Papier Mache Side Table...for Less (Part 1)

Would you believe me if I told you I made this table for a whole lot less than its original price?

(Stray Dog Side Table via West Elm)
Because, well, I did.

I don't have the $300 needed to buy 2 of these tables for my guest bedroom, but I do have some ingenuity.

Ready to see how I did it?
The necessary materials (for 2 tables):

• a 4' Sonotube or cardboard Quik-Tube with 14" opening ($12.49 at Home Depot)
• handsaw or coping saw
• cardboard for the tabletop
• newspaper 
• white glue
• tape measure and a marker
• paint

Step #1: 

Measure 18" from the base of your cardboard tube in several spots around the tube. Connect these marks with a straight line. This line will guide your cutting. Begin cutting your cardboard tube with a handsaw or coping saw. Repeat these steps on the opposite end of the tube for your second table (you will be left with 12" extra).

Step #2:

With both pieces cut, you should have 2 tubes that are 18" tall and 14" in diameter. Now, trace the opening of your tube onto a piece of cardboard. Repeat to create 1 cardboard circle for each tube.

Step #3:

Cut out both cardboard circles and run glue along the edge of the tube. Place cardboard on the tube and let it set for a few minutes.

You now have 2 tables with their tabletops.
Are you seeing the tables taking shape?

Step #4:

Let the sticky, gluey fun begin! Take yesterday's newspaper (yes, we still get a tangible paper delivered everyday!) and start shredding small pieces. Combine 1 part white glue with 2 parts water in a bowl and drench your newspaper scraps with the glue mixture. Layer your papier mache across the top and sides of each table. 

Step #5:

The hardest step: Wait. Seriously, stop, and let your papier mache tables dry overnight.

Step #6:

Did you wait? Are your tables sufficiently dry? Okay, let's start designing. With narrow strips of papier mache (about 5" long), create a zigzag pattern beginning from the base of the table and working towards the tabletop. If you're anal-retentive, measure your zigzags if you'd like. I eyeballed the pattern and think it turned out fine.  

One complete table, at least complete for now:

(you'll see my fav hometown team watching over my crafting)

And that's all for today, folks. I'm a tease, aren't I? 

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the completed papier mache side tables. I promise to save you more than $275 on those two tables you have in your West Elm online shopping cart.