Chalk Paint and Wood Worker's Transfer Tool ... ~ Make a French Tray ~

Here is how I transformed a picture frame into a gorgeous tray for entertaining!

Cabinet Handles can turn any picture frame into a tray!


The picture frame is from a consignment shop.


I used The Graphics Fairy pictures for the art. Then I used my woodworker's transfer tool to transfer the art onto the fabric.

You can find the woodworker's transfer tool on my sidebar.

Here are the images I put together. 
Don't forget to mirror image your picture for the transfer if there are words or numbers on it.

I first primed the frame because it was old wood.....


and then I made (homemade chalk paint) for the frame.



I mixed equal parts (flat) paint to Plaster of Paris and hot water. You can add more paint to thicken it. (This is how you make your own chalk paint for very little money!)

I then sanded the frame with 220-grit sandpaper after it was dry to distress it. I used a small electric hand sander. You can sand the wood by hand for the distressed look too! 
(Either way of sanding is fine.)

I sealed the frame with clear Butcher's Bowling Alley Wax. I buffed the frame after it was dry.

I bought two cabinet handles at the hardware store and also painted them with chalk paint, distressed them with 220 - grit sandpaper and waxed them with the clear paste wax.


 My husband cut the tops off the screws heads for me that go into the handles. The screws were then glued into the drilled holes you see.

(Drill two holes on both sides of the frame and glued the handles on.)


(Let the handles dry overnight)


 Now put the glass back in the frame. If you want you can caulk between the glass and the frame. This helps seal it in case of liquid spills.


  I used clear duct tape to tape the back closed.



 Now I have a fancy tray that I can use for entertaining.
I hope I've inspired you to make one too! :)
 If you love my projects I would LOVE your pins;)
Thanks for stopping by!
xo,
Dee

I'm Joining:

66 comments:

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

That's so pretty, Dee! I love the graphic and that you made this frame into a tray. What a great piece to use especially with lots of outdoor entertaining coming up.

The Checkered Apple said...

What a lovely tray! And a great tutorial so we can all make one now...thanks Dee!

Brandi said...

I love your tray, Dee! I made something similar to hold the remotes, but yours is much prettier! Beautiful job!

Linda said...

Wow! You did a fantastic job.
Thanks for the tutorial.

Little Miss Maggie said...

Your project came out great. Love the images you chose.

Unknown said...

What a clever usage of these items to make a fabulous tray. I love this.
TTFN ~
Have a beautiful day ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Dawn said...

Your tray turned out just darling:) I didn't know they made clear duct tape, I will have to look for it.

Gypsy Heart said...

Love it! You always make the most interesting things. I'm sure you will use this a lot.

xo
Pat

Gina said...

I love it, Dee! What a super idea to add handles to a frame & make it a tray. You have such clever ideas.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

LOVE IT Dee!! Have a great weekend!

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Your tray is beautiful, Dee! I'm sure it will get much use this summer.I keep intending to order that little tool, but I haven't gotten around to it.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Very pretty indeed and great idea about caulking -- I did something similar and did not caulk/seal it and yep, a good spill leaked in between!

Terriea Kwong said...

Pretty and with French look. Just love you sanded. Very well tea tray in the garden for a summer afternoon tea.

Gail said...

Oh Dee, I love it! That turned out so pretty. You projects are always so inspirational. Hope you have a wonderful day, Gail

Connie said...

Well Dee, you have done it again . . . it just blows my mind, how many charmingly wonderful projects you come up with. This tray is lovely. You are such an inspiration. Connie :)

Debbiedoos said...

My kind of project Dee. I love the tray and the graphic is perfecto. Have a great weekend!

Wendys Hat said...

This is AMAZING Dee! I LOVE it! I am in the middle of a kitchen makeover right now myself.

Our Hopeful Home said...

I love this and have to make one. I ordered the tool last week and it should arrive any day, I can't wait!

Unknown said...

What a great makeover! I love love love fleur de lis!! Great work!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Dee,

That is a lovely tray and you put it together in a very smart à-la-Dee style!
Have a lovely weekend ahead.
Love,
Mariette

Unknown said...

Fantastic idea, I just love it.
I am so inspired by this, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by my tomato pin cushion blog post.
Have a great weekend.
Michele

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Dee, I love this! I recognize those scoops, I think they are formula scoops? I have not yet tried making my own chalk paint, I am book marking this because it looks mighty easy..Thanks

Carol

Beth said...

I have been meaning to make some of these, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. Yours is even prettier than I imagined they could look! Looks like I'm setting aside more frames for these. LOL!

Unknown said...

Oh goodness this tray is the cutest thing ever!! You did a fantastic job girl!

Newest follower here :) Can't wait to see more!

xoxox
Jessica
{the.junk.nest}

Gloria said...

Your tray is lovely! I'm going to have to write down your recipe for chalk paint, it's a paint I've wanted to try. TFS!

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

Dee--your tray is beautiful! I can't remember if using your technique the image has to be toner copy?

gail

Katherines Corner said...

Sqeeeee ( loud squeal)I love it!!!!! xo

Janette - The2Seasons said...

I love everything about your tray.

Toni said...

Very pretty tray. I love the graphic. You are going to get so many comments at all your Summer get togethers with it. Visiting from Met Monday.

The French Hutch said...

This looks like a tray you would see in a very chic upscale shop. You did a fabulous job with this, it's gorgeous! A great tutorial to follow too. Love it.

~Emily
The French Hutch

Sherry said...

THIS TRAY IS GORGEOUS! This is definitely on my list of things to make. Thanks so much for the tutorial.

PAT said...

I love this, Dee. It's wonderful!

Unknown said...

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I think I'll have to try this :)

Barbara @ 21 Rosemary Lane said...

You are the WOMEAN!!! This is just gorgeous!! I love the creativity the execution and the final product! Dee you knocked this one out of the park!
Have a great week!!!

Heaven's Walk said...

Cute, Dee! I had to pin this for a future project! Thanks for the great tut! :)

xoxo laurie

Every Little Birdie said...

Very creative! Your tray turned out beautiful. Love it!!!!

Vanessa said...

Hi, Dee

This is a great idea. I love how the it turned out and the print is lovely! Have a great week.

Vanessa

Eclectically Vintage said...

I love trays - use them all over my house to corral the clutter! This is fabulous - love the image you used and the cute little handles.
Kelly

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Your tray looks fantastic! I love the finish and the handles. I did a wax paper transfer project this week and used a Graphics Fairy Image, as well!

Anonymous said...

Have to have this print and do this!! Yours is beautiful, thanks for the info!

Deb Hrabik said...

This caught my eye at Savvy Southern Style. Great Job, Deb

Sparkle and Co said...

Wow! Thank you for sharing the tutorial!!! You taught me something tonight ;) Merci beaucoup

I found you in Le Chateau des Fleurs linky party!

Tammy Duhon said...

Just saw this at My repurposed life. It's fantastic; I can't wait to make one!!

Tammy @ SouthernFlairCrafts.wordpress.com

nádya said...

Dee, the tray turned out such an excellent piece!!! Love it!!!
Blessings,
Nadya

Michele said...

Your tray turned out amazing ~~~~~

God Bless You,
Michele
Pearl 13.1

Julie @ Creating This Life said...

I LOVE this. Thanks so much for sharing the step by step.

Cynthia said...

This just beautifu a reall stunning piece. hanks for sharing the steps. ove it!!

Cynthia

carol l mckenna said...

Very creative piece ~ well done ~ Love it! thanks, ^_^ (A Creative Harbor)

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh I love this! Thank you for the tutorial and taking all of these pictures throughout the process. I'm a new follower from a blog hop and it would be great if you followed back at http://iheartpears.blogspot.com. Thanks!

Katherines Corner said...

Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. xo

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Dee,
love your tray it is gorgeous.TFS.
XOO Marie

Tammy said...

Dee, this is awesome! Thanks so much for the step by step instructions! Pinning this! I would love for you to share this over at my Linky Party that is live now.
http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/2012/06/rustic-restorations-weekend-9.html

Donna Wilkes said...

Dee, what a beautiful tray, Thanks for the clear and concise directions. the distressing was perfect!

Distressed Donna Down Home

aimee said...

Wow dee it looks great xxx

Stacey said...

Looks really beautiful - great idea!
Would love if you stopped by my party to link this up!
Stacey of Embracing Change

karen@somewhatquirky said...

I love this. I have made trays from frames before, but I love the tone on tone look of this. Nice job!

Bliss said...

Cute as can be. I can picture being served that cup of ice tea as I wait in your sun room. Thanks Dee for linking it up at Hot Fun in the Summertime. You're the best!

~Bliss~

Liz @ Quirky Vistas said...

Definitely inspired by your frame tray. So doable and beautiful. Thanks for the idea!
Liz

Little Miss Maggie said...

I do love what you do with that wood worker's tool. Your projects turn out so crisp and clear. Thanks so much for linking to Hot Fun in the Summer link party. Hope to see you next week.

Candylei said...

It looks LOVELY!!!

Stacey said...

LOVE it so much!
Great job lady!
Stacey of Embracing Change

Stacey said...

Featured you Dee! Come by and grab a button!
Stacey of Embracing Change

Debbie @DewdropGables said...

Love it!! So elegant and pretty. Wonderful job, and yes, you inspired me!!
Debbie :)

Jeannie and Linda said...

Dee, I love your beautiful tray! I have to make me one. I've seen this done before but not as pretty as yours! (Don't think I'm crazy but God woke me up last week to pray for you! Honestly, your name was on my lips! Wild.)

Have a very blessed week!
Linda at The French Hens Nest

Anonymous said...

Terrific tutorial!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing this post on our BeBetsy BRAG ABOUT IT Tuesday. We are just delighted!

Hope to see you again BeBetsy Link and Hop

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

That's a beautiful tray and will be so perfect for entertaining!

Thanks for linking this up to the Creative HomeAcre Blog Hop. We hope you'll join us again this Sunday!

http://acultivatednest.com/

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