DIY

Please join me in welcoming Kelly - DIY extraordinaire from MAKE GROW GATHER. I'm so head over heels with Kelly and all of the amazing projects she shares on her blog. So please join me in a little happy dance because she's agreed to stop by on a regular basis to share a simple, modern and just plain must-do DIY project.


Pear Tree Tray
by Kelly Wilkinson

I have to confess that I hoard scraps: paper, fabric, buttons. I’m always stashing them away for some yet-unknown use. So this project actually serves two purposes: I can use some of my scraps to create a cheery little tray that will help corral all of those scraps.

Everything I used here I already had on hand: a dinged-up gold tray, ends of some holiday paper from two years ago (notice the partridge in a pear tree theme), doilies left over from this project, and a flower from a card I scanned.

All you need is...
1. Your own collection of items
2. Scissors or a craft knife
3. Mod Podge glue
4. Foam brush.

I traced and cut out the holiday paper as the background. Because my tray has a slightly curved lip, I cut several small ¼” slits around the edge. Those allowed me to ease the paper into place without the tell-tale air bubbles that result from forcing paper into place.


Mod Podge each layer in place. My additional layers included a flower detail that I printed out on vellum, and the edge of a doily. The doily is great for this project, because it’s so thin that it drapes really well. If you use a doily, brush the glue into place carefully because the paper is so thin, it can easily tear. And be sure to Mod Podge on a clean white sheet of paper. I learned through trail and error that the glue will pick up bits of newsprint and smudge your project.

When you have everything arranged and glued in place, use as many top coats as you desire to build up a protective surface. Then add some charming odds and ends!

You can follow the steps in more detail right here.

Visit Kelly at MAKE GROW GATHER
Photos: Kelly Wilkinson