small table
fine grit sandpaper
paper towel or clean rag
blue painter's tape
primer
latex paint
paint roller and tray
large piece of poster board or poster board
criterion
large bowl (ours was about 11-1/2" in diameter)
pencil
Several pieces of large scrapbook paper, cardstock, or colored cardstock.
scissors
half decoupage
glossy polyurethane
two medium to large foam brushes
foil
Cutter
1. You can use any kind of shape to decorate the table:circles, triangles, flower shapes, etc. We use a rounded diamond shape. To make a template for this shape, use a stick to draw a straight line across the large piece of poster board or poster board, and draw another line across the width of the paper that intersects the first line, so that The paper is divided into four sections. Use the large bowl to draw an arc on each section of paper. Cut out the diamond and trim about 1/8"-1/4" from each point to create blunt edges. This will make the template easier to use.
2. Trace various shapes on the paper you have chosen for the chart and cut them out. The size of the table will determine how many trims you need.
3. Sand the table top with fine grit sandpaper and wipe away any dust with a clean towel or rag.
4. Use painter's tape to remove the vertical edges of the table. Apply one to two coats of primer to the table top with a paint roller, allowing it to dry between coats. After the primer has dried, apply 1-2 coats of latex paint to the table, allowing it to dry between coats. Let dry completely before continuing.
5. Using a large foam brush, brush the back of each shape with decoupage medium and lay them out on the table, corner to corner. Smooth out any air bubbles as you go. Brush with decoupage medium over the entire table. Let dry and apply a second coat. Cut out any shapes that hang over the edges.
6. Once the second layer of decoupage medium is completely dry, brush a layer of gloss polyurethane onto the table, using the foam brush. Let it dry; then apply a second coat.
7. Allow second coat of polyurethane to dry for 2-4 hours before removing blue tape. You may need a knife to help remove the tape.
