How to upcycle an old frame and make unique DIY tray.
I’m so excited to share this upcycled old frame project with you today! It has been in the works for some time now. It all started awhile back when I stopped at my go-to thrift store in my little corner of the world. I try to stop there once a week, as a good thrifter should ’cause you never know what you’ll find, right? So this day I scored big on a few things including two of these frames which were $4 each. That’s a bit more than I usually pay for frames (really, Col?) but these are so pretty with so much detail and even though I don’t usually gravitate toward gold, I kinda liked it.
The other nice thing about these frames is they’re 24 x 24 and really deep. So one of them I used as a ceiling medallion in my daughter’s room. The other one I hung on to it for awhile tossing around some ideas. Then I saw some other folks on Pinterest sharing DIY trays from a picture frame and I thought I have the perfect frame for that project! Here’s how we did it…
We used 1/4 sheet plywood to make the back and tacked it on with wood glue and finishing nails. Then I gave it a few coats of homemade chalk paint.
Not the best picture, I know, sorry. I decided to stencil a leaf pattern on the front with brown paint and then went over it with a gold paint pen. I also used the paint pen on the edges of the plywood because it was really light, almost white, wood to start with. The gold paint blends right in with the frame.
After the stencil…
For the handles I lucked out!! I found a bag of these gold handles for $1.50 at the same thrift store I got the frames at. I have used them on a few projects (more posts to come). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it PAYS to dig through the junk bins if you have time! The color is really too bright and very 80’s but spray paint does the trick. I had a much more dull gold that I sprayed them with and then rubbed on Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint with a cloth to tone it down and age it a bit.
So here’s the old frame as the new tray. Quite the trash to treasure makeover!
I love it! This DIY wooden tray is a bit more ornate than I usually like but it fits in my bedroom beautifully. It’s also big enough to put all my stuff on. 🙂
Do you have an old frame kickin’ around that you could use? Or do you have a really cool idea for making a DIY decorative tray?? I would love to hear about it!
Wow, I didn’t realize what a nice size this tray turned out to be until I saw the finished photos on the bed. I like how you used plywood in the frame, that seems like it will be very sturdy and useful.
Stopping by from the #HomeMattersParty linky.
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.
Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
What a great idea for an old frame. Love it! I will be featuring this tonight at my Swing into Spring party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured button. Thanks. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
Hi Mary, thank you! I just put it directly on the plywood. Looking back, I probably should have put a clear coat on top of it to prevent scratching. Luckily it hasn’t so far. 🙂
Thanks Jodi! I use plaster of Paris for making chalk paint. It depends on how chalky you want it and the size of the project. I kinda eyeball it but use about 2 cups of paint, 1/3 cup plaster of Paris and 1/3 cup of warm water. It’s certainly not a science but it is important to mix the water and plaster of Paris really well first so that the plaster dissolves or you’ll end up with clumpy paint. There are a bunch of recipes out there for chalk paint and I the only other one I have tried was with unsanded grout. I prefer the plaster of Paris.
The tray is gorgeous. I have a big porcelain tile that I want to make into a tray. I thought it might be too large, but seeing yours, I may just use my tile on the kitchen counter – set my cannisters and maybe the utensil pitcher on it, or just the cannisters. The I can move them and use it for serving when I need it. I’ll have to put little feet on it because the bottom of the tile is not smooth.
Thank you, Barbara! I think you should definitely try it. For the feet, you could glue small drawer knobs upside down. That way the tray would not be too tall 🙂
This is a great idea, it could be used in so many ways. I was looking at serving trays and this is much less expensive, and personalized.
Your post is being featured on #omhgff and shared on Pinterest, stop by and link up. Will be tagging you on Twitter soon from @MyLLLS
Thank you so much Karren!
What a great project. I love how feminine it is and gathers up your stuff in s elegant way.
Thank you! It’s come in handy in many places 🙂
What a pretty transformation! I’m sure there’s an old frame collecting dust somewhere around here and I can’t wait to make a tray like this one.
Thank you, Sandra!
Wow, I didn’t realize what a nice size this tray turned out to be until I saw the finished photos on the bed. I like how you used plywood in the frame, that seems like it will be very sturdy and useful.
Stopping by from the #HomeMattersParty linky.
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.
Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
I’m so glad you enjoyed what you’ve seen so far. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing!
What a great idea for an old frame. Love it! I will be featuring this tonight at my Swing into Spring party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured button. Thanks. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Judy!!
This is one of the nicest frame to tray makeovers I have seen! Thank you for sharing it with us at Brag About It! Pinned to share.
~Laurie
Thanks so much Laurie!
So pretty. I do have some frames I would like to do this with. Did you leave your stencil on the top of the glass or flip it over.?
Hi Mary, thank you! I just put it directly on the plywood. Looking back, I probably should have put a clear coat on top of it to prevent scratching. Luckily it hasn’t so far. 🙂
Was curious about the chalkboard paint. Was there a pacific reason for using it?
Hi Brenda! It is actually chalk paint made with plaster of Paris. I like the way it adds a softer finish to the piece.
Great idea. What is your recipe for chalk paint?
Thanks Jodi! I use plaster of Paris for making chalk paint. It depends on how chalky you want it and the size of the project. I kinda eyeball it but use about 2 cups of paint, 1/3 cup plaster of Paris and 1/3 cup of warm water. It’s certainly not a science but it is important to mix the water and plaster of Paris really well first so that the plaster dissolves or you’ll end up with clumpy paint. There are a bunch of recipes out there for chalk paint and I the only other one I have tried was with unsanded grout. I prefer the plaster of Paris.
The tray is gorgeous. I have a big porcelain tile that I want to make into a tray. I thought it might be too large, but seeing yours, I may just use my tile on the kitchen counter – set my cannisters and maybe the utensil pitcher on it, or just the cannisters. The I can move them and use it for serving when I need it. I’ll have to put little feet on it because the bottom of the tile is not smooth.
Thank you, Barbara! I think you should definitely try it. For the feet, you could glue small drawer knobs upside down. That way the tray would not be too tall 🙂
I really like this, the stencilling looks really effective. You did a great job!
This is so beautiful! I absolutely love the stencil you used. Great job!
Thank you, Lisa!
Hi Colleen,
Thank you so much for joining TOHOT. We are so glad you are here.
Your tray is wonderful, and there is simply nothing better than transforming a found treasure into something unique and beautiful.
Enjoyed visiting,
Laura
WSP
Pinning to our TOHOT board.
Thanks so much for hosting and for stopping by!