Decorative table top

Use leftover scrapbooking paper to decorate a table.

You will need
• wooden table
• medium-grit and fine-grit sandpaper
• paintbrush
• sponge roller
• PVA paint in a colour of your choice
• matching scrapbooking paper
• craft knife and cutting mat
• metal ruler
• wood glue
• modge podge
• gold leaf size (glue)
• gold leaf
• soft, flat paintbrush

To make
1 Remove the handles of the table, if necessary, before lightly sanding the table. Wipe down with a dry paintbrush or a damp cloth. Note: Scrub the table with an all purpose cleaner if it’s very grimy.
2 Use a sponge roller (and a paintbrush for the hard-to-reach areas) to paint the table with a few coats of PVA paint. (We used Plascon Lime Time Y6-B1-3.) Leave each coat to dry before applying the next.
3 Arrange the scrapbooking paper on the table top. Once you are happy with the composition, use a craft knife, cutting mat and metal ruler to cut each piece to size. If you prefer, you can number the pieces on the back to make it easier to position them correctly.
4 Use wood glue to secure the scrapbooking paper to the table top. Apply the glue with a paintbrush, then carefully smooth out each piece of paper with a soft, dry cloth. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess glue. Leave to dry completely.
5 Paint a layer of modge podge over the paper, then leave to dry. Apply another nine coats of modge podge, leaving each coat to dry before applying the next. Once the final coat is dry, sand the table top very lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Apply another coat of modge podge. Repeat until the entire table top has been completely sealed.
6 Dab gold leaf size here and there on the legs and sides of the table. Concentrate on the edges and corners. Leave the size to dry until it becomes tacky, then apply the gold leaf and smooth it down with a dry paintbrush. Leave to dry before replacing the handles, if necessary.