DIY Kids Art Table with Hexagon Table Top Pattern

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing details on how I built a kids art table for my niece.  The art table is very similar in design to the one I built for my son a couple years ago. You can read about that project here. The main difference between the two tables is the newer version is slightly smaller in size and lacks a built-in paper roll.  The new version also has a slightly recessed drawing surface to incorporate an acrylic sheet cover.

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!)

Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor.  June’s theme is “One Panel Challenge,” and June / July’s sponsor is Purebond Plywood!  The goal of the challenge is to create one piece of functional furniture from a single sheet of plywood.

Purebond Plywood offers quality, formaldehyde-free hardwood plywood. The sheets of plywood come in a variety of prefinished and unfinished options. Purebond plywood is manufactured and source in the United States and Canada. You can find Purebond Plywood sheets at your local Home Depot or you can visit this link to find additional options on where to buy Purebond Plywood near you.

Fab Furniture Flippin Hosts

Our fab host for June / July is Jodi over at Ballard Designs. She kicked off this month’s One Panel Challenge with a table upcycle project. If you are a blogger and you are interested in participating in future contests, please send an email to info@eveyscreations.com.

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.  I received one sheet of Purebond Plywood for free.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the kids art table:

Tools

• Pocket-Hole Jig
• Track saw
• Miter saw
• Bandsaw (alternatively you can use a jigsaw)
• Orbital sander
• Drill / Driver

Supplies

• 1 sheet of 3/4″ Plywood
• 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
• Acrylic Sheet 20″ x 32″
• White Paint
• Gloss clear coat
• Cardstock in a variety of colors (the hexagons)
• Die cutting machine (for cutting out hexagons)

How to build a Kids Art Table

How to build a kids art table

I did not deviate much from the previous design of the kids art table. I removed the paper roll feature because over time we used it less with my son’s art table. I added an acrylic sheet to cover the table surface to make clean up (of paint, clay, markers and crayons) easier.  I recessed the table top surface so the acrylic sheets stays in place and won’t slide off the table.

Step 1: Break plywood sheet down to final dimensions

Here’s the cut list for art table. I altered the dimensions to work with the pre-cut size of the acrylic sheet.

• Legs – 23 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ (4)
• Short aprons – 18 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ (4)
• Long aprons – 25″ x 3 1/2″ (2)
• Tray – 5 1/2″ x 20 1/4″ (2)
• Short sides – 20 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ (4)
• Long sides – 46 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ (2)
• Table top – 32 1/4″ x 20 1/4″

Plywood cut to final dimensions

Step 2: Taper legs

Add a slight taper to the art table legs. I used my bandsaw to cut the taper. A jigsaw will work well here too.

Step 3: Drill pockets holes and assemble the pieces together

I used pocket hole joinery to build the art table.

Assembling the art table

Step 4: Apply a finish

Conceal the rough raw edges of the plywood. Sand. Prime and paint the the table.

For the geometric pattern, instead of painting hexagons I cheated and used cardstock. I used my Silhouette Portrait to cut out the hexagon shapes. I glued the hexagons in place and sealed them with a clear coat.

Cardboard hexagons cut from

DIY Kids Art Table with Hexagon Geometric Pattern

I’m pretty happy with how the art table came out. It was a fun build to make use of a single sheet of plywood.  Specials thanks to the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest and Purebond Plywood for sponsoring the challenge!

DIY Kids Art Table with Hexagon Geometric Pattern

The post DIY Kids Art Table with Hexagon Geometric Table Top Pattern appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Storage Bench with D. Lawless Hardware – August’s FFFC

I have a bad habit of starting new projects before completing old projects.  About a year ago, I started to build a storage bench following plans by Ana White.  I was about half way done with the building portion of it when I stopped working on it.  I don’t recall what distracted me from completion, but it sat in my garage for months!

(Instagram informs me that I took this photo 52 weeks ago from today.  Yikes!)

Today I’m working on an entry way storage bench. I can’t wait to get this one done! #woodworking #krejjig #garageshop #shanty2chic #anawhite #sawdustfriday #pockethole #letsdothis #diy

A photo posted by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on Aug 28, 2015 at 11:06am PDT

When I joined August’s Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest, I looked around the house for a piece of old furniture that could use some TLC.  I then got the idea of revisiting the bench project. Today, I will share the steps I took to build and finish the bench.  However before I begin, I want to first give the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest and this month’s sponsor the proper introduction!

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest

Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor.  August’s theme is “class it up,” and August’s sponsor is D. Lawless Hardware!  D. Lawless Hardware has a huge selection of hardware for really good prices.

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Hosts

The Storage Bench

I am really happy with the final look of the storage bench.  I used 4 large 2″ ring pulls from D. Lawless Hardware in the Dark Antique Bronze (item number P3031-DAB).

DIY Storage Bench with pulls from D. Lawless Hardware

Here’s a close up on the pulls:

Large 2″ Ring Pulls (Dark Antique Bronze) from D. Lawless Hardware

DIY Storage Bench

Building the Bench

I closely followed Ana White’s plans for the Alexia Storage bench.

Bench sides assembled

Attaching the bench back

Attaching a decorative trim

Finishing the Bench

Once the surface of the bench was prepped, I stained the seat portion of the bench with Danish Oil (Dark Walnut) and I painted the bottom portion of the bench with an off-white color.

I forgot to precondition the wood before staining and I was a little worried about the appearance, but I have successfully convinced myself it gives the bench a lot of character.

That moment when you realize you forgot to precondition the wood before staining. I keep telling myself it gives it character. #almostdone #diy #woodworking #thatmomentwhen #diyfurniture #woodwork #woodworker #wood #kregjig #anawhite #shanty2chic #danishoil #watco #furniture #buildersgonnabuild #buildallthethings #storagebench #bench

A photo posted by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on Aug 25, 2016 at 6:35pm PDT

Installing the Hardware

After the finish dried, I installed drawer slides for the drawers and installed the ring pulls.

Trying to decided on where to place the pulls

Drilled holes for installing the ring pulls

DIY Storage Bench with D. Lawless Hardware – August’s FFFC

DIY Storage Bench

DIY Storage Bench

DIY Storage Bench

DIY Storage Bench with pulls from D. Lawless Hardware

The post DIY Storage Bench with D. Lawless Hardware – August’s FFFC appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

May’s Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest – Chevron Barstool makeover with Country Chic paints

I had a barstool sitting in my garage collecting dust for the past year.  It was a cheap generic barstool and the result of a failed furniture flip.  (I did a poor job prepping the surface and the paint peeled.)

Before the second flip

I decided to revist the project for this month’s Fab Furniture Flippin contest.

Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor.  May’s theme is “bling bling,” and May’s sponsor is Country Chic Paint!

Country Chic Paints

Country Chic Paints are eco-friendly, and designed for people who love to refinish furniture and home decor!

Our fab hosts

May’s fab hosts are Carrie from Thirty Eight Street and Thea from Sweet Tea Refinishings. Our fab hosts kicked off this month’s contest with blinged pieces of their own. Be sure to check out Carrie’s and Thea’s furniture flips. If you are a blogger and you are interested in participating in future contests, please send an email to info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com.

Fab Flipping the Barstool

Here are the steps I took to updated the look of the barstool.

Step 1:  Prep the surface of the stool

First up, I sanded the surface of the stool with 220 grit sand paper removing.  I followed up a coat of primer.

Prepping forthe barstool makeover

Step 2:  Paint the surface with a base coat

Next up I applied two layers of Country Chic Paint’s All-in-One Decor paint.  I used Sea Storm.  The paint was easy to apply and I love the color of the blue.

Painting the stool with Sea Storm Country Chic Paint

Step 3:  Paint the feet of the stool

I really like this little touch.  Tape off about 2 inches from the bottom of each leg, and paint the “feet” with the metallic cream.  I used Country Chic Paint’s Silver Bullet.

Painting the feet of the barstool

Step 4: Create a chevron pattern on the seat of the stool

I used painter’s tape, a X-acto knife and a straight edge to create the chevron pattern on the top of the stool.

Applying a chevron pattern to the stool

Finally, I applied the metallic cream to the exposed areas on the top of the stool.

Chevron Barstool Makeover

I am happy with the barstool’s updated look!

Chevron barstool makeover with Country Chic Paints

The post Chevron Barstool Makeover – May’s FFFC appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Poang Makeover

Painted Poang Makeover

I enjoy lounging around in my IKEA Poang. It has served me well over the past couple of years, however, there has always been one thing I didn’t like about it:  it’s a little bland in appearance and I enjoy colorful things.   This month I participated in a furniture decorating contest, and I used the opportunity to give my little chair a pop of color!  Today, I want to share with you the steps I took to update its look.  However before I get started, I want to introduce you to the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest!

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor.  February’s theme is “Make a Statement,” and February’s sponsor is DecoArt!

DecoArt

DecoArt carries a huge range of paint products!  If you are a crafter or a DIYer or a fine artist or a mixed media artist, they got you covered.  (I love their Triple Thick Gloss Glaze!  I used it to seal the bowling pins for my scrap wood bowling lane project.)

February’s fab hosts are Carrie from Thirty Eighth Street and Charlotte from Ciburbanity. Our fab hosts kicked off this month’s contest with amazing pieces of their own. Be sure to check out Carrie’s and Charlotte’s furniture flips. If you are a blogger and you are interested in participating in future contests, please send an email to info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com.

The Poang Makeover

The original Poang

I like the natural appearance of the Poang, but I really wanted it to have a bit of color.  The happy medium I reached was to paint the Poang’s edges and leave the other areas unpainted.

I removed the chair’s cushion and got to work!

Poang Frame

Each contestant in this month’s competition received up to 2 jars of DecoArt’s Chalky Finish Paint and a jar of their finishes.  For my fab flip I chose Fortune and Heritage.

DecoArt Chalk Paints

I first painted the edges of the Poang with a few coats of Fortune chalky paint.

Painted the Poang sides green

Once the edges dried, I used a stencil to paint a pattern on the chair’s frame.  Here I alternated between Fortune and Heritage.  The chair’s home is in the playroom, so I choose a pattern that felt fun.

Painting with a stencil

The new look works the space, but in hindsight I wish I painted the entire chair a solid color, maybe in Smitten. It’s a pretty pink color.

Painted Poang Chair Makeover

The post Painted Poang Makeover – February’s FFFC appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Herringbone End Table Makeover

When I moved out of my parents home, I received a set of old furniture they purchased when I was an infant:  a coffee table, an end table, an old sofa set.  The coffee table had a  recent makeover.   It was past time for the end table to receive a fresh start too!  Today, I want to share with you the steps I took to update its look.  However before I get started, I want to introduce you to the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest!

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor.  January’s theme is “a fresh start,” and January’s sponsor is General Finishes!

General Finishes carries a nice variety of water based and oil based finishes.  They are best known for their gel stains.  Each participant received one quart of a General Finishes chalk paint, and the winner will receive a full case of General Finishes products!  General Finishes was September’s fab sponsor as well.  I participated in that month’s contest and painted a kids art table with their milk paint.

January’s fab hosts are Stacey from Anastasia Vintage  and Evey from Evey’s Creations. Our fab hosts kicked off this month’s contest with freshened pieces of their own. Be sure to check out Stacy’s and Evey’s furniture flips. If you are a blogger and you are interested in participating in future contests, please send an email to info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com.

End table before the makeover

I painted the end table with a few coats of General Finishes Key West Blue chalk paint.    It is a light, soft blue.  It is a very pretty color.   The chalk paint was really easy to work with and had good coverage.

I created a herringbone pattern on the table top with white chalk paint.

End table after makeover

Herringbone end table makeover

Fab Flipping the End Table

Here are the steps I took to freshen up the look of the end table.

Step 1:  Prep the surface of the table.

Before painting, I sanded down the surface of the table with 220 grit sandpaper.

Sanding down an old end table for this month’s Fab Furniture Flippin Contest. It’s cold outside! I need to invest in a good pair of warm working gloves and a patio heater. Brrrrrr. #babyitscoldoutside #fabflippincontest #fabfurnitureflippincontest #fffc #furnituremakeover #sanding

A photo posted by Ashley (@handmadewithashley) on Jan 18, 2016 at 8:40am PST

Step 2:  Cover the end table with a few layers of chalk paint.

I applied 3 coats of chalk paint to the surface of the end table.

General Finishes Key West Blue Chalk Paint

Step 3:  Create a herringbone pattern with tape and white chalk paint.

I wanted to create a pattern on the table top’s to make it more visually interesting.  I settled with creating a herringbone pattern.

1. First, I taped off the perimeter of the table’s top
2. I used tape to divide the table top into 4 portions
3. I taped off diagonals, 3 inches apart
4. Finally, I painted the appropriate sections

Taping and painting a herringbone pattern

Step 5:  Seal the deal!

Once all the paint dried, I sealed the table with a satin varnish.

Herringbone End Table Makeover

I am super happy with the end table’s new look.  I hesistated using the Key West Blue chalk paint because light blue is a little out of my comfort zone but I loved how this color turned.  It really fits the piece.

Herringbone end table General Finishes chalk paint makeover

My husband really likes the blue too.

DIY Herringbone End Table Makeover

I’m linking up to:

• The DIY Showoff
• Home Stories A to Z

The post Herringbone End Table Makeover – January’s FFFC appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Upholstered Bench

I just finished my first project with upholstery!  I built a bench following plans by Ana White from a couple of 2x4s and used this gorgeous fabric from Minted.  That’s right, Minted carries fabric.  That’s something I did not know about until very recently!

Floral Pattern Fabric from Minted

Floral Pattern designed by Trendy Peas (Patchi Cancada)

Upholstered Bench with Minted Floral Pattern Fabric

The new bench is my entry for this month’s Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest.

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor. November’s theme is “Take a Seat” and November’s sponsor is Minted!

Minted

Minted pairs with indie graphic designers and offers a variety of products including cards, art, and home decor items.

November’s fab hosts are Colleen from 58 Water Street  and Stacy from Anastasia Vintage. Our fab hosts kicked off this month’s contest with upholstered pieces of their own. Be sure to check out Colleen’s and Stacy’s upholstered projects. If you are a blogger and you are interested in participating in future contests, please send an email to info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com.

First up, I am going to cover the steps I took to build the bench and then I will describe the steps I took to upholster the bench.

Building the Bench

I followed these really easy bench plans by Ana White for this project.  It took a couple of hours to build the bench base.

Step 1:  Cut the boards to the appropiate length.

I used a Japanese handsaw to cut the 2×4 boards down the correct lengths.  I used a mini circular saw to cut a 16″ wide piece of plywood.

2×4 boards cut with Japanese Handsaw

Step 2:  Taper the bench legs

For added character, I used a jigsaw to taper each leg.

Tapered legs with a jigsaw

Step 3:  Create pocket holes

Next up, I used my Kreg Jig to drill several pocket holes into the boards.

Creating pocket holes

Step 4:  Assemble the bench

I screwed the boards together with pocket hole screws and some well place clamps. (That pesky warped wood.)

Assembling the bench

Steps 5  – 8:  Sand, Prime, Paint and Seal

Originally, I had my heart set on staining the bench, but the aqua color complimented the fabric in a way no stain could.

Painting it aqua

Upholstering the Bench

I love the look of diamond tufting and I found this really awesome tutorial on how to do diamond tufting over at Addicting 2 Decorating.  I don’t think I deviated from her steps to tuft my bench.

Step 1:  Glue upholstery foam to the plywood

People aren’t kidding when they say upholstery foam is expensive!  Fortunately, I walked into the fabric stored equipped with a 60% off one item coupon. I used a spray web adhesive to attach the foam to the plywood.

Steps 2 & 3:  Draw diamond pattern on to the foam and cut out 1″ squares

Marking the diamonds

I tried using a pair of scissors to cut out the squares, but I found a knife more effective at the job.

Step 4:  Cover the foam with batting

I covered the foam with one layer of high-loft batting.

Attaching batting

Step 5:  Tufting!

I drilled screws with washers into the plywood to tuft the piece.

Tufting

Step 6:  Finish the sides

Folding over the sides was a bit tricky, but I started to get the hang of it towards the end.

Finishing the sides

Step 7:  Cover the screws with buttons

I covered the screws with a craft button cover kit and fabric scraps.  This step was a bit tedious, but definitely worth the effort.

Button covers

Screws covered with buttons

Step 8:  Attach the upholstered top to the bench base

DIY Upholstered Bench

DIY Upholstered Bench

The post DIY Upholstered Bench – November’s FFFC Contest (Sponsored by Minted!) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Before and after coffee table makeover

When I moved out of my parents home, one of the first pieces of furniture I acquired was a coffee table they purchased when I was an infant. The coffee table has served me well, but it was past due for a makeover. Today, I want to share with you the steps I took to update its look.  However before I get started, I first want to introduce you to the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest!

Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor. October’s theme is “Spray Me Pretty” and October’s sponsor is Homeright!

Homeright

Homeright offers a variety of painting, automotive and home care products. I have heard a lot of people buzzing about their paint sprayers, and I finally had the opportunity to try their Finish Max Fine Finish HVLP Sprayer!

Our fab hosts

October’s fab hosts are Lynn from Fern Avenue  and Evey from Evey’s Creations. Our fab hosts kicked off this month’s contest with sprayed pieces of their own. Be sure to check out Lynn’s and Evey’s furniture flips. If you are a blogger and you are interested in participating in future contests, please send an email to info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com.

Board games and a coffee table

Spraying the Coffee Table

This coffee table has survived the wear and tear of 6 children over in the span of almost 3 decades. It’s time it received a little TLC.

Coffee table before paint

Step 1: Dilute the paint

I am a big fan of ombre finishes, and I wanted to incorporate the look in the coffee table. I purchased two quarts of paint+primer in a teal-ish color, one slightly darker than the other. Out of the quart, the paint was too thick to go through the sprayer. The Finish Max came with a viscosity cup. You fill the cup up with paint and measure how much time it takes for the contents to empty. The instructions for the Finish max included a table with recommended times for various finishes such as stains, enamels, varnish, etc.

Finished Max Fine Finish HVLP Sprayer

Step 2: Apply a base coat

I filled the Finish max container with the diluted paint in the lighter of the two colors. I covered the entire table with that color.

Step 3: Create a 1:1 paint ratio with the two colors and spray on the legs

I applied the color gradient only on the legs of the table. I made a half and half mix of the two colors and sprayed the middle third portion of the legs.

Step 4: Spray bottom portion of the legs with the second, darker color

To complete the transition, I sprayed the bottom portion of the legs with the darker of the two colors. It is a very subtle gradient change.

Spraying paint

Step 5: Seal the table with a gloss varnish

Finally, I added a coat of gloss varnish for extra protection.

The Updated Coffee Table

I’m in love with the new look for the coffee table. It gives off bright, fun vibes. I’m also in love with my new sprayer. The Finish Max was really easy to use, greatly reduced the amount of time it would have taken me to paint, and left a real smooth finish. I was nervous about the amount of work cleaning the tool would require, but it was really simple and easy. (I was using a water based paint.)

The updated coffee table

I think going back to a paint brush is going to be really hard.

Spray me pretty coffee table

The gradient shows up better when the coffee table is indoors.  If I had to do this over again, I would have selected a darker color for the bottom of the legs so the gradient change would be more visible.

The indoor light shows the gradient on the legs better

Coffee table makeover!

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DIY Geometric Kids Art Table

My little toddler has discovered the wonderful world of coloring.  He adores scribbling with crayons and markers.  I wanted to create a bright and colorful space to encourage his artistic abilities.  I wanted to build him an art table!  Today I will share with you how I built my little toddler’s art table and how I applied its finish.  However, before I dive into the steps, I want to introduce you to the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest!

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!)

Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor.  September’s theme is geometry, and September’s sponsor is General Finishes!

General Finishes

General Finishes carries a nice variety of water based and oil based finishes.  I think they are best known for their gel stains.  (I have been wanting to try their gel stain for quite some time now.)  Each participant received one quart of a General Finishes product, and the winner will receive a full case of General Finishes products. This post is my first entry in the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest, and I received one quart of Milk Paint from General Finishes.

Our Fab Hosts

September’s fab hosts are Lynn from Fern Avenue and Carrie at Thirty Eight Street.  Our fab hosts kicked off this month’s contest with geometric themed pieces of their own.  Be sure to check out Lynn’s console table furniture flip and Carrie’s cabinet flip.  If you are a blogger and you are interested in participating in future contests, please send an email to info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com.

Geometric kids art table

My little toddler’s art table is knock off of an art table I found while browsing Pottery Barn Kids.  The table retails for $349.  With taxes and shipping, I was able to create my version for a quarter of the price.  The table is 50.5” long, 27.5” wide and 24” tall.

Pottery Barn Kids Art Table

The following video shows the art table paper roll in action:

Disclosure:  This post contains affliate links.  I received one quart of General Finishes Milk paint for free.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build and finish the kids art table:

• General Finishes Milk Paint (Snow White)
• Pine Stain
• Gloss Varnish
• Acrylic craft paints (I used Delta Ceramcoat in the following colors)
  • Sunset
  • True turquoise
  • Ultra blue
• 1” painters tape
• Foam Brushes
• Kreg Jig (for joining boards)
• Kreg Right Angle Clamps
• 1.25” Coarse Kreg Pocket Hole Screws
• Japanese Handsaw and Guide
• Rockwell VersaCut Circular Saw with Track Guide
• Jigsaw (optional – for tapering legs)
• Drill/driver
• Orbital Sander equipped with sandpaper ranging from 100 grit to 220 grit
• Wood filler
• Wood glue
• Lumber (cut list)
  • A – 1x6x26″ (2)
  • B – 1x4x26” (4)
  • C – 1x4x50.5” (2)
  • D – 1x4x23.5” (4) – table legs
  • E – 1x4x24.5” (2)
  • F – 1x3x24.5” (2)
  • G – 1x3x28.5” (2)
  • I – 3/4” plywood at 26×35.5”
• Wooden dowel at 26” long (optional – for paper roll)

Building the Art Table

Learning SketchUp is definitely on my to-do list!

Update:  Hey guys, check out Ana White’s knockoff version of the art table with free SketchUp plans plus she has put together a nice video tutorial as well!

Step 1:  Cut the boards to the appropriate lengths.

I used my Japanese handsaw and guide to cut all the boards down to the appropriate lengths.  I used my mini-circular saw to rip the plywood into the appropriate dimension.

Tools for cutting the lumber and plywood

Step 2:  Create pocket holes

With my Kreg Jig and a drill, I created a ton of pocket holes for joining the boards together.

Kreg Jig K5 and pocket holes

Step 3:  Assemble the tabletop.

I created the table top by joining pieces A, B, C and I.

Joining boards A, B and C together

Tabletop assembly is complete

Step 4:  Taper the legs (optional)

I tapered the table’s legs (piece D) with a jigsaw.

Tapering table legs with a jigsaw

Step 5:  Drill hole in 2 table legs for paper roll (optional)

I drilled a hole 6” from the top of the leg for holding a paper roll.  Heh, I could have done a better job drilling the hole.

Drilling hole for paper roll

Step 6:  Assemble the table base

To create the base of the table, I first joined boards D (2) to F.

Joining boards D and F

For extra leg support, I attached board E.

Attaching board E

Finally, I joined each pair of legs with boards G.

The table base is complete

Step 7:  Attach the tabletop to the table base

I flipped the tabletop upside down and attached the based.

Attaching the table base to the tabletop

Finishing  the Art Table

After a good bit of sanding, I was ready for the really fun part:  painting!

Step 1:  Apply the base coat

I applied 3 coats of General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White.  This was my first time using General Finishes Milk Paint and it won’t be the last.  The Milk Paint was very easy to apply and had very rich color.

General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White

Step 2:  Stain the inside of the storage cubbies (optional)

I love two-toned finishes.  Especially when they are paired with the color white.  Midway through painting, I decided that’s a look I wanted in the art table and I am very pleased the results!

Storage cubbies stained with a pine finish

Step 3:  Tape off a geometric pattern

With 1” painters tape, I taped off the perimeter of the table top.  Then I applied a few strips of tape from one edge to another.  And finally, I applied smaller strips of tape.

Geometric pattern taped off

Step 4:  Paint the sections

I used 3 different colors of acrylic craft paint to fill in each section of tape.

Painting the sections

Step 5:  Seal with a varnish

For the final step, I sealed the table with 3 coats of gloss varnish.

The Finished Art Table

This art table is one of my favorite builds so far.  I love the geometric pattern, and I adore how the table is so bright and cheery.

DIY Geometric Kids Art Table

Art table with a paper roll

Geometric kids art table

Before and after – geometric kids art table

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