Flea Market to Fabulous

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1026 -- More Projects »
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Make a plain table look old and distressed like this. Instructions below.
Designer Lizzie McGraw demonstrates different ways to spruce up worn-out flea market finds.

Distressed Table

Materials:

old table
hammer
chisel
candle
fine-grade sandpaper
paintbrush
latex paint in color of choice

Steps:


  1. Sporadically pound a few spots on the edge of the table with a hammer to make it look damaged.

  2. Repeat that process with a chisel, scraping away small bits of the table surface.
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Figure A
  • Spread candle wax on various spots of the table where you don't want paint to adhere (figure A). Use a dry paintbrush to clear away excess wax chunks.

  • Sand down any rough areas with sandpaper if you prefer.
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    Figure B
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    Figure C
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    Find out how to fashion a chalkboard/magnet board like this in just a few simple steps with the instructions below.
  • Dip a small amount of paint onto your brush and lightly brush it on the table surface, leaving some of the original table color showing though (figure B). This technique is called drybrushing.

  • Once the paint is dry, scrape off some of the paint on the edges with fine-grade sandpaper (figure C).

    Multipurpose Chalkboard

    Recycle an old picture frame into a chalkboard that doubles as a magnet board or a corkboard.

    Materials:

    old picture frame
    particle board
    chalkboard paint (Be sure it is water-based and nontoxic.)
    small piece of tin
    masking tape
    staple gun
    corkboard (available at most home-and-garden stores)
    scissors

    Steps:


    1. Cut a piece of particle board (or have someone cut it for you) to fit inside your frame.

    2. Cover the surface of the board with chalkboard paint and allow to dry.
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    Figure D
  • Tape on a small piece of tin in the center of the board (figure D), then use a staple gun to attach the board to the frame. Now the chalkboard is also a magnet board.

  • You can perform the same technique with a corkboard if you prefer. Just cut it to fit with scissors.
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    Bring an old cast-iron lamp up to date by dressing up its lampshades.
    Decorative Lamp

    Materials:

    old cast-iron lamp
    plain white lampshade
    decoupage glue
    paintbrush
    various decorative paper (wallpaper, wrapping paper, post cards etc.)
    polyurethane

    Steps:


    1. Paint decoupage glue onto a plain lampshade (don't worry, it dries clear), then attach decorative paper in desired pattern.

    2. Apply polyurethane to protect the decoration.
    Guests
    Lizzie McGraw
    Designer, Tumbleweed & Dandelion
    1208 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
    Venice, CA 90291
    Phone: 310-450-4310
    E-mail: lizziekmc@aol.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1026
    •Flea Market to Fabulous
    •30-Minute Car Wash
    •Homemade Wind Chimes
    •Smart Solution of the Day