Monday, October 12, 2009

Simple Table Top Display

Remember that table top display I was making? Well this is it. It’s made of a ceiling tile from Home Depot. It worked pretty well this weekend at market and for its very simple construction it was quite sturdy. I’m sure this is not a novel idea. In fact my friend Benna uses panels like this hung from a free standing wire frame work to pin up her glass pendants. That’s where I got the idea to make this into a table top display.The ceiling tile I used was a little over 23 inches square. I used a utility knife and a straight edge to cut a 12 inch wide panel. The remaining piece forms the second half of the display. I spray painted each panel front, back and sides. Then used upholstery tacks to finish the side and top edges with ribbon. I lined up the panels and applied Velcro strips to the back side of the panels. The Velcro mate is used to hinge the panels together when I stand them up with the narrower panel butted up against the 12 inch section. To keep the pieces from sliding outwards, I used a piece of ribbon stretched across the front bottom of the panels and tacked to the back side. It lies flush with the table and works like the chain that keeps a box lid from flipping open too far. And that’s it. The whole lot packs up flat and is super light weight. Both bonuses for portablility. Easy peasy, took about a half an hour, and cost less than $15 to assemble.

I’m sure there are more bells and whistles that could be added to this. I’ve got a few in mind. For example, you could apply fabric to the panels for a little dressier version. I’ve thought about making a Velcro attached hook system. I’d love to hear your ideas!

10 comments:

sharon said...

This is the best idea I've seen yet LeAnn, and I love it!! It looks great!

Silver Parrot said...

What a great idea - and it looks fantastic, too.

SueBeads said...

Definitely put fabric on it to make it pretty! And velcro would be great - you could just pull things off and put them back on easily! Excellent idea! They have those velcro thingies with holes already in the tops, you could use pins, or just velcro would be easier! ORRR - ribbon with hooks or even paperclips to hang things off!

Judy said...

Great idea...I love the ribbon and the tacks it adds a custom look.

The Joy of Nesting said...

Wow LeAnn with this simple little piece you certainly have earned the title Mother of Invention :) Seriously it's always the simplest solutions that work the best. This is a perfect idea and can be adapted to tons of applications!!

Maybe have a few differnt "outfits" for the seasons and occasions. If you used velcor on those pieces of fabric they could be changed out (as my Bloglandian Sis LeAnn says)"easy peasy" :)

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

stregata said...

Great display, LeAnn. I would also opt for fabric. How did the art market go?

SummersStudio said...

Thanks everyone. I'm working on a sandwhich board style for a double sided display for a little show coming up.

And Sue, velcro is the a modern miracle I think.

Pattie, what a good idea to velcro the fabric on. I need a dressier version for the studio tour and casual for art market. That will be perfect. It will be like dress up dolls LOL.

Renate, the art market was cold but good. Our local community has really started to turn out and support this and it's been great.

Esther said...

very good idea! you can apply chicken wire (grillage in french, you know this we use to close chikens houses) on top , where you can jam a garland light( like actors old mirrors ) .. Lighting is important.
to present jewelry, I had a square board, I put cotton wool and fabrics over , to bite my items with nice pins ...

Marie Cramp said...

I love that I may have to try something similar. I may just need it a little bigger. Thanks for the idea :)

Hugs
Marie

Cindy said...

You're a genius! I like how you can add to it if you feel like it depending on the occasion. I think I was more caught up looking at all of your beautiful jewelry pieces...wow!! You brought so many wonderful pieces with you... it may have been cold, but I bet you had great sales. Your beads and pendants are just one of kind!
Cindy
www.sweetbeadstduio.com