the test piece

 There are certain things that are non-negotiable for the LEM:

Tyler insists on a table.

I really wanted a window seat for reading

but we didn't think a built in would work well in the space, 

so in lieu of that, I gotta have a padded bench.

Tyler and I both said a comfy chair was a must

and Jeremiah has had his heart set on a nature table

ever since we started talking about adding on.

 When I spotted this chest

I got excited.
It was bigger than what I had in mind

but I thought it had nice lines
and I loved the pulls
and over all was in pretty good shape.
The drawers were a bonus ~ I hadn't even considered drawers;
I was just set on having a 'surface' for a nature table.

It was a bargain at $20
so I figured it'd be a good practice piece for me.
If it ended up being too big for the space
or if I ruined it,
I wouldn't be out too much.

So, I bought it and we got busy.

Of course, the kids all helped where they could.

And I made repairs just like the pros.

What?! The 'pros' don't  use popsicle sticks??

okay - so my fix isn't exactly perfect and professional....

  At one point during the re-do

 Tyler said, "You know, I'm testing you."

(remember, he's not a painted furniture fan)

I was like, "Yeah, well, I'm testing me, too..." 

I'd spent hours learning - could I actually do it, though??

 I gotta say,

even with all my imperfections,

brush stokes,

and obvious under-use of sand paper,

I love my test piece!

 Sadly,

I'm not sure that it's gonna work in the LEM;

it is, after all, bigger than I had allowed for the nature table

when I drew up the room on graph paper.

I wouldn't say I exactly aced the test,

but I did pass with flying colors,

I think.

I linked up with Sarah's Before and After Party