Well, it’s happened. An uprising has formed amongst the Simply Turquoise readers. A grassroots movement to Save the F-Table.
I am happy to report that the F-Table is recovering nicely. It had a short stay in rehab and is now presentable. Its scandalous past is buried under layers of…. maps and Mod Podge.
In the comments section of my last post, the idea was presented by Prima, in that tone of voice that is issued upon turning 13. After some consideration, I realized it was actual genius, in 13-year-old disguise. She had suggested collage.
I recently came across this book, and picked it up to frame a very interesting old map called, “Map of Matrimony,” as a wedding gift. The maps were gorgeous and interesting. They were full of art & history, colorful depictions of Rulers, Dictators and ships. A perfect source for collage material.
I read up on homemade glues versus store bought, and decided to use Mod Podge. It has an excellent reputation and should outlast the table itself. The homemade versions apparently do not hold up and it is worth the extra expense.
Mod Podge is a glue that contains a varnish that dries clear. I brushed the backside of each map with the Mod Podge, then brushed the glue over the top to seal it. I used a flat wooden spatula to push out any air bubbles and gradually worked and layered the maps until the whole surface was covered.
I trimmed the edges with scissors and painted them with black paint. I used an acrylic sealer, pictured above, and applied 3 coats to the finished tabletop after the Mod Podge was dry.
View through the kitchen door.
My dear readers, the table is now fit for outdoor use, waterproofed and practical. Like the maps, the table itself contains a story, a scandalous one, and it is a keeper. Even I am feeling slightly guilty about how close it came to being callously discarded. But in the meantime, reserve your “Save the F-Table” t-shirt, and don’t hesitate to bask in the glory of a recycled treasure brought about by you. I can’t thank you enough!
©copyright 2013 Mariam d’Eustachio.
Simply Turquoise 
9 responses to “A Scandalous Past”
Now that’s worth celebrating! Lovely table so glad it is resurrected. God never gives up on us so we should pay it forward. Good good job Miriam.
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Thanks, Barbara! I was definitely inspired by your encouragement to try again.
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LOVE IT! what a great idea, and it turned out spectacular. looks like something i would want to put in a house on the shoreline of CT. well done.
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You are amazing!
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Bravo, Prima and Mom!! 🙂 Looks awesome!!
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Well done, Mariam. A round table will be greatly used in your house by all your friends. PAT
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Thanks everyone! It was truly a group effort!
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what sealer did you use? That picture did not show up on my view of this article. Love the table and I am going to try and do this with a thrift store find!
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Hi Terri! I’m so glad you are going to try this. Two years later my table is still doing well, even on the porch. I used Mod Podge to glue down the paper, brushing it on under and over. Then I sealed it with Mod Podge brand spray-on acrylic sealer. It is pictured in this post. I put on three coats. However, you may want to consider using a brush-on polyurethane that is a bit more heavy-duty. I will have to reapply sealer soon. Good luck and please send a picture when you are finished!
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