The side and end rails on a pool table are typically made from wood, with a rubber or thick foam padding covered by a smooth layer of felt to match the felt on the tabletop. When changing the felt on the tabletop, it is also a good idea to replace the felt on the side rails. To install a side rail on a felt pool table, you need only some basic hand tools plus a little time and patience.
Instructions
1
Remove the nuts from the bolts that hold the rails to the underside of the pool table. Lift off each of the six rails and place them on the table in front of their installed location.
2
Take one rail to a work table. Remove the staples from the underside of the rail with a small flat-head screwdriver.
3
Pull out the metal strip that holds the felt to the top of the rail. Discard the old piece of felt.
4
Lay out one of the new strips of felt so that one of the long, straight edges is in the groove along the top of the rail. Insert the metal strip to secure the felt to the top of the rail. Be sure that no felt is protruding from the back side of the strip.
5
Pull the fabric over the rail in the center and tack it to the bottom with a single staple. Work outwards from the center, pulling and placing a staple every two inches along the bottom of the rail. Be sure to work out any wrinkles in the fabric as you pull and staple.
6
Fold and tack the ends of the felt to the bottom of the rail, making sure that there are no wrinkles in the fabric.
7
Repeat steps 2 through 6 with the other rails.
8
Reinstall the six rails into their original locations. Tighten the nuts to the bolts underneath the table to secure the rails.
Teaching kids where their food comes from is an important step in developing an understanding of healthy eating. It's also an important lesson about agriculture, industry and how farming sustains the economy. Many children never visit a farm and have no experience with growing their own vegetables or seeing farm animals. Farm-to-table activities combine lessons on science, social studies and health by showing where food comes from, how people live on a farm and how to make fresh food choices.
Coloring Sheets
Even the youngest student can gain knowledge of farm and food by using free on-line coloring sheets available for teachers and parents. These coloring sheets help students understand a variety of aspects of farm life by comparing the different stages of vegetables and what they look like before they get to the grocery store and eventually the table. Coloring and identification sheets are great to use after a field trip to a farm or hosting a guest speaker from a farm. They also pair well with science lessons on plants and what they produce for food.
Farm-to-Table Science Projects
Farm-to-table science projects are a good option for students looking to compare the differences between fresh food and fast food. Students take a vegetable at different stages of preparation and levels of preservatives and see which ones break down faster and more easily. A good example is a potato. Students can use a freshly cooked potato, frozen potato wedges prepared following package directions, some potato chips and an order of French fries. Place each in a glass jar with a lid and record how long it takes each item to develop mold and break down. The cooked potato should begin to show mold first, and the French fries should last the longest with no mold. This shows students how preservatives keep food fresher longer; explain how too many preservatives can slow natural digestion and therefore are not as healthy.
Classroom Vegetable Garden
This activity allows students to directly experience the growing process and eat food that they have grown themselves. Prepare an area of the classroom near a sunny window and have students plant vegetable seeds in small plastic cups using potting soil. Label each cup with the student's name and the type of seed they planted. Good vegetable seeds to use are lettuce, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers and tomatoes, as these seeds tend to germinate quickly and produce faster results.
Start the plants in March or April, or whenever you have lots of sun coming into the room. Transplant the plants into larger containers when they outgrow the seedling pots. Make sure they have plenty of sunlight and water. Have students record the growth each day. The lettuce will be ready to harvest first. This is a good time to let the students make a salad out of what they've grown. Harvest the other vegetables as they come in. This project might need to be continued by the teacher or individual students over the summer, depending on your growing season.
Farm Field Trip
Plan a field trip to a farm for your class. Contact farms in you area; they may be privately owned, part of a nonprofit organization, or through a university farm exchange. Choose times of the year that would be the most interesting for students, such as during spring planting, when baby animals are born, or for fall harvest. Prepare students for the field trip by coordinating science lessons, math lessons and reading lessons with things that they will see at the farm.
End tables sit near sofas and chairs and provide a spot for drinks, lamps, plants and books. Often the surface of the end table will get a bit natty over time, and you may want to change how it looks until you can replace or refinish the piece. One solution is to create a simple slipcover for the end table. This project can be done in a few hours with a sewing machine. Dress the slipcover up or down to suit your decor, and if it gets dirty, simply toss it in the laundry for a quick wash and it will be back to looking like new. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Lay pre-washed and ironed fabric over the top of the side table. Cut around the table adding 1/2 inch for seam allowances to all sides. This is the finished fabric used for the top of the table.
2
Measure the height of the table from the top edge to the floor. Add 1 inch for seams and hems. Measure the length of each side and add the measurements together. Add 17 inches for pleats and seams. Cut a piece of finished fabric to this length. This long fabric will wrap around the sides of the table and make pleats at each corner.
3
Place the top fabric face-side down. Pin the top fabric to the side fabric (face sides together) with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Start at a corner. Overhang the side fabric past the left corner 1 inch.
4
Pin across the side to the right corner. At the corner, fold the fabric 1 inch to the left and pin. Take the fabric around the corner 2 inches. Fold the fabric under 1 inch and pin. Continue and repeat at each corner. At the last corner, add fabric to create a seam with the overhanging fabric. Pin up the hem to the length you want.
5
Remove the slipcover from the table. Sew the side seam connecting the beginning and ending of the side fabric. Sew the seams connecting the top cover to the sides keeping the fabric straight at the edges. Fold the hem under and use a hemming stitch along the bottom edge.
6
Iron your corner pleats and then place the slipcover over the end table.
A glass-topped table presents some cleaning challenges. First, both sides of the table should be cleaned, because both are visible. If the table is near a window, the natural light will highlight any imperfections. Second, the glass may be framed in wood, plastic or metal, each of which interacts with glass cleaner differently. You can damage wood by cleaning it with ammonia, vinegar and other common glass-cleaner ingredients. Sometimes the glass sits on top of the table without a frame to hold it there--this makes it easier to clean. Follow the directions below to make your glass-topped table sparkle. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
How to Clean a Glass-Topped Table
1
Using a lint-free cloth and a bucket of warm soapy water, wash off the top and bottom of the tabletop; wipe both sides with a clean wet cloth when finished.
2
If your glass is framed in wood, use a cleaner that is safe for both glass and wood, such as multi-surface spray or wipes. You can also use one type of cleaner for the glass and another for the wood, being extra careful to keep the glass cleaner from coming into contact with the wood and the wood cleaner from touching the glass.
3
Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup water, 1 cup rubbing alcohol and one tbsp. vinegar. (The alcohol helps the solution dry quickly, which means you won't leave streaks behind.) Spray the solution onto the glass and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth. If necessary, use a shaving brush to clean etched portions of the glass.
4
To remove tough dirt, use the Bar Keepers Friend, a mildly abrasive cleaner made for glass and other hard surfaces. It will not scratch your tabletop.
5
To clean glass clouded by mineral buildup, spread a layer of petroleum jelly on the tabletop and let it sit for a couple of hours. Wipe it off; then wash the glass with soapy water. You can also use a denture cleaner.
A coffee table is more than a place to set ones drink in today's home. It is a place for you to show some style and give an idea of who you are. For many people, the coffee table tells their guests more about them than any other piece of decorating in their house. The key is to decorate this calling card of sorts to truly show how sophisticated you are. Follow these steps to decorate your coffee table with style and flair. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Decorate with Style and Flair
1
Place the runner on the coffee table running parallel to the main set that is facing it. Depending on the rest of the decor of your room, you can use either an antique lace or a solid color satin runner. Make sure that the ends are having over at an even length to keep everything in balance.
2
Position the house plant in the center of the table runner. The house plant will give the decorations a feeling of life. If you truly kill all plants, then use a silk plant. Just make sure to dust it daily.
3
Siting on the chair nest to the coffee table, you will want to place the three pillar candles at your far left corner. This is done so that they won't have to be moved to accommodate drinks.
4
Place the hardback books to the far right side of the coffee table. Stack each book at a slightly different angle then the last. This will make it look as though you placed them there after reading and not as though you staged them.
5
Set the drink coasters directly in front of the house plant. They should be visible so that any guest with a drink can use them. This will save your coffee table from water marks.
It is possible to make a coffee table base from just about any object, provided it will allow the table top to sit flat across it. When using interesting and unusual materials to make a coffee table base, it is best to use a clear glass or perspex top for your table to show off the base you have created.
Rubber Tires
Car lovers can create a themed coffee table base using old car tires. This type of base will work well with a round glass top. Simply pile sufficient tires on top of one another till you reach the desired height. Secure together using liquid latex. The texture of the rubber will prevent the glass from slipping, so all you need to do is place the glass on top of the final tire.
Old Books
Pile up old books to create a literary-themed coffee table. Do not lay them directly on top of each other, but set them at angles, so corners stick out. Keep the most interesting or decorative book for the top. You will need one or two piles depending on the size of the table top. If using two piles, use a ruler to ensure they are the same height. Tear pages out of an old damaged book from the middle of one pile (so it cannot be seen) till you get them even. When even, glue books together with craft glue and top with glass.
Papier Mache
Turn a simple wooden block into an abstract coffee table base with papier mache. Select a block of suitable dimensions for your table top. Rip up strips of old news paper, dip in PVA glue (poly vinyl acetate, a very versatile water-based crafts adhesive), and stick onto the block, building it up in layers. Mold as you go, adding extra layers of paper in different places to create curves, lumps or bumps. Leave to dry overnight every four layers. When finished, leave to dry, paint with acrylic craft paint and varnish with a final layer of PVA glue.
Mosaic Base
Turn a plain cement outdoor plant holder into a coffee table base. Pick a large planter of suitable dimensions and make sure it has flat edges. Collect old pottery with different designs, lay on a hard flat surface outdoors, cover with a cloth and smash with a hammer. Paint the clay pot with a coat of clear PVA glue to make it less porous. Cover the pot with grout (you can purchase colored grout from DIY stores to suit your decor), and start to press the shards of pottery into the clay until the entire pot is covered. Leave to dry before adding your table top.
If you are planning on moving soon, or have just grown tired of the coffee table in your living room or lounge, now may be the time to consider getting a new one. While the basic format of a coffee table is a long, rectangular surface resting upon four legs, there are many unique coffee tables ideas and designs you can use to give your space an exotic or intriguing look. Make sure to keep functionality in mind, as truly unique coffee tables often have multiple purposes. Does this Spark an idea?
Foosball Table
A foosball coffee table is a great idea for dens, lounges and game rooms. You can equip your table with a working foosball game, and include a transparent top that allows you to see all of the action (while your beverage of choice rests safely above it). Perhaps the simplest method for building your own foosball coffee table would be to buy a foosball table, cut the legs down to an appropriate size and then cover the top with a sturdy slab of glass. You might also want to consider finding a tabletop version of the game and setting it into the frame of a table of your own design.
Freezer Rack Table
You can make coffee tables out of just about anything. Marthastewart.com suggests using an old, commercial-sized freezer rack, which is essentially a rectangular metal frame with a series of flat metal panels running across it. Weld a section of old metal piping onto each corner of the rack for legs. Not only will you have an interesting, industrial-looking coffee table, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that it is made entirely of recycled materials.
Boat Table
If you have a flair for the nautical, this coffee table idea is for you. According to weburbanist.com, you will really only need three basic items to make your boat table: a dingy (or small boat, approximately 4 feet long), a stand for the dingy and a table surface. One of the best options for the table's surface is to cut and fit a piece of sturdy glass over the boat's opening, so you---and your guests---can look inside. You can put buoys, coils of rope and other nautical items inside of the boat's hull for decoration.
Snow Table
Living in an area that has cold and snowy winters can have its advantages, and snow architecture is one of them. Instead of building a snowman the next time there's a storm, why not make a coffee table (and some snow chairs or couches)? Simply roll up a big snowball---like you are building the base of a snowman---and pat down the top until flat. You can sit around your snow coffee table and drink hot cocoa with the family until your furniture melts away.
Video Game Table
If you want to make your gaming experience more enjoyable, try sitting at a video game coffee table while you play. Paint a scene from the popular videogame Pacman onto an existing table. Include painted "coasters" that resemble the four different-colored ghosts that chase Pacman around the game maze. Or, recreate one of the heavily pixelated characters from the game Space Invaders on a tabletop by using squares of colored fabric. Consider adding other features to your table, such as grooves for controller wires and slots for storage.
To find affordable bedside tables for your home, shop secondhand. Auctions, thrift stores, flea markets and neighborhood yard sales will most certainly yield potential. Look for outdated tables or items that can be transformed into cheap and chic bedside tables using a variety of crafting and painting techniques. Something old and unappealing can be made new again to create one-of-a-kind bedside tables that will enhance and help define any bedroom decor.
Hollywood Glamor Bedside Table
Look for old bedside cabinets that are totally enclosed and have thick doors and fat spindle shaped corners. Sand and smooth any rough spots and imperfections and remove the dust with a clean rag. Remove the hardware and paint the doors separately from the cabinet. Spray a primer over the entire outer surface of the doors and cabinet. Paint over the primer using a silver spray paint. Repeat with as many coats as needed for complete coverage. Spray paint the hinges and handle silver.
Apply sizing or adhesive for silver leaf onto the tabletop of the cabinet. Allow the adhesive to set up according to the manufacturer's directions. Place one sheet of silver leaf in a bowl and crumble it slightly with the bristles of a paint brush. Sprinkle the silver crumbs over the table and brush them into the adhesive. Repeat with more silver leaf until the top of the table has been covered to your preference. Seal the top of the table using two coats of clear polyurethane. Reattach the doors and hardware.
Vintage Chic Bedside Table
You will need a wood frame suitcase stand, like those you put your suitcase on in a hotel room, and an old vintage suitcase. Cover the handle of the suitcase with masking tape. Paint the entire outer surface of the suitcase and the suitcase stand with light blue latex acrylic house paint or a color of your choice. Repeat with more coats for complete coverage. Allow the paint to dry. Paint the suitcase and stand with a layer of crackle medium. Allow the medium to dry to a tacky texture. Paint over the crackle medium with white latex acrylic house paint or a color of your choice. The white paint will immediately crack, showing the blue underneath.
With the suitcase laying on its side, determine which side will be the tabletop. Place the suitcase with the tabletop side down. Apply household cement to the top rails and straps on the suitcase stand. Position the suitcase stand, upside down on the suitcase, pressing the rails and straps against the suitcase. Place a heavy object on the stand until the glue dries. Turn the table right side up and remove the masking tape.
Whether its a coffee table, end table or dining table, one thats made from glass adds a chic and contemporary feel to a room. Left bare, it blends into the surroundings because of its clear appearance. Define this distinctive piece of furniture by decorating the surface with pictures, helping it to stand out. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Decoupage the pictures directly to the glass. Apply a layer of decoupage glue to the front of the picture and stick it under the table so the picture is visible when looking down through the glass. Apply another layer of glue to the back of the picture, extending it slightly to the surrounding glass to seal it in.
2
Place a piece of fabric, such as a table runner or square placemat, onto the center of the glass table. Arrange framed pictures on top of the fabric. Stick to similar picture frame styles for visual continuity or create an eclectic display with multiple sizes and shapes.
3
Arrange pictures flat on the table top. Get a second layer of glass to serve as a new table top thats in the same shape as the original one. Place it on top of the pictures and it holds them in place, allowing you to view the display through the glass.
4
Incorporate small framed pictures with other decorative tabletop accessories, such as a vase or sculpture. Place the larger accessories in the middle and surround them with a circle of pictures to create a centerpiece.
5
Line the glass table with a row of pictures in the same size frames. Space them evenly apart. Place identical accessories on either end of the picture row for a cohesive display.
The easiest part of a coffee table to build is the top. This can be made from any number of materials, including glass, slate, hard woods or a combination of the two. The simplest tabletop is just a square cut from one thick plywood sheet of maple that is sanded until smooth. Another option is to ply two pieces of board together with glue and sand the top. You can also build a small wood frame from any type of two-by-four board, router the inside edges with a 1/2-inch channel gap and install a pane of 1/2-inch glass to create a basic glass coffee table.
The Legs
A coffee table has four legs. The easiest way to get a set of legs under your project is to build them from hardwood boards. The legs can be routered with any type of bit to create a decorative channel or design. They can be belt sanded into a smooth, curved surface, or worked on a lathe until round. If you use a lathe, use a form to make your legs, so each one comes out looking identical.
Put It All Together
There's more than one way to put the coffee table together as well. The most common is to use 90 degree angle braces made of metal. Just screw these to the sides of the legs, and then to the top of the table. For added stability, glue or screw the legs into the table top by driving a screw down through the table and into the leg. Another method is to use wood block braces in a similar fashion. Tabletops can also be mounted outside of the tabletop, with screws or bolts driven through the sides of the table legs and into the tabletop.
A fitted, round tablecloth gives a practical and attractive table surface to suit the occasion. The snug fit may reduce the risk of children or pets pulling the tablecloth and throwing potentially dangerous utensils or scalding beverages onto themselves. For outdoor entertaining, the smooth fit keeps the cloth stable with no flapping in the breeze. This style gives a clear view of the floor or carpet without any draped material catching on a broom or vacuum. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Cutting
1
Place the fabric wrong side up on the tabletop surface.
2
Mark the fabric with tailor's chalk or a pencil by drawing the outline of the tabletop edge. A large circle will show.
3
Measure the drop or thickness of the table surface. Add 2 inches for encasing and gathering fabric on the underside. For example, a tabletop with a 1-inch thickness plus 2 inches for encasing equals 3 inches.
4
Place the fabric, wrong side up, on a large, flat surface. Draw a larger circle around the smaller circle. The distance between the two circles equals the above measurement. This larger circle will allow the fabric to cover the table surface, the thickness of the tabletop plus the elastic casing.
5
Cut the fabric along the larger, outer circle marking.
Hemming
6
Turn under the raw edges approximately 1 inches to form the casing on the wrong side of the fabric. Turn the raw edge under approximately inch. Pin in place. Press this hem.
7
Place the fabric wrong side up on the machine's needle plate. Select a straight stitch on the machine's pattern selection.
8
Machine stitch close to the hem's top edge. Remove each straight pin as the fabric feeds on the needle plate. Stop stitching approximately two inches from the starting stitch. Knot and trim the threads. This gap provides an opening for the elastic.
9
Measure the underside of the table with the measuring tape to determine the length of elastic tape. Add 2 inches to this measurement to allow for the bulk of gathered fabric.
10
Cut the elastic tape according to the measurement. Attach a safety pin to each elastic end. Pin one elastic end next to the casing opening. Guide the other safety pin through the opening in the casing. As the elastic works through the circle of narrow casing, gathers will develop.
Finishing
11
Bring the safety pin and a few inches of trailing elastic out of the gap near the beginning stitches.
12
Remove the two safety pins. Overlap the two elastic ends and sew together to form one large loop. Spread the gathers evenly so the elastic disappears into the gap. Stitch the gap closed.
13
Fit the tablecloth on the tabletop. The gathered casing will provide a snug fit under the tabletop surface.
Whether you want the appearance of a simple urban home, a rustic farm look or a colonial-style kitchen, a plank-style dining table features clean lines and no frills. While plank-style dining tables are available in many furniture stores, you can make one on your own for less cost -- and in just one weekend. Once your table is complete, youll be ready to stain and seal, apply a clear coat or leave it as bare wood for a natural appearance. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Lay the four 1-by-6 boards on a flat surface resting on their 1-inch width. Arrange the boards into a square shape, 3 by 3 feet in size. Nail two nails through each corner to connect the boards. Run a bead of wood glue along the joints, if desired, for added strength.
2
Stand a 3-by-3 post upright and position it along the inside of one of the corners of your square. Nail through the frame into the post using two evenly spaced nails on the sides where the frame touches the post. Repeat with the other posts. Apply wood glue along the joints, if desired.
3
Flip the unit over and set the legs on a flat surface. Lay the 5-foot boards on their 10-inch widths side by side across the square frame of the table. Adjust the boards so their length overhangs the frame on two ends by 1 foot.
4
Space the boards roughly a -inch apart and allow the side boards to overhang the frame by about 2 inches on both sides. Nail three nails across the width of each 10-inch board at both points where the frame boards rest below.
5
Smooth the surface of the table with sandpaper along the top and edges of the 10-inch boards. Sand over the edges of the frame boards and sides of the legs to smooth portions which may come into contact with your legs when sitting. Apply paint, stain or a clear coat as desired.
Africa is one of the largest continents on the earth. It is most recognized for the plethora of animals that live there, such as elephants, lions, monkeys and antelope. Africa is home to several different cultures and landscapes, including Arabic, Moor, grasslands and jungle. Creating African inspired decor is not all that difficult if you know what you're looking for. Creating an African inspired coffee table can be as simple or as difficult as you want it to be. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Wipe the top of the dark wood coffee table with the damp cloth. Allow the surface to dry completely. A dark wood is the best color wood to use because it will really help set off your art, and Africa is all about rich grains and colors melded with a soft crme color. You may notice this in face paintings and African art.
2
Clean the glass top with glass cleaner and paper towels. Set aside. Try not to touch the top and bottom surfaces with your fingertips after cleaning it. You can put paper towels under your hands to keep the oils from your fingers off the glass.
3
Cut out all of the pictures you wish to use in your collage. If at all possible, use different sized pictures from large to small, and all different colors. Make an effort to get some of that crme color in your collage.
4
Lay out the pictures on your coffee table and organize them how you wish for them to appear on your coffee table. You want the pictures to be in a cluster and touching. If you have a few small spaces here and there, that's fine to do, but you don't want all the pictures spread out. Also, make sure that you mimic the shape of your coffee table. If your coffee table is square shaped, make your collage square shaped. If your coffee table is oval or circular, make the collage oval or circular.
5
Tape all of the pictures together on the underside of the picture. Do this by picking up two pictures on the outside of the collage and working your way inward. Once the whole collage is attached, set aside where it will not get stepped on or bent.
6
Lay out your ferns across the table. Spread them out so that they are not touching, and they are not all facing the same direction. It is perfectly acceptable to have some hanging off of the table. You want to make them look sporadic and wild. Tape down the ferns with the tape.
7
Lay your collage on top of the ferns and secure the collage to the top of the table with tape. Trim the fern edges to match the edges of your table. You can do this by cutting the ferns off at the edge of the table with scissors. Be careful not to scratch the wood.
8
Apply adhesive dots every 5 to 6 inches around your glass top. Place the top gently and carefully on top of your collage.
This popular salad even today was created in 1924 by Chef Caesar Cardani. It was prepared and served right at the table in his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. The original recipe did not use anchovies and in the recipe here we will used coddled eggs, not raw. A coddled egg is cooked for about 45 seconds to 1 minute in boiling water. It gives the dressing a smoother, creamier consistency. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1
Wash and dry the Romaine lettuce. Tear the leaves into pieces and add them to a large wooden or metal bowl. Refrigerate it for at least an hour. Then after the hour prepare the salad dressing. Chill some flat salad plates in the refrigerator to serve the salad on later. It tastes better when it is served on cold plates.
2
On the stove, boil water in a small pan. When it is boiling, drop the egg into it for 45 seconds to 1 minute and remove. Let it cool.
3
Mix 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 medium clove of garlic processed through a garlic press, salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon of capers and 1 of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley chopped fine and mix in small metal bowl.
4
Crack the egg and add it to these ingredients. Whisk the ingredients with a metal hand held whisk until it is smooth.
5
Now add half of the 1/3 cup of olive oil to this mixture. Continue to whisk while you add the oil in a steady stream. Get the wooden bowl out of the refrigerator add about half a bag of the prepared crotons and the 1/3 of a cup of Parmesan cheese and half of the dressing toss well. Add the rest of the salad dressing and toss all ingredients well using salad tongs.
6
Serve the salad on the chilled plates that you put in the refrigerator. Don' t forget to give everyone a fork to eat it. This recipe does not include anchovies like the original.
7
You can use a blender to make the dressing. Add all ingredients except the olive oil to the blender bowl. Process the ingredients for one minute then with the blender still running add the olive oil in a thin steady stream blending until it reaches the consistency you desire for the salad dressing. Toss with the ingredients in a salad bowl and serve.
Poker is a fun game that many people like to play regularly. It is easy to learn and can be a fun way to get money out of your friends. However, playing at a kitchen or coffee table can be cumbersome. The proportions never seem right. Many regular players purchase a professional poker table for their games. These can often be expensive, though, so for someone who doesnt quite have that level of cash, one alternative is to build your own table. These instructions are for building a six-sided table that seats at least six people comfortably.
Instructions
1
Cut 12 slats of wood about 2 inches thick with the table saw. Sand each piece. Lay them in a row and tape them together. Flip them over and place wood glue between the slats. Turn the whole thing on end and pull the ends together in a circle. Glue the remaining ends together. Wrap the whole thing together with band clamps. Let dry. Remove the clamps and tape and get rid of any excess glue with a chisel.
2
Cut three leg patterns from balsa wood. They should have two flat ends to rest against the table base and floor. Curve the middle to achieve this end. Make the pattern about one-quarter-inch larger all around than you want the legs to be (The legs should end up being about 24 inches). Once the pattern is made, then you will need to trace the leg pattern onto 2-inch wood stock. Cut with a band saw. Sand the rough edges of the legs. Use a dwelling jig to drill two hanger pilot holes in each leg to attach them to the table base. Mount the hanger bolts using locking pliers. Mark where you want to place the legs on the table base and then proceed to drill holes through the base. Bolt the legs to the base using bolts, nuts and washers.
3
Place the 8-foot square of plywood on the cutting surface. Mark the six sides of the table using a measuring tape and pencil. Make sure the sides are equal. Use a jigsaw to cut off the end pieces. If you want the table to be bigger, start with a bigger piece of wood.
4
Cut six strips of plywood of equal length to match the sides of the wood. Make sure they are long enough to reach each other around the table. Cut the edges at an angle so they fit together. Cut each of these pieces into quarters. Number the pieces so you know what piece goes where. Add veneer to the top and bottom of all the pieces of wood. Glue with veneer glue. Put wax paper against the veneer and use a clamp to hold it together for at least two hours. Repeat for all pieces of wood. Glue and screw all pieces to the main table segment.
5
Measure around the remaining exposed part of the main table. Cut a piece of plywood and foam to match this measurement. Place the velvet over this piece of wood and pull tight. Staple the cloth to the table and glue the covered piece inside the middle of the table so that it matches the veneer height. Cut more foam to match the sides of the table. Glue the foam to the table. Cover the edge foam with the vinyl cloth and staple to the back of the wood.
6
Bolt and glue the table base to the top of the table. Use wood stain and varnish to polish the table base and legs so it really shines. Once this dries, you are finished.
Home decor items like flower and candle arrangements, sculptures, family photos and even decorative coffee table books all serve to make an accent table eye-catching. Find pieces that fit the scale of the table on which they're being displayed. Then follow some common decorating rules to ensure that the pieces look as though they belong with and complement the rest of the decor in the room. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Take advantage of glass-topped furniture like coffee tables. These pieces usually have a shelf underneath the tabletop as well the tabletop itself, which adds a new dimension to your decorating efforts. Place an art glass or ceramic bowl on the bottom shelf and fill it with fruit or flowers. Position decorative items such as coffee table books or candle arrangements on top of the table, making sure you place them on the table in a way that allows the decorative item underneath to show.
2
Position the decorative pieces from largest in the back to smallest in the front. For example, if you've select a variety of family photos for your accent tables, place the photograph with the tallest frame in the back of the grouping with the shortest frame standing in front.
3
Select items that contrast with one another. Using the photograph example again, when you're selecting photo frames, choose frames of contrasting colors and styles that fit within your decorating color palette. For example, a large black frame might be flanked by one smaller picture with a white frame and one with a red frame.
4
Create an arrangement of odd-numbered items --- usually groupings of three or five. This helps to bring more visual contrast to the decorative arrangement. For example, if you're making a candle arrangement for an accent table, choose three candles of various sizes to group together, with the largest one in the middle.
5
Find ways to introduce harmony to your decorating efforts. One way to do this is to ensure that the decorative pieces you choose tie in with the rest of your furnishings and decor in some way. Choosing items that blend in with your color scheme works to this end. Finding pieces that complement your decorating style also helps. For example, if you've chosen Tuscan-style decorating, make sure the candles on your tables feature Tuscan colors like brick red or sand along with wrought iron elements.
When you are redecorating your bedroom, you are usually going for an overall look or feel to the room. An important factor to consider in decorating any room is scale. You don't want to overwhelm the room with furniture that is too large, and you don't want furniture so small that it looks out of place. Does this Spark an idea?
Headboards
Headboards are the focal point of a bedroom. They can be tall and majestic or short and sleek. Whatever style of headboard you choose, it will set the stage for the rest of your decorating in the room. Consider the size of the room before purchasing a tall headboard. A tall headboard can instantly overwhelm a room and make it feel even smaller. Choose a headboard in the style you want, but choose one that is well-proportioned for the rest of the room. If you have high ceilings, then you can choose a taller headboard.
Side Tables
The tables on either side of the room are also important. For the most symmetrical look, the tables should match and should be as tall as the top of the mattress. The best gauge for the height of the table is that it should be easily accessible when in bed. A table that is too tall or too short will be awkward to use. Remember that style isn't the only function of the room. It has to be comfortable to use as well as stylish. Keep in mind the items that you will want to have on the tables for immediate use.
Lamps
When choosing lamps for your bedroom, take into account the overall size of the lamps, the size of the table that they will be placed on and the size of the headboard.
For a bed with a tall and ornate headboard, a tall, ornate lamp will work well. It will complement the size of the headboard and the dcor of the room. If your bed is modern in style and has a sleek headboard, you may want to choose an equally sleek and unadorned lamp. Any size lamp will work well with this style, as long as the decoration on the lamp itself is kept to a minimum.
The proportion of the lamp should match the table. The lamp and the table should complement each other in size as well as style.
If you choose to go with a wall lamp, then it should be positioned so that it is easily accessible from a seated position in the bed. For a floor lamp, the top of the lampshade should ideally be no more than 48 inches from the top of the mattress.
For any lamp that is going to be used from the bed, it's important that it be easily accessible from the bed itself.
A sideboard is a piece of furniture used to serve food, display valuables like china and silver pieces as well as a place to store items. Sideboards are usually found in dining rooms. Does this Spark an idea?
History
Sideboards can be traced to England in 1770. Prior to that, large serving or side tables were used in dining rooms to serve food. They didn't have shelves, cupboards or storage like the sideboards that came later. Sideboards have enjoyed popularity since their inception and can be found today in many styles to fit any decor.
Function
Sideboards, also called servers, act as storage cupboards and display units as well as food service areas. They usually have open or glassed in shelves on top and storage cupboards below tied together by a flat area used for serving food. Sideboards are especially handy for buffet style dining. These days they sometimes act as entertainment units. Some come equipped with wine racks.
Types
Most sideboards are made from wood. Oak is a popular choice but they can be found in pine, mahogony and other woods as well. Sideboards can be untilitarian or ornate. Antique sideboards were hand crafted and can be quite costly. There is a sideboard for any decorating style. One of weathered pine finished with milk paint is perfect for the country dining room, while a modern home may call for a contemporary high-gloss finish.
Considerations
Before buying a sideboard for your dining room, think about how you intend to use it. A sideboard can be strictly a place to serve food and store china, napkins and other items or it can be set it up as a bar or entertainment center. Consider the size of your room. Sideboards come in a wide variety of sizes. Consider what color and style will complement your decor. Think about how much you are willing to spend.
Fun Fact
Sideboard is slang for sideburns as well as a term used in card tricks.
Give that old bedside table a face lift and create a lasting impression with a little paint. Recycling older furniture is quickly becoming a trend in home decorating, allowing you to keep a piece that has great lines and shape, while still making it "new" and more current with your decorated space. Does this Spark an idea?
Paint Covers All Flaws
A good coat of paint will cover just about anything that's a flaw on your bedside tabel, but that doesn't mean you should just slap that paint on and call it finished. Before painting, make sure you scrape off any loose paint that may already be on the piece of furniture. Use sand paper to make sure the entire piece is smooth, then wipe it down with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to remove any residue and dust. Doing this step before anything else will ensure you get a nice smooth finish. Decide on the paint you wish to use. A high gloss paint will give you a super shiny finish while a mat or satin will give you a duller finish that you can paint or decorate over.
Paint and Just Paint
There are many techniques that require just paint and nothing else. After you have put a base coat on your piece, try dabbing a sponge dipped in another complementary color over the entire table. Depending upon the pressure you use, you will achieve a marbleized effect. This can be done with rags, sponges or any thing that will make some kind of faint pattern. Mixing a little glazing medium in your paint will allow you to work it more fully. In this way, you can lightly swirl through your paint with another color, giving another look to your piece. Consider using the one-stroke painting technique to add some floral designs to your piece after your base coat is dry. After you have finished and your design is dry, cover the entire piece in acrylic clear coat to preserve the effect.
Combine Paint with Another Medium
There's no rule that says you have to paint any table completely. Consider combining paint and decoupage or wallpaper to get the effect you want. Find a wallpaper design that you like and use it to highlight an architectural design on the table. Paint the other sections of the piece. For example, apply wallpaper to the "window" sections of the table and use paint to frame the designs. The same is true with stenciling or appliques. Apply the designs over the base coat and cover with clear coat to preserve your decorations.
A properly set table has the napkin placed to the left of the dinner plate. Whether it is folded into a triangle, square or rectangle, the napkin is placed with the folded edge to the left and the open edge to the right. Does this Spark an idea?
History
During the Middle Ages people used their hands to eat and the only place to wipe their hands was on the edge of the tablecloth. Changing the tablecloth frequently was a necessity. The French started adding an extra cover to the table's edge which made it easy to change while not disturbing the guests or settings. This cover eventually was detached to allow guests to wipe their lips; this lead to individual linen napkins.
Placement Options
When setting a table, the napkin can either be neatly folded or rolled and inserted into a napkin ring, and then placed to the left of the dinner plate. It can also be attractively placed inside a wine glass or placed in the center of the dinner plate.
Interesting Facts
In the late 1700s the standard napkin size was 45 by 35 inches. By the 1800s, cloth napkins were commonly used and, to add interest to the place settings, hosts came up with a variety of creative ways to fold the napkin.
Wrought iron tables often provide elegant and curvy furniture pieces. When the iron is coupled with glass the transparency allows you to see all the fine iron details. When decorating a room it's important to bring in diverse textures and different elements to add to the depth of the decor. By bringing in both glass and metal, you address two elements at once in a larger piece. Painting a table base is a simple project that's easy to complete in a day. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Remove the glass top and set it aside. Take the wrought iron base to a well-ventilated area and set the table on plastic sheeting. The area around the table should be protected from overspray.
2
Brush the surface of the metal with a wire brush to remove any rust, peeling paint or debris. Clean off the surface with a rag.
3
Spray the base using a primer spray paint that's designed for wrought iron. Apply several thin coats, allowing 30 minutes drying time between coats. Allow your final coat to dry for four hours.
4
Spray the base again using a paint rated for wrought iron. Typically your primer and finish paint should be made by the same company so they work well together. Apply several thin coats, allowing each coat to dry for 30 minutes. Allow your final coat to dry for 24 hours before using the table.
The coffee table is the centerpiece of almost any living or television room. People spend many meals at coffee tables or use them as a place to write or work on. Having a coffee table that's reliable is important and often times expensive. However, with a little ingenuity, a homemade coffee table can often times work as well as any coffee table you can buy in an expensive furniture store. Does this Spark an idea?
Wooden Cut-Out Table Top
With simple woodworking skills, a table can be built out of a flat table top of wood, four evenly cut legs and a few support pieces connecting the legs. This can be done with wood, a band saw, a measuring tape and a drill with a few screws in just about an hour or so. Now the real originality comes in when you create the tabletop out of magazine cut-outs, beer labels or cool graphically designed advertisements and glue them to the wood with a couple of thick coats of lacquer, which both protect the cut-outs and the wood of the table top from drinks and spilled food, among other hazards
Tube TV Coffee Table
Take that old big screen tube TV and transform it into a unique coffee table. Turn the television on its back so that the screen faces the ceiling. Then, build a simple wooden box around the TV about the size of the screen, with enough room on one side for a small DVD player or VCR, which you can hook up to the television itself. Next, cut a piece of glass at your local hardware store which is the size of the box that goes around the television. By hooking up the television and/or VCR/DVD player once the table has been built you can play videos or DVDs from under the coffee table, which can be seen beneath the glass and controlled with the remote. However, don't secure the glass to the coffee table itself, as you won't be able to change the VHS/DVD, not will you be able to perform any maintenance, if need be.
Speaker Coffee Table
If you have old speakers, or want to purchase some cheap small used speakers, they make the perfect legs for a coffee table, as they are think and sturdy, but also light and easy to move. Find a good wooden tabletop and four to six speakers that are all the same size (and preferably same brand, for aesthetic purposes). Connect the legs to the tabletop itself with heavy duty screws. Sand and polish the tabletop and finish it to your liking. If you want to get really fancy, build a shelf into the coffee table that can hold an amplifier that can hook into a CD player or computer, and then hook up the speakers so you can play music out of the coffee table.
If you find yourself in short supply of tables for your party you don't have to run out and buy extra tables. Temporary tables can be constructed from materials you, a neighbor or a hardware store likely have on hand. These tables are easily constructed, often requiring no tools or hardware to assemble. Once decorated with linens, flowers and party food dishes, your temporary tables will look as good as more-expensive, permanent tables. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Search your house and garage for old doors, large pieces of plywood or other long, flat items which can serve as tabletops. If you have a large whiteboard, for example, you can temporarily use it as a tabletop for a small side table to hold beverages. Also, be on the look out for table legs. Filing cabinets, storage crates and sawhorses all make good table legs.
2
Construct the table's legs. Stack plastic storage crates on top of one another until the table stands as high as you like. You will need four separate stacks of crates, one for each leg. If you use sawhorses as your legs, you will only need two, one for each end of the table. Filing cabinets also make good temporary table legs.
3
Place an old door (with hinges removed) or a piece of plywood on top of your legs. Make certain your piece of plywood is thick enough to not bow in the middle when weight, such as dishes of food or gifts, are placed on it. If your tabletop does bow, make another leg out of crates or use a third sawhorse or filing cabinet placed under the center of the tabletop to help keep the table sturdy and strong.
Many people have glass tables in their lounge or dining area, as they make attractive, modern additions to many households. However, glass-topped tables can become scratched without due care and attention. Scratches can be caused by anything from throwing your car keys onto the table to placing a cup on the table without a coaster. Luckily, there are effective remedies for improving the appearance of cracks in your table. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Line a nail polish brush with a thin layer of nail polish and carefully apply the liquid along the length of the scratch. Leave the polish to dry for a few minutes. If there are any smudges on the edge of the crack, wipe away using nail polish remover.
2
Apply jeweler's rouge to a soft buffing cloth and rub gently around the scratch. Jeweler's rouge is an organic compound that is effective at improving the appearance of cracks and scratches. Use a circular motion when applying and ensure the cloth is clean before use. Jeweler's rouge can be bought from arts and crafts stores and jewelry shops. Whitening toothpaste can be used in the same way if you can't obtain jeweler's rouge.
3
Mix 1/2 oz. of ammonia with 2 cups of warm water. Buffer the scratch using a soft clean cloth and the place the mixture into a spray bottle and apply to the scratch. Wipe the area clean with a lint-free cloth, to ensure there is no further damage. Ammonia can be dangerous and produces unpleasant fumes so wear gloves and safety goggles during the procedure. Never mix ammonia with any other chemical.
4
Contact a glass repair specialist if the scratch appears too deep and fails to respond to the above treatments. In serious cases, the glass top on your table may need to be replaced.
Starting a Farm to School program for your local school district is a project that can involve a number of community members. School nutritionists may want better quality, fresh, locally grown food for students. Parents can have a similar interest, and farmers may wish to market their produce locally as well as help the community. Programs take a wide variety of forms. Some communities want their schools to purchase fresh food from local farmers. Others set up programs around a school garden and field trips to local farms. Whatever the form of your farm to table program, it brings together school officials, farmers and community members.
Instructions
1
Contact the Farm to School Team of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for information, support and guidance in setting up your program. The Farm to School Team staff has members from both the Food and Nutrition Service that regulates school lunches and the Agriculture Marketing Service that helps farmers sell their products.
2
Apply for grants or seek out other financial resources if necessary for your project. The USDA has a number of community grants that will support a farm to table program.
3
Learn the guidelines on regulations and rules concerning buying food for schools if your group plans to purchase food.
4
Get your school's nutritional services director's support. While anyone in the community can organize and start a farm to school program, many are spearheaded by local school nutritional services directors. Their support is crucial. The program cannot succeed unless the food service leaders are willing and able to add fresh local food to the school menus.
5
Contact local farmers to find those with an interest in supplying the school with fresh produce. Check with farmers markets or farmers' organizations, such as the Apple Growers Association. Also check with your state department of agriculture or the extension service.
6
Choose someone to act as a liaison between farmers and schools. Often this is the person spearheading the farm to school program, but it could also be someone hired with grant money, someone already employed by the school or by an agricultural organization. A committee or a non-profit group could act in this capacity, but someone needs to match farmers and their products with the needs of schools.
7
Purchase food or contract with farmers for future crops, once the program has been organized. The program often can move forward quickly. A simple school salad bar with local vegetables could be in place in a few weeks, but if there is a shortage of storage or processing facilities,or food service personnel have to be re-trained, it could take much longer.
Make a display coffee table to showcase collectibles, photos or other memorabilia and an additional design element in your living room. You can make display coffee tables from old windows as part of a shabby chic, country or eclectic dcor. You can also make shadow box style display coffee tables from old wooden coffee tables you can find at your local thrift store. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Old Window Display Table
1
Find an old window at your local architectural salvage yard or flea market. Measure the length and the width.
2
Purchase a wood panel to match the dimensions of your window. You will also need two strips of wood matching the length of your window and two strips matching its width. The wood strips will become the depth of your display coffee table and should be at least 2 inches wide or wider, depending on what you wish to display. You can find decorative legs for your coffee table along with all of the other building materials for this project at your local home improvement store.
3
Sand the raw wood smooth and finish all the pieces with either a stain/polyurethane combination or prime and paint. Refinish your window to match your table base or leave it as is.
4
Attach the wood trim around the perimeter of the wood panel with wood glue and screws. Insert the table legs on the underside of the wood panel with the attached screws or with wood glue and screws.
5
Screw the two hinges to one of the longest sides of the window casing, about 8 inches apart. Screw the hinges to one of the longest wood strips on the table. Your display coffee table opens on the hinged side, so you can easily add or remove any items.
Used Coffee Table Display
6
Find a used coffee table and a large framed picture at a local thrift store. The picture within the frame is irrelevant as you only need the glass and the frame. This is often less expensive than having glass cut and making a frame from wood or buying framing sections. It's also a more eco-friendly way to decorate. The frame and glass should be as large as the table.
7
Purchase wood trim with a width equal to the desired depth of the display part of your coffee table. Paint or stain the table and the wood trim to match. Refinish your picture frame, if needed, to match your table.
8
Glue and screw the wood trim to the perimeter of the table. Screw the hinges to the picture frame and then to the trim on the table.
Whether you have a newly acquired wood table or an antique, a glass cover can protect the wood surface from accidents and general wear and tear. Tempered glass is recommended as it is harder to break than normal glass. If it does break, it breaks into many tiny pebbles of glass rather than sharp fragments, and it can hold up to the hard use that many tables undergo on a regular basis much better than normal glass. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Measure the size of the top of the wooden table. If the table is not a standard shape, you may want to use a large piece of paper and trace the design of the table top onto the paper. You can then provide this to the glass shop so they are able to duplicate the exact shape and size.
2
Decide on the type of edge you want on the glass, both shape and finish, as well as the thickness; one-quarter inch thick glass should be sufficient for most tabletops. For example, edges can be rounded, straight, or beveled with a satin or gloss finish.
3
Contact glass stores in your area and online to obtain a quote for a tempered glass top to put on your wood table. It is a good idea to shop around for the best quote, including the cost of delivery.
4
Inquire about installation costs, especially if you have a sizable table top, as large pieces of glass can be heavy and unmanageable.
5
Clean the wood tabletop once the glass top arrives so that the glass can be put in place immediately.
6
Clean the glass and put it in place on the wooden table top.
Some bedroom furniture now requires you to assemble it. Assembling bedroom furniture such as bedside tables is a hassle, but not necessarily difficult to do. If you've purchased a bedside table, the assembly required is usually very simple. Since they are small pieces of furniture, they are already assembled for the most part. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Put the body of the bedside table at the desired location. It will be easier to move before it is fully assembled since it will be lighter at that point.
2
Attach the hardware to the drawers before putting the drawers into the bedside table. Usually, the hardware has a rod which is inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the drawer's face piece and a screw that goes in from the inside of the drawer. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screw. If your bedside table doesn't have any drawers or the drawers it has do not require hardware, skip this step.
3
Insert each of the drawers into their designated space within the bedside table. There is usually no order for drawers when there are multiple drawers. If there are no drawers on your bedside table, skip this step.
The farm table is an American tradition. They were often built by the families who intended to use them--not by cabinetmakers--resulting in a simple but strongly constructed piece of furniture tailored to individual needs. Almost anyone with simple woodworking skills can build one.
The six-foot farm table described here follows that tradition. It is built from standard dimension pine lumber, using simple butt joinery and box nails. Screws may be substituted if desired, but box nails suit this rustic style. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Attach one of the side rails to two of the legs. The top edge of the side rail will be even with the top of the legs, and it will form a 90-degree angle with the sides of the legs. Spread a layer of glue between the leg and rail where they overlap, and use three box nails to secure each end of the rail to a leg. The nails should not form a straight line with each other; stagger them, to reduce the possibility of splitting the wood. Use the damp cloth to remove any glue that squeezes out of the joint. When assembled, the side rail and legs should form a U-shape.
2
Repeat process with another side rail and the remaining two legs. Allow both sets of legs to dry.
3
Attach one of the leg assemblies to a side rail. The end rail should be positioned closest to the end of the long rail, so that the rails appear to wrap around the legs. Again, apply a layer of glue between the long side rail and leg assemblies where they overlap, then use three box nails (staggered, as before) to secure the rail to the leg and use the damp cloth to remove excess glue.
4
Repeat this procedure with the other leg assembly, then attach the other long side rail to the leg assemblies. When this is complete, the four rails will form a frame supported by four legs.
5
Attach the remaining 2x4 rail as a support for the top. This rail will fit inside the frame, approximately halfway between the leg assemblies. Spread a layer of glue on the cut ends of this rail, fit it into the frame, and drive two box nails through each of the side rails into the ends of this support. Remove excess glue with the damp cloth. Allow this entire frame-and-legs assembly to dry.
6
Use the measuring tape to find the center point on each of the end rails, and mark each rail with the pencil. Place two of the table top boards together on top of the frame, aligning the joint between them over the pencil marks. Place three box nails (staggered) through each board into the end rails and the center support, for a total of nine nails per board. Continue to add boards and nail them to the frame until the top is complete.
7
Sand as necessary and finish the table with the wood stain of your choice, using the applicator.
Coffee tables, also called cocktail tables, serve decorative and practical purposes in the living room. They provide a place for drinks, snacks and entertainment accessories such as remote controls. Positioned in reach of the main seating area, the coffee table occupies a central place in home hospitality. Displaying flower arrangements, art books and sculpture makes the coffee table a focal point in the home. Good designs include features that are safe, practical and attractive. Does this Spark an idea?
Material
With a growing consciousness on the value of living green and choosing eco-friendly products, consider coffee tables designed in sustainable materials such as wood, rattan and bamboo. These natural materials require little maintenance beyond dusting and occasional polishing. Protective finishes and the use of coasters under drinks reduce the risk of damage to the tabletop. Glass tends to show dust and fingerprints, and, in busy households, may need to be cleaned daily. Because glass has such a hard edge and can chip, crack and break, avoid glass coffee tables in homes with children. Metal and metal-framed coffee tables also have a hard edge. The design effects of both glass and metal have their place and work well in adult households. There are also designs combining materials, such as a wood frame with a glass insert in the middle for a cocktail table that requires no coasters.
Shape and Style
Round and oval coffee tables present an inviting appearance. Avoiding corners on low furniture reduces the risk of shin bumps for adults and injuries to children from the edges and corners of squared-off furniture. Coffee tables with rounded edges and rounded corners also share the advantage of being kinder to the body in case of accidental contact. A pedestal-style table (one central support) makes cleaning fast--swoop the duster around the leg and vacuum the visible area of the rug or dust mop the floor. Most coffee tables have four legs, some have three. With multiple legs, coffee tables with widely spaced legs provide the most convenient access for cleaning and are at less risk of damage from vacuum cleaner bumps.
Features
Good features in a coffee table include a lower shelf and drawers. In a busy household, a small living room or in any home where clutter tends to build up, the extra space helps the room stay neater. The lower shelf holds books and magazines. A drawer keeps notepads, pens, crayons, small toys and remotes out of sight when not in use. A coffee table with a cabinet underneath makes a good choice in studios and small rooms, and for anyone who could use extra storage in the living room.
Wood reclaimed from a barn is aged beautifully and has loads of character. Barnwood is the ideal choice of wood if you are looking to create a rustic, farmhouse-style table. Solid, handcrafted tables of reclaimed barn lumber cost a pretty penny if store bought, so you will save cash as well as get an attractive table if you make it yourself. A barnwood table would be well-accompanied by barnwood trestle benches. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1
Form a frame using four planks of 1-by-4 lumber: two each of the 66-inch and 32-inch lengths. Place the shorter planks inside the longer ones. These are the side and end aprons of the table.
2
Square the corners of the apron frame then use a band clamp to keep the frame in place while you connect the frame with two 2-inch countersunk screws driven through the 66-inch side aprons into the ends of the 32-inch end aprons. Remove the band clamp once the frame is secure.
3
Fit five planks of 32-inch 1-by-2 lumber into the apron frame, parallel with the end aprons and spaced evenly along the frame. Push them down to be even with the bottom of the frame. Secure these support planks as you did with the apron frame.
4
Lay three planks of 70-inch 1-by-12 lumber side-by-side to create the tabletop, which will be 36-by-70 inches. Apply glue to the planks on the edges that touch, and secure the planks together with band clamps to hold them in place while the glue sets. Examine the table and choose a top side, which you should place face-down at this point.
5
Smear glue onto the bottom of the apron frame as well as the support planks, then place the frame and support planks centered on the tabletop, which is still face down with the underside exposed. Secure the frame tightly to the table top with G-clamps while the glue dries.
6
Secure the tabletop to the support planks of the apron frame with two countersunk 1 5/8-inch screws through the support planks into the underside of each of the tabletop planks.
7
Fit a 29-inch piece of 4-by-4 lumber into each corner of the apron frame, standing them upright, for the table legs. Hold the legs firmly in the corners with G-clamps and secure them in place with two 2 3/4-inch lag bolts countersunk through each side of the frame corner into each leg; use four bolts per leg.
8
Turn the tabletop, with apron frame and legs attached, upright. Sand the table using sandpaper, either by hand or with a sander, then use the wood finish of your choosing to complete the table. A wax or oil finish will be in keeping with the rustic vibe of a barnwood table.
Instead of putting a pretty vase of flowers or a big book on your coffee table, turn the table into a masterpiece. Create a display area for your own photographs and artwork. Showcase your artsy inspiration by using unique photos or unconventional elements on the table.
Instructions
1
Strip the paint off an old wooden coffee table or buy a new table. Add a fresh coat of new paint in any colors you choose.
2
Measure the top of the table. Take 1/4 inch off each measurement to compensate for an artificial border. Buy a piece of glass cut to size. Opt to use plexiglass as an inexpensive alternative.
3
Go through your favorite photos, children's artwork or any other memorabilia that lays flat. Make a trip to the copy store. If you have three-dimensional art, photocopy it to make it two-dimensional.
4
Lay out all the photos or art on the top of the coffee table in the pattern of the design. Enlarge or reduce the photos to get them to fit your project. Put a little poster putty under the corners of each piece to secure them to the coffee table.
5
Put a ball of clear putty at each corner of the table. Carefully lay the glass on top the coffee table.
6
Line up all the edges. The glass should sit on the table with it's edges just inside the table ledge. The putty holds the glass in place.
Decorating a table according to a specific theme can help set the party mood. When brainstorming ideas, consider the event. Is it holiday specific, related to a certain season or is it to celebrate a personal accomplishment? It's a good idea to consult entertainment and decoration magazines as they can help a host decide whether to go with store-bought decorations or take on a DIY approach. Does this Spark an idea?
Summertime
One summertime party idea is to order fruit bouquets.
Bring a beach flavor to an indoor or outdoor summertime get-together by laying down a bright blue tablecloth and setting either one or several beach pails in the center. Fill the pails with seashells and sand mixed with silver glitter. Encircle the buckets with candle holders shaped like sandals. Scatter saltwater taffy across the tabletop. Another idea is to fill a basket with summertime fruits such oranges, lemons and limes that guests can then take home. Surround the basket with sunflowers. For an additional zing, purchase an edible bouquet where the fruit is cut into flower shapes. As summer is also a time when picnics are common, cover the table with a gingham picnic blanket, place a picnic basket in the center and fill it with condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, relish and salt and pepper packets. Add paper plates, napkins, plastic silverware and insect repellent. Scatter grass, plastic ants and fake butterflies all over the table.
Back-to-School
Red wagons can be used as centerpieces for any party that is school related.
Back-to-school events range from fund-raising luncheons to PTA meetings. To cater to any school-related get-together, take a small red wagon and put it in the center of the table. Fill it with school basics, such as number two pencils, notebooks, apples, rulers, erasers and miniature chalkboards.
Another idea is to take plastic lunch trays and fill them with school-related snacks that will be appetizers. Think fruit snacks, applesauce, baby carrots, juice boxes, Sweet chocolate round snacks and celery with peanut butter and raisins can create 'ants on a log.' Decorate the rest of the table with toy-sized school buses and alphabetic confetti. For a literary approach, create a book pyramid that includes a dictionary and thesaurus. Make fake library cards and 'book due' notices and arrange them in a fan around the books.
Halloween
Fill a plastic pumpkin with candy and put in the center of the table.
Starting with a black tablecloth, stretch fake cobwebs from corner to corner along with plastic spiders. A simple centerpiece is a plastic pumpkin filled with miniature candy bars and surrounded with candy corn. For a macabre touch, take glass vials of various shapes and sizes and create specimen jars. Fill the jars with water and put in fake eyeballs and plastic teeth and gums. Add in blue- or green-colored dye to make it look like the body parts are being sterilized. Add to the table miniature skulls and plastic fingers with ends that have been dabbed with fake blood.
Christmas
If guests aren't eating at the table, set up a toy train to run around the edge.
Put baby Christmas trees in the center of the table and hang ornaments that represent the 12 days of Christmas on each. Let guests take the decorations home. If the table is for show only, have a toy train run around the table's perimeter. For a scented table, fill a crystal bowl with cinnamon potpourris, pine cones that have been decorated with glitter glue and holly. Surround the bowl with garland and either fake or real poinsettia petals.
To create a romantic table, go to a local craft store and purchase small crystal or porcelain castles. Surround the castle with small Christmas wreaths or trees. Next, hang mistletoe from the ceiling just above the castle. Take red and green ribbon, tie it around the castle turrets and attach the other end to the overhanging mistletoe.
Graduation
Mimic graduation tassel by decorating a table with fringe in the school's colors.
For a graduation, rim the table with floor-length tassel that is either black or the school's colors. Cover the table with a white tablecloth and encourage guests to write well wishes or just their names on the fabric. Write encouraging sayings on pieces of paper, roll them up so that they look like diplomas, tie them with school-colored ribbon and put them at each place setting.
In the center of the table, either fill a basket or a briefcase with symbols of what the future might bring. Ideas include small globes to indicate that the world is theirs, light bulbs for future bright ideas, maps to represent pending journeys and books such as Dr. Seuss's "Oh the Places You'll Go."
