Crafty Moose gone wild!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Just a Quickie Re-do

Just when I think I can stay focused a project drags me into it's lair. I'm not sure where I first saw this brainiac idea for a portable, folding, pretty-much-perfect-height ironing board upcycle but I thought I would do a quick share.

What is great about this ironing board is you can add some quick table-top area close to where you are working!

First you need an old but sturdy folding TV table. I have a few around- at the last neighborhood garage sale I picked up a set of 4 for $2. I had this in mind, but will also more than likely also top one with a flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth for small messy projects.

Next you will need some padding. You can buy the fancy ironing board cover fabric if you wish, but it is a little pricey and not necessary. I had some scraps of polyester batting left from an old upholstery project, some smooth white cotton sheeting and I purchased a small/craft size piece of Warm & Natural batting for about $2.50.

Of course you can use whatever fabric you wish- if you want to co-ordinate with your sewing room etc. Just be sure that it is not heavily textured because that would transfer to whatever you iron on top of it.

You will also need a few basic tools:

staple gun and 1/2" staples

hammer (for staples that don't lie flat)

pliers (to pull out staples that mis-fire)

scissors to cut fabric

iron to smooth fabric

optional- drill w/ 1/2" Forstner bit

I drilled 4 holes in the tray top to help dissipate the steam, but this is not necessary. I just like using my drill :D

Clean off the tray top and iron your batting and fabrics flat. I tacked down the poly batting first to help prevent slipping, and then flipped the tray upside down on my layer of Warm & Natural topped with my sheeting.

Now just staple down your layers to the backside like you do for any upholstery project, anchoring each side with a staple before smoothing and finishing each side, then corners.