Mom'sGreenGuide: Give a table new life...

and keep it out of the landfill!

Here is an easy idea to take a plain table (or shelf, or almost any wood piece), and make it a treasure.

You can find great, sturdy tables at thrift stores, garage sales, or even on the curb on trash day (or take a look in the garage and attic, ask friends and neighbors what they have lying around).

Materials: Wood table, sandpaper, paint (water based), brushes, acrylic sealer (either spray or brush on), ModPodge (or a 50/50 glue/water mix), and pictures from magazines, wrapping paper, calenders, or your own photos.

Crafting time: A few hours (except for drying time)

First, clean and sand the table to make it smooth and remove some of the finish so the paint will adhere. You don't have to get down to bare wood, just scuff it up a bit.

Paint the table, I usually do the legs first, then work from the top down, catching any drips. You can use regular latex house paint...try looking at your home center in the mistints, they're really inexpensive, and don't dismiss the really dark colors, you can always add a bit to some white or off-white paint to make a lighter shade. You will be sealing the entire piece, so even flat wall paint will work.(check your garage for leftovers from you last room painting project and make an accessory to match, redo that old ugly dresser or nightstand while you're at it).

Paint a second coat if needed. Raw wood may need three or even four coats.

Let dry thouroughly between coats, and after final coat.

Now for the fun part. Cut out your pictures and arrange on the table. Decoupage them with ModPodge, or glue/water mix. Make sure the back of the picture is coated well, place on the table, and cover the surface completely with more goop to seal the edges down well.

Let dry thoroughly, preferably a few hours.

At this point, you can decide if you like it as it is, or want it "antiqued". This is easily accomplished by diluting some brown paint and wiping it on, and wiping off any excess until you have the effect you like.

Now you''re ready for the final step. Coat the whole peace thoroughly with a good acrylic sealer. You can use a spray or brush-on sealer. Let dry between coats, and apply extra coats to the surface to protect it, it will get more wear.

Stand back and admire your talent! Look for free, copyright-free clip art, enlarge it, print it out and use that. Print out favorite photos to make a very personalized piece. You can use a paint pen or stamps to embellish your creation. The possibilities are endless. This method can be used to transform any wood piece...a wood box, cheese box, chair, lamp base...you get the idea. Look around for leftover paint, ask your friends and neighbors. Using leftovers is always better than throwing it out!

Have fun!