Painting a Tray (Kind of a Tutorial)

Processed with Kim's preset "kk_hazydazy"

Every morning during the school week Kaefer takes her breakfast up into her room. Two weeks ago was her birthday, and I gave her a wooden tray that I had painted and distressed a bit. Now she can take her tea and pretzel bagel up the stairs on this tray.

I had learned about the technique here, but since I didn't have the paint I opted for regular craft paints. Perhaps the result wasn't quite as good, but both Kaefer and I like it.

First, gather your tools and material.

Wooden tray from the craft store, craft paints in brown and any color you like, brushes, paper towels, water and sand paper.

Smooth the tray with sand paper if needed, then paint it with the watered down brown paint (50/50 ratio). Immediately wipe the paint with the paper towels which gives the tray a more stained look. Let it dry (this doesn't take long).

Paint the tray with your chosen color. Work quickly, don't have too much paint on your brush and move your brush in uneven strokes. You are going for a more distressed look.

A tray is probably not the easiest thing to start with. I had some difficulties with the corners and the handles, but in the end I was quite satisfied with my work.

This needs to dry thoroughly. After that I added the final touch - a stamp. Truth be told, this cracked my daughter up!

So I thought I take a few still life photos before this tray ends up in the depths of Kaefer's room and I never see it again. It was fun, both setting it up and later editing the images in Lightroom.

Processed with Kim's preset "kk_darklight"

I'm linking up to Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday. Please stop by and visit some of the other photographers as well. I think you will like it.

PS: The cookies are orange chocolate chip shortbread. I saw them on Pinterest, and you can find the recipe here. It's pretty easy.