Materials

1 Unfinished mitred wooden tray

1 bottle Gold leaf glue or glitter glue

1 set stainless-steel bar handles

Food-grade matte sealant, or Mod Podge in matte finish

Dry paintbrushes

Chalkboard paints, 2-4 colours

Ruler

Graphite pencil, for marking

Scissors (optional)

Artist tape, or masking tape

Drill, electric w/bits

Method

  1. On a flat working surface (prepped to paint), tape off the mitred joint areas of the wooden tray (where you want one or two contrasting colours). *Tip: Since I am using several colours, I taped off every other mitred joint (the raised areas on the inside of the tray that make a ‘V’ shape).
  2. Carefully paint one row. Let it dry before proceeding to a new row.
  3. Paint the inner side panels of the tray in a gold leafing glue or a sparkling glitter glue. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding to Step 4.
  4. After the paint is dry, spray or use a paintbrush to add a food-grade sealant on top of the painted areas inside the tray. Allow to dry completely.
  5. For the handles: I used stainless-steel handles, which require using a drill and came with nails but you may use any handles to your preference (ceramic, wooden, bamboo, etc.). Measure along the sides of the tray and mark two areas: 1) Where you want your handle to be (either on the top or on the side of the tray) and 2) Mark where the drill holes will be. *If your handles do not require using nails, you may be able to get away with using a stone/marble glue or heavy-duty glue for ceramic, glass, etc.
  6. Drill through the marked drill holes and insert the nails. Line up the handle and screw it inside to fit together.
  7. Use a dust cloth or dry brush to remove any excess wood or debris.

Use the tray as an accent piece or for any centrepiece décor around the home.