lazy susan

[drowningmermaid.livejournal.com]

I found a lazy susan while I was out and about the other day.
My mom has always wanted one, but this one has seen better days.

I'd like to fix it up and give it to her as a no special occasion gift.
I was thinking of painting some fruit or vegetables or something like that on it, but not really sure if I need a special process. I would like for it to have a slightly distressed look and all my paints are really vibrant colors.

I'm pretty sure it's wood... if it's not real wood, it's processed wood.

I assume I'd need to sand it down so any painting I do would adhere to it, but I want it to be sure to be food safe or whatever.

Any ideas for what I could do to it?
and how I could go about doing it?

It's about the size of an average dinner plate, by the way.

Thanks for any help.