Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Ikea furniture ideas?

Hi guys,

I just bought cheap unfinished pine furniture from ikea (a kitchen table and a bookcase). I've never finished wood before; I'm a total novice at it.

At this point, I'm just looking for ideas. Can someone point me to a website that'll give me my options and some interesting ideas. I want something easy, not to messy and that I can finish in an afternoon or weekend.

Thanks,
Ian

do you want to stain it or paint it or glaze it or distress it or ......??? you might try going to kitchen cabinet websites (like kraftmaid.com for example). that should show you lots of different wood finishes in one place. then, when you find one you like, post back & ask how-to. or go to paint or stain company websites (like minwax.com or benjaminmoore.com) for ideas.

here's some helpful info, too:

http://doityourself.com/woodfinish/index.shtml