I’ve got a fun project and an even more fun link up today!
Some of my favorite DIY blogger peeps have teamed up to bring us a little inspiration!
And just for kicks and giggles…I’m throwing in a project of my own!
I found the inspiration for my project in the hardware aisle of Hobby Lobby…these gorgeous handles.
At first I had no idea how I’d use them…but no matter, these little guys spoke to me and I knew I’d find something to do with them…
A few days after I found the handles, on a rainy afternoon, I slipped into one of my favorite antique stores and spotted this old tray…when I paid for it, I mentioned to the nice lady behind the counter that my plan was to sand off the decal…I thought she would faint. But honestly, this gal had to go…
I sanded most of the picture off and then sanded over the entire tray to get the sheen off…
I painted the whole tray in a watered down coat of Americana Chalky Finish Paint in Everlasting…
Then tore the edges of my new tissue paper to fit each plank on the tray…
(I got my tissue paper at Zazzle Here & Here)
When I put the paper over the planks…I didn’t like the bright white, so I added a bit of watered down Chalky Finish paint in Serene…I wanted some of the white to show through so I quickly wiped a bit of the Serene off with a baby wipe…
Using a baby wipe is a great way to achieve a sanded look…without the sanding!
Here’s the finished product before the paper…
I put a thin coat of DecouPage glue/sealer on the wood to adhere the tissue paper…
Using tissue paper was nice because I wanted a vintage look…you know, like this paper had been on these planks for 40 years…with tissue paper, you can simply wet your finger and gently rub here – there and everywhere…
And as you rub, you take off a little of the pattern and a little of the actual paper…take your time with this and keep working until you’re happy with the look…
***Add another coat of DecouPage as a top coat over the tissue paper***
Last but not least, I added my handles! I use a lot of trays in my decorating but this one is my fave…
And can I show you what goes on when I’m trying to photograph something!!!? These guys are always right with me…how many pups do you see!?
Bet you thought there were only 3…nope, Bindi was hiding among the pillows! (and Ollie was in his bed on the floor and Reba-the-cat was rubbing up against my legs the entire time…)I finally climbed on a ladder to get the shots!
So that’s my DIY!
Now the real fun!!! All these creative ladies have put together a project to inspire us…let’s pour a cuppa and have a look!
If you want to see more inspiration-check out Facebook–Twitter & Instagram : w/ hashtag: #BestofDIY
This post is part of my Year of Reckless Crafting! In this post I used: Tissue Paper & Chalky Finish Paint
Robin, I LOVE your antique looking tray. It turned out so beautiful and how creative to use a trifted sign and gorgeous handles along with tissue. I LOVE it. Here’s to a great party, xo Lisa at Concord Cottage
This is so lovely Robin. I love the vintage look of your tray and how adorable are your fur babies!! So excited to be a part of #BestofDIY with you. Kxx.
The tray is beautiful, Robin! Love the hardware at Hobby Lobby. I was at one of our Hobby Lobby’s on Wednesday with my granddaughter and we bought beautiful knobs for a jewelry hanging project we are working on…I’ll share when we finish.
Judy, Can’t wait to see your jewelry hanging project! what a great idea xo
I love the tray, but how do you use the tissue paper without breaking and do you use a varnish or wax over the tray when done so the print does not curl…..I would like to make this myself….
Pat
Pat, I was gentle with the paper and yes, I did put a top coat of DecouPage medium over the top! Hope that helps 🙂
Wonderful Project Robin! Did you seal the top with a protective coating?
Katie I just went over it with DeCoPage! xo
Exquisite. Gorgeous. Amazing.
And baby wipes! Who knew?! I love this project!
Beautiful shabby tray, Robin. You would never know it was an old coke sign 🙂
Thanks showing the technique of how to add the tissue. And the wipe wipe tip is ideal!
Thanks for inspiring me.
Pinned.
This tray is beyond gorgeous! Oh you did an amazing job! It looks perfectly old and chippy and beautiful! Perfection Robin! Pinning and featuring you on my fb page.
Oh Robin, I LOVE, love this tray! It made me laugh when you told the lady at the antique store you were sanding off the lady on the tray! lol People just don’t understand the much grander plans that we have for our finds! haha Your tissue paper and handles idea is just gorgeous! I also love your puppies hanging around on your bed. Your home is just like mine— filled with furry friends! 🙂 Have a wonderful day my friend!
Julie
I love everything about this, Robin! Pinning for later for sure. I want one too! 🙂
Very pretty, so creative, love the colors. Good job.
What a creative idea! It looks so much better now and it’s functional too.
Robin!great job! Soooo cute!
Great project – I think this tray is much happier with this look too! you are right – it was time for the girl to go.
Love the vintage look of this tray. I know you are going to really enjoy using this project.
Love this so much! Perfectly shabby chic <3
Love your furbabies…and your tray!! I ADORE it. I would bet the lady wouldn’t faint now if she could see what a beauty you made out of it! Beautiful job
Nancy
I adore your tray and how you completely transformed it. Hobby Lobby is a huge treat for me because we live an hour and a half to the nearest one. But when I go, the first place I look is the knobs. Love the picture of all your four legged family members too. We have a Bella that looks like yours only she’s gray. Great tour. Jeanette
Hi, Robin! I’m new to your blog, but what I’ve seen is great! The tray is beautiful and so are you little babies. I’m partial to long coat chihuahuas! I have a little male, named Quigley. He’s a tan and white. Love the color of your little one, too.
Looking forward to exploring more of your website!
Sandra…I love those sweet long coat chihuahuas! (of course I love most any animal!) And the name!!! Quigley is just darling! I’m so happy to meet you new friend- looking forward to connecting and getting to know you! ox
Robin, this tray is so gorgeous and looks like something I would buy in a boutique. Thank you again so much for linking up to our Something to Talk about Link Party and I hope you join us again tomorrow morning. xo Lisa
I love that time-worn look! I had seen a video demonstrating this method and aching to try it. Hopefully soon! Great job, Robin. 🙂
HA! I love this tray and that the antique lady almost fainted. Too funny!
Awesome upcycle!