By the Sassy Crafter, September 2007 

Old sewing patterns abound at thrift stores and garage sales. If you don’t sew, you might not have ever given them a second glance. If the pattern is uncut, you can use it as creative wrapping paper for presents. Or if it has been cut, try using the pieces in an interesting decoupage treatment. I transformed an old card table that had been abandoned curbside by its former owner. You can use a card table, or any other hard-surfaced furniture item. Just be sure to clean it well before you start.

What you need:
Table
Patterns
Gel medium
Foam paintbrushes
Craft knife
Polyurethane

What to do:

1. Start gluing pattern pieces to the table using an acrylic gel medium or a decoupage medium like Modge Podge (both are available at art and craft supply stores). Be sure to use a disposable foam brush, which leaves a smoother finish than a bristled brush. It’s nice to overlap the pieces in surprising ways or to highlight special words on the pattern pieces. Keep in mind that the tissue gets fragile once it soaks up the glue, so repositioning anything is probably out of the question.

2. Use the craft knife to gingerly trim pieces that overhang the edge of the table (again, watch out for sogginess).

3. You probably won’t be able to cover the entire table at once, so work in stages. Apply a second layer of pattern pieces and see how that looks. Keep adding layers until you’re satisfied.

4. Let the project dry for a day or so before sealing with polyurethane. I used a water-based polyurethane and applied two layers, allowing ample dry-time between coats.

5. Once dry, pull out your sewing machine and set up shop on your appropriately themed table!

Visit the Sassy Crafter’s new blog at http://sassycrafter.blogspot.com for additional details about this project and for other crafty observations.