This week it’s about working smarter not harder… because sometimes a simple project is just as cool as a complicated one. Creating this gorgeous serving tray is so easy and costs next to nothing. What better way to beautify the food or cocktails you’re serving… or even set up a small display.
As with any of the trash to treasure transformations I work on… sometimes, all it takes is looking at an object in a different way. Most people see a frame and think… do I have a picture that will look good in it… or do I have a space on my wall for it… or does it even work with the other pieces I have hanging on my wall. And for those of you that like thrift hunting like I do, you know that there are TONS of frames to choose from. I am constantly tempted… but a person can really only have so many frames in their home!
So when you come across a frame that you have to have but definitely don’t need… think outside of the box! I know I know, I love saying that… But it’s true!! A frame can just as easily be a beautiful serving tray…. Make a simple dessert more special, display your wine in style, set out some appetizers in an unexpected way, grab your Arsenic Pitcher and serve up a tray of your favorite Sangria! Not the hosting type?…. This tray makes a beautiful catch all on your foyer table or nightstand… Or even a perfect spot on your vanity for all of your perfume or makeup!
I found this gold and black frame in a thrift store. It did not have any glass in it, so despite the ornate design (which even goodwill will upcharge you for), I got it for less than $2. I love finding frames without glass because there are so many fun things you can do with them for such a great price!! But low and behold, when I finally decided what I wanted to do with this frame… I needed some glass!
Luckily for an avid thrifter like me, it’s no sweat… I simply measured the outer frame and the glass opening. Then went on the hunt for another frame with a piece of glass that fits somewhere in between. It didn’t have to be a perfect match because I wasn’t going to be hanging this on a wall… so gravity wouldn’t be a factor. I found a very simple frame, for less than $3, that fit the requirements. All in all, I was off to a good start. Hopefully… if you attempt this project, you can find a great frame that already has a piece of glass!
Now, I admit… I was extremely lucky to find the black & gold frame in the condition it was in…. meaning – I did not have to touch the frame itself at all! That’s VERY rare… as I love to paint and distress and antique anything I find… In this case, it simply didn’t need it. BUT – for the sake of this tutorial, I certainly wouldn’t expect you to coincidentally find another black & gold frame, so I’m happy to include steps to recreate this look!
If you read the Black & Gold Beaded Wine Bottle Cover tutorial, you’d know that I have been in such a black & gold mood lately! Depending on your aesthetic, or party theme, or just plain old preference, this project could easily be done in other colorways. There have been times that I was really into black & silver…. and I even think black with red could be incredibly striking. Hmmm.. I may be trying that one next!! Anyway.. if you are interested in a two tone look, be sure you pick up a frame with carved details that can be highlighted.
What you’ll need:
- Carved Frame with glass inset
- Spray Paint – Black Gloss
- Gold Paint or Gold Rub ‘n Buff
- Soft Cloth
1. Remove the glass and backing from the frame.
2. Clean the glass inset thoroughly
3. On your painting surface, lay the glass face down
4. Spray several coats of Black Gloss Spray to cover the entire back side of the glass. Note – It’s important to layer several coats, letting them dry in between…. paint easily chips off of glass, and you don’t want any other color shining thru your tray!
5. Remove any hanger applications from the back board of the frame
6. Clean, Sand, Prepare your frame.
7. Paint the frame. For a project like this with so many nooks & crannies in the frame carving, I like to use spray paint to ensure I get full coverage. Besides, it’s way faster and easier of an application. If you’d prefer to paint with a brush… to each his own.
8. Once dry, using the soft cloth lightly rub the gold paint or wax onto the raised areas of the frame’s carvings. A little goes a long way! The wax tends to blend a bit better, and it’s harder to make mistakes. But the paint will give you a brighter gold, whereas the wax gives more of an antiqued feel. In either case, a mistake is easily covered up with an extra coat of spray paint!
9. Once Dry, insert the glass back into the frame, with the NON-painted side facing out. Secure with the frame backing.
Here’s the great news about this glass inset tray…. it’s totally safe to serve food on, and easy to clean! However, this is glass, so I do not recommend serving food that requires cutting… like cheese. You don’t want anyone shattering the glass with a knife! If you want to put out a dark cheese board try this Black Cloche Cheeseboard DIY or this DIY Rockstar Lazy Susan instead! And yes, those are DIY Cupcake Stands in the dessert photo… I love mixing serving pieces together!
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