Thursday, June 11, 2015

Another "French" Tray...


I'm off on another trip this week, but last week I spent some time sewing and crafting. I had another idea for a light and inexpensive tray for the brunch we're hosting for our son and his bride in August in California. We'll have lots of pastries, tarts, macaroons and other French delicacies that morning, so we need a number of trays (that are easy to transport and lightweight) for the event. As I was walking through Hobby Lobby a few days before, I noticed some trays with little legs on them. I decided to make one of my own with some drawer or cabinet knobs that were on sale. I simply took that screw out of the pulls by unscrewing it from the wood. Ta da...


I picked up four of the knobs for 50% off and bought the large wooden tray below -- also on sale.


The bride chose these gorgeous colors for the wedding...


I love these beautifully muted shades, and they play so well together. I asked the bride to chose the colors for this tray (since I had done such a poor job the last time).


At her suggestions, I painted the feet a silver sage then sanded them down in spots for the turquoise to show through just a touch. Then glazed them for an antique look.


Meghann (the bride) suggested I paint the tray a light gray. I first put a coat of silver on the tray, then painted it the light gray. Then I sanded it down in some spots to show a little of the silver underneath and again antiqued or glazed it to age it a bit. Some French-themed canvas from Hobby Lobby was chosen to line the tray...


After putting two coats of Mod Podge over the canvas I tacked (with hot glue) some Natural Linen Braid around the inside edge of the tray to cover up the edge of the fabric.

I've also bought some other cute trays and vases that sport a French flair that we will use. I purchased this one for under $7 and we'll load it up with beautiful ripe, plump grapes...


These vases are the perfect color gray and green. I bought them for $9 at a Flea Market -- score! Seriously, I love it when I can find just what I want at a Flea Market. Can you picture them with mounds of flowers spilling over the tops of the vases?


And another larger tray for pastries or tea sandwiches -- also $7.


FYI - I'm not a total cheap-skate and it's not all about the cost for me, but I have to admit it does make me happy when I can find or make special items -- at a good price -- that will add to the ambiance of a special day!