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9.07.2011

CRAZY WONDERFUL

I am so excited that Shelley from Crazy Wonderful is guest posting for me today.
I can't remember how I came to befriend Shelley, but I am sure glad I did.
She is hilarious, she has fabulous style, and an adorable little girl.
Take it away Shelley.....

Can I tell you how excited I am to be guest posting for Andrea today!
WOOHOO!!!
When she asked if I'd be interested in it I jumped on it (and around in my seat for a while too).
I LOVE her blog, and the chance to be a little part of it totally made my day :D
THANKS FOR HAVING ME OVER ANDREA!
So, here's one of the many things I've been obsessing over lately...
Trays!!!
Surely, I'm not the only one.
And, these photos make me think every room in my house needs one.
I wanted one in a BAD way for my living room coffee table.
Something big like this one.
But, these big bad boys are EX-PEN-SIVE.
I don't get it... but, I still wanted one.
Look how sad my coffee table is?!  Blah.
Me - "Why don't you make one?  It's just a box!"
Me - "This is ridiculous... just pony up the cash woman!"
(Yes, I occasionally have conversations with myself)
Me - "Uggghhh!!!  (Caught a glimpse of those prices again)  Looks like I'm heading to Home Depot."
Glad I did though!
I now have my own big ol lacqure tray, and I don't even think I spent $10 on this project.
BINGO!!!
What I used (the wood was my only purchase):
  • 2'x2' thin plywood cut down to 18"x24"
  • 4 thin precut strips of wood 1/8"x2"x24" (2 of them cut down to 18" long)
  • Brad nailer and brads (or) small finishing nails and hammer would work
  • Wood glue
  • Wood filler
  • Sand paper
  • Primer spray paint
  • White lacquer spray paint
  • Clear coat spray paint
What I did:
  • Glue strips of wood along the outside of the plywood (overlap edges) and nail into place
  • Fill in nail holes and any gaps with wood filler and let dry
  • Sand entire piece and wipe clean
  • Spray with primer and let dry
  • Spray with lacquer paint (approx. 2-3 coats - let dry fully between coats)
  • Spray with clear poly and let dry
I was a little irritated when I put this together (probably because it was well over 100 degrees that day... AGAIN), but I'm sooo thrilled with the result and even more thrilled with the savings.
My table is pretty happy with it too ;D
So... if there's a size that you can find, a color you're dreaming of, or if you're like me and you just don't want to go broke on a tray - BUILD IT!

I actually picked up two trays in the past few weeks from Goodwill and had big plans to transform them.  Shelley has inspired me.  Hopefully I'll have some fantastic trays to show you next week.  Be sure to check out Shelley's blog, Crazy Wonderful

12 comments:

  1. I recently "met" Crazy Wonderful and love Shelley's home! That living room is fabulous. Love the tray, Shelley!

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  2. that tray is awesome! off to check out her blog!

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  3. I love your diy skills. You blow me out of the water with your projects. Looks awesome!

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  4. Thanks again for having me over Andrea. Can't wait to hear about your get away! Also curious how many glasses of wine it took before you stopped feeling your toe ;D

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  5. OMG Shelley, I haven't see some of the changes in the family room! I love the striped ottomon, the gallery wall looks amazing, and I see the wall mirror peeking out... BTW Love the tray!! You are A-Mazing!

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  6. Good job Shelley! I have been loving the tray trend myself. I'm so impressed that you were able to build this and it looks perfect on your table.

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  7. That looks amazing! I am inspired to try that myself. Love trays!

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  8. I {heart} shelley and her twisted little sense of humor (c: Lovin' the self convo...classic...and the project is amazeballs!!! I love it when peeps give me the lowdown on DIY's, I'm totally not creative enough to come up with them on my own, but I can copycat like nobody's business!!! (c: Glad to find another fab blogger, Andrea!

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  9. Love Shelley's post and so glad to find you through her blog! Happily following along now! :)

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  10. Damn...Shelley is amazing....what a great idea.

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  11. I love your house. The black and white curtains add so much. The tray looks amazing. You are very talented.

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I love reading each and every one of your comments!