Project Difficulty:
Easy Estimated
Project Time: 1 day, including drying time
Tools and Materials:
Wooden tray with a glass panel
Sandpaper and tack cloth
Work gloves
Safety goggles
NIOSH-approved respirator, as needed
Spray paint in a soft green
Floral fabric
Scissors
Old postcards and photographs
Craft knife
Pencil
Ruler or straightedge
Spray adhesive
Glass cleaner and paper towels
Breakfast in bed is one of life's simple pleasures (Fig. 1). A cheerful tray featuring your favorite foods makes the occasion even more enjoyable. The following will guide you through the steps needed to create a personal tray you'll treasure--one lined with colorful fabric and adorned with old-fashioned postcards and photos.
1.
Remove the Glass
Carefully remove the tray back and glass panel. If necessary, sand the wood to create a smooth surface; then wipe it with a tack cloth.
2.
Spray the Tray
Work in a well-ventilated area. Put on safety goggles and work gloves (and a respirator if recommended). Following the manufacturer's instructions and holding the can 2 to 4 feet from the project, spray-paint a fine mist of soft green paint onto the tray to cover it completely. Move the spray can back and forth to cover evenly and thoroughly. Cover the tray with two coats of paint, taking care to get inside the grooves and crevices of the tray. Spraying large amounts of paint in crevices will result in drips, so it's best to build up several layers of a fine mist. Allow the paint to dry before continuing the project.
3.
Attach Fabric
Using the tray back as a pattern, cut a piece of fabric, adding 1/2 inch all around.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety goggles and work gloves (and a respirator if recommended by the manufacturer). Spray the back side of the fabric with adhesive.
With the right side up, smooth the fabric over the tray back (the side that will be visible from the top). Turn the raw edges over to the underside of the tray back, and miter the corners of the fabric.
4.
Arrange the Pictures
Arrange the postcards and photographs over the fabric as you desire. (Fig. 2)
Spray the reverse side of each piece with adhesive. Follow the safety precautions discussed in step 3.
Mount and smooth the pieces in place.
5.
Reinsert the Back and Glass
Reattach the back to the tray.
Clean the glass to remove dirt and finger marks; then reinsert it into the tray. (Fig. 3)
