Cassie Bustamante

living an ordinary life extraordinarily

Navigation
  • home
  • about me
  • home tour
  • project gallery
  • shop my home
  • Let’s Collaborate

Funk-y Me, and a Funky Little Map Table

October 1, 2012 by Cassie 65 Comments

267PinterestFacebookTwitter
267
SHARES
Pin

Happy Monday!  Happy October!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Things were busier here than I had anticipated and I ended up helping my neighbor paint a sign he created for a wedding at the house next to him this past Saturday.  Did you follow that?  I had told him to let me know if he needed help, and he thought he would be ok…. it was down to the wire and Friday morning he texted me and needed help.  With Chris away he whole week I had been looking forward to unwinding and having some me-time and I think if anyone else had asked me I would have been inclined to say no and not give up my time.  However, this is the neighbor who built my headboard, wrapped my leg and took me to the ER and hung out with Emmy for 3 hours while I was back there, and clearly is the kind of person who would do anything for anyone.  He was making this sign as a gift, and I could definitely not say no to him.  He’s practically a saint, people!  So I spent my entire Friday afternoon painting the lettering of the sign… I worked for 3.5 hours and didn’t even get half way through!  When he got home from work, he picked up where I left off and managed to get it done in time for the wedding Saturday.  He emailed me some pictures so I could share it with you.

This is the front side.  All of the gorgeous lettering is engraved…. what a special gift and wedding memento, isn’t it?

Pin

And here is the back side people saw as they left the wedding.

Pin

Isn’t it amazing????  How great would it be hanging above the newlyweds’ bed?

Now, let’s talk about funk-y me.  I am in a funk- a blogging funk.  I still have my creative juices flowing as far as the shop, barn, and furniture go.  But when it comes to blogging I am really feeling burnt out at the moment.  I am going to keep on writing, but a soon as my last scheduled guest poster is done, there will be no more Friday guests, and possibly no Friday posts at all.  I just need to cut some things back, trim the fat, and just do what makes me happy with no pressure. And don’t worry- you guys aren’t putting pressure on me.  It’s self-imposed, but it comes from the constant competition and comparison I feel with blogging, and I need to just step away from those things and be 100 percent happy with myself and my writing.  Blogging began as a creative outlet for me, and I need it to remain as such.  Thank you for understanding!

So there you have funk-y me, now, here’s a funky little table!  You may remember this table as Emmy’s nightstand when I did her room this past Winter.

Pin

Well, with the acquisition of her new and more useful nightstand, I no longer had a need for this piece.  A while back I had mod podged fun paper on it for our playroom at out last house.  I wanted to get it ready to take to the barn, so the top needed a more sophisticated look.  Enter my 1954 Atlas that was used on the playroom map wall.  So many of the barn customers come from Northern Virginia and DC, so I specifically found the VA-DC page in the book and took it out for the table.

I sanded the old paper off completely and primed the top.  While it dried, I cut the map to size.  I mod podged the map into the top of the table, and when it had dried I used a razor to trim off any excess.  Then I gave it a few more coats of mod podge for protection, and here it is now!

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin

I am so glad the colors of the map worked with the color of the table, since I was hoping to avoid repainting! 🙂

Happy Monday, and thank you for your continued support and friendship!

Oh, and don’t forget to enter My Mohawk Rug Giveaway!!!
PhotobucketPin

Related

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Subscribe for Email Updates!

« POWW Faves
POWW 108: A Furniture Link Party »

Comments

  1. Mel says

    October 1, 2012 at 10:38 am

    I’ve often wondered what kind of super human powers you have that allowed you to do all that you do!?

    You are adored and I am happy to see that you are taking care of your needs. Enjoy!

    Reply
  2. Megan says

    October 1, 2012 at 10:42 am

    Well, you can’t say no to a saint now can you?? The sign is just lovely, what a nice gift for them!! You post like everyday, I don’t know how you do it, work on projects AND take care of your kids {and with Chris being gone!!} Whew. Take a break, watch some tv, or better yet take a nice nap, you have earned it. That map looks amazing on there, the colors match perfectly and it’s darling, nice work!

    Reply
  3. Storywood Designs says

    October 1, 2012 at 10:46 am

    I feel good if I crank out one post a week! I can’t imagine how you do it. Good for you for stepping back and taking care of yourself.

    Love that sign and side table!

    Reply
  4. Renee says

    October 1, 2012 at 10:47 am

    Okay. I will let you know that even posting once a week has been a chore since I started this full-time job, so cutting back from posting every day…hmm, just do it!! Really. I, too, had no idea how in the world you could post, paint, take care of kids, etc, so take a day off (at least).
    The sign is fab; the table is awesome!

    Reply
  5. The Far Fifty says

    October 1, 2012 at 11:21 am

    ♫♫ Like a good neighbour… ♫♫
    ♪♪ … Cassie is there! ♪♪

    Reply
  6. The Far Fifty says

    October 1, 2012 at 11:23 am

    Oh and now, whenever anytime says the phrase “me time” I immediately start singing “Me Party” from the Muppets in my head.

    Reply
  7. A Vintage Vine says

    October 1, 2012 at 11:42 am

    Love that table!…and the sign is amazing! You are so kind to give up your time for his needs but as you said, he has and I am sure will return the favor!! I know you are as much a blessing to him as he is to you!
    Your posts, and frequency of posts amazes me, but sometimes life gets crazy and changing your focus is normal and can be a good thing!!!You cutting back some is totally understandable!! Blog hugs to you Cassie!

    Reply
  8. Andrea says

    October 1, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    Of course you helped your kind neighbor out! That’s the generous, thoughtful and kind-hearted person you are. That’s why we love you. I can definitely relate to the blogging funk. Sometimes it’s therapeutic to take some time for yourself. I still think you’r superwoman!

    Reply
  9. Andrea says

    October 1, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    Of course you helped your kind neighbor out! That’s the generous, thoughtful and kind-hearted person you are. That’s why we love you. I can definitely relate to the blogging funk. Sometimes it’s therapeutic to take some time for yourself. I still think you’r superwoman!

    Reply
  10. Dana Frieling says

    October 1, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Love it when kindness gets repaid! The sign is wonderful. Good for you for unloading your plate before it’s a bigger problem, Cassie.

    Reply
  11. Mrs. DeVore says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    Love that little table! how cute!

    Reply
  12. Heather Benton says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    Love what you did with this table, Cassie. As far as blogging block is concerned – I think we all pressure ourselves too much to complete projects so that we have something to post about. We loyal readers will be happy with a few less posts. Take some time for yourself and your family. We’ll be here when you are ready.
    Hugs

    Reply
  13. Korrie@RedHenHome says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    The sign is gorgeous, the table adorable, and YOU are amazing! We all search for balance–hope you find yours!

    Reply
  14. leonedesign says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    Great table and congrats on making priorities that suite your life and your family’s… when we release ourselves from trying to compete or meet others’ expectations, life becomes a joy!

    Reply
  15. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    We all get a little funky sometimes – it’s hard to find balance -you gotta do what works for you and makes you the most happy. I’m so in LOVE with that little table – I’ll bet it sells super fast! I feel the need to add a map on something now 😉

    Reply
  16. pam {simple details} says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    What a kind gesture and treasure you two created for Carrie & Dustin! No one deserves three day weekends more than you, cute funky girl!

    Reply
  17. Maury @ Life on Mars says

    October 1, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Love that sign! It was sweet of you to help out.

    I’m with you on the blogging funk. I feel like there is only so much time and I dont have the energy to worry about it right now. Hence my once or twice a week posts.

    Reply
  18. Bliss says

    October 1, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    The map on that color – perfect. Pinning. I picked up an old book of maps at a sale a few weeks ago, it’s lying in wait……

    ~Bliss~

    Reply
  19. Upscale Downhome says

    October 1, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    I love the map on the top of the table–color combo is gorgeous. I’m sure it will sell quickly. Kudos to you for making choices for your life and blog to give you more peace. We each have to run our own race and it’s easy to feel pressure because of other blogs but do your thing cuz you are the BEST at being you!

    Reply
  20. McKae @ Kaes Corner Design says

    October 1, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    What a cute table! The map looks so good with the color.

    Reply
  21. Rebecca says

    October 1, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    That sign is awesome! What an amazing gift. I feel you on the balance thing–I struggle constantly and often find myself running around like crazy yet being unproductive because there are too many irons in the fire.

    Reply
  22. The Bold Abode says

    October 1, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    I think you and you’re awesome neighbor make a shazamlicious team!

    Blogging funks are not fun. Take a break and ignore all those voice.. both internal and external b/c you, my friend, are the REAL deal… wonderfully warm and incredibly talented! Sometimes, I think we need to step back and push a reset button…kwim? I’ve had to do that a few times, and I’ve only been blogging for a year! ha. I adore you, your style and your blog. You know that, right?

    Reply
  23. The Bold Abode says

    October 1, 2012 at 4:12 pm

    Oh, and i also adore that little side table, map and all…

    Reply
  24. 17 Perth says

    October 1, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    That sign is amazing!! He does such fantastic work. Sorry you are funk-y 😉 but your plan sounds perfect. And aren’t we always harder on ourselves? I know I am. It’s always good to trim the fat—then everything tastes a little better. 🙂

    And that map side table!!? I’m seriously in love. I might be copying you very soon!

    Reply
  25. Ali Richardson says

    October 1, 2012 at 5:00 pm

    LOVE you and definitely think you sederve a step back and a break. All of your followers are faithful – especially me 🙂
    LOVE that mappy map table 🙂
    xoxoxo

    Reply
  26. Kelly says

    October 1, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    I already think you’re crazy for how often you post, so if you cut back on a post or two a week, I’ll start feeling like you’re only HALF superwoman, but still definitely not completely human. We’ll all still be here, so take your time, take a deep breath and no pressure to do anything you don’t love or want to do.

    Reply
  27. Kate says

    October 1, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    I completely understand the need to cut yourself a little blogging slack, blogging can be a lot to keep up with!

    Reply
  28. Hyphen Interiors says

    October 1, 2012 at 6:43 pm

    Gorgeous table!! Love the map and the perfect distressing. Man, I feel the same way with blogging sometimes. Lately, I’ve taken a few days at a time (a few times) to not blog. I just wanted to keep it as a creative outlet and no pressure, self imposed as it may be. It can get taxing if you let it. It’s such a balance. So, I GET IT! Good for you.

    Reply
  29. Jennifer {The Chronicles of Home} says

    October 1, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    The sign is gorgeous and I love how that little table came out. The self-imposed pressure is the worst, I think…good for you for owning it and making a good decision going forward. Anyone who bails on you for not posting on Fridays, well, maybe you don’t really want them as readers anyway 🙂

    Reply
  30. Blanca says

    October 1, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    ¡Adelante, Cassie!. Estoy muy agradecida por el trabajo que te has tomado hasta el momento. Pero es hora de descansar un poco. Gracias.Blanca

    Reply
  31. Denise at PinkPostcard. says

    October 1, 2012 at 7:24 pm

    gorgeous sign, gorgeous table! That man is a saint, and it is awesome you guys could work on something that will mean so much to that couple. wowsa. I understand what you mean about blogging. So good for you to take a break! xxoo

    Reply
  32. Lisa @ Turning Tables says

    October 1, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    i love you. that’s all.

    Reply
  33. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    October 1, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    It looks LOVELY!! Do you know, I have some old maps that I have for just exactly this kind of project – you’ve totally inspired me to get cracking!!

    sarahx

    Reply
  34. Amy@BuffaloRoam says

    October 1, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    The map is an awesome idea. Really dig how it turned out!

    Reply
  35. Bella says

    October 1, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    That sign is so sweet! What a great gift for newlyweds.

    And bravo for realizing you need to take a step back instead of trying to plow through the funk and really burning out 🙂

    Adding that map to the top is so perfect for that lil’ table. I would snatch that up in a heartbeat. Love it!

    Reply
  36. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    October 1, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    Love the map on this piece, Cassie — great way to jazz it up!
    I am feeling much like you these days… I have a lot of things robbing my joy from things I normally love to do, so I’m pondering scaling back some things, too. Heart you. 🙂 And I’ll continue reading and soaking up all your furniture painting genius!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  37. Holly says

    October 1, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    The map on top of that small piece is so perfect…makes the worth of that table sky rocket $$$. Love the glaze too.

    Reply
  38. Allison says

    October 1, 2012 at 11:20 pm

    That sign is amazing and so sweet! What a great idea to use the map on the table top. It looks great. Cassie, I so admire you as you know in many ways and one more way to add to the list is…..I admire you for realizing you need to scale back a bit. You need to think of yourself first my dear! Do what is right for you. You are loved and respected by many and we will all continue to follow you! You are an inspiration. XO Allison

    Reply
  39. DecorandtheDog says

    October 2, 2012 at 12:42 am

    I need you to move next door. Tasty treats. Sign painting. You sure beat my neighbors that run as I wave to them.

    Blogland is such a funny place. I keep telling Nate that I am going to cut back…and then it keeps sucking me in.

    Reply
  40. Eclectically Vintage says

    October 2, 2012 at 2:52 am

    You rock – step back and take time for yourself but keep on posting! You’ve got lots to say – and I want to hear it!!
    I’ve got a vintage atlas – some pages hang from my clip chandelier but got lots left to do something cool like this (or that amazing map wall)!
    Kelly

    Reply
  41. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal says

    October 2, 2012 at 3:02 am

    Well, I totally get where you’re coming from with your blogging funk! You do what is right for YOU! 🙂

    I love the sign you helped out with. What a lot of work and love that went into it. And the map on the nightstand is so so cute! I’ve always loved maps and this is great way to use them.

    Reply
  42. Tiffany @ {Living Savvy} says

    October 2, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    Oh girl… take you time! I totally felt that way when there was so much stress with the house and then moving. It seemed like more of an effort to write then it did fun and relaxing! Good luck with getting your groove back! Will always keep reading!

    Reply
  43. Lisa - A Room with A View says

    October 2, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    The sign is quite special and I am loving the idea of the map on the nightstand and the colors tie in beautifully.

    Reply
  44. Vintage Prairie Style says

    October 3, 2012 at 5:06 am

    Cassie, I love that little map table – it is the cutest!!! I love reading your blog posts and always look forward to seeing what you are up to, but I think you are so smart to take some time back for yourself, you deserve it! Good for you!
    keya

    Reply
  45. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    October 3, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    I LOVE this … so, so much!!

    Reply
  46. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    October 4, 2012 at 2:07 am

    What a sweet sign! And I love the way the colors in the map work perfectly with the table – pretty!

    Reply
  47. Restyled Vintage says

    October 4, 2012 at 10:31 am

    Oh Cassie somehow I missed this post and came back to read it when you linked it in your latest post. Good for you for putting it out there and cutting back a little. Like others have said, I don’t know how you keep the momentum of daily posts, that would stress me out! I am lucky to get a weekly post, actually I can’t even manage that, lol!

    You know what I like to tell myself when I feel like a loser for not posting as often as other bloggers? I tell myself that those of us who aren’t sitting on the computer posting about how wonderful our life is, are actually away from our computer actually LIVING our wonderful lives, too busy to feel the need to prove how wonderful it is to others 😉

    My blog has recently felt like a chore to me, and I don’t want that. I have never wanted to feel pressured to pump out a post because I feel I need to. Today I read a post of a reasonably popular blogger here in Australia, who said she didn’t know what to post today so she decided to show off how many photos she has taken of her own legs. Okkkaaaay, hmmm interesting, not much, lol!

    I have decided I will post a project when I have one to post about, and leave it at that. I am not sure I can be bothered with the personal family posts so much any more and my husband is concerned about me posting too much personal stuff as I get more well known locally with my business. His point of view is fair enough and I am happy to comply.

    Anyway I have written a novel here (enough for a blog post, lol!) so I’ll go now!

    xx Karen

    Reply
  48. Catherine says

    October 4, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Hi Cassie – I too missed this post and came back via the link. I was just talking with a friend about the post your wrote a while ago about your main focus being the projects, not blogging, and that I thought that seemed a good attitude to have. Many blogs have less and less focus on projects and creative work to their detriment. I always love coming to your blog; the work you do is always amazing, I love your writing style, and I would love it just as much if you wrote four times a week or once a week. SO please don’t ever be worried about blogging less, we’ll be here!

    And I love the map on that table!! I have a table I’m thinking of doing something similar with, just need to get to it!

    Reply
  49. Jessica DecorAdventures says

    October 4, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    Hi friend. I love seeing what you are up to, even if you blog once a month 🙂

    And I had a dream with you in it the other night. Strange right!?

    Hope you are doing well!

    Reply
  50. My Crafty Home Life says

    October 4, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    Hi Cassie, It’s my first time here. How crazy is that…now you are cutting back.Blogging is a silly thing, it should be fun…or don’t do it. Life is so short. That sign says it… happily ever after.

    Reply
  51. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    October 5, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    Cassie,

    I’m with you on that whole funk-y thing and burnt bit. I’m feeling many of those same feelings. I’ve stepped back. Relaxed the posts and schedule. And feel so much better!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  52. Helen says

    October 5, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    I feel ya! You do what YOU want…afterall it is your blog. Sometimes I feel blogging, facebook fan pages, pinterest..etc is like high school and it’s all a numbers game. We will all be happy to see you when you come back.

    Love the table too! That map is so cool… I love old maps.

    Reply
  53. Katie says

    October 6, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    Your neighbor must be an amazing person! What a beautiful sign! And I understand completely how you feel! I think at times we can all create a self-imposed pressure, and what a relief it is to recognize this and back off. I had to do the same this summer and thoroughly enjoyed my blogging break. Even now that I’m “back” to blogging I’m still not nearly involved as I was before. Makes it much more enjoyable! I’m glad you’re now able to enjoy your creative process more – and glad that you’re not leaving us – we kinda like ya! 🙂

    Reply
  54. Lisa @ Trapped In North Jersey says

    October 12, 2012 at 12:41 am

    I love the map top on the table!

    I have had the blogging burnout too…I used to blog nearly every day, but I’ve really cut back. I still feel like ack! haven’t posted today! but I just can’t keep up with the rest of my life if I do as many projects as I’d like. You’ll feel better if you do what works for you.

    Reply
  55. Sarah says

    June 15, 2013 at 3:27 am

    I saw your idea on pinterest ! Love it – I gave you credit here 🙂

    http://seamsbysarah.blogspot.com/2013/06/maps-of-michigan.html

    Reply
  56. AnneB says

    July 23, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    LOVE this table. Excuse my crafting ignorance, but what is ‘modge podge’ and where do you buy or it/how do you make it? Thanks!

    Reply
  57. basma gaber says

    June 7, 2014 at 2:01 am

    شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض

    شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض

    شركة عزل خزانات بالرياض

    شركة القحطاني لرش المبيدات بالرياض

    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض

    نقل اثاث

    افضل شركة كشف تسربات بالرياض

    شركة كشف تسربات بالرياض

    شركة تسليك مجارى بالرياض

    شركة الشامل مكافحة حشرات بالرياض

    شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض

    شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض

    Reply
  58. basma gaber says

    June 7, 2014 at 2:02 am

    شركة تنظيف بيارات بالدمام

    شركة تنظيف منازل بالمدينة

    شركة تنظيف منازل بالدمام

    نقل عفش بجدة

    شركه نقل اثاث بمكة

    شركة نقل اثاث بالدمام

    شركة تنظيف منازل بالمدينة المنورة

    شركات عزل مائي

    شركة مكافحة حشرات جدة

    تنظيف فلل بالدمام

    شركات مكافحة الحشرات فى الرياض

    افضل شركة تنظيف بالخرج

    here

    here

    here

    here

    here

    here

    Reply
  59. Christine says

    June 1, 2015 at 10:56 pm

    i have been searching high and low for a map similar to this. I was actually searching Pinterest for something not map related at this moment, but I scrolled and I know the Chesapeake Bay when I see it! Where can I find a detailed, antiqued map like this?? I am actually looking for a little more centered on lovely Annapolis. To also line a nightstand but the inside of a drawer. What a happy coincidence I found this! Typing maps on Amazon gets me nowhere, it sounds like you have an atlas book?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      June 2, 2015 at 11:49 am

      i found a vintage atlas at a yard sale- i would just keep checking yard sales and thrift shops. good luck!

      Reply
  60. Sarah says

    July 18, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    Hi, this looks wonderful! I am trying to do the same thing for my son. I have a mini table set and would like to put a map on top of it. I’m not very experienced when it comes to refinishing furniture- can you tell me what you did to “prime” the top of the table before you mod podged the map on?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 19, 2015 at 7:18 am

      hi sarah! i just used a regular old primer like kilz or zinnser. 🙂 i believe i used the oil based version on this table which is more durable.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Decoração: Mapas | Just Lia says:
    August 5, 2014 at 4:00 pm

    […] Primitive and Proper e Martha Stewart […]

    Reply
  2. Halloween Dead & Breakfast Sign says:
    October 13, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    […] told you all before about my amazingly talented neighbor and the work he is capable of, such as gorgeous signs, beautiful furniture construction like my headboard, and more (coming soon, another project we […]

    Reply
  3. 15 Ideas to Decoupage (with Mod Podge) a Table Surface - LIVE HANDMADE BLOG says:
    December 7, 2014 at 9:55 pm

    […] The use of a map mixed with a distressed finish makes this table great. Get the instructions at Primitive and Proper. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Rss Bloglovin

Categories

Disclaimer

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. This blog uses affiliate links.

Connect

Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

Recent Posts

Privacy

© 2023 · Foodie Theme Customized by This Bold Girl · Built on the Genesis Framework