Isn’t this tray fun for summer?  I picked up this plain, unfinished wooden tray for a couple of dollars at the craft store for-ever ago and wasn’t quite sure what to do with it until some brightly colored washi tape caught my eye and I thought it would be a fun way to dress up this boring tray.  It’s perfect for serving up ice cream sundae or cocktails in the backyard for summer!

Here’s what it looked like before it got jazzed up.

Supplies:

Tray of some sort – doesn’t have to be unfinished, you could cover an old one that’s in need of a makeover.

Sand Paper

Spray Paint

Washi Tape

Mod Podge

Foam Brush

*X-Acto Knife (not pictured – I forgot – but you really need it to do this project.  Scissors won’t work as well.)

Instructions

Step 1. If using an unfinished wood tray, lightly sand it to smooth down the surface.  Pay special attention to the handles.

Step 2.  Spray 2-3 coats of paint until completely covered.

Step 3.  Start laying the washi tape down.  The washi tape I used was thicker, about 1.5″, but even the standard size tape will work.  Continue adding washi tape on the same side, making sure to line up the design exactly (like you would for wallpaper).

Step 4.  Using a razor blade or X-acto knife, trim the corners.

Step 5.  Continue covering the sides with washi tape, making sure to cover the handles.

Step 6.  Flip the tray over and trim out the handle – make sure to use a self healing mat or some other surface that won’t get damaged.

Step 7.  Trim the bottom edge, being sure to get as close to the corner as possible for a clean look.

Steps 8, 9 & 10.  Continue the process of laying down washi tape over the top edges and using your X-acto knife to trim excess.

Step 11 (not pictured).  Do the the same for the inside edges of the tray; tape, more tape, then trim.

Finally, when the surfaces are covered, mod podge the entire thing so it is sure to stick.  Washi tape is beautiful, but isn’t usually very sticky so this helps keep it from peeling.

Tip: If your tape is peeling while you’re working, take a break from laying tape down and give it a coat of mod podge.  Let it dry, then continue.

This project has tons of potential since there are so many different designs of washi tape out there – I think it would be fun to do a Christmas or New Year’s oriented tray for having guests over during the holidays.  But for now, this one is going to be a staple for our outdoor dinners all summer long.