It feels like it’s been forever since I shared a craft with all of you… a couple of weeks anyway. So, I’m pretty excited to have something new to share today. Decorative trays seem to be a very versatile and functional piece in home decor. Remember my pallet serving tray? Gosh, I love that tray! I used it in my Christmas decor this year too! I’ve seen so many versions of decorative trays, some using frames, marble, and pallet wood (ahem). I thought it was time to try my hand at another tray — a decorative tray, and this one was going to have leather handles.
Recently, as I was browsing through Consumer Crafts website, I saw a shadow box and thought it might make a great tray! I liked that it had a little depth. I also wanted to try making it with leather handles. I was tickled silly as to how fantastic it turned out. Let’s take a look at how it came about.
Supplies for DIY Decorative Tray:
8.5 x 11 x 1.75″ Unfinished Wood Shadow Box
Paint (color of choice)
Foam Paint Brushes
Leather (I used a leather bracelet)
Ready? Here we go! It’s pretty simple..
Step One: Paint the Shadow Box
I decided to use a chalk paint Maison Blanche Furniture Paint in Creme de Menthe. I wanted to use more of a mint green, but didn’t have any on hand and didn’t want to run out (lazy, I know).
Step Two: Sand and Stain
This step is optional. I used a fine sand paper and sanded all of the edges. Then added a some ‘stain’, my version of stain for a project like this is down brown acrylic paint. I rub it along the edges with a damp cloth. I think it adds a little extra character.
Step Three: Prep and Attach Leather Handles
I cut two 6″ pieces of leather and used a leather hole punch tool to prep the holes in the leather. The hubs drilled small holes in the box where I wanted the handles to go and we then used the post/stud of some rapid rivets I had on hand to attach the handle to the shadow box.
Add a dab of wood glue for extra strength, (this is optional). Once everything is ready to go, you’ll tap each post/stud into place. We’re done! Here is a closer look at the attached leather handle (see below). I personally think the stud/post looks pretty awesome!
I think it turned out lovely! What do you think? And, as I stated earlier, it’s so versatile and functional. It could be used in the bedroom, living room, craft room or even the bathroom. You could paint it in any color and/or attach a different handle that fits your style — oh the possibilities!
I think this tray suits those ranunculus perfectly too, don’t you?
I’m thinking these will make great gifts too.
Well, I hope you’re feeling inspired! Happy crafting, sweet friends.
Linking up to Between Naps on the Front Porch.
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Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
Love the tray! It would be a perfect project for re-purposing an old shadowbox that was not being used.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Lana! Re-purposing an old shadowbox sounds like a great idea! Enjoy the rest of your week! HUGS.
Laura / Pet Scribbles says
I love love love LOVE this tray, Kelly! I saw the same shadowbox on Consumer Crafts over the weekend and didn’t “see” it as a tray. You’ve got great eyes and always remind me to truly look at how an object can be used!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Laura! I appreciate your kind words. Sometimes I surprise myself in seeing the potential in objects and such. 🙂 xo.
Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says
I’m absolutely loving the tray! How cute and clever! I’m pinning!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Leslie! Appreciate the pin as well. Hope your having a GREAT week. xo.
Sarah @ ConsumerCrafts says
So clever, Kelly!! That is a great idea – I need to make one now!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much, Sarah! Consumer Crafts inspired it 🙂 Hugs.
Sharon Kuert says
I have to do this one, love it! Then again Mother’s Day is coming LOL!!
Kelly Rowe says
Lol! Mom…you are too funny! 🙂 It is pretty great though, right? HUGS.
twelveoeightblogt says
Kelly this is so pretty and makes me think of Spring!!
xo, Tanya
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Tanya! Appreciate you stopping by. xo.
Jeannette says
What a clever girl you are Kelly! love the tray and I agree with your Mom! LOL
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Jeannette! 🙂 …I guess both of you think alike, huh? Enjoy the rest of your weekend. HUGS!
Kim says
Yes, it’s lovely, and I’m drooling. You (and hubs) did a really nice job on your tray! 🙂
Blessings,
Kim
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Kim! Appreciate it. Have a wonderful week. HUGS.
Sherry Ann K. says
Love the tray! And it seems so simple to create…my kind of DIY project!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Sherry! It really is simply to create! Give it try…I know you’ll love it! xo.
DearCreatives (@DearCreatives) says
Hi Kelly, I love how your tray turned out and the color choice. Theresa @DearCreatives
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Theresa! Appreciate you stopping by. xo.
Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says
Awesome Kelly! Not only a great idea but so pretty!!
Gwen says
Hi Kelly! I just wanted to let you know how much I love your tray… with LEATHER HANDLES!!!
I’m featuring you at 8:00 on my blog tonight as one of my 4 Rockstars… and there will be a vote to see who is the MEGA rockstar so grab your peeps and tell them to come and vote for you!!!
tsurutadesigns says
Super cute and what an awesome gift!