More Creative Tables

Thanksgiving is almost here. That means you have a few weeks to get your menu and your home decor together. If you need something to eat on, and are feeling crafty - here's a few ideas to get you going. Just be sure to tackle this table project outside - it can get messy.


First gather your materials

You'll need enough decorative elements to execute your tabletop design. Here are a few materials you might want to use:

• Tiles - Large or small, you can make a faster mosaic design using the epoxy as a cover.
• Metal - Not an entire sheet of metal that completely covers the table, but try recycled ceiling tiles, or smaller pieces of scrap metal.
• Paper - You can patterned or plain. I especially like the look of worn/crinkled brown wrapping paper.
• Small pipes
• Wood
• Paints
• String
• Ribbon
• Buttons
• Place mats
• Textured Fabric (burlap works nicely)
• Nailhead trim
• Edging for table (see comments below)
  

These are the two required materials:

• Epoxy Resin (You can find resin at your local hardware store in larger containers or online.)
• Table Surface (You can cover an existing table or re-purpose another object like a intricately carved/decorative door. You can also make a table out of almost any surface including heavy plywood.)

Next, you'll need to prep the table/surface

If you plan to use a flat surface, but wish to "suspend" your bulkier design elements within a thick layer of epoxy, then your table must have an edge to hold the liquid epoxy. Attach veneer duct tape, or wood molding to build a raised edge around the table. Make sure that you fill any gaps on the raised edge so that the epoxy doesn't seep through.

If you just want to brush on a thin coat of epoxy you won't need the molding edge. And if you're using a door you may just need to fill in the carving by pouring the resin into the nooks and crannies.

Once the table is prepped, create your design...

Have fun with the materials you've collected. Remember that if the design materials are bulky, you'll need a thicker coat of resin to cover the materials and remain even with the edge. You may want to stick some of the materials to the surface to ensure that they don't move when you pour in the epoxy.

If you're using a thin coat, don't forget to decorate the sides of the table. Consider using the nailhead trim if you're wrapping the existing table with fabric or the crinkled paper.

Once you're done with decorating, mix and pour the epoxy resin according to the directions. Thicker layers require multiple coats. You can also suspend small bits of glitter or small objects between coats too. For a thin layer use an old brush to apply the epoxy coat over and around the sides of the table.

Now, just let it dry according to the time specified on the directions.

Enjoy!

Lise

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links:

Waldmachers Furniture Restoration

Bottle Cap Bar