DIY: Decorative Tray


Hi Made By Girl Readers! It's Jenny Bevlin bringing you another wonderful DIY project. I love decorative trays because there are so many uses for them. You can use them to serve food (preferably breakfast in bed!) or you can put them on your bar cart or coffee table to serve cocktails. 

You can also use them to display jewelry, perfume and nail polishes. The best part about this tray is that it is made with a picture frame. This lets you switch out the design inside the frame with your changing decor. 
 
  

What you need to make this tray:
 
  • Picture Frame
  • Two Drawer Pulls or Handles
  • Drill and Drill Bit (The drill bit should be the same size as your screws.)
  • Two Screws that are a little longer than the thickness of the frame
  • Measuring Tape
  • Pencil for marking
  • Decorative insert (You can use decorative wrapping paper, fabric etc. I designed my insert in Photoshop and had it printed at the local print shop.)


Steps: Flip the frame over and measure the length of one of the sides.  




Mark the center with your pencil.  


Measure the bottom of one of the handles to see where the holes measure. Mine measured at 0 and 3, therefore I know that I need to drill the holes 1 1/2 inch on both sides of the center of the frame. 








Mark where the holes will need to be drilled with your pencil.  


Drill the holes for one side. Repeat by measuring, marking and drilling the holes for the other side. 



Insert the screws up through the bottom of the frame and put the handles on the front of the frame. Use your drill's screw driver to screw the screws tight into the handles.


- images by Jenny Bevlin



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38 comments

  1. I love this! What a great way to create your own. I am always moved to order these types of trays from boutique sites, but making it yourself is even better!

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  2. That is so adorable! Thank you for the amazing tutorial :)

    XX Kathryn
    http://lacoquettedelamode.wordpress.com/

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  3. This is so awesome! I definitely want to try this! You're so crafty! :)

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  4. SO adorable! Great post Jenny.

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  5. This is so pretty but deceptionally easy. Thanks for sharing, I'll definitely have to try this project on a weekend. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. What a great idea! I have been looking for a good looking tray for my coffee table - problem solved, I will give it a try and make my own!

    xoxo
    http://acasadava.blogspot.com/

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  7. Love this idea! So simple and 'tray' chic ;)

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  8. i LOVE this DIY! seems so doable and the tray is so versatile!

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  9. Thank you Jen. 10000 Kisses from Germany...
    Trendhelden.blogspot.com

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  10. What a great idea! Im so trying this!

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  11. So cleaver. This is gorgeous and much nicer than most reasonably priced trays you can buy.

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  12. Oooooh love this idea! I have been looking for a big tray to store bits and bobs in my living room but the ones I have found have been surprisingly expensive and ugly - I can't wait to try this! Thanks!

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  13. Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing, step by step. Have a great day!

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  14. Great Idea - I have this exact frame from ikea but broke the glasss...now I will have a new use for the frame!

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  15. Great idea,great job! I can make one to deliver your grandfathers food to his chair in style. I need to make one to match the bibs I make. I love this.

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  16. Great idea,great job. I love the idea. I should make a tray to bring Gramps food to his chair in. Better...make one to match the bibs i make! Thanks for the idea.

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  17. That is the most adorable idea ! My tray is so plain white, I am totally doing this ! Thanks for the great idea!!

    xo. A Southern Bee Diary

    :)

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  18. Easy, check. Affordable, check. Turns out pretty, check. Yup, this is a cool project!

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  19. What a great idea! Since it gets so dark so early here in the midwest, I have been retreating to my bedroom early and taking tea or an evening scotch to bed with magazines, IPad, etc. I have needed something like this! I may try to make one this weekend! Thanks!

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  20. Jenny, this is adorable! GOTTA make it. xo

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  21. I love a good tray! I made one awhile back with a picture frame and a leftover fabric sample, that I use daily in my bathroom! I like the idea of the handles, definitely perfect for breakfast in bed!

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  22. I'm totally DIY-ing this! I love that this DIY is so easy, beautiful and customizable for any girl's style. And we all know we need a personalized tray for coffee in bed or to serve guests with :) Love it! Thank Jen and Jenny!

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  23. cute! what a great idea! cheers!
    www.dwellinbeauty.blogspot.com

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  24. Such a cute, simple idea! I'm definitely going to need to make one to house my little collection of perfume bottles.

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  25. Wonderful post! Such a great looking tray!

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  26. Oooh woow great idea!! :)

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  27. Love this idea! but how can it hold weight? Thanks!

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  28. Wow, that's a really neat DIY! I love the tray in this picture,tiffany blue, ahhhhhhhh....hehe

    i dont think i'll ever get the chance to have breakfast in bed as im always in a rush to go to work every morning! i eat my breakie at my desk at work, lol - how stylish - NOT!!!

    Cinz
    http://cinzee.wordpress.com

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  29. Obsessed with the tray. I'm on the search now for a fab print so I can do my own. Thanks for sharing this great idea. x

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  30. This picture frame tray is so awesome! Never in a thousand years would I have thought of that. I hope it's okay, I just finished a paper crafts round-up showing ways to use decorative paper for home decor and just couldn't help but feature your fabulous tray. You can see it here:
    http://jamiebrock.hubpages.com/hub/20-DIY-Home-Decor-Ideas-using-Decorative-Paper#

    Thank you so much for sharing :)

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  31. Thank you for sharing. This will make a great accessory to the bar area that I am creating in the new house - it will give it a splash of color and dual functions as cocktail serving platter. Can't wait to have a girl's night/craft night.

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