plus the Thursday Blog Hop!
Oh, man! I’m sorry you had so many issues with it, Bre! It really turned out cool, though! I never would’ve guessed any of the issues by the pictures. It looks industrial rustic which is awesome! 🙂
Christina @ Operation Home recently posted…Easy Industrial Pipe Toilet Paper Dispenser – Monthly DIY Challenge
What can’t be done with a little oil rubbed bronze spray paint! Totally awesome side table 🙂
That’s so cool. The pipes look like real metal. You outdid yourself!
Rena recently posted…Faux Sheepskin Bench Makeover
Thank you so much Rena! I can’t believe how well the spray paint transformed them!
I absolutely LOVE this! You are much too hard on yourself, I think you totally knocked it out of the park girl!
Kristi recently posted…Guest Post – Ombre Valentine’s Heart Wall Hanging
Aw thanks girl! I’m definitely my own worst critic!
I quite like it, wobbly and all – I have a shelf or two that is wobbly, but they’re secure with some cardboard underneath, so no real loss!
I’ve always wondered how PVC worked, though, so far as construction with it. There are a few things I’ve seen about the internets that would be awesome to make with these kinds of pipes, but have always figured it would be difficult to get cut and measured and looking less like white PVC, ha! So thank you for answering those questions for me!
Havok recently posted…The Mush-Less Valentine Collection
Thanks Havok! And PVC is so easy to work with! You can have Home Depot cut it for you and I was so surprised with how the spray paint totally transformed it!
I actually love it! I really like the look of the wood mixed with the pipe 🙂
Angela @ Simply Beautiful By Angela recently posted…DIY Mug Holder
Thank you so much Angela!
I think you’re table is seriously cute (including the Moe’s burrito coupons, haha!!!). I hate when projects go south, but this table is definitely not a failure! Come to my house and I’ll show you how to screw up a DIY sista! Even your mess-ups turn out gorgeous :).
Amy | Canary Street Crafts recently posted…Pretty Little Coffee Table
haha I’ve definitely done worse than this, it was just so not what I had originally pictured. But thank you Amy! I appreciate it! XO
I think it looks great, Bre! You know, we are our own worst critics, but if it really bothers you maybe you could add a few washers to where the flange (or phalange!) meets the table top? That way, Your screws will still be tight, but you’ll have some extra space to level the legs. Either way, you did a fabulous job 🙂
Katie @ Little House of Four recently posted…DIY Steel Pipe Hooks {Monthly DIY Challenge}
Thank you Katie! We are definitely our own worst critics. Good idea with the washers, I might just have to do that!
Love your honesty Bre! I think it’s a great little table. What about attaching those screw in chair leveling feet on each corner? That might do the trick on the wonky side.
Ooo I’ve never heard of those but I’ll definitely have to check it out! Thanks Marie!
http://www.amazon.com/Thread-Adjustable-Furniture-Chair-Levelers/dp/B007Q94TRS
Marie@The Interior Frugalista recently posted…Mid Century Modern Tiered Table Makeover
Awesome, thanks!
I love this! Great job 🙂
Thanks Sara!! XO
I love it Bre!! Stacked coupons and all, it is a beautiful end table!! 😉 Have a wonderful rest of the week, friend!
Glad you like my coups 😉 Thanks Kendra!