Create A Crafty Table For The Kids
This table looks designer but is quite easy to make. Built from MDF and pine, the resin top is cast and then attached separately.
To cast the resin, choose a flexible straight-sided plastic storage tub with a base the size you want the tabletop to be.
Mark a line on the inside of the tub to use as a guide for the thickness of the tabletop when pouring the resin.
Use the plastic tub to make the resin cast then embed pencils, buttons and other items before it fully cures.
Pour a layer of resin on top to seal it. The second pour will seep down the sides of the cast and can create air pockets underneath which will be on the top of the table, so they must be removed before the resin sets.
To remove air pockets, simply rock the plastic tub from side to side and gently tap it on a hard work surface.
For the table, trace around the cast on a 1200 x 900 x 6mm piece of MDF, about $9, and cut to size with a jigsaw.
Secure pine furniture legs, costing about $2 each, with adhesive and 30mm x 8g screws then paint the table using sample pots, about $8 each.
TIP Most things can be embedded in resin but porous or paper items need to be sealed with PVA adhesive.