Decorative trays can transform a bunch of random objects into an intentional grouping. Even a small decorative tray can be used in this way. Small trays can be surprisingly versatile. Here are a few suggestions for using a small tray.
1. Anchor a Display – This is perhaps the most predictable—use the tray to gather a small collection for display on a coffee table, shelf or other surface.
2. Corral Toiletries – Use the tray on the bathroom vanity to hold cosmetics and toiletries.
3. Hold Vases of Flowers – Place vases of flowers on the tray to protect furniture from drips and spills.
4. Stage Necessities – Place the tray near the front door and use it to keep a face mask, sanitizer and sanitized wipes ready.
The ideal small tray is interesting but not distracting. A tray surface of about 5” x 7” (outside dimensions of 9” x 11”) seems to work well. Conveniently, it’s the same size as a standard picture frame. That’s exactly what I used to make the small tray shown in the examples above. Originally, it framed a cross stitched picture. The frame and all cost only a dollar or two at a charity thrift store.
It feels good to repurpose the frame and give it a new lease on life. It did, however, take some effort to find the perfect frame. I wanted a frame that was substantial but not too ornate, interesting but not distracting, raised but not too deep, and shallow but not too flat. After finding the perfect frame, the rest was easy. I started by removing the backing, glass, cross stitch and hardware.
A rectangular piece of thin plywood, cut to size using the original backing, became the new tray surface. It was attached with wood glue.
Small dents and holes were smoothed out with wood filler. To ensure a solid seal around the new tray bottom, I caulked around it from the back of the frame. Everything was sanded. Then I primed the new tray with spray primer before spraying two coats of glossy black paint.
There are endless possibilities for decorating a small tray like this. I chose to keep it simple with a single pressed wildflower. I’ve been experimenting with my new Fern & Flower Press (see DIY Tutorial here) and have tried pressing a few different plants and flowers. The light and airy flower heads of Queen Anne’s Lace are ideal for pressing.
The partially open blossom of Queen Anne’s Lace (shown below) is strikingly simple against the black background. I used Mod Podge matte finish to glue the pressed wildflower in place and to seal the surface.
After the Mod Podge cured, I poured a coat of ArtResin epoxy resin over the tray surface. It took a few days to cure properly but the final result was worth the wait!
More Info
If you’re interested in pressing wildflowers, flowers or other plant materials, check out my post Fern & Flower Press – DIY Tutorial to learn how to make your own super-sized flower press.
Many of my projects start with items from thrift stores, flea markets or antique shops. I’ve shared a few of these projects here on the blog. The Ultimate Maker’s Cabinet, for instance, was made from a repurposed entertainment center.
The tray used to make my mosaic serving tray, see Serving Up My OOAK Mosaic Tray, was from a thrift shop.
This picnic basket was another thrift store score. It needed only new lids to be put back in service. See Picnic Under the Wisteria for more pretty photos of this repurposed basket.
Today’s Takeaways
1. A small decorative tray can serve many purposes.
2. It’s easy to transform a small picture frame into a tray.
3. Consider re-purposing thrifted items for your home.
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