I love upcycling thrift shop finds. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I take something that has been discarded and re-purpose it into something new and functional.
This DIY serving tray cost less than $10 for materials. It may very well cost you nothing though if you already have the items you need on hand.
Recently I was scouring thrift stores looking for frames and other items for a gallery wall I was creating in our home. I came across a great tray for only $5, briefly wondered how I could hang it on the wall, decided against it and came up with a new idea instead. With the metal lip around the outside it reminded me of a handled serving tray (just without the handles). So, I decided to grab a pair of handles (drawer pulls), while I was in the thrift stores anyway, and turn this into a proper serving tray. I briefly considered painting the tray to add a little color to it, but I tend to be a bit rough on items and didn’t want to wear the paint down over time. Oilcloth though can be wiped down, so would be perfect for this project.
What you need:
- Serving tray
- Drawer pulls (and screws)
- Oilcloth
- Drill
- Glue - I used Mod Podge, but any strong glue will be fine.
- X-ACTO knife
Thoroughly clean and dry your tray.
Place the tray on the back side of the oilcloth and trace around it so it’s easier to work with.
Glue it to the tray and using a rubber device or card (such as those used to apply wall decals) press out any bubbles and ensure the oilcloth is pressed completely into the sides of the tray.
Using the X-ACTO knife cut off the excess oilcloth. Set your tray aside to dry completely.
Next, measure where the handles will be placed on the tray and make a little mark with a pen.
Depending on the type of handles you got - ones that need to be screwed in from under the tray (which is what I ended up using), or those that you screw down onto the tray, use your drill to make the holes over the marks you made.
Screw the handles in place, wipe down the oilcloth, and you are done!
And there you have it, a lovely serving tray.
Perfect for even the littlest of hands.
Do you have a tray you can re-purpose?
Tonya
I love upcycling too! Love the little handles but where do the big handles go to?
Oh, I LOVE IT! Great job. And gotta love oilcloth!