How to create a colorful tray from a cheap picture frame

A lively and colorful decorative tray couldn’t be simpler to create when you start with an inexpensive box picture frame! 

MAKE A DECORATIVE TRAY FROM A PICTURE FRAME

Using a decorative tray in your home decor is a super easy way to infuse style and color. And, with so many ways to use it, a tray is an economical choice as well! Here are some ways I’ve used trays in the past:

• Turn an ottoman into a side table by adding a tray on top
• Show off a favorite collection of items – plants, accents, pictures in frames – anything goes!
• To corral bathroom or makeup items
• Add flowers or plants for a fun centerpiece
• As a serving tray – can’t forget that one

Sometimes, things are even more special when you can customize them. Today I’m showing you how you can make this versatile piece for under $!10.

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Even better, it’s time for another Create With Me challenge!  I skipped the month of June – just too much going on with my kids home for summer –  so I am extra excited to be back for the month of August.  You voted for our team to create with picture frames!  There are so many great projects you can create with picture frames, but one of my favorite things to do with a picture frame – precisely an inexpensive acrylic box frames – is to create fun and unique decorative trays!

• An 11 x 14 acrylic box frame – I found mine at Hobby Lobby, but this is a great deal!
• Nail polish in various colors, including clear
• Navy blue high gloss acrylic paint
• Painters tape

• Make your tray

  

• 1.To create your tray, turn the box frame over, remove the “box” meant to hold the picture in place, turn it over, and voila – a tray!

• 2. To make sure you get a crisp edge, add painters tape around the inside edge of the frame.

  3.Paint clear nail polish around the inside edge of the painter’s tape to minimize any seepage.

  4. Next, paint the bottom of your tray with your acrylic paint. Allow it to dry between coats.

  

• 5. Now it’s time to add some color! You can add any pattern you want with your nail polish – I went with a series of dashes alternating my colors. Allow your tray to drive for a full 24 hours before using it to give the nail polish a chance to cure.

  6. Style away!

I love how mine turned out, and I can guarantee you’ll be seeing it around my home. Have you done a picture frame make-over? We’d love to see what you’ve come up with! Post your pictures to Instagram using the hashtag #createwithmeprojects!

Now it’s time to vote for next month’s material! Take the survey below and tell us what you want to Create with Me for September – then let’s take a minute to figure out how we’re already talking about September!

Thanks so much to Samantha of Little Bits of Home for hosting such a fun challenge!

If you can’t see the survey, CLICK HERE!