I bought this little table and chairs from Ikea several years ago for $19.99. At the time it was unfinished wood. Oh the possibilities! Last year, I decided to spray paint it a pretty cherry red but was never really happy with the end result. So yesterday, I got out my trusty can of spray paint and decided to give it another try. I told hubby that I wanted to make it black and white. He didn’t like the idea. He wanted it black and red. He also is better at math than I am and said he’d map out the checkerboard if it stayed red and if I would make an apple pie. Deal. Especially since I may or may not still be known to count on my fingers at times. Don’t judge me.
Hubby used packing tape which is a perfect 2 inches wide. He marked off the borders, doubled up the packing tape, and then cut out 2 inch squares with an exacto knife. He then just made a checkerboard with the packing tape. I spray painted it with some Big Lots Satin Black paint (cheap in price AND in quality, but I’m not paying more than $2 for my paint). Waited for it to dry, and then peeled off the tape.
And here is what I ended up with!
I know the cherry theme is a bit girly but right now my boys are too young to mind. Woohoo!
The cake stand was purchased at the Christmas Tree Shop for less than $5. I’ve seen them at Marshall’s and TJ’s but for more money.
I think this pic would make Mary Engelbreit proud!
If you want to see how I made the cherry seat cushions, click on this post. They are sat in almost everyday and have held up great!
Gotta run. We have some cherries to eat! I hope to pit the leftovers and dip them in dark chocolate because let’s face it….almost everything is better when dipped in chocolate.
If you don’t have a pitter, here is a great trick using a pastry tip found via The Kitchen.
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Jess says
I have this table and Ro would love for it to be a checker table- I am so stealing this idea!
happy mama says
Super Cute! Now I'm on the look out for a small table! Thanks for stimulating my creative bug!
Kim @ Starshine Chic says
I love it!!! It turned out better than fabulous!!!
Brenda says
So Sweet!
Leanna says
Oh I love your cute checkerboard table!
Jenn says
I LOVE this! I have a "101 in 1001" list on my blog and one of my 101 is to make a game table for my son and I to play chess on! Very cute!
{ L } says
This is SOOO COOL! I would love this for my boys. Every detail is perfect! I'm so glad you shared, this was a fun post.
Phyllis AROUND THE HOUSE says
what a wonderful job, I just love the combination of the checkers and the seat design, wow so beautiful, I am a new follower of yours, come for a visit.
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
Love it and love that your husband got to do all the hard work! It looks fantastic.
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says
My goodness, what tedious work! But it turned out so great!
Mandy says
So cute! I love it 🙂
Shanty 2 Chic says
Oh how cute!! My kiddos would LOVE this… way to go!!
~Whitney
Lisa @ akawest says
Wow, that is soooo darn cute!!! I need to do a grown up sized version for my chess playing daughter. Like you, I am not great at math. My husband would definitely have to do the squares.
Maureen says
Soooo cute! I think hubby was right on the red and black.
Leanne says
What a cute game table. I bet your kids just love it. Thanks for sharing a great idea.
Pam says
It turned out so nice looking. My grandson, 8 yrs. old loved learning to play checkers.
Pam
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
That is so cute! I ask my husband for help with stuff like that too, especially when I wind up saying "it's too little lines past a half" {which I think should become a mathematical term}.
The Persimmon Perch says
Cute Cute Cute Beth! Great Job. What a great husband to volunteer to help cut out those squares.
fawnda says
Totally. Love. It. great idea!
The Quintessential Magpie says
What a cute project! Love the fact that your boys are excited about learning to play checkers. It will be chess next! 🙂
And your husband was sweet to help you out on that.
Happy Met Monday…
XO,
Sheila 🙂
Lou Cinda says
So cute!! Yeah, my husband has to do the math at my house too. I don't do math!!
This is adorable!
Lou Cinda 🙂
Julia Feitner says
I absolutely LOVE it! I have a very similar IKEA table ($5 in their "as is" room 5 years ago). It's still plain beige. This is a GREAT idea for what I can do to it! Thanks!