You've probably seen the whimsical, hand-painted--and high-end--furniture available in boutiques and glossy kids' catalogs these days. But, if part of the charm of this striking furniture is that it looks homemade, then why shouldn't it be? With that in mind, and with an eye toward savings, we developed the following projects. Each is easy enough for novice painters and begins with an inexpensive, unfinished piece of pine furniture. And consider the fun your family will have through the creative process. That's the part you definitely can't order from a catalog.
Tiger Step Stool
Sponge-paint a stool with a wickedly simple wildcat design.
Skyscraper CD Tower
Create a high-rise music holder with a cool downtown look.
Polka-Dot Nightstand
Decorate a bedside table with a splattering of stenciled dots.
Catch-a-Wave Table
Add a touch of summer to a table with this sun and sea motif.
Catch-a-Wave Chairs
Complete the look with a matching set of beach-themed chairs.
Shoshana Marchand is a regular contributor to FAMILYFUN.
