Before & After Decoupaged Tea Cart

This tea cart I found last spring at an antique store close-out for $30 was my project for week 2 of Kim's Before & After party.

Here is what it looked like before:

I thought about painting it. But I'm just a klutz with paint.(Obviously Charlie Ross has computer work to tend to. Probably Googling various lizard species.)

I'm taking a few photos outside, due to the darkness of my house. As you can see, Clyde wants in on the photo op action.

I didn't buy one thing for this project. All I used was Mod Podge and some scrapbook paper scraps I keep in a drawer for such things as this.

I didn't lay the paper pieces out first to plan where they'd go. I just put one piece down and then kept adding.

It only took about thirty minutes to get the top and bottom covered. I just took the scrap papers out of the drawer and slip-slapped them on.

In case you've never decoupaged before, you just take a cheap foam brush and apply a coat of Mod Podge to the back of whatever paper you're using. Then apply it to your surface and smooth down the paper with your fingertips. Wipe up any extra Mod Podge with a paper towel. (I always have one ready, as I tend to be a bit messy.)

It will originally "ripple" as it dries. Keep in mind that you will be going over it multiple times with Mod Podge to seal it.

I covered the flat surfaces of the cart (top and bottom) on Sunday afternoon. Then on Monday I started typing out my favorite quotes and words. After printing, I cut them out and started applying them to the table sides. I also added some letter stickers I had on hand.

And then I let it dry overnight.

Below I have it indoors, where I plan to use it. Which is at the end of my craft/computer desk. Where I can wheel it around while I'm working on craft projects.

This was a fun and simple project. Now I can view my favorite quotes every day. And utilize this cart as well as add to the decor in the room.