How to Make a Gilded Tray – An Upcycling Project

One of the great things about being crafty or creative is that you have the ability to make your own decor when it comes to parties, holidays, and the like. After 30+ years of being creative, I ran out of space to store all of those things I've made. I still totally love making and creating and crafting but now, I want to make projects that have more than one purpose. The candle wraps I made last week can be used to decorate my bedroom or given as a gift after Valentine's Day. The napkin wraps I made can be used as candle wraps! I've been creating projects to compose a Valentine's Day night in centerpiece and tablescape project but I needed more than napkin rings and candles. Gold is still a strong trend in home decor and I decided to create a pretty gold tray to compliment my tablescape. I found an affordable tray with a shape I like on clearance at Hobby Lobby for about $2 and knew it would be perfect to turn into an upcycled gilded tray! This tray is the perfect size for two glasses of champagne and a bottle of champagne but I can also use it to hold jewelry and hair-clips, as a stylish catch-all for keys and change in the hall,  or to hold spa supplies in my powder room. Here's how to make a gilded tray for Valentine's Day and beyond:

Easy peasy, right? I love how to spray paint kept the integrity of the printed paper intact. There is a subtle ikat paisley pattern to the tray that I just love even better in GOLD! I painted a box from this same collection at Hobby Lobby with acrylic paint and the texture of the pattern was totally lost on that project. Spray paint is totally the way to go, plus it's faster and easier than painting with a brush.

Supplies for this project:

• Tray – Hobby Lobby
• Gold Spray paint – Krylon Color Master Metallic Gold

Here are some upcycling tips for dressing up your home and table:

• Look for awesome shapes, like the round tray I got. You can always paint it.
• Think of at least 3 ways you use the item in your space. Buy it only if it is versatile and has many uses.
• Keep some neutral spray paint on hand at all times: gold, antique white, black.
• Always check the clearance aisles before shopping the regular aisles.
• Chips, scrapes, and scratches can usually be mended with a little putty and paint but you'll save big at checkout if you ask for an additional discount for the damage.

Are you inspired to go upcycle now? I hope so!

Author: Jennifer Priest

It started with jewelry, beading, sewing, home decor, painting, basket weaving, pottery, and cross-stitch. Marry that to an entrepreneurial spirit & at 9 years old a girl is selling her wares at craft fairs as far as her parents and grandparents would drive her. These days, Jennifer enjoys crafts of all genres from sewing to scrapbooking to jewelry with a little dabbling in the mixed media world. Her style is approachable and she wants everyone who sees her work to feel that they too can embrace creativity and make their home and life beautiful.