This charming side table began life as an Early American style nightstand.  I painted it a cool grey and  created a faux marble surface on both the top and lower shelf.  On the upper surface I depicted a delicate  trompe L’oeil  china cake plate with a butter knife, as if crackers and cheese had just been consumed.  I left the back corner of the top marble surface free for a lamp as the client asked.   On the lower shelf I painted my favorite children’s book, a little battered with love just as my own copy is.  (To my delight, my toddler granddaughter tried very hard to pick it up!!)  Serendipitously  I found a graceful vintage handle to replace the original clunky wooden one.  I think it matches my plate perfectly, don’t you agree?