You will need

• floating shelf with screws
• table design
• overhead projector
• A4-sheet acetate
• thin-tipped permanent marking pen
• paint in the colour of your choice
• artist’s paintbrushes
• drop sheet
• spirit level
• masking tape
• soft pencil

Table design

1 Enlarge the table design so that it fits onto an A4 sheet of paper and photocopy it. Trace the design onto the acetate with your marking pen. Project the design onto the wall and set the image so it is the correct size (that is, the ‘table top’ is as long as your floating shelf). Use a spirit level to make sure that the image is straight.
TIP Look in the Yellow Pages for places that hire out overhead projectors. You can also ask your library or a conference centre if you can rent one from them.

2 Draw the design with pencil onto the wall. Switch off the projector and check that you have drawn the entire design. 
TIP Stick masking tape on the line where you are going to place the floating shelf; the tape will also help you to paint a straight line.

3 Now you can start painting. Place the drop sheet on the floor and paint all the outlines with a thin brush. Fill in the rest with a thicker brush. Keep a damp cloth on hand in case you paint over the lines and want to wipe the paint off.

4 Now paint on another two coats over the first one to make sure that the colour is solid. Leave to dry properly. TIP As our wall is dark, we first painted on a base coat of white PVA.

5 Drill the holes for the floating shelf and screw the shelf in place.

Text and images: Ideas magazine