Welcome back, beautiful friends! Today I’m resharing a barn quilt tray that I created from a thrift store tray and wood scraps!
I picked up this tray for $4.25 at the Goodwill:
That design on the bottom was under a really thick layer of acrylic, and I decided it would be easiest just to cover it up.
To do that, I found this scrap piece of luan in the garage that was perfect. I save all. the. scraps.
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Cut
I used my small circular saw to cut it to fit the bottom of the tray:
I just attached a scrap piece of wood to it while it was on my table saw table using clamps and that gave me a straight edge/guide for my saw. Then I lined up my blade and went for it. See how petite it is? That makes it pretty easy to handle.
(I use this saw when I need perfectly straight cuts that are longer than my miter saw can handle and I don’t want to drag my table saw out into the driveway.)
Decide on a Pattern
Once I had a square cut to fit the bottom, I started playing with a pattern.
I drew an ex from corner to corner, and then a + from top to bottom and side to side. Honestly, it just looked like a square pizza. But then I connected the center lines on each side and that gave me a square in the center, and a pattern I could work with.
I marked each piece so I would know what color to paint it, and I went back and numbered each piece as well so I would know where it went.
Then, I used my circular saw once again for the center cut:
I was able to use my sliding miter saw for the rest of the cuts that were smaller:
I centered the blade on each line. To cut on the angles, I used one of the triangles I had already cut to hold the wood flush to the back of the saw while I cut:
I ended up with 16 triangles in all:
Once everything was cut, I sanded all the pieces smooth with 220 grit sandpaper, and then stained them brown. (That way when I sanded them, brown would show through instead of the natural wood. These days, I would cheat distress instead!)
Paint
I painted half in white and half in a color very close to Vintage Duck Egg Blue.
Seal
Then I sanded lightly using 220 grit sandpaper and sealed everything with two coats of Dixie Belle’s clear satin topcoat:
(I ended up painting the bottom of the tray white as well.)
I attached the triangles with liquid nails, being sure not to get it too close to the edges so it wouldn’t ooze up between the pieces.
You can see in that photo where I numbered each piece so I would know where to put it.
I love the finished look!
The After
Here is how it looks now:
I almost always pick up wooden trays when I see them, but I especially loved that this one already had these cute feet.
But the inside is the best part!
It’s almost reminiscent of a quilt, right?
I didn’t get too fancy with my cuts, but you could have a lot of fun with it!
If you liked this makeover, you’ll love this one too:
See how I reimagined this one HERE!
Come on back on Tuesday to see what I created with all this!
Update: See what I made with it all HERE now!
Have a fabulous spring weekend!!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
I remember this one, it was so cute! I love all the trays that you have made beautiful again! This one sure did remind me of a barn quilt! I love it!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! This was a fun way to change up the look! XOXO
Christine says
Love it, did you keep this for yourself?
Christy says
Thanks, Christine! No, but I wish I had…it sold really quickly! XOXO
Jackie C says
Your creativity never ceases to amaze. Hoping your vacation has been a goody! ❤️
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! We are enjoying our last day…heading home tomorrow! XOXO
Peggy says
Wow! Unique and beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Peggy! XOXO
Lizzy says
Super cute!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Jo Ann says
This is really pretty and so creative. Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Thank you, Jo Ann! XOXO
Sue says
Wow,I love your design idea for this tray. I love the quilt look with dick egg and white.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sue! XOXO
Addie says
Cute!!! That is a winner!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Addie!! XOXO
Michele M. says
I love that tray!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! XOXO