Table Tray Redone :: Jaime Warren

I have never felt as though I had what it took to create the amazing altered projects I have seen so often online. I wanted to, but lacked the confidence. Let's face it, there are some amazingly talented folks out there who can make something out of nothing! However, I have had this amazing little glass photo tray sitting, untouched, in my office since Christmas. Oh yes, I said Christmas! LoL! I loved it, but I wanted to do something unique with it, I just wasn't sure what exactly. After seeing so many lovely trays and photo cubes online, I decided, heck, why not alter it?!

This is what I started out with - this beautiful glass top serving tray. It has serveral openings for photos of different sizes:

 

The first step is simple - remove the advertising paper from the inside to use as a template. Now, here is a secret about me. I hate a ruler. I don't know what it is, but I suck at measurements. So, what I typically do is, well, wing it. (The poor ladies at my first ever class were 100% certain I had lost my marbles when I explained this!) For this project, I simply placed my pattern paper over the template photo and scored the size into the paper. Easy Peasy! Of course, if you are handy with a ruler, by all means, use that instead! I'll try not to hold it against you!

 

The next step was to continue this process until all of the photo template spots were filled. I used the amazing Restoration Paper Collection for this project. I honestly can't get enough of it - it's just that gorgeous! Before attaching, I distressed all side of the paper, just to give it some more texture. 

 

Now for the fun part - adding some dimension using the Restoration chipboard pieces. I couldn't go all out with adding lots of dimension with pop dots simply before the glass prevented it.

When I sit down to create, I wing it. Just like with measuring! I often don't have a set plan per say - I just go with the flow and what happens, happens. There was no rhyme or reason as to where I put each individual piece, so, play and have fun!

 

After I had all papers, photos and chipboard pieces attached, I slid the paper back in and put the backing back on. And viola! A rather simple, but unique glass serving tray! Now, I have no plans to serve drinks or little snacks on this bad boy, oh no! This is going to be a nice little display that will be put out of reach of curious little hands.

 

 

So, while this might not be a jaw dropping altered piece that I wish I had the talent for, I'm proud of it all the same. It was a lot of fun to step out of my box and create something different. I hope that you have enjoyed your time here with me at the Crate blog! Have a blessed day friends!

 

Comments

[peggy mcdevitt]

Love it, what a great easy idea instead of measuring. I am a quilter and a scrapbooker and I hate measuring too. Love the restoration line. This was a neat project, thank you.

[lori Gentile]

You should alter more! This is gorgeous! I don't measure either. ;)

[Leigh Penner]

What a beautiful tray! TFS!!
(BTW, I love to measure and can't imagine scrapping without my ruler!)

[Lacey]

wow stunning! I seriously can't WAIT to purchase this line!

[ania]

You did wonderful, and as I'm also a "wing it"-kinda gal I'd just like to high-five you on this point! :D

[chez]

gorgeous Jamie, Love it!

[NancyD]

I am a "wing it measurer" too! And this is lovely... very inspiring!

[tam]

great job!

[June]

I got an awesome steal on a tray like this for $4.99 & haven't done a thing with it yet! Now I have an idea! Thanks & great inspiration!

[Cassie]

It's amazing!!
I absolutely love it!!!
=)

[Rkokes]

beautiful! love it!!!

[graceincalifornia]

oh, this is fabulous, but i hear ya, measuring's not my thing either and have used the backing as photo templates too :)

[Amy H]

Such a super idea!! And I am the same way - never one with a "plan" on what I create. Great job!!