That Which We Call a Rose...

 I was going through some boxes and stumbled across an old project that I'd nearly forgotten about. This started out as a basic white commercial table, which I covered with books and accessories. The tablecloth got a bit bent out of shape while the table was in storage, so I have to fix that , but otherwise it was a fun discovery.

 The table has a bit of a botanical theme. When I made it, I pictured this table in a whitewashed summer house. As a child, I spent hours exploring, and would often bring back plants to identify, press, or eat!

I made the magnifying glass out of a fancy turned toothpick and a bit of brass tape. I seriously underestimated the number of books I'd have to make for this project! I just kept making more, until finally the stacks started to look appropriately messy!

I got a little carried away distressing this table! The original white finish was nearly bulletproof, but I finally did manage to get down to bare wood in places. I added several other layers of paint over the top, then sanded most of it off again. The book propping up the table leg is one of my favorite details, though I don't think I could ever abuse a real book in that way!