Silver Tray Christmas Makeover

I found this tray roadside! A neighbor put out several items they wanted to get rid of. Luckily he was outside when I was routing through all the items left for the taking so I was able to thank him. It was a thrift flipper’s dream.

Step one- clean the tray with rubbing alcohol.

Here is a close up so you can see all the details on this beauty.

Next step is two coats of white chalk paint. I decided not to paint the bottom side. Look at the detailed handle on this tray!

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Another close up.

Once everything was totally dry I took sandpaper to distress the edges and bring out all that beautiful detail.

Now you can really see all the prettiness!

Next step- seal it in with a liquid finish like Polycrylic. I need the chalk paint to stay put.

So here is my idea. I have this wonderfully beautiful Iron Orchid Design (IOD) transfer. Transfers are a really neat way to elevate any thrift flip. IOD transfers are particularly beautiful.

To balance out the design I came up with the wording “Oh Christmas Tree”. I designed it on my computer and then used my cutting machine to make my own stencil. I use cheap shelf liner as my stencil material.

Transfers have a bottom sheet. The image is actually stuck to the top carrier sheet. I just peel of the bottom sheet. Place the image where I want it and use a stick over the top page and start rubbing the image onto the tray. Once I remove the carrier sheet I use it to burnish the image on by rubbing over it.

I push down the stencil using a tennis ball. Then I usually put mod podge over my stencil before the paint. This way if any seeps under the stencil it will be clear and not the black paint. I pounce on the paint with a somewhat dry sponge brush. A very wet brush is asking for trouble. I peel up the stencil while the paint is still wet. Now I’ll wait a few minutes for the rest to dry before removing the inside pieces.

I use a sandpaper block to lightly distress the image and wording. Then I dry brush on a very very light layer of white paint using a chip brush.

I seal the entire piece with my go to liquid finish Polycrylic.

And there you have it. How pretty will this look in your home this holiday season.

I love adding Christmas bows to anything with handles. It’s an extra little touch that can make all the difference.