It started out like this when I picked it up for just over $1 at the thrift store on Monday.
It was apparently used in an office to hold papers. Did I have a time trying to get that sticker off. It seemed like it was welded on!
So, I sanded, primed and painted it.
Then, I started thinking about handles. I wanted to use cabinet hardware. I had grand ideas of something pretty and feminine. Then, I realized - I paid $1 for this tray and I'm going to spend more than that on hardware? No. I started digging around my house and found the hardware below that was leftover from the kitchen so they were free in a way.
After painting the handles, I lined the tray with contact paper I'd used to line some bookshelves not so long ago. I put it all together and voila!
The lavender came from my garden too. It smells heavenly! I couldn't be happier. I've been looking for a tray for months but I didn't want to spend the money and often they were far bigger than what I was looking for. This is perfect!
Mr. T offered me a Mother's Day breakfast in bed on it next year. Perfect for a croissant and coffee. Can't wait!
I've posted this for Frugal Friday on The Shabby Nest and DIY Day on A Soft Place to Land. Take a peek at the great finds and the projects!
Your pictures are amazing and I love what you've done with that tray! Truly a beautiful and charming display!
ReplyDeleteLove it. And I must say everytime you post a pic with your back patio in the shot I find myself looking ever so closely to gain insights to it all over again.
ReplyDeleteI love the tray. I've seen these around and I love them. I should keep my eye open for a diamond in the rough.
ReplyDeletetammy,
ReplyDeleteMy poor patio. My photos are usually strategically taken so that you can't see the mess I've created painting there! Mr. T says I need a workshop. Oh, I wish!
Great little makeover. The tray looks delightful. I thought at first you had handpainted the bottom of it. Cool contact paper.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty little transformation. Great vison you had for that sad tray. It is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful transformation! I love anything white - it makes everything looks so fresh, clean and serene. Great job.
ReplyDeleteTHAT IS LOVELY! I just did a tray fix-er-up the other week too :)
ReplyDeleteLove your tray. They really are expensive, and this one is so perfect. I love the pretty paper you lined it with. You did a beautiful job. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteGenius!!! You did such a great job on it!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Ooooh, this turned out so pretty! The handles look wonderful and I can't imagine what you would have used that would have looked any more perfect than these. I NEED to make a tray!
ReplyDeleteI like the tray, but I really like the white slip covered chair as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful transformation! Thanks for linking!
ReplyDeleteGreat redo! Love how you added the handles on the sides.
ReplyDeletehmmm, I have two plain trays that might need some paint and hardware after reading this! What a great idea to add handles!
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference a little paint and love make! Enjoy your new-old tray!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous redo! It looks so soft and elegant. You have, no doubt, inspired many of us in blogland to be on the lookout for tacky trays needing a makeover. I was about to toss some old cabinet handles too, but not now! Thanks for the inspiration! I love love your style.
ReplyDeletewow! that's a masterpiece! =) I just found your blog recently and it's one of my top faves! thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteF A B U L O U S...!!!xoxo~Kathy~ @ sweet Up-North Mornings...
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely transformation! I've had my eyes out for a nice tray to redo, but haven't had any luck yet. I never thought of using cabinet hardware. That's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie,
ReplyDeleteThe tray turned out beautiful. I love your chair in the background too (I want one ;)
~Tracie
I got 2 comments about the slipcovered chair and had to say something on the topic.
ReplyDeleteThat chair is actually a forest green color. I ended up buying a SureFit cover and was disappointed when I got it because it was so thin but its hard to return stuff to them so I just kept it. I bought some unbleached muslin at the fabric store and made a matching cover for the ottoman. It probably looks better in the picture than it does in person! ;-) One of these days, I'd like to get a custom cover made for it.
Beautiful! I have an old tray/box thingy I have been meaning to do, now you have inspired me! I love your blog! I need to sign up to follow! I just started a blog and would love for you to visit!
ReplyDeleteYour tray looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove your new tray...and love your blog :))
ReplyDeleteyou have motivated me to make one!
You are so cleaver, love your tray. I am going to have to hit the thrift stores. You seem to do well there. Nice project! Sandi
ReplyDeleteI love your tray! I would never think to use an old office tray and change it up like this. Thanks!!
ReplyDelete:)Lisa
kssnnikkel.blogspot.com
You did a great job!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, the tray looks beautiful! I love the little touch you did with the lavender - looks heavenly. You did an awesome job, you're so talented!
ReplyDeleteYou would never know it was the same tray!!! Nice job..., can I have a chocolate/??
ReplyDeleteI love your tray so much! The white tray with the green bottom...so pretty! I've been looking for a cheap (but cute) tray. You've inspired me to hit the thrift stores today.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!! Thanks for sharing your brand new office closet-it's wonderful. Oh and I also have a few of those wooden trays that need a little help. I think I might "borrow" your idea to paint them.
ReplyDeleteHope you have an awesome time at the fair!!
-Tennille
Very cute tray!
ReplyDeleteGreat turn out! SO beautiful! Thanks for sharing!Come check out my TRANSOFORMATION end table at DIY DAY!
ReplyDeleteVery cute! Great transformation.
ReplyDeleteLove the tray! Did you put a glaze on the paper, like modge podge or something to make it wipeable?
ReplyDeleteAdorable! I love the makeover. :) Cute colors!!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a fan of tray transformation. Where did you purchase the teapot? It's very cute.
ReplyDeleteKara,
ReplyDeleteI did not put any type of glaze on the paper. I didn't have to since it is contact paper! Contact paper is plasticy so you can just wipe up any spills. I actually planned to use scrap book paper, then decoupage over it when I remembered the contact paper! Perfect!
Melanie
Rona,
ReplyDeleteThe teapot came from Ross a few months ago.
Melanie
Ugh......I have one of those hiding in a closet. Hope you don't mind my stealing the great idea of yours. It is too cute!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!