DIY Network

My Favorite Things Collage Table Learn how to turn a TV tray and silverware drawer into a collage table. From "Craft Lab" episode DCLB-149

Guest Kathy Cano Murillo joins host Jennifer Perkins and demonstrates how to turn a plain old TV tray and silverware drawer into a colorful table collage featuring a splash of Latin art and culture.

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Guest Kathy Cano Murillo demonstrates how to convert an old TV tray and silverware drawer into a colorful collage table you can fill with your favorite things.

My Favorite Things Collage Table

Materials:

1 shallow wood cutlery tray, approximately 17" x 12"
1 standard folding wood TV tray
1 tea tray with flat top edges ( so glass will lay flat on top), approximately 19" x 14"
1 piece of tempered glass, 1/4" thick, edges seamed, 19" x 14"
assorted mementos that will fit inside of the compartments: small dolls, toys, magnets, souvenirs, printed phrases and pictures glued to cardstock, alphabet blocks, etc.
assorted patterned papers or fabrics
glues: E6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive for heavy items, hot glue for others
black spray paint
spray on varnish
handheld drill
electric screwdriver
1-1/2 " flat head screws
2 yards of fringe
scissors
craft knife

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Spray paint the cutlery tray, the tea tray and the TV tray in desired color. Let dry. Spray on two layers of varnish (if desired), letting dry between each coat. Let dry.

   Tip: Check that your trays all fit together nicely before you apply paint.

   Safety Tip: When working with spray paint, do so outside so that you do not inhale the fumes.

2. Build the collage inside the silverware tray. Using the craft knife and glue stick, line the back of each compartment of the silverware tray with contrasting papers or fabrics (figure A). For a subdued look, they can be in all the same color family, but just in different hues. Let dry.

3. Arrange your items in the compartments to your liking. Try to create a balance of large items in one compartment and a grouping of smaller pieces in another (figure B). Once you've designed the layout you like, use the E6000 to glue the pieces in place. Let it dry for 24 hours.

   Note: If you prefer not to glue things down, the compartments are so small that things won't shift around that much. You may need to use an object you are putting in there, or you simply may want to change things around.

4. Lift the cutlery tray and apply a generous amount of E6000 glue to the bottom. Center it inside the tea tray and press down to secure. Let it dry for 24 hours. Or, you can just sit it inside the tray without gluing it down.

5. Stand the TV tray upright. Place the tea tray on top (figure C). On each inside corner of the tea tray, use the drill, screwdriver and screws to attach the two pieces together.

6. Clean the glass so it is free of fingerprints and/or streaks. Carefully place the glass on top.

7. Use hot glue to add fringe around the bottom of the tea tray, so it extends below the edge of the TV tray.

Tips:

• To keep items in place while the E6000 cures, add a drop of hot glue as well.

• Instead of paint, stain your table for a toned down look.

• Don't try to cram everything in the compartments, if you have too many items just create an extra table to match!

• If you want to secure the glass to the table, purchase a roll of invisible bonding tape when you buy the glass. Apply it to the top edges of the tea tray before setting the glass on top. If you don't seal it, you will be able to lift the glass and add more items to the collage.

• If you don't need an end table, create the piece inside the silverware tray, cover it with glass and hang it as a shadow box instead.

• Theme your table to vacation trips, family heirlooms, a hobby, or a story (use each compartment for a different reference).

RESOURCES :

Cutlery Tray, TV Tray
Fry's Marketplace
Website: www.frysfood.com

Mexican Objects and Milagros
Suenos Latin American Imports
We apologize no contact information is available.

Tea Tray, Mexican Toys
Cost Plus World Market Imports
Website: www.worldmarket.com/index.htm

La Casa Loca — Latino Style Comes Home
By Kathy Cano Murillo
ISBN: 1-56496-943-6
Rockport Publishing

GUESTS :

Kathy Cano Murillo
Website: www.craftychica.com