Boring Old Tray Updated with Decoupage into Red & Floral Eye Candy

I don't think I have quite gotten my fill when it comes to transforming trays yet! Last week I was preparing birthday presents, and I thought this would be a nice addition. After all, trays make great gifts since they are so useful for grouping objects together whether for organizing or displaying things nicely, or for carrying things etc...

This time I started with a metal tray with slightly higher sides, showing a horse and rider motif. I think I picked this one up for $2 at the thrift store. 

I also bought a pretty paper featuring flowers and birds in red / rose tones and some red all purpose Martha Stewart paint to go with it.

The process is so simple: cover the sides with a few coats of paint, cut out the paper to fit inside. Glue with the mod podge and cover the top with mod podge too.

Then do three coats with mod podge covering both the papered area as well as the painted sides. The mod podge will help protect everything and create a glossy finish.

I just love how this one came out.

Bright, cheerful, romantic. A pop of color is always fun and I think the red sides really help feature the design. At the craft store there are just so many pretty papers to choose from, often I don't even know how best to showcase them. Well, I think this is a good way since trays actually are useful, and you can have a lot of fun with different combinations and contrasts.