Tray Makeover with Fabric Insert

Give a thrift store find tray an easy makeover with paint and fabric inserts. Trays can be a little pricey, so the best way to keep the cost of them low is to give an old one a new look.

Using a fabric covered inserts means you can change it out for holidays or seasons.

This post may contain affiliate links. Across the Blvd  uses affiliate links (including Amazon). If you make a purchase, I may be compensated at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting our blog! Please see our Disclosure Policy for more information.

A few years ago, my friend, Marie from Interior Frugalista shared a Umbra Photo Tray Upcycled for Valentine’s Day and I remember thinking how much I liked the ways she used a fabric insert for the tray for seasonal decor. I put it on my to do list and I’ve finally done one of my own.

Tray Makeover with Fabric Insert

The best part of this is that I used items from m craft stash that I had on hand to put it all together. This old tray from Goodwill has been in my stash for a year or so. It was in good shape other than being pretty dirty.

To transform this from a plain tray to a tray that can be used seasonally and for holiday, you’ll need, a piece of sturdy cardboard, glass, double sided tape, and fabric scraps.

The tray cleaned up easily with dishwashing liquid and a little bit of scrubbing.

Any kind of paint will work for this. I had some white acrylic paint on hand, so that’s what I used. I would usually use chalk paint, but I was out of white and the object was to only use items from my craft stash.

Once the tray had two coats of fresh white paint and it had time to dry, I added a coat of DuraClear Gloss Finish to protect it.

Sorting through fabric scraps and fat quarters I had on hand, I decided to try to find a suitable pattern for each month of the year. I had to stretch my imagination a little for a couple of months, but I managed to find patterns that I can use for a new look each month.

Using the glass from a thrift store frame and the cardboard backing from another frame worked great for the insert. I needed to cut the cardboard down to size to fit beneath the glass. A utility knife worked well to cut this.

For St. Patrick’s Day, I chose this green fabric with white polka dots. I want the patterns to be complementary to the holiday without screaming it. I used double sided tape to hold the fabric in place around the cardboard.

Each end is wrapped like a present for straight lines that wont’ be bulky under the glass.

I used my Easy Press to iron out any crease wrinkles and to press the sides so that the wrap around looks crisp.

The final step was to use some glass cleaner on the glass insert and place it on top of the fabric. A strand of St. Patrick’s Day beads dresses it up a little for the holiday.

This will be great as a coffee table table tray or as a drink serving tray. I’m looking forward to changing the fabric insert out each month simply by removing the fabric and adding a different pattern.

Pin Me, Please!

Tray Makeover with Fabric Insert

Supply List for Tray Makeover with Fabric and Glass Insert

• Thrift Store Find Tray
• White Paint and Brush
• DuraClear Glass Finish
• Fabric
• Cardboard
• Glass
• Scissors
• Double Sided Tape

Each month, a group of craft, home décor, and recipe bloggers co-host a themed blog hop. This month, we’re all sharing projects and crafts that we’ve created using mostly items from our craft stash.

Meet this month’s co-hosts!

Beverly | Across the Blvd
Gail | Purple Hues and Me
T’onna | Sew Crafty Crochet
Marci | Stone Cottage Adventures
Allyson | Southern Sunflowers
Vicky | Vicky Myers Creations
Julie | Sum of Their Stories
Joanne | Slices of Life

Be sure to click below to see the Creative Ideas from the co-hosts!

Foamiran Pansies On Wire Frame

Knitting Machine Beanies

Who’s Holding My Keys

DIY St. Patrick’s Day Decor

DIY Glasses Case

Embroidered Patchwork Lavender Sachets

Valentine’s Cards

Related Products