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This blog is for those of us girls (and guys) who love everything artsy and enjoy the challenge of discovering new and exciting ways of creating something wonderful. We do not discriminate against any artform but are willing to try them all and pass on our knowledge to you. In addition, we love to feature our ATA Girlz (and guys) so that those people who can't draw a straight line - but love unique and handmade items - can help support our wonderful friends. Visit often to discover what we're "playing" with next!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Handmade Butler's Tray: Summer Collage Project

Summer in Wisconsin - and just about anywhere for that matter - means family and friends getting together for BBQ'd delicacies while enjoying the warm summer breezes with a cool drink.  This season those evenings may be few and far between with temps the highest they've been in 90 years, however they do present a unique chance to work some special magic and get all crafty!

At least - that's what I told myself when I decided that I needed a tray to serve drinks, food or just to carry things from one place to another.  Often called a "butler's tray" these wonders of convenience were, at one time,  made of silver and highly polished.  There's no way I can afford either the money to buy one of these or the time to polish it, however that didn't stop my wanting one.  So, I did some research, and some crafty designing and here's what I came up with.

You will need
Picture frame, 11-inch by 14-inch, 1-2 inches deep with glass
1/8" piece of wood - cut to fit the frame
Paint to match the frame
Screwdriver
2 handles
Screws
Cordless drill
Patterned Scrapbook paper
Scissors
Glue stick

The first step is to take the frame apart.  Set aside the back and glass - you'll need them later.  Put the handles against the frame so that they may be fastened at least halfway up the outside side of the frame. They should be easy to use - so you'll have to test them (I used painters tape to hold them in place until I was ready.) Predrill holes for the screws to keept the frame from splitting. Make sure the screws are only as long as the frame wood is wide. For example, if the frame wood is 1/2 inch then the screws should only be 1/2 inch long. Screw the handles in place - but make sure they don't go all the way through the frame.

Lay the paper or cardboard backing that you removed from the frame on a table.  Place your paper on the backing and cut it to size.  Get creative, no one said you just had to use 1 piece of paper! Glue it into place.   While the glue is drying, paint your piece of wood. I painted mine the same color as the frame - but you can use your imagination (or any leftover paint you may have).  Allow it to dry completely before assembling your tray.

Turn the tray upside down and place the glass in first, then the scrapbook backing, then finally the piece of wood.  Secure it all by placing screws or nails (at a slight angle) into the frame making sure they overlap the back to hold it in place.  Test it before using with anything heavy as you may need to reinforce it before using it to serve heavy items. 

There you go - you're very own serving tray.  Now if I just had the butler to go with it!

~ Dani

19 comments:

  1. This is absolutely stunning. I'm going to try making one just as soon as the kids are back at school. I have popped over from Blog Hop Till You Drop.

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  2. Thanks so much - -glad you liked it. You can use anything as a background... pictures, fabric, etc. so it becomes uniquely yours. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by.

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  3. Hiya, I am loving checking out your blog.

    I am your newest GFC follower. If you have a moment and would like to, you can visit me here The Things We Find Inside

    Thanks,
    Tami

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for stopping - I love the photos - specially the 2 girls yard art - what a great idea!

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  4. You are talented! Your newest FB follower! Would love for you to follow back!?

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    1. Thanks for stopping by- Love the pics of your little one's b-day. Great Baseball theme.

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  5. This is a really cool idea!

    Found you on FBH, following! Follow back?!

    www.ugobabyfitness.wordpress.com

    Hil

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    1. Thanks for stopping - love your blog! Great tips for the Farmer's market! Following along via email

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  6. Thanks for stopping by, you said you followed but now sure how. I am following through GFC.
    Iva
    One Chic Mom
    http://fabmom12.blogspot.ca/

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    1. Thanks for stopping by - am following through GFC. Love the blog

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  7. Found you on blog hop :)
    visiting from
    redrose-vintage.blogspot.com. Stop by when ever you'd like :)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by - please visit again! Love your blog.

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  8. Love your tray! Thanks for visiting my blog. I am now following you back!:) I also have an art/craft blog if you want to check that out. I do a variety of things from scrapbook, art journals, to just plain crafts. it's www.mycreativelyvintagelife.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by -- I'm following you on your vintage life blog as well. Glad you liked the tray!

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  9. This is beautiful! Thanks for coming by earlier. following you back. Have a great one :) x

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    1. Thanks for visiting! Love your blog. Stop by again sometime!

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  10. Love this! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Looking forward to visiting you often.

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  11. Love this tray! The collage work looks so delicate!

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