Trays are such useful accessories that designers are putting them in every room. They provide a place for items you need at hand in the bedroom and bathroom, as well as the dining room or living room—they make a design statement. Trays come in every size, material and color imaginable. The one you choose to decorate your coffee table says a lot about your style and personality. They can also be very expensive. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for creative DIY alternatives.
I hit the jackpot when I found this picture at Goodwill. My husband saw it and said, “Wow, that’s ugly!” (The man has no vision!) It’s a print by Jeffe Huldah, an American artist who painted during the mid-part of the 20th Century. Copies of her prints were popular in the 1950s. It has an old-fashioned charm, but it was the carved wood frame that really caught my eye.
My inspiration was a roll of left-over wallpaper in silver, white and black. I like the organic, abstract floral design. You can use any paper, but wallpaper is heavier and durable. Since it was pre-pasted, I just had to wet it, lay it on the picture and smooth out the bubbles. No glue necessary.
First, I painted the frame. A high-gloss lacquer look has a very modern feel and black offers a nice contrast to the wallpaper print.
The frame didn’t lay flat against the wall, which give the tray has a three-dimesional look making it even more interesting. This would be a great wedding gift for that special couple who appreciates the “I made it just for you” philosophy.