Children's Table and Chair Revamp- Decoupage with Fabric!

Over the last year, I have been slowly working on decorating our family/playroom. Sadly, we had to force poor Daddy out of his "Man Cave" office to give our daughter more room to play, craft and do what six-year-old little girls do. I have really challenged myself to decorate this new space by revamping and using the accessories that we already have stored in guest closets waiting for a garage sale.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting several of the fun projects that we have completed for this space. Children's spaces are so fun to decorate because anything goes and we really did some fun and different projects. I wanted to start things off with this children’s table and chairs that I revamped using a fabric decoupage technique that I can’t wait to share with you. So let's jump right in!

Again, using something we already had, I decided that my daughter was ready to spice up her baby pink table and chairs that was home to many tea parties in her room. I didn’t take a before picture but this is basically what it looked like before:







To blend in with the other colors of the playroom/family room but still keeping it whimsical and childlike, I looked to fabulous and funky MacKenzie Child’s furniture as my inspiration, so I spray painted the table and chairs and dark chocolate brown using a matte spray paint:





I decided that I wanted the top of the table to look like hand painted leopard print, so I decided on a leopard print fabric and set out to decoupage the top of the table using fabric! Yep, you can decoupage using fabric! In fact, I have done it several times and if done in a certain way, it can look just like its hand painted and smooth as butter! Now that I have learned this technique, I think it’s so much easier than using paper (See detailed instructions of how to decoupage with fabric at the end of this posting). This is how the top looked when I was finished with the decoupage:





I finished off the piece with some fabulous long bullion fringe around the table edge in coordinating colors:








I attached the trim first with hot glue to get it on the edge itself and hanging exactly where I wanted it. I then went over the trim with a nail (with a small head) every two inches or so. When I got to the end, I cut and folded the trim end behind and secured with a final nail.











I am so pleased with how this piece turned out and it cost me zero dollars to revamp as I had everything that I needed. The piece is perfect for the playroom and is now home to many six-year-old crafting projects and wild Barbie adventures. The table and chairs are still the perfect size for my daughter but sadly, I think I only have a couple of more years before she out grows this special table and I’ll have to come up with something new.

Again, instructions to decoupage with fabric is at the end of this posting and I would love to see any pictures of your projects should you be inspired to try this fabulous and easy technique! Look for some fun and silly playroom projects coming up in the next few weeks as I highlight some of the other things we have tackled in this space.

Thank you again for your sweet comments, notes and emails. I so appreciate your interest and feedback.

Cheers!

Cyndy

Instructions for Decoupaging with Fabric:

1) You can decoupage on virtually any surface! However, you will need to make sure to wipe down the surface with hot water to lift any dust or particles to prevent bumps. Make sure you let the surface completely air dry.

2) Measure your fabric. For the table above, I turned the table upside down and drew the circle an inch larger than the table itself (so I could overlap the onto the side edge)and cut out. I have used this technique on drawers and metal bins and I just work with the fabric ahead of time to determine fabric layout (just like using paper).

3) I poured the Modge Podge directly onto the table top and used a wide foam brush to spread out the Modge Podge quickly. I used enough Modge Podge to "glue" the fabric to the table but not too much that the Modge Podge easily soaks through the fabric (a small amount will anyway and it's ok).

4)I positioned my fabric onto the table and then with a small wallpaper plastic squeegy, I started in the middle and very lightly evened out the fabric and the Modge Podge beneath, moving the excess Modge Podge underneath to the edges (it will come out around the edges as you squeegy and I removed with a cloth). I did this for several minutes around the whole table until the fabric was smooth.

5)I let the bottom layer of Modge Podge dry for at least 4 hours. It has to completely dry before you can do first layer or it will gum up.

6) Next, I poured the first layer of Modge Podge over the fabric. This time I did not use as much as I did on the bottom layer, but enough to provide a thin layer traditional decoupaging layer (it will look creamy until it dries). I used a wide foam brush to spread out. *****Very Important**** For the first layer, I went in a vertical direction only across the table until the fabric was evenly coated (the brush marks will dimenish some after drying). I also add an extra amount of Modge to the edges to completely secure.

7) Allow the first layer to completely dry. Usually anywhere from 2-4 hours (2 hours if you are doing this outside or have a fan on the item). Again, the Modge Podge must be completely dry to prevent gumming up.

8) Lightly sand the first layer with a very fine sand paper. Sand just enough that the grit/roughness that you feel at first goes away and the surface becomes smooth, but don't sand away all of the Modge Podge. You will be able to feel what I am talking about.

9) Use a wet cloth to completely wipe away sand grit and allow to completely dry.

10) Repeat step 6 and add a second layer of Modge Podge but this time go in a horizontal direction with your foam brush and allow the second layer to completely dry.

11) lightly sand again your second layer and wash off sand grit and allow to completely dry.

12) Repeat step 6 and add a very thin 3rd and final layer going back to a horizontal direction. Do not sand your final layer.

13) Add a light coating of clear spray paint top coat to seal if your doing a table top. I do not use a top spray coat on other projects.

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