Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Turning a Small Wood Crate into a Cute Petite Serving Tray

Hi everyone!
Today I wanted to share with you one of my latest creations, a project that I completed for DecoArt.
As a designer for DecoArt, they submitted a challenge for those of us who wanted to participate.
The challenge was a "mystery box". Everyone would receive the same exact supplies,
but it was totally up to us to decide what to do with them!  It was a "mystery", as we had no idea just what they would be sending us!
Of course I find it hard to turn down DecoArt projects;
(disclosure:  I do receive compensation and products for participating.  The opinions I share are totally my own.)
The opportunity to create and do what I love is just too irresistible!
But, I was afraid that maybe I had bitten off more than I could chew, with our upcoming move.  Well, the project ended up turning into a blessing in disguise, what with our moving fiasco.
Not only did it help take my mind off from things, but I had fun in the process!
I will show you a peek of the finished piece, then share with you what items I had to work with!
I guess you could say my theme was
cute, cottagey and colorful!
 Ok, so here is what was in the mystery box............
 This small shadow box like wooden crate, and the acrylic paint that you see below, as well as decoupage medium.
It was totally up to us what to create, we were given free reign, we just had to use all of the supplies in the box.  Now those are the kinds of projects that I love!
We could use additional items or supplies.
 When I am waiting for inspiration to strike,what works for me is to just look at an item or supplies for a little while, and usually an idea will come.  The first thought was a cute little serving tray!
I just love trays, and have created many over the years, so I could hardly wait to begin.
So, off to the craft store I went, and came home with this pretty pair of iron drawer pulls, some small wooden dowel finial covers (that would become "feet" for the tray), pretty scrapbooking paper......
 and piece of clear glass, which I had cut at my local lumber yard.
 I really wanted to keep the handles their original color of aqua (love aqua!!), but decided to paint them black and distress to show a bit of the aqua below.
I then painted the cute little feet this bright and cheery green.
 I was more than happy to see they included this beautiful shade of aquamarine in the box,so I painted the underside and outside of the box in that.
 Since the pink paint in the mystery box was much brighter of a look than I was going for, I mixed it with the white paint, til I achieved this pretty light pink.

 Then after a bit of distressing around the edges, I began the fun part: decoupaging!
 I found the neatest scrapbooking paper that looks like a distressed barnwood with gorgeous roses, in pinks and aquas.  Perfect!
I cut the strips just a bit narrower than each slat, to fit the inside bottom, and around the outer sides as well.

 I loved mixing the patterns for a coordinating but not "matchy-matchy" look!
 Then I glued the cute little feet to the bottom at each corner.
 I placed the glass inside, added the handles (handy hubby drilled the holes for me), and, viola!!
 A cute, cottagey colorful petite serving tray!
 I think the tray also would be cute in a bathroom to attractively store pretty bottles of lotion, shower gel, etc.
 Or it could be used on a dresser in a bedroom to corral jewelry, photos, and display mementos.
I hope my tray project has helped you to see outside of the mystery box!
Thanks so much for your visit, have a great week!


14 comments:

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Love your creative mind and your creation Donna which your mystery box!
xo,
Vera

Felecia Cofield said...

Hi Donna! Your box turned out lovely! Yes, you are a creative lady! Thanks for sharing! Blessings from Bama!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, you created a wonderful tray in your mystery project. Love the colors and the details. The papers are beautiful too. Adding the iron handles was a great idea. DecoArt is going to love this!! Your designs are always an inspiration!!
Hugs, cm

Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm glad you are finding some time to create in the midst of all your moving. Such a great project. You did a wonderful job (as always).

EL RINCON DE CHELO said...

Maravilloso trabajo, me encanta!!!!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

What a great job on that tray - it looks so good and I love all the colors. You are one crafty lady.
Thank for sharing the DIY with us. I have a couple of trays - you have given me some great ideas.
Have a great week. did the house sell?
Hugs to sweet Katie.
And of course hugs to you too.
Mary

Rose L said...

I LOVE it! Perfect colors for me! I may attempt to make one myself one day!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This is really cute, Donna! I really thought you had re-done an old drawer! Fun!

Tete said...

That is adorable...now what will they do with your finished project? Will they use the images and steps in their ads? How fun is that and you have something new! Yeah for you!

Bente said...

Wow, I love it. You did a great job, it`s beautiful, Donna.
Hugs from here

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Donna,
I have done this very thing before, you make me want to find a box of sorts so I can create another one.

Love how sweet and feminine it turned out, perfect for serving up a gardens party.

Xx
Dore

Debbie said...

You came up with a great idea for the box, Donna. I love all of the cottage additions you've added to it. GREAT colors!
Debbie
xo

BeachGypsy said...

That tray is amazing! Love it! Are yall moved in?

Burlap Luxe said...

Thank you Donna, for taking the time to visit me, and your comment is going to joy everyday from here on in.
I am stll looking for a box, I made some caddy's yeas ago, and you have given me the big to do another one :)

Xx
Dore
See you soon