Wood Scratch Repairs

I really do love my dark wood, claw-footed, coffee table.  I got it years ago and still like the style, the color, and the size.

But, my cats have done quite a number on it.  They like to rest on the table, which would be fine, except when they jump down or get spooked...their back nails screech across it.  They dig in to take a fast leap off that table.  

Over the years, they have made their mark with a number of digs and streaks in my beloved coffee table.  I could certainly justify buying a new one after all these years.  But, they'll just scratch that up too.  I'm happy to keep this.  I still love the style.  But, it was looking pretty rough.  I wondered if there was a way to salvage it.

I'd heard about covering scratches in wood with markers and other products.  So, I was excited when I came across some of those markers in the grocery store the other day.  The package had 3 shades...very dark, medium, and light.  They are not high-tech solutions, but these markers were the right price and worth a shot.

I went around the coffee table and filled in the claw marks.  The results certainly aren't perfect.  But, the streaks are less noticeable.  As you can see in the photo below, the marker definitely shows initially.  I worked around that by immediately wiping away the surface ink with my fingers.  If you wait too long, it will dry with an obvious streak.  You need to blend quickly.  The markers don't erase damage.  Your table won't look new again.  But, if you don't mind a quick fix, it is worth trying.

OTR: The Creation Station

We arrived at the scrapbooking weekend retreat late Friday afternoon and unloaded two carloads of supplies at our table.

I, Crafty Cat, proudly claim the title for tallest set-up in the room.  Those are my racks of tools at our assigned table.  Because it is a small space, I even had the hotel bring us two extra round tables to bookend our row, for more storage.

Crafty Girl was embarrassed that I had done that.  She left the  room while the bellboys set up each round table, but then happily spread out tools on her side when he was done and gone.

Yes, we are ridiculous.  We know.  We don't deny it.  Admittedly, we usually have even more stuff, but the last minute decision limited us.  While we might have the biggest display, we certainly aren't the only ones who brought the whole house.

Here's a peek at the room.  Doesn't it look fun?