Friday, July 24, 2009

A Tray Reinvented

How do you like my new tray? Look familiar? No?

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!

41 comments:

  1. Your pictures are amazing and I love what you've done with that tray! Truly a beautiful and charming display!

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  2. Love 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.

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  3. I love the tray. I've seen these around and I love them. I should keep my eye open for a diamond in the rough.

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  4. tammy,
    My 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!

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  5. Great little makeover. The tray looks delightful. I thought at first you had handpainted the bottom of it. Cool contact paper.

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  6. What a pretty little transformation. Great vison you had for that sad tray. It is beautiful!

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  7. Beautiful transformation! I love anything white - it makes everything looks so fresh, clean and serene. Great job.

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  8. THAT IS LOVELY! I just did a tray fix-er-up the other week too :)

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  9. Love 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

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  10. Genius!!! You did such a great job on it!

    Nancy

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  11. 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!

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  12. I like the tray, but I really like the white slip covered chair as well.

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  13. What a beautiful transformation! Thanks for linking!

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  14. Great redo! Love how you added the handles on the sides.

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  15. hmmm, I have two plain trays that might need some paint and hardware after reading this! What a great idea to add handles!

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  16. What a difference a little paint and love make! Enjoy your new-old tray!

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  17. Gorgeous 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.

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  18. wow! that's a masterpiece! =) I just found your blog recently and it's one of my top faves! thanks for sharing!

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  19. F A B U L O U S...!!!xoxo~Kathy~ @ sweet Up-North Mornings...

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  20. What 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!

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  21. Hi Melanie,
    The tray turned out beautiful. I love your chair in the background too (I want one ;)
    ~Tracie

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  22. I got 2 comments about the slipcovered chair and had to say something on the topic.

    That 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.

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  23. 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!

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  24. Love your new tray...and love your blog :))
    you have motivated me to make one!

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  25. 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

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  26. I love your tray! I would never think to use an old office tray and change it up like this. Thanks!!
    :)Lisa
    kssnnikkel.blogspot.com

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  27. You did a great job!!!

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  28. Wow, 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!

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  29. You would never know it was the same tray!!! Nice job..., can I have a chocolate/??

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  30. I 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.

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  31. Love 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.
    Hope you have an awesome time at the fair!!
    -Tennille

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  32. Great turn out! SO beautiful! Thanks for sharing!Come check out my TRANSOFORMATION end table at DIY DAY!

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  33. Love the tray! Did you put a glaze on the paper, like modge podge or something to make it wipeable?

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  34. Adorable! I love the makeover. :) Cute colors!!

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  35. I'm also a fan of tray transformation. Where did you purchase the teapot? It's very cute.

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  36. Kara,
    I 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

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  37. Rona,
    The teapot came from Ross a few months ago.

    Melanie

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  38. 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!
    Love your blog!

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Comments? I love comments!