Make it: Ikea Table Hack with Mod Podge

Make it: Ikea Table Hack with Mod Podge
This is from The Dresser Me Up episode of Creative Juice

We hacked the Ikea lack table with a little colorful paper and mod podge. This project can be done for under $27.00 and that includes the table! You can use any type of shape to decorate the table: circles, triangles, flower shapes, etc. We used a rounded diamond shape.


Materials:
small table
fine-grit sandpaper
blue painter's tape
primer
latex paint
large piece of cardstock or poster board
yardstick
large bowl (ours was about 11-1/2" in diameter)
pencil
several pieces of large scrapbook paper, cardstock or colored poster board
scissors
mod podge
glossy polyurethane
foam paintbrushes
craft knife

Steps:

Click and save to download the jpeg template. Enlarge as needed.

1. To make a template for this shape, use a yardstick to draw a straight line across the length of the large piece of cardstock or poster board, and draw another line across the width of the paper that intersects with the first line, so that the paper is divided into four sections. Use the large bowl to draw an arc in each section of the paper. Cut the diamond out and trim about 1/8"-1/4" off each point to create blunt edges. This will make it easier to use the template.


2. Trace several shapes onto the paper you have chosen for the table and cut them out. The size of the table will determine the number of cutouts you need.


3. Sand the top of the table with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe away the dust with a clean towel or rag. Use painter's tape to tape off the vertical edges of the table. Apply one to two coats of primer to the top of the table with a paint roller, allowing it to dry between coats. After the primer has dried, apply 1-2 coats of latex paint to the tabletop, allowing it to dry between coats. Allow to dry completely before moving on to step 4.


4. With a large foam brush, brush over the back of each shape with mod podge and place them down on the table, corner to corner. Smooth out air bubbles as you go along. Brush mod podge on the entire tabletop. Allow to dry and apply a second coat. Trim away any shapes hanging over the edges.

6. Once the second coat of mod podge is completely dry, brush on a coat of glossy polyurethane on the tabletop, using the foam brush. Allow it to dry; then apply a second coat. Allow the second coat of polyurethane to dry for 2-4 hours before removing the blue tape. You may need a craft knife to help remove the tape.

Make it: Stretched Fabric Art

Stretched Fabric Art

Materials:

decorative fabric
wooden stretcher frame (available at art-supply shops)
staple gun
picture-frame hanger
beads, sequins, buttons, needle and thread (optional)

Steps:

1. To assemble the frame (if stretcher frame came preassembled, skip ahead to step 2), fit together the four sides of the frame by sliding the flaps into grooves at the end of each section. Using a staple gun, put a staple into each of the 4 diagonal seams.



2. Measure the fabric to fit the frame and add 2-1/2" per side to allow the fabric to wrap over the sides of the frame. Cut out the fabric; if necessary, iron it to remove wrinkles and creases.

3. Lay the fabric face down; center the frame on top of the fabric, front side down. Starting at one corner, fold the fabric over the frame and staple in place. Repeat on the other corners, making sure to stretch the fabric taut. Next, fold and staple the fabric back along all sides of the frame. To ensure that the staples stay in place, use a hammer to secure them.

4. Optional: Sew sequins, beads or buttons to the fabric to accent pattern elements; choose colors that complement the fabric. Attach a hanger to the frame.

Make it: Modern Grass Painting

Modern Grass Painting

Create a modern grass painting with a unique painting process that combines strips of shelf liner with warm green paints.

Materials:

20"x20" square prestretched canvas
self-adhesive shelf liner
scissors or craft knife
metal yardstick
self-healing cutting mat
Folk Art Acrylic craft paint: 2 oz. each olive green and white
gel medium
100% cotton rag
picture hanger

1. Roll out the shelf liner and tape down. Using a yardstick, mark points on the contact paper that are 17", 14", 11" and 9" tall . Next, using a craft knife and a metal yardstick, cut the paper at marked points. Line up the yardstick at the center of one of the paper’s boxes and cut down to the base at a slight angle. Doing this on both sides will leave a long, thin triangle shape. You will need 6 strips that are 17" long, 20 strips that are 14" long, 15 strips that are 11" long and 10 strips that are 9" long. The strips should resemble large blades of grass.

2. Attach the strips to the canvas. Beginning with the longest strips, keep layering until the canvas is covered. Wrap the widest part of the strips around the bottom of the canvas; pointed ends should be facing the top of the canvas.

3. Pour a small amount of olive green paint on a plastic plate. Add an equal amount of gel medium to the paint and mix thoroughly.

4. Wet a rag and wring it out. Forming it into a ball, dip it into paint, blot off the excess and begin painting at the base of the canvas. Paint the darker color 1/3 of the way up from the base of the canvas. Add a drop or two of white paint to the olive paint and blend to create a lighter shade of green. Continue painting the canvas with the lighter shade, blending the two colors together about 2/3 of the way up the canvas. Add more white paint to create a very light green shade and continue painting to the top the canvas, blending as you paint. Let the canvas dry.

5. Carefully remove the shelf liner paper and add a picture hanger to the back.

Make it: Mapped Out Art

Mapped Out Art

Materials:
Basswood Country Planks (this project used a 16"x13"x11" Walnut Hollow platter)
Small map of Italy (printed from the computer and enlarged to fit base of platter)
60- and 120-grit sandpaper
Folk Art Acrylic craft paint: cream (Linen), butter yellow (Morning Sun), spring green (Forest Moss), robin’s egg blue (Light Blue), tan (Buckskin Brown), chocolate brown (Dark Brown)
foam paintbrush
small round paintbrush
low-tack masking tape
pencil
matte clear sealer (varnish)
picture hanger

Steps:

1. Sand any rough edges and clean sanding dust off the tray.

2. This project is about painting in layers. Using a foam brush, apply 2 coats of cream wash (1 part paint and 1 part water) to the top surface of the platter and let dry.



3. Next, apply a coat of spring green wash to the inner base of the platter and let dry. Apply a coat of butter yellow wash to the inner base of the plank and let dry. Apply a coat of robin’s egg blue wash to the inner base of the plank and let dry. Apply a coat of dark brown wash to the inner base and let dry.

4. Cut out the map and position it in the center of the painted platter. Lightly secure the map to the platter with low-tack tape. Trace around the map with a pencil. Pull up the map to reveal the country outline.

5. Using a small round paintbrush, fill in the map outline with tan paint (not wash) and let it dry. Let the platter dry thoroughly before sanding.

6. Using 60-grit sandpaper, sand the entire platter. Sand lightly on some areas of the platter and more heavily in other areas to expose different layers of paint. Smooth out sanding lines with 120-grit sandpaper; wipe the surace with a rag to remove sanding dust.

7. Optional: add extra embellishments such as map symbols or sayings to the platter.

8. Using a foam brush, coat the platter with matte-finish clear sealer. Secure a picture hanger to the back of the platter for hanging.

make it: kids Tea Table

Ikea Hack: painted kids tea table

This table is surprisingly quick to paint, when you use a few tips and tricks from us. We used a pencil eraser to make quick polka dots, added a floating medium to our paint to create smooth and simple flowers and used blue painter's tape to mark off our edges.

The table and chairs are from Ikea: Gulliver Table & Chairs

Materials:

unfinished wood children’s table and chairs
1 qt. semigloss paint (base color)
1 qt. primer
foam brush
paintbrush
drop cloths
sandpaper
folkart acrylic paint: purple (polka dots), dark pink (flowers), light pink (flowers), light yellow (flower center), spring green (leaves)
folkart floating medium
medium flat-head paintbrush
medium angle-head paintbrush
small detail paintbrushes
pencil with eraser
2 cans spray clear sealer

Steps:

1. If needed, lightly sand table and chairs; wipe down wood with a damp rag after sanding to remove any dust. Prime table and chairs, and let dry before painting.

2. Using low-tack tape, tape off design or pattern to be painted. Trim the corners so they make a sharp point. Paint areas to be painted and let dry, per directions, before removing tape from furniture.


Note: When applying decorative painting techniques for the first time, practicing first on scrap paper is advised. Once you're comfortable with the technique, begin painting the furniture. 1. To make flowers, working with an angled paintbrush, lightly dip brush into floating medium (the medium will soften the colors and help blend them together); dab off extra (this helps to embed medium into brush bristles). Next, dip the top three-quarters of the brush into the lighter pink paint and the remaining bristles into the darker pink paint.

2. To paint the petals, first make an upside-down teardrop with the brush, then fill in the center.

3. To add leaves. using a flathead brush (we used a 5/8"), dip brush into floating medium. Repeat the technique used for the petals with the colors green and just a bit of purple.

4. To paint leaves, go between the petals with a loose S stroke. Make the center of the flower with a finger dipped in orange paint. Once this is dry, remove the tape.

5. To make polka dots, dip the eraser end of the pencil into paint and dot paint on the pattern.

6. For fringe, using a small brush, dip brush into the paint of choice and make squiggly lines through the placemat.

7. Let paint dry and, working in a well-ventilated area, apply a coat of clear spray sealer to the chairs and table.

Make it: Modern Starburst Mirror

Mod Starburst Mirror
from Creative Juice - Star Bright Episode

Tools and Materials:
(1) 3/16" metal rod (36" long)
(2) 1/8" metal rods (36" long)
Yardstick
Permanent marker
Bolt cutters
Wax metallic finishes
Small circular mirrors: 1/2", 3/4" and 1" diameter
6" round mirror
E-6000 glue
Scrap felt or fabric
5" wooden disc
Paint brush
FolkArt black craft paint
Sawtooth picture hanger
Hammer

1. Use bolt cutters to cut the 3/16-inch rod into four pieces, each 9 inches long. Cut one of the 1/8-inch rods into seven 5-inch pieces, and the other into four 7-inch pieces. Apply a wax metallic finish to each of the cut rods; it may be necessary to apply two coats for a smooth finish. We used bronze for the large rods, gold for the medium rods and silver on the smallest rods.

2. Once the metallic finish is dry, glue a small, circular mirror at the end of each rod with E6000 glue. Match the size of the mirrors to the size of rods (largest with largest, for example). Let the glue dry for at least three hours.

3. While the glue dries, paint the 5-inch wooden disc black. Let the paint dry and attach a sawtooth picture hanger to one side of the disk.

4. Place the 6-inch mirror face down on a piece of felt or scrap fabric to prevent scratches. Cutout a circle of paper that is slightly smaller than your wood disk. Draw 16 even pie shapes. Center the paper circle on the mirror. Make a mark at the end of each line on the template; these are the guides for gluing the rods to the back of the mirror.

5. Once the glue is dry, make a mark on the back of each rod, 3/4 inch from the end opposite the mirror. Apply globs of glue over each of the marks on the back of the 6-inch mirror and glue the rods in place with the mirrors facing down. Each rod should be glued on a mark on the back of the mirror, with the marks on the rod at the edge of the mirror. Alternate rods around the mirror: If the mirror were a clock, we placed the longest rods at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00. The medium-size rods were centered between the large ones, and the smallest rods filled in the gaps.

6. Squeeze out more glue liberally over the center of all the rods. Place the wooden disc on top, centering it on the mirror and lining up the picture hanger with one of the large rods.

7. Let the glue dry for 24 hours or more. Don't move the mirror until the glue has dried completely.

Bohemian Style

Bohemian style is in full swing on this episode of Creative Juice. We create a one-of-a-kind patchwork tack board with ceiling tiles, shed some light on a beautiful beaded lamp, and add some Bohemian flair to a plain old ring and mix up some red wide spritzers.

Red Wine Spritzers

Ingredients:
2 c. frozen berries, any variety
1 bottle, 750 ml, dry red table wine
1 qt. seltzer water

1. Fill large pitcher with the frozen berries and dry red wine; let stand 30 minutes.

2. Pour wine from the pitcher into wine glasses approximately halfway up the glass. Scoop a few berries into glasses.

3. Top off glasses with seltzer just prior to serving.

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Cha Cha Cha Ring

Materials:
cluster or charm ring blank
assorted beads
silver-tone head pins
rounds-nose pliers
wire-cutters

1. To create a charm, thread a head pin through one of the beads (if the beads are small, try putting two or three on each pin). Trim the head pin with wire-cutters, leaving just enough wire sticking out from the top of the pin to make a small loop with the round-nose pliers.

2. To make the ring, make a loop, leaving it slightly open, and link it to one of the loops on the ring blank. Close the loop with pliers.

3. Repeat steps until you are satisfied with the fullness of the ring, keeping in mind you can put more than one charm on each loop of the ring blank.

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Patchwork Tack Board and Pins

Materials:
acoustic ceiling tile (15"x15"), available at hardware stores (can be cut to size with a utility knife)
9" quilting square
medium to heavy-weight fusible interfacing
scrap fabric (velvet, funky colors and prints)
Fabri-Tac glue
backing fabric or felt, cut slightly smaller than the tile
18" of decorative ribbon
sewing machine
scissors
pinking shears
assorted brooches and buttons
heavy-duty flat thumbtacks
jewelry wire-cutters
E6000 glue

1. Use the quilting square to trace and cut out four 9" squares of fusible interfacing.

2. Cut scrap fabric in random sizes and shapes and place on the adhesive side of the interfacing. Arrange the pieces of fabric to overlap with no interfacing showing.

3. Iron the fabric pieces to the interfacing using a dry, hot iron. Press down and hold to fuse the interfacing to the fabric scraps.

4. Using a zigzag stitch, topstitch over the edges of each piece of fabric, stitching them in a crazy-quilt pattern. Repeat for each of the four squares, trimming the edges to fit the fabric to the interfacing.

5. Lay out the four squares to make one large 18"x18" square.

6. Overlap the edges of two squares and pin together. Use a zigzag topstitch to sew squares together. Repeat with the remaining two squares.

7. Overlap the two sets of squares and zigzag stitch together to complete the large square.

8. Lay fabric right side down and place ceiling tile on top of fabric; there should be a 3" seam allowance on all sides of the tile.

9. Place a dot of Fabri-Tac glue on one corner of the tile. Pull the fabric taut, fold toward the center of the tile and press. Continue this process until all four corner are folded in and glued to the tile.

10. Place additional glue around the perimeter of the tile, and fold remaining fabric in center of tile.

11. Glue the ends of the 18" ribbon to the back of the tile, 2" from the top and 3" from the side edges; the ribbon will act as a hanger.

12. Cut a piece of fabric 15"x15" (slightly smaller than the tile) and glue to the back of the tile, covering the folded fabric to create a finished look.

13. Choose an assortment of brooches and buttons and remove all the hardware backings (pins and shank button pieces) with jewelry wire-cutters.

14. Using E6000, glue heavy-duty flat thumbtacks to the back of the brooches. This can be tricky, so make sure to lay it on a solid flat surface while it dries. Set aside and let dry for several hours.
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Bohemian Beaded Lamp

Materials:
lampshade holder ring with drilled holes for hanging prisms
standard washer-top bulb clip
tall lamp
monofilament
painter's or masking tape
medium-gauge jewelry chain
two pairs round-nosed jewelry pliers
4mm or 6mm jump rings
charms
miscellaneous beads of different sizes and colors
scissors
measuring tape

1. Cut monofilament line 4" longer than the length of bead strands. To determine the length of the beaded strands, place lampshade ring on the lamp and measure how far down the beaded strands will hang. This measurement will vary depending on the height of the lamp. This shade is 8" long, so the monofilament was cut to 12" lengths.

2. Thread a large bead or charm on the monofilament and knot at the bottom to secure. Use a measuring tape to measure the strand and continue stringing beads on the line until the bead strand is 8" long.

3. When the bead strand is the desired length, wrap a small amount of painter's or masking tape to the end of the monofilament to prevent the beads from sliding off while working on additional strands.

4. Using round-nosed jewelry pliers, open a link in the jewelry chain to create the length of chain needed for the lamp; we used 9" lengths of chain. Continue to make additional chain lengths.

5. Open a jump ring with the round-nosed pliers and attach a charm to one end of a length of chain.

6. Make enough beaded strands and lengths of chain with charms to attach to the drilled holes in the lampshade ring. We attached chain or strands to every other hole.

7. Tie the bead strands to the lamp by threading the top of the monofilament line through the drilled prism hole in the lampshade ring. Tie the monofilament in a double knot to secure the strand.

8. Attach the chain lengths to the lampshade ring by opening a jump ring with round-nosed pliers, threading the chain on the jump ring, inserting the jump ring through one of the drilled holes in the lampshade ring and closing the jump ring.

9. Trim away any excess monofilament and attach the shade to the lamp.

New Episodes of Creative Juice Begin Tomorrow!

Creative Juice is back with 13 new episodes on HGTV - Oct 2nd!

Tune in or Tivo!

First up is Window Dressing. We off 3 different ideas for dressing windows, tour Alexander Henry Fabrics and make test tube vases.


Philip and Nicole, (the brother and sister team) are the designers for Alexander Henry Fabrics. It was such a great time touring their design studio and warehouse. I have been a fan of their for years.

Sewing your own curtains is as easy pie!
These lemon printed cafe curtains are lined with
"rain no stain" for extra protection.
Tune in for easy lining techniques.

Roller shades don't have to be drab!
We show you how to whip up your own!

In the lounge, we make a quick vase that clings to your window.

Sewing challenged? Need a quick window fix?
Fold up this easy technique.

Make it: Tricked Out IKEA Cork Board

Corkboard for my new CRAFT Room!

This was made with an old cork board from a yard sale ($1.00) and the UNG Drill frame from Ikea ($24.99). This project took under 30 minutes.

Begin with a frame. Remove the glass and backing.

Trace around the glass onto a cork board with a sharpie.

Use a coping saw to cut around the sharpie lines.

All cut out and ready to reassemble in the frame.