Fabric Lined Serving Trays

A lot of my craft projects end up being accidents that have evolved into something new after the result of a failure. I’m okay with that though! The end result usually ends up being a lot better than what I set out to do originally. These serving trays are the perfect example of that! I wanted to paint the bottom of the tray another color, but after the black paint on the edges bled underneath the paper, I was forced to come up with another idea to cover up my mistake.

I’ve been using this fabric for a tablecloth in my posts for over a year, but the center is pretty covered in stains. Rather than send it into retirement I decided to salvage the pieces around the edges to line my serving trays with! The pattern looks perfect and instantly updates the plain wooden trays! See my before, during, and after process!

Supplies:

2 wooden serving trays (I found mine for $16.99 a piece at Jo-Ann’s Fabric & Crafts)

Acrylic paint or spray paint in your color of choice (I went with a semi-gloss black spray paint)

½ yard of fabric

Measuring tape

Scissors

Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

A few things to remember:

*If your fabric is significantly lighter than your paint color you may still want to tape off the bottom of the tray so it doesn’t show through.

*Using acrylic paint will be better if you’re worried about paint bleeding underneath.

Paint the outside and inside edges of your tray in a well-ventilated area. I used 2 coats of spray paint for my trays. Once the paint is dry, remove any tape or paper from the bottom.

Measure the inside of your tray and cut out fabric with corresponding measurements. Run a line of hot glue along one side of the tray and press fabric down.

Repeat with remaining edges until fabric is completely tacked down. Allow the glue to set up for a few minutes and you’re done!

If you want to stain and spill proof your tray, pick up a half yard of clear vinyl. Cut the same measurements as you did for the fabric. You can glue it down or leave it as is so you can remove and wipe clean as needed.

These work great for a home bar, breakfast tray, or even near the front door to drop keys, glasses, and other items.

How do you plan on using yours?