Well gooooooooood morning and happy Monday to you! Can you guys believe we are only 10 days out from Thanksgiving. TEN DAYS. How the heck did that happen? I can’t believe we are already so far into November, this month is just flying by at lighting speed. I really need to get all my Christmas decor out and get going with that (I already had my tree up this time last year!) but I’m just not quite ready yet. I’m going to enjoy my pumpkins just a teensy bit longer then it will be all about the Christmas decor around here. Anyway, I’m actually really excited about today’s post because it feels like forrrrrever since I’ve shared a really simple DIY project here on the blog. I think my last one was this insanely easy DIY wreath I made back in September. Too long, right? I think so. Well this past weekend I was getting the itch to make something so I grabbed a few things and whipped up the easiest DIY farmhouse tray ever. Really, this thing is so darn simple and it really makes the perfect afternoon project. Quick and easy, just the way I like it. Ok, let me show you how I did it.
So for this easy tray I bought an unfinished framed slatted wood panel from Hobby Lobby. It’s actually meant to be hung on the wall, but I loved the scalloped detail in the corners and I thought it would make the perfect tray. I also grabbed a pair of vintage inspired handles to go along with it. And sidenote: pretty much everything at Hobby Lobby is marked down to 50% every other week, so make sure you go when the things you want are on sale!
I started by removing the hanger thingy from the back of the panel. We definitely won’t be needing that and I need the tray to sit flat and level, so this little guy had to go.
I knew I wanted the tray to be painted white and distressed on the edges, so the next step was using this oil rubbed bronze spray paint. I quickly did one light coat over the panel.
OK, it obviously looks like a hot mess at this point. But the idea here is to do a dark base underneath the white paint. Then when it comes time to distress it with sandpaper we will see that dark color peek through, which gives it more of a vintage feel. Once that dries, it’s on to paint!
I used white chalk paint for this step, but you can use whatever paint your little heart desires.
Next I distressed the wood slightly with a piece of sandpaper to give it more of a vintage look. Lastly it was time to drill the holes for the handles. For pieces like this, it’s best to first use a drill bit to make tiny holes where your screws will go. Just make sure it’s smaller than the diameter of the screw you’ll be using. This prevents the wood from splitting when you’re screwing the handles in place. All done!
That’s it guys! Easy peasy central for this simple DIY farmhouse tray. I seriously love it and I’m sure you’ll be seeing it a million more times in future posts. I really do use trays like this all the time–they’re perfect for the coffee table, or a dining table centerpiece, or even on your bathroom vanity. I know this guy will get lots of use! Well I hope this little project inspires you to create something similar or maybe even just reminds you to do something creative today. Maybe it’s baking a pie, or doing Bible art, photography, or maybe even something as simple as rearranging the decor in your living room–whatever it is that you enjoy, go and do it!
Here’s a few other projects you might like:
The Easiest DIY Farmhouse Candlesticks
Cute and easy!!!
Just ordered the tray! Can you tell me or have a link for cute handles? Also what chalk paint did you use?
The handles are also from Hobby Lobby, based on the tag next to them in the picture. Hobby Lobby carries a lot of unique hardware!
I got them from Hobby Lobby too!
What type of chalk paint did you use? I’ve never used it before so would like to know what you suggest.
I used Magnolia Home chalk style paint, but you could do anything! Rust-Oleum has a great chalk paint you can find at Home Depot or Lowe’s and it’s super affordable. I actually use that one all the time!
Great thank you!! Curious what color magnolia chalk paint was it?
It’s called Shiplap. But you could use any white chalk paint!
Absolutely love! I’m totally making this. Great job, Sara!
Beautiful! Speaking of the wreath, my michaels had that garland for $5 bucks on clearance yesterday! I couldn’t believe there was any left… Got some good deals with the fall clearance!
Oh wow, what a score. I need to go check out their clearance section!
love it, sarah! really came out pretty. love your photos! Kim xx
Thanks Kim!
How cute!! I am going to make a couple of those cause I know my mom will love one too!
Go for it Nikki, I actually might make another one too. I use these trays all the time!
So pretty, love the handles ~ looks like even I could do this one! Thanks for the tutorial, Sarah!
Super cute, Sarah!!! I am a bit “tray obsessed” myself, and since I learned about vignettes from Pinterest and awesome bloggers like you, I love them even more! Not only do they really help tie a group of decorative accessories together, but it’s so much easier to move when dusting, lol! I also love interesting hardware. I had a doctor’s appt today and took some time to browse in one of my favorite antique shops, left empty-handed but inspired to come home and go through my stash of stuff and create something as well, thanks for the extra motivation! I also want to get started on my Christmas decoratIng earlier this year so I can enjoy it longer, plan to start this week. Love your posts!!!
I agree Vicki, there are so many fun ways to use trays like this one. I hope you are able to make one with goodies from your stash!
That is absolutely adorable!
Thank you Jeannie!
Very pretty and simple enough!! I think I will try this with a piece of round wood that I have and paint a monogram in the center for gift to bring to Thanksgiving dinner.
I do love your Monday posts they get me motivated early in the week..
Oh that’s a great idea Judy. And what a special gift!
Love this Sarah! It turned out sooo cute! Thanks for sharing it..I really like your “how to” blog posts! 😊
Thank you Sherri, so glad you enjoyed it!
How lovely Sarah! Perfect Christmas gift…may have a go myself!x