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Live Laugh Rowe

Live Laugh Rowe

A lifestyle blog that shares crafts, recipes, tutorials and life's moments.

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DIY Decorative Tray

02/24/2014 · Kelly Rowe · 23 Comments

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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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.

DIY Decorative Tray with leather handles at livelaughrowe.comRecently, 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)

supplies for diy decorative tray

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).

painting the shadow box

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

prepping the leather handles for DIY decorative trayI 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.

attach handles to trayAdd 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!

a closer look at the leather handlesI 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!

From shadow box to fabulousness! DIY Decorative Tray with leather handles with livelaughrowe.comDIY Decorative Tray with leather handles at livelaughrowe.comI 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.

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A DIY fanatic, Kelly shares her journey through her blog, Live Laugh Rowe, where she showcases her recipes, tutorials, crafts, home projects, and all things DIY. This East Coast Girl at heart believes family is number one as she finds the perfect balance of being a daughter, wife, sister, entrepreneur, writer and woman of God. Be sure to follow along as she shares her passion for life, love and family! Read more...

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Comments

  1. Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says

    02/24/2014 at 10:38 am

    Love the tray! It would be a perfect project for re-purposing an old shadowbox that was not being used.

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      02/25/2014 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks Lana! Re-purposing an old shadowbox sounds like a great idea! Enjoy the rest of your week! HUGS.

  2. Laura / Pet Scribbles says

    02/24/2014 at 12:13 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      02/25/2014 at 5:51 pm

      Thanks so much Laura! I appreciate your kind words. Sometimes I surprise myself in seeing the potential in objects and such. 🙂 xo.

  3. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    02/24/2014 at 4:14 pm

    I’m absolutely loving the tray! How cute and clever! I’m pinning!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      02/25/2014 at 5:49 pm

      Thanks Leslie! Appreciate the pin as well. Hope your having a GREAT week. xo.

  4. Sarah @ ConsumerCrafts says

    02/25/2014 at 7:35 am

    So clever, Kelly!! That is a great idea – I need to make one now!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      02/25/2014 at 11:10 am

      Thanks so much, Sarah! Consumer Crafts inspired it 🙂 Hugs.

  5. Sharon Kuert says

    02/25/2014 at 12:52 pm

    I have to do this one, love it! Then again Mother’s Day is coming LOL!!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      02/25/2014 at 5:48 pm

      Lol! Mom…you are too funny! 🙂 It is pretty great though, right? HUGS.

  6. twelveoeightblogt says

    02/26/2014 at 7:19 pm

    Kelly this is so pretty and makes me think of Spring!!

    xo, Tanya

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      03/02/2014 at 11:19 am

      Thanks so much Tanya! Appreciate you stopping by. xo.

  7. Jeannette says

    02/27/2014 at 7:15 pm

    What a clever girl you are Kelly! love the tray and I agree with your Mom! LOL

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      03/02/2014 at 11:18 am

      Thanks Jeannette! 🙂 …I guess both of you think alike, huh? Enjoy the rest of your weekend. HUGS!

  8. Kim says

    03/03/2014 at 9:41 am

    Yes, it’s lovely, and I’m drooling. You (and hubs) did a really nice job on your tray! 🙂
    Blessings,
    Kim

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      03/03/2014 at 8:04 pm

      Thanks so much Kim! Appreciate it. Have a wonderful week. HUGS.

  9. Sherry Ann K. says

    03/05/2014 at 6:45 pm

    Love the tray! And it seems so simple to create…my kind of DIY project!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      03/06/2014 at 6:22 pm

      Thanks Sherry! It really is simply to create! Give it try…I know you’ll love it! xo.

  10. DearCreatives (@DearCreatives) says

    03/05/2014 at 10:07 pm

    Hi Kelly, I love how your tray turned out and the color choice. Theresa @DearCreatives

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      03/06/2014 at 6:22 pm

      Thanks so much Theresa! Appreciate you stopping by. xo.

  11. Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says

    03/12/2014 at 3:37 pm

    Awesome Kelly! Not only a great idea but so pretty!!

    Reply
  12. Gwen says

    03/13/2014 at 6:50 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
  13. tsurutadesigns says

    03/16/2014 at 7:04 am

    Super cute and what an awesome gift!

    Reply

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