Hobbies: A painted tea table

Help a child's imagination run wild with a fun painted table-and-chair set that is perfect for teatime or just playing around. You can repaint a yard-sale find or spruce up a simple table from a discount store.

The painting technique is easy to master and the results are outstanding. All the materials can be purchased at a craft or hobby store. Practice does make perfect, so test the stroke techniques on a scrap of paper before you begin.

Materials:

Unfinished wood children's table and chairs

1 quart semigloss paint (base color)

1 quart primer

Foam brush

Paintbrush

Drop cloths

Sandpaper

FolkArt acrylic paint: purple (polka dots), dark pink (flowers), light pink (flowers), light yellow (flower center), spring green (leaves)

FolkArt Floating Medium

Medium flat-head paintbrush

Medium angle-head paintbrush

Small detail paintbrushes

Pencil with eraser

2 cans spray clear sealer

Steps:

1. If needed, lightly sand table and chairs; wipe down wood with a damp rag after sanding to remove any dust. Prime table and chairs, and let dry before painting.

2. Using low-tack tape, tape off design or pattern to be painted. Trim the corners so they make a sharp point. Paint areas to be painted and let dry, per directions, before removing tape from furniture.

Note: When applying decorative painting for the first time, practicing first on scrap paper is advised. Once you're comfortable with the technique, begin painting the furniture.