Upcycled side table: "Black butterflies"

UPCYCLED SIDE TABLE :"BLACK BUTTERFLIES"

DIY tutorial on how to upcycle an old wooden side-table on a shoestring: Using spray-paint, rub-on decals and varnish.

I have had a love-affair with butterflies since me and my husband got married, when I wore a gorgeous wedding dress by Jenny Packham covered in embroidered butterflies.

My husband gave me these framed taxidermy butterflies as an anniversary present last year.

I loved the sentiment behind the gift as much as their beauty.

And this was my inspiration when it came to upcycling this old wooden side table, that I found for £8 in a local bric-a-brac shop.

It really had seen better days.

I really didn't have a lot of money to spend, so this was going to have to be upcycling on a shoestring.

I found a can of black spray paint for £4.99 in a local auto care shop, and bought some butterfly rub-on decals at hobbycraft for £5. I already had a can of clear "plasti kote" varnish laying around from a previous project.

I gave the table a light sanding over, then a good clean with soapy water. When completely dry I sprayed the table black.

I attempted to rub on the decals at this stage, but found they lifted off too easily, so I decided to give the table a light spray of varnish before rubbing on the butterfly decals whilst the varnish was still a bit tacky.

This seemed "glue" the decals to the table.

I then sealed them in with a heavy layer of varnish on top.

I did find that the table had to stay untouched for about 24 hours to ensure the thick layer of varnish was fully dried.

I love the end result, and think my table looks lovely in its rightful place under my framed taxidermy butterflies....and all for under £20!

Thanks for looking! Feel free to post comments or questions below!

Laters,

June

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