DIY: Leopard Print Tray

Hi All, Happy Nov 1st! It's Jana here to share a DIY to update your trays for the new Season. With the weather turning a little more crisp & cool I look for simple ways to transition my decor accordingly!

Inspiration for this DIY came from a project I saw on Martha Stewart over the summer. Since my lacquer tray is a mainstay when I entertain, I loved that I finally had a solution to the inevitable sliding of drinks and h'orderves on the glossy surface. 

To add an autumnal twist, I decided painting leopard spots on the cork would add the perfect punch of personality.

Materials:
Sponge
Cork (cut to size of your tray base)
Brown & Black Paint
Gloss Varnish

Cut the sponge in various round and oval shapes, add in a few kidney bean shapes as well.


 Sponge brown spots on tray - vary the sizes so a larger spot is surrounded by slightly smaller spots.


Sponge black spots around the brown spots. I found pairing 1 black spot to 1 brown, 2 black to 1 brown, 4 black to one brown, and fully encircling the brown dot with black dots created the most natural patterns.

Coat the gloss varnish over entire surface. 


Make drinks & treats, add a few flowers and you are set for the perfect Indian Summer afternoon!


-Photos by Erik Melvin

-post by jana bek

 
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21 comments

  1. Such a col Idea. Need something like this for my office

    http://lolas-loft.blogspot.com/

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  2. Jana, this looks so great! And it looks like the varnish slightly darkens the cork - I love that!

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  3. This is very cool!!I will do it!!Thank you for sharing!Super!!:)

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  4. so cute...and so simple!

    xo
    www.carlyonqueue.blogspot.com

    ps indian summers sure past in Chicago!

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  5. Very cute! Looks like something you could get the little ones to help with. Might be a nice "teacher" gift! Include some treats, teas, and other niceties!

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  6. Very cute! Looks like something the little ones could help with. Can't help but think it would be a great "teacher" gift. Include some teas and treats with other niceties!

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  7. great idea! love it and it looks great!
    www.birdsofafeatherdesign.com

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  8. Definitely one of the cooler projects I've come across lately. Leopard print is so hot right now!

    M.

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  9. Thats a brilliant idea! i'll keep this in mind for when we have winter on our side!

    Thanks for the share!

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  10. Eeeek that's genius! I've been wanting a lucite tray since I saw them on this blog. But this is such a cute way of updating them without buying another one. I'd also do a pastel chevron print for the spring/summer!

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  11. wow you are so creative and talented!!!!

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  12. So cool and yet it seems so easy! Thanks x

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  13. Love this DIY,how couldi not?!Big fan of leopard prints:)

    Cinz
    http://cinzee.wordpress.com

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  14. This is absolutely adorable. Such a great DIY. Thanks so much for sharing!
    Xo,
    Lindsey

    www.caviartaste.com

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  15. Absolutely love this idea! I really want to try this :)

    http://shanascloset.blogspot.com/

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  16. Amazing! I love it!

    Welcome to my blog
    http://lavenderloafers.blogspot.co.nz

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  17. That is cool out
    J
    http://www.lifelovesand.blogspot.ie/

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  18. okay I have to admit, as I was scrolling through the photos I thought "this is going to look like shit"

    But its totally cute- bravo so much more talented than me.

    www.bluemountainbelle.com

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  19. Great technique for painting leopard print. Thanks!

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