Chopsticks are for Table Legs

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Custom Tables

I've really been trying to use up some of the odds and ends I have around here. I've had a package of chopsticks on my table top for a few months---hmmmm, how about table legs?

Chris and Robb have moved into the Victorian Mansion---but Chris' esthetic is a bit more California modern. The bedrooms are small, and she really needs a quiet space to work at, so a custom desk is needed.

Intermediate Project (doable for ages 10 and up)

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Tools needed:

Mitre or coping saw

Mitre box

Removable tape 

Glue (I used E-6000 for this project and a gel super-glue)

Square for accurate measuring

pencil

Sanding block (I use the sponge type with multiple grits on the different sides)

Pliers to open the glue, LOL. (old hands)

brushes (1 for sealer, one for paint)

Materials:

3/8x 3/8" wood for braces.

4-5 chopsticks (depending on the design of your table

Basswood 1/4" thick and a piece-large enough for your table top.

clear brush on sealer

paint

(vinyl stickum paper) optional

First, determine the design of your table. I have two corner work tables in my workshop, and they are curved in the front and very comfortable to work at. The chair slides underneath and gives maximum walking space in the room.

A similar design was perfect for the cramped bedroom in the Mansion. Doll furniture is often too low, so I decided to make my table legs 4". Getting legs to exact lengths is the hardest part.

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My table was going to have 5 corners, so I needed that many legs. Aren't these twisted chopsticks cool. Anyway tape them together so the ends are even. Can't wait to use the other ends for some slick side modern tables.

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Place the entire bundle in the mitre box and cut them all at once.

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I only had one that slipped a bit.

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Lightly sand them together, and if one is larger sand that one down. This was better than cutting them individually because 4 of the 5 are all the same. 

Make a pattern piece of the shape of your desk, double check and fit it into your space. Then trace onto your flat wood. Curves are always interesting, and I use a hand coping saw to cut the curves, and the mitre box saw to cut the straights. Lightly sand all the edges and the corners. 

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Here you can see the curve on the table. 

The Chopstick legs will need some extra support, so I cut some 3/8x3/8" stock into lengths to go around the table edge (the skirt).  I left the curve open. These skirt pieces were super glued in place. Bare wood to bare wood glues nicely with super-glue, I use a gel type. 

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The ends of the chopsticks and the glossy finish really didn't want to take the gel glue, so I used E-6000 and created supports I taped the legs to to allow them to dry straight. My supports were bottles that straddled the skirt pieces or went into the corner. Scotch tape was fine for holding them in place.

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Angle the legs slightly for a more modern look, or straight.

Seal all your table pieces on all sides with an acrylic sealer. (This will prevent warpage on your table top as craft woods are very porous.) Allow to dry. 

You can apply a vinyl stickum sheet to the top. I had planned to leave the edge wood--but it didn't look right so I painted it and the skirt boards to match the table top.

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This shelving unit, was an odd Barbie piece purchased at a thrift store, I've used multiple times in 5 years. I added a single shelf to the middle and used white vinyl stickum to the back pieces to brighten this up and cover the pre-school background. It was the perfect size for this desk.

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After I took this photo, I adjusted the one leg on the right. Now it's perfect for installation.

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Chris now has the perfect work station in the small master bedroom.

Next Project: What's This???

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Fabulous Finds: March 2018

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Barbie: Old, New, Green, Redo, so I thought I would share some found OLD goodies.

It's no secret I'm a rescuer---aka: a scrounger--anything that can be saved from the landfill. And, I'm not horribly particular about what it is. I usually have plans to REDO everything---for my use and possibly to sell down the road.

I had three large lots of goodies I collected in March for a grand total of $36.99 spent. One from Craig's list $15.00, and three (21.99ish) from my favorite thrift store.

I'm in the process of cleaning, sorting and evaluating what I will keep and what to work on.

The Craig's list lot includes the next 10 pictures. Also in this were dolls and clothes, I'll do in a separate post. Everything was very clean and well cared for from the late 1980's early 90's.

But, I still clean everything when I get it.

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I already have an incomplete set of this, but this is complete and in great condition. Dating this from the late 1980's early 90's. First, I stick many things in the dishwasher. This set was really clean, but a rinse definitely didn't hurt it. The cushions brightened right up in an oxy-clean wash.

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The Sweet Roses table and chairs, will need some glue and new cross pieces underneath. The original chair cushions are really discolored and ugly. I think underneath is a mirror table I can flip this to. We will try that. Lots of little accessories, some in need of new labels. The carousel platter looks great. Cardboard placemats are okay---might keep these for a collector.

This furniture is discolored so after glueing and rebuilding, I will give it a fresh coat of paint, and not pink. Honestly my kitchen table is glowing in the dark right now. I do love all the details on the table.  I may duplicate the stickers and replace them.

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This Ribbons and Roses bed (1987) perked right up when I soaked the linens in an oxyclean solution. My motto --when I don't pay much for anything is wash it in oxyclean and hot water. If it doesn't disintegrate, it usually will look new. This is an excellent example, underskirt, quilt, 2 pillows and a bolster + a cute teddy with a Mattel label that look brand new now.

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Even the teddy is fresh and clean now! And the linens look new---I will replace the dingy foam mattress with a new one. The other side of the headboard is a rose pattern, quite art deco--and I will try and REDO that. Not crazy about the lace on the headboard...we will see on that one.

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This 1988 Animal Lovin' safari Scout is really in fabulous condition. 

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A pink leopard bumper cover sticker, I will try and keep...with some repair. I think I have the outfit to match. From an earlier advertisement, the sides had pink leopard stickers also. I will try and print some sticky paper to print and use to revive this.

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A Barbie refrigerator from the same period 1987-9 with all the shelves and compartments. The door is not hooked on, but this will be an easy fix to make the hinges permanently work. 

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Two Barbie Vinyl carriers came with this Craig's List lot, which was like 5 miles away and only $15.00. They were heavily used, as all the vinyl cases were. Cute graphics on one of a Barbie Store, which I will use as a backdrop for photos.

The Workout Center (1985) is almost complete. Included was the very nice locker---equipment, the slant board weight-lift thingy. Missing the pull handle, but I think we can improvise. 

Some paint and it will be all fresh again.

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From the same set a cool exercise bike, complete and works well.

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Backside of the workout locker is a mirrored barre. Also in the box was this small crib...sides go up and down.

MY favorite thrift store lots follow, plus there were also clothes and accessories for another post.

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This camping set was all dismantled and in a bag.  Cooler top is missing, but otherwise, pretty complete. I think this is really recent, but the safari hat might be from the Scout jeep.

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This travel bag came with the Sweet Roses lot---well worn cardboard passport --Ken and Barbie, must have really traveled a lot. This needs a light dip and I will weight it down to dry to uncurl the 'leather', otherwise very nicely made.

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A newer Cool kitchen set---nice fridge needs a couple of shelves (I may have in my spare parts). Door has great cubbies and all the food necessities.

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Sink unit, missing the faucet (I have one somewhere, but the dishwasher is complete, 

and had dishes in it).

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This cute kitchen 3pc I think has real possibilities with the nice shelves. I can see this in a sleeker neutral look. Abolish the pink, and my dolls will be able to live with it. I like the chair, I may have to ebay a few that match.

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I can't wait to realistically paint these trays of PINK food...! Mattel really---pink food?

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Old Barbie doctor set---incomplete, but cute cardboard stuff. Especially nice case. Assuming this is from late 1980s.

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Another bag held this setup and accessories. Some funky portraits circa  the Western age. 

A Barbie Beauty Parlor. Double sink that actually drains water into the middle bin. 

Missing the tilting chairs, which I will look for.

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Lots of fun accessories...quite complete....

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A fabulous dryer chair, and a barbie portfolio?

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More accessories...

Quite a haul, I think. I know it will fun to work on when I have my new Doll Craft room.

I will work some tutorials and the REDO's. 

All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own, I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop. Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 

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Richelle and Ryan: Going Home

Friday at 6:30AM, Ryan and Richelle loaded the HFIM van and drove to Northern Wisconsin to visit her parents.

Ryan: I can hardly see out the back window...we filled the entire van, and I only had one bag and my briefcase.

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Richelle: And the cooler, and your computer. Don't cry to me if you are frozen up there because you didn't bring enough clothes.

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(Almost 9 hours later---rolling down a gravel road in Nicolet National Forest.)

Ryan: Are we there yet? Even the GPS isn't working up here. Are we in Canada?

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Richelle:Ya, cell reception is horrible up here. We are almost there, I think through that bunch of fir trees. Look at it this way, we didn't need passports.

Ryan: There....I see lights...Christmas Lights.

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Richelle: There's Mom and Dad, and that doofus is my brother.

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Todd (Richelle's Dad): Hey there, welcome to the northwoods. We were about to send out the dogs for you.

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Todd: How long are ya staying, or are there more people buried under all that.

Richelle: Oh, Dad....

Ryan whispers: I told you so...

(Richelle jumps out of the car and hugs her mom.)

Karen: Oh, sweetie, I have missed you so...but, let's go inside and let the boys unpack the car.  We got Cabin 6 all ready for ya.

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Richelle: Oh Mom, I've missed you, too!

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Karen: Now Richelle, you have to tell me all about your young man. 

Richelle: Um, not too much to tell. He should be here in a moment if Dad and Rocky don't dump him in a snowbank. You've fixed the cabin up nice. Not too many left-over pieces of furniture.

Karen: Ya, I've been sewing like crazy this week. Do you like the new couch covers. 

Richelle: Very colorful and cozy...I love the new rug and floors, and the fish boil pictures. Can we hide my trophies though?

Karen: Aw, leave them there. You can pack them and take them back with you. We stocked the fridge, lots of beers and your favorite juice. I baked a kolache cake, with apricots. 

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Karen: The new coffee pot is drip, so you have to boil water. You can do that, right!

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Richelle: Sure Mom, what's keeping the guys? 

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Todd (Richelle's dad): I'm coming Rocky, I got most of the clothes. How much of this is yours, Ryan?

I don't need to ask, 'Chellie always had to have a ton of clothes.

Rocky: Wow, this is a handful, too. 

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Kicking the door noise! bam, bam bam!)

Todd: Coming through!

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Rocky: Sis are you staying for a month? I only seen one bag for your boyfriend.

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Rocky: You want all of this in the bedroom? (Rocky dumps the last load on the bed.

Richelle: Dad this is Ryan, the guy in the BEARS shirt???? Ryaaaannnn? Honestly, what were you thinking?

Ryan: It was clean, and honestly it was 5AM. Nice to meet you sir.

Todd: Sorry son, ya will have to leave, this is Packer country. Ha, ha, ha, not really, I'm just sorry for ya, such a dismal season.

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Ryan: The Bears are rebuilding, Sir. Next year will be better! And where's my bag, Richelle, please, so I can change my shirt?

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Todd: Well Honey, if he cleans up okay, I suppose we can take him bowling. Big tournament tonight and a pot luck at the Rod and Gun, after. There's a dart tournament at 10pm, if we make it in time.

Richelle: Oh, great. Ryan, they have the best Fish Fry, we have to go.

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Ryan: Thanks for the invite, Sir. Fish, yes my favorite. What time do we leave?

Todd: I'll give ya a half hour to unpack and change that shirt. I don't want Richelle to lose 'another' boyfriend over football. See ya in a bit.

(After unpacking)

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Ryan: I'm whooped, that was a really long drive. 

What's this about another boyfriend lost to...football, Chellie?

Richelle: Long story and it had to do with the Vikings...sigh! We better get going, I can hear Dad starting the truck.

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Ryan: I can see where you get your designing skills, from your mom. Early rod and gun design. Nice picture. 

Richelle: It's a Fish Boil...a big deal up here in Wisconsin. 

(Ryan --winks at her!)

Ryan: Well that's a fine kettle of fish you have gotten us into. So, when are we going to tell them?

(to be continued!

I'll be happy to answer any comments or questions!
(any corrections are welcomed also.) 

All the opinions and photographs on this blog are my own, unless otherwise stated. 

 I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions

 or products shown, or from where I shop. 

The dolls shown are from my own and the Grand's collection. 

Clothes are vintage or made by myself. Occasionally, I falter and buy something new.

PLEASE do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission, but Pin away!

Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle

I'll be sharing at these fine parties:

Sandi