Being Tray Smart

As you can see in the previous post, it is so simple to re-purpose a picture frame and transform the look just by adding paint.

What about if you do not want to use that picture frame as a "picture frame" anymore?

This DIY shows you how to convert it into a nice tray to place your utensils on.

This is ideal for make-up and visual artists who can place their brushes and other miscellaneous items on the tray to organize and separate things from the rest of the stuff on your table.

So what are you waiting for? Let's start!

*For those of you who don't know a lick of French, trés (pronounced "tray") means very.

Now the post title makes more sense, right? Well, I'm glad that we got that sorted out!

Supplies:

• Unused picture frame

• Specialty paper with design of your choice that matches the size of your frame (example: if your frame fits a 8x10 picture, use an 8x10 paper with a design of your liking)

• Tape

• (Optional) piece of cardboard measuring the same size as your specialty paper

Step 1:

Take your picture frame and turn it over. Take the backing off and throw it away (or place it to the side for safe-keeping if you would like to use it for something else).

Step 2:

Take everything out that is inside the frame EXCEPT the glass. Leave this in there.

Step 3:

Put in your specialty paper. If it is too big, be sure to trim the sides so that it fits in exactly.

Step 4: (optional)

If you only plan on keeping this tray on your desk and not moving it around, then skip to Step 5. If you plan on moving it around, then follow this step.

Take the cardboard backing and put it over the specialty paper. If it is too big, be sure to trim the sides so that it fits in exactly.

Step 5:

Take the tape and cut 3 long pieces that measure the width of the frame. Stick these pieces from one end of the frame to the other to keep the cardboard and specialty paper in place.

Then, secure the frame with the parts that it comes with so that these things won't move. With the example that I'm using, that also comes on most contemporary frames, there are fastener guards that move to hold the contents of the frame in place. I move all of them so that they are over the cardboard.

And that's it! Now, turn it around and start putting your items in!

Since I am an artist, this is ideal for me to put some of my brushes and arts and crafts items that I'm currently using on projects. That way, they are out of the way and organized, yet still on my desk where I can see them.

And if you want to change up the look of them, you can just by changing out the specialty paper in the frame. Just go through the steps again. Yes, it's that simple and quick!

Are you "tray" satisfied with this DIY? If you like being organized, then I'm sure that you are!

Keeping It Classy & Crafty,

-SS