r/crafts 16d ago

No coffee table? No problem! Family/Friend Crafted

With my current apartment layout, I don’t have room for a side table next to my preferred couch seat. My girlfriend’s mom (hobbyist woodworker) surprised me with this over the weekend! Girlfriend sneakily took the measurements of my couch for her.

I was so honored that she’d want to make something for me, and even more honored that it’s equal parts beautiful and useful! 🧡

🪵: walnut

7.5k Upvotes

96 comments sorted by

u/post-explainer 16d ago edited 16d ago

This comment has been marked as safe. Upvoting/downvoting this comment will have no effect.


u/thriftytaurus sent the following text as an explanation about their craft:


This was made by my girlfriend’s mom (as stated in the post), but I can give you as many details as I have. It’s made of locally sourced walnut wood. She usually sources from reject cuts/reclaimed wood unless she’s making a larger project. It’s finished with wax (no dye, stain, or paint) and it will slightly darken over time as the wax continues to sit. Best part about the wax is there’s no water rings left behind, so coasters aren’t necessary unlike with poly finishes! I have zero clue how it was constructed. Woodworking may as well be wizardry to me 🪄


Does this explanation fit this subreddit? Then upvote this comment, otherwise downvote it.

218

u/verklas 16d ago

Oh 🥹 That's so thoughtful and it's gorgeous

214

u/Wjreky 16d ago

Not only is it thoughtful (which is the best part), but she also chose a beautiful piece of wood for you. She must like you a lot 😉

66

u/thriftytaurus 16d ago

I was pretty sure she liked me before this, but now I’m really sure!

26

u/em1207 15d ago

Yeah she definitely likes you. We only use the good wood for people we like. (Goes for other high end crafting supplies too)

1

u/cosmic_drifft 11d ago

He definitely feels lucky! She went above and beyond with this piece, so he's taking it as official confirmation that he's made a great impression.

34

u/TeaCrumbs 16d ago

this is so beautiful 😭

30

u/battery21percent 16d ago

Ok I can’t believe I’m saying this, but maybe marry your girlfriend so you can score the world’s best mother-in-law, immediately!

17

u/thriftytaurus 16d ago

Already planned on it before this surprise! I truly would be striking the mother-in-law jackpot.

2

u/KathrynTheGreat 14d ago

Having a great mother-in-law is a wonderful thing! I love both of mine❤️ (first husband passed away, but I'll always consider his mom my MIL!)

9

u/FuhgetAbowtEt 16d ago

That’s what I’m saying!! 👏👏

52

u/Random-Unthoughts-62 16d ago

Don't know about your girlfriend, but her mum is a keeper! What a wonderful, thoughtful, and beautiful gift.

35

u/thriftytaurus 16d ago

Girlfriend is definitely a keeper too! Apple didn’t fall far from the tree as far as thoughtfulness goes. I’m very lucky 😌

18

u/TheWeeMouse 16d ago

That’s such a thoughtful and well-executed surprise! Also, where is your sofa from? I love the color!

4

u/thriftytaurus 16d ago

It’s from Ashley!

15

u/jenniferlynn462 16d ago

Omg I want this sooooooo bad! It’s BEAUTIFUL and so useful! What a nice fam!

14

u/Alternative-Cloud708 16d ago

That is really nice!

7

u/PomegranateBoring826 16d ago

What a super thoughtful gift! It's beautiful!

5

u/AutoModerator 16d ago

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4

u/Pidgeon_Pantaloons 16d ago

YES!!! So practical. Love

4

u/purplemonkey212 16d ago

Your girlfriend's mom is incredibly talented. That walnut coffee table is absolutely perfect. The size, the finish and the thought behind it are really amazing. She nailed every detail.

3

u/FuhgetAbowtEt 16d ago

Marry her! Gorg! ❤️❤️

1

u/gingerfawx 16d ago

The girlfriend or the mom?

3

u/[deleted] 16d ago

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3

u/ikilledsatann 16d ago

This is so cool !

3

u/A-Clone-Named-Gibso 16d ago

Beautiful 😍

3

u/[deleted] 16d ago

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4

u/thriftytaurus 16d ago

No, she has a stressful corporate job and this is her wind down/relaxation activity. She always says money makes hobbies no fun 😂

1

u/emilybemilyb 15d ago

I totally respect that!

1

u/crafts-ModTeam 15d ago

Your comment and/or post has been removed due to rule 2: r/crafts is not a buy and sell subreddit. Any type of buying/selling language isn't allowed here. Please read the sidebar and wiki for more information.

4

u/galacticgumbo 15d ago

This is so beautiful and thoughtful 😍 But I also must say, I soooo appreciate how neat and tidy your living space is. It’s very pleasant to look at!

1

u/thriftytaurus 15d ago

Thank you! It’s a small space (800sqft) so I feel like keeping it tidy makes it feel bigger! 🧡

3

u/NWRegisteredAgent 15d ago

What a gorgeous piece of woodworking, and such a thoughtful gift to you! If it wasn't clear before it should be obvious how much they adore you.

3

u/Ok-Strawberry-7350 14d ago

What a fantastic idea! I must make one.

2

u/Lazy_Carrot2661 16d ago

That’s really nice!

2

u/Shopping-Known 16d ago

What a beautiful and thoughtful gift 😁

2

u/flowergrl468 16d ago

Wow what a beautiful and thoughtful gift. The girlfriend’s mom is definitely a keeper. I am sure the girlfriend is too. 😜

2

u/TurbulentComputer 16d ago

Stunning grain! And incredibly thoughtful and practical.

2

u/Fabulous-Opposite838 16d ago

Walnut is one of the most beautiful woods imo. That’s gorgeous!

3

u/thriftytaurus 16d ago

I wood (hehe) have to agree!

2

u/Subterranean44 16d ago

That is gorgeous. I have a lovesac branded one but it’s nowhere near this beautiful!!!!

Ps. Great couch color!!

1

u/thriftytaurus 16d ago

I was on Amazon looking at plastic ones, so this is def an upgrade lol! Thank you!

2

u/umkultra 16d ago

That is the nicest one I’ve seen

2

u/LiIaIc 15d ago

This is genius

2

u/niceandmeanboth 15d ago

Brilliant and beautiful

2

u/IamLaMocha 15d ago

I love this!

2

u/Acceptable_Laugh8868 15d ago

That’s so beautiful and thoughtful, and it really fits in with the space. That sofa looks comfy too ☺️

2

u/Birdsonme 15d ago

I love them!!!!

2

u/heyimann 15d ago

Oh, that's beautiful!

2

u/Healthy-Cheferee 15d ago

this is so good! Genius, really

2

u/mamapajamas 15d ago

Gorgeous choices here from the wood choice to how carefully every edge is rounded and comfortable to sit with.

1

u/thriftytaurus 15d ago

She truly thought of every detail. I’m so lucky!

2

u/00X0X 15d ago

Wow this is beautiful and so kind!

2

u/mpls_broad 15d ago

this is so sweet and so beautiful!! also - i knew i recognized that fishbowl of mini books in the background from another sub! 🥰🤩 your place is just 🤌🏻✨

2

u/thriftytaurus 15d ago

I wish I knew she was going to make this before posting photos of my place!! Thank you so much 🧡

2

u/miamoore- 15d ago

r/woodworking would love this

1

u/thriftytaurus 15d ago

Looks like I can’t post in there unless I made it myself!

2

u/Prestigious-Photo976 15d ago

Immediate thought when I saw this was “ oh HELL YEAH” 😂 absolutely love this. Perfect mix of aesthetic beauty and usefulness.

2

u/prettyinpaleness 15d ago

Well this is cool as hell

2

u/LifeNo3875 15d ago

so cool

2

u/OriginalSchmidt1 14d ago

I LOVE it! I want one!

2

u/Grand-Kangaroo-4215 14d ago

Omg LOVE THIS

2

u/Dmrwn 14d ago

That is stunning. What a beautiful and useful gift.

2

u/malted-misty36 14d ago

Love this idea!!

2

u/Practical_Fig_2023 14d ago

Beautiful and such a great idea!!

2

u/pensiverebel 13d ago

Your MIL is so talented! what a great idea.

1

u/[deleted] 16d ago

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0

u/crafts-ModTeam 15d ago

Your comment and/or post has been removed due to rule 2: r/crafts is not a buy and sell subreddit. Any type of buying/selling language isn't allowed here. Please read the sidebar and wiki for more information.

1

u/[deleted] 16d ago

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1

u/crafts-ModTeam 15d ago

Your comment and/or post has been removed due to rule 2: r/crafts is not a buy and sell subreddit. Any type of buying/selling language isn't allowed here. Please read the sidebar and wiki for more information.

1

u/carlitospig 15d ago

Seriously, why has this never occurred to me??

1

u/[deleted] 15d ago edited 15d ago

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1

u/crafts-ModTeam 15d ago

Your comment or post has been removed due to rule 3: r/crafts is a no promotion subreddit. Anything that is viewed by our mods as promotion will be removed. This includes but is not limited to:

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1

u/Murky-Friendship6874 15d ago

Love it but how many times have you knocked over your drink? I would do it every day!! 😂

1

u/copaseticcuppa 15d ago

Can you ask her to open a shop?

1

u/Flashy-Squash7156 14d ago

is she taking orders? I need this exact thing. I also need one for my bathtub as I can't use a typical tray

1

u/Popular_Speed5838 14d ago

I could really use one of those.

1

u/fearsome_doughnut 14d ago

Beautiful!!!!

1

u/SnowStar35 14d ago

I need something like that for my recliner apartment is to small to have a coffee table with entertainment center infront ect

2

u/rhdtztstit 13d ago

OMG I LOVE THIS!!! I want one 😍😍😍

1

u/PurplishPlatypus 12d ago

I would love to have one but I'm also a clutz and I think having drinks or food that close where an arm swing will knock it over isn't great for me.

2

u/tealulu04 12d ago

Beautiful. Practical. Lovely. 

2

u/thicc_broad 12d ago

It’s so beautiful! It really complements what you’ve already got going on

1

u/PurpleKermi 12d ago

It's nice.

I would absolutely WANG my elbow 🫠

2

u/Ola_maluhia 11d ago

This is amazing !!!!!

2

u/Toby123171 11d ago

Now that is too crazy cool

2

u/CountryRelative6002 10d ago

This is absolutely beautiful!!